33 Public Review Draft Palm District Plan 34 Public Review Draft Palm District Plan 35 Public Review Draft Palm District Plan ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY The Housing and Planning Department led an outreach and engagement process bringing together the thoughts and ideas of a broad range of community stakeholders and institutional partners to inform and develop the goals and future vision for the Palm District. This robust community engagement strategy was grounded using an equity lens. Intentional steps were taken to elevate the voices of community members that have cultural and historic ties to the district, some of whom no longer live in the vicinity of the district due to gentrification and displacement caused in part by past planning decisions. It must be noted that early engagement efforts were entirely moved online due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Organizational Briefings and Inter-agency Coordination Beginning in 2019, staff held regular briefing meetings with various city boards and commissions, key city departments, external organizations, and community-based organizations and invited them to participate in the planning process. City departments and external partners were consulted on the various products created throughout the planning process including the draft Vision Framework, American Institute of Architects workshops, the framework desired outcomes, preferred scenarios, and plan document. Targeted Outreach to East Austin Thought Leaders In late Summer 2021, Martha P. Cotera (dba Information Systems Development) was contracted to engage East Austin community members with cultural and historic bonds to the Palm District. A series of interviews, focus groups, and small group meetings were held with East Austin Mexican- American community leaders, current and former elected officials, Palm School alumni, Rainey Street Historic District residents and advocates, and current and former East Austin residents. Also targeted were organizations such as Raza Roundtable, PODER, HABLA and Nuestro Grupo/Academia Cuauhtli, Mexic Arte Museum, La Peña, with well documented involvement in the district. The interviewers gathered interviewees’ stories, desires, and thoughts about the Palm School and Park, the Rainey Street Neighborhood, Waterloo Greenway, the potential 5th Street Heritage Corridor, and other aspects of the Palm District. From her work with the East Austin stakeholder groups, Martha Cotera produced an in-depth report that includes a historic framework outlining the Mexican-American contributions and political efforts in the City of Austin and in the planning area specifically. The report includes the challenges of both displacement and the work of advocacy for the preservation of historic and cultural features …
311-315 South Congress PUD Development Assessment Environmental Commission Briefing CD-2022-0002 October 19, 2022 1 Site Aerial 2 Site Aerial 3 Property Details Address: 311, 313, and 315 South Congress Avenue Size: 0.8143 Acres Current Use: Auto repair/tire shop, Commercial retail/office strip Current Zoning: CS-1-V-NP Overlays: Waterfront Overlay – South Shore Central Subdistrict 4 Zoning and FLUM Map 5 Request We are proposing a rezoning from CS-1-V-NP to PUD (Planned Unit Development), with a CS base district. 6 Project Details Unit Count: Mixed use project, with a maximum height of 400 feet and a maximum FAR of 15:1 • Approximately 450 units • 10% of bonus area reserved as affordable at 60% MFI (or another acceptable form of affordability) Commercial Space: • 7,500 SF – Ground Floor Pedestrian Oriented Uses • Up to 30,000 SF – Office Use Parking: • Below minimum LDC requirements • 230% above minimum LDC requirements for bicycle spaces Community Amenities/Contributions • Public art piece • Wiring for EV charging for 50% of parking spaces with initial EV stations at 6% of vehicular parking spaces • Parkland Dedication fee-in-lieu payment: $1,710,688.50 (2023 fees for 450 units); commercial fees TBD • Public water bottle filling station • 2,500 SF of affordable commercial space (rental rate max. of 80% of market rate) 7 Conceptual Ground Floor Plan 8 South Central Waterfront Visioning Plan Compliance • Connectivity and Circulation: • PUD will connect to Barton Springs Rd. extension • Open space: • Sustainability • Northwest corner open space with water bottle station • Rain gardens on S. Congress • Reclaimed water connections/extensions • Solar facilities incorporated • Electric vehicle charging • Urban Design: with 10+ shade trees • Widened and enhanced sidewalks on S. Congress Ave. and Barton Springs extension • Mix of uses with ground floor commercial, residential and office on upper levels • Public art proposed 9 South Central Waterfront Visioning Plan Compliance SCW Staff (Greg Dutton) Comments: “Ground floor pedestrian uses and the elimination of certain CS uses in the proposed PUD, particularly auto-oriented uses, support the overall goals of the SCW Vision Framework Plan to create a vibrant, mixed-use environment that is more pedestrian-friendly. In addition, the project proposals to have no surface parking (structured only), streetscape improvements, and green building standards comply with the spirit of the SCW Vision Framework Plan. Although the additional entitlement request for height exceeds the scenario height imagined in the …
