BG Note | News - What We're Reading (August 22, 2017)
Austin aims to simplify the language around CodeNEXT (Austin Monitor) LINK TO STORY
The upcoming second draft of Austin’s new Land Development Code is expected to eliminate one of its key zoning tools, known as “transect” zones, which focus on a building’s form rather than its use.
In theory, transect zones would allow for a wider range of uses in a given area, as long as a building fits in with the form, or the look and feel, of the surrounding area. Transect zones were a departure from the current Land Development Code, which hasn’t seen an overhaul of this scale since 1984.
Travis County Looks To Fund East Side Projects After Years Of Neglect (KUT) LINK TO STORY
Travis County voters will decide in November whether to approve $185 million in bonds. Much of that money will pay for projects meant to fix longstanding problems in the eastern part of the county.
The projects are prioritized in what Precinct 1 Commissioner Jeff Travillion calls a “health and safety” bond.
Council looks to adjust TOD density bonus programs (Austin Monitor) LINK TO STORY
An extra helping of housing for low-income families could be coming to near East Austin soon thanks to action taken by City Council on Thursday.
The body unanimously supported an item sponsored by Council Member Pio Renteria and aimed at allowing Austin Habitat for Humanity to build substantially more units on two adjacent properties than is otherwise allowed.
Report spells out Congress Avenue’s potential transformation (Austin Monitor) LINK TO STORY
The future of Congress Avenue leading up to the state Capitol could see bicycles claiming the middle of the road as cars pass on both sides. That is one configuration in the discussion for an eventual makeover of the street from Riverside Drive to 11th Street, in a bid to turn the outdated and somewhat uninviting street into “the Main Street of Texas.”
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Judge blocks Dawnna Dukes’ lawyers from exiting corruption case (Austin American-Statesman) LINK TO STORY
Attorneys for state Rep. Dawnna Dukes must continue to represent her in her public corruption case after a judge denied their motion to withdraw on Monday afternoon. Dane Ball informed Judge Brad Urrutia that he and Shaun Clarke are unable to effectively communicate with Dukes, a Democratic state representative from Austin. He also indicated Dukes had not been paying them. Curiously, Dukes, who has already found a replacement lawyer, told the judge she opposed her attorneys leaving the case. A third attorney, Matthew Shrum, must also stay on.