Cure for CURE

Last week, City Council made short work of the central urban redevelopment combining district, commonly known as CURE zoning. Though Council got rid of the majority of the district in 2013, up until now several “fingers” stretching into Central East Austin remained. When the zoning was established in the 1990s, it was part of an effort to revitalize East Austin, and with that ship firmly sailed, Council Member Ora Houston led the charge to dial it back. Though there was some talk of leaving CURE in place for the corridors in District 3 (along Fifth, Sixth and Seventh streets), an amendment from Council Member Pio Renteria applied the change to all of the corridors east of Interstate 35. The resolution, which initiates the code amendment process, passed unanimously. “I don’t think we should give away height and density without taking a look at whether or not we can use those as tools for driving increased affordability, and permanent affordability,” explained Mayor Steve Adler. “And I look forward to that part of the conversation continuing on as part of CodeNEXT or otherwise.”