Palm District Planning Initiative Environmental Commission Briefing October 19, 2022 Content Background and Study Area What We Heard Vision and Scenarios Implementation/Next Steps Background and Study Area Develop a shared vision for a complex, culturally rich, and rapidly transforming part of downtown Austin. 4 5 Resolution 20190523-029 Palm School Negotiations Rainey Street District Fund Fifth Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor Convention Center Expansion District Planning Process Improved Connectivity 6 WE ARE HERE 7 Equity-Based Goals Create a safe, welcoming place history Preserve and interpret Enhance educational and cultural assets Provide economic benefits Increase access to housing Improve mobility and access Improve access to nature, enhance natural systems, and support an equitable, sustainable, resilient future 8 What We Heard Participants • Visits to SpeakUp Austin! Webpage: 3,600 • Survey Responses: 700+ (3 Surveys) • Visioning Forum Attendees: 150+ • Targeted East Austin Outreach: 75 + (Individuals and Organizations) • AIA Event Participants: 60+ • Interactive Map Responses: 25+ 10 Survey Demographics 11 Visioning Forums 12 Targeted East Austin Engagement: • La Raza Roundtable • Current and Former Elected Officials • Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce • Tejano Democrats • Palm School Alumni • The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (ESB-MACC) • La Pena Arts, Inc. • Mexic-Arte • Nuestro Grupo/Academia Cuauhtli • AHMIGA (Latina civic and social networking organization) • Café Con Letras • L.A.C.E. • PODER • Long-time East Austin residents 13 American Institute of Architects Recommendations: 14 Vision and Scenarios VISION The Palm District is a vibrant historic hub of downtown where the past is honored, culture is celebrated, and the future is shaped. Dense transit-oriented development is balanced with history and natural spaces creating physical connections that invite people to move easily to and through the district. The district is a dynamic place, growing and evolving, while actively retaining families and individuals who have traditionally called this place home. Creativity and innovation are cultivated, and people from Austin and beyond are welcome to live, relax, work, play, learn, and connect with others. 16 INCLUSIVE GROWTH Growth in the district will provide a prosperous future for longtime and recent residents and for established and new businesses. 17 CULTURE The district will become a destination that celebrates its multi- cultural heritage. 18 CONNECTION Physical, cultural and social connections will be strengthened within downtown and …
311-315 South Congress PUD Development Assessment Environmental Commission Briefing CD-2022-0002 October 19, 2022 1 Site Aerial 2 Site Aerial 3 Property Details Address: 311, 313, and 315 South Congress Avenue Size: 0.8143 Acres Current Use: Auto repair/tire shop, Commercial retail/office strip Current Zoning: CS-1-V-NP Overlays: Waterfront Overlay – South Shore Central Subdistrict 4 Zoning and FLUM Map 5 Request We are proposing a rezoning from CS-1-V-NP to PUD (Planned Unit Development), with a CS base district. 6 Project Details Unit Count: Mixed use project, with a maximum height of 400 feet and a maximum FAR of 15:1 • Approximately 450 units • 10% of bonus area reserved as affordable at 60% MFI (or another acceptable form of affordability) Commercial Space: • 7,500 SF – Ground Floor Pedestrian Oriented Uses • Up to 30,000 SF – Office Use Parking: • 35% reduction of minimum LDC requirements • 230% above minimum LDC requirements for bicycle spaces Community Amenities/Contributions • Public art piece • Wiring for EV charging for 50% of parking spaces with initial EV stations at 6% of vehicular parking spaces • Parkland Dedication fee-in-lieu payment: $1,710,688.50 (2023 fees for 450 units); commercial fees TBD • Public water bottle filling station • 2,500 SF of affordable commercial space (rental rate max. of 80% of market rate) 7 Conceptual Ground Floor Plan 8 South Central Waterfront Visioning Plan Compliance • Connectivity and Circulation: • PUD will connect to Barton Springs Rd. extension • Open space: • Sustainability • Northwest corner open space • Rain gardens on S. Congress • Reclaimed water connections/extensions • Solar facilities incorporated • Electric vehicle charging • Urban Design: • Widened and enhanced sidewalks on S. Congress Ave. and Barton Springs extension with 5.5-inch caliper shade trees • Mix of uses with ground floor commercial, residential and office on upper levels • Public art and public water bottle filling station proposed 9 South Central Waterfront Visioning Plan Compliance SCW Staff (Greg Dutton) Comments: “Ground floor pedestrian uses and the elimination of certain CS uses in the proposed PUD, particularly auto-oriented uses, support the overall goals of the SCW Vision Framework Plan to create a vibrant, mixed-use environment that is more pedestrian-friendly. In addition, the project proposals to have no surface parking (structured only), streetscape improvements, and green building standards comply with the spirit of the SCW Vision Framework Plan. Although the additional entitlement request for height exceeds the …
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20221019 004 Date: October 19, 2022 Seconded by: Kevin Ramberg Subject: Karanam Subdivision Wastewater Service Extension Request #5575 Motion by: Jennifer Bristol RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the Service Extension Request (SER) is located in the Bull Creek, Water Supply Suburban, Northern Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, Drinking Water Protection Zone and limited purpose jurisdiction. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Watershed Protection Department staff have completed the review for Karanam Subdivision Wastewater Service Extension Request #5575 and recommend approval of the request. THEREFORE, Environmental Commission recommends approval of the above noted wastewater service extension request. VOTE 9-0 For: Aguirre, Bedford, Brimer, Bristol, Nickells, Qureshi, Ramberg, Scott, and Thompson Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Barrett Bixler and Schiera Approved By: Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20221019-005 Seconded by: Perry Bedford Date: October 19, 2022 Subject: Loyola Junction Apartments, SP-2021-0242C Motion by: Jennifer Bristol WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill up to 17 feet in the desired development zone and; WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in the Walnut Creek, Suburban Watershed, Desired Development Zone; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Staff recommends this variance, with conditions having determined the required Findings of Fact have been met. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the variance request with the following conditions: Staff Conditions: • Install a retaining wall to contain the major fill areas • Utilize terracing techniques in the areas of major fill • Increase the CEF setback for the existing CEF wetland feature in the area by 50 feet • Add additional COA 609S Native seeding at the bottom of the major fill areas VOTE 9-0 For: Aguirre, Bedford, Brimer, Bristol, Nickells, Qureshi, Ramberg, Scott, and Thompson Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Barrett Bixler and Schiera Approved By: Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 19, October, 2022 The Environmental Commission convened in a regular meeting on 19, October, 2022 at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Commissioners in Attendance: Ana Aguirre, Rick Brimer, Jennifer Bristol, Kevin Ramberg, and Rachel Scott. Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Perry Bedford, Colin Nickells, Pam Thompson, and Haris Qureshi. Commissioners absent: Audrey Barrett Bixler and Melinda Schiera. CALL TO ORDER Chair Ramberg called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:04 P.M. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. Speakers Malcom Yeatts spoke about Country Club Creek cleanups. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION 1. Approval the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on October 5, 2022 (5 minutes) The minutes of the October 5, 2022 Environmental Commission Regular Meeting were postponed until the next meeting. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Briefing on the Palm District Plan. Briefing and Possible Action. Housing and Planning Staff, Stevie Greathouse, (512) 974-7226, stevie.greathouse@austintexas.gov (30 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 3. Presentation of Development Assessment Report for 311-315 South Congress, located at 311-315 South Congress Avenue, CD-2022-0002 (District 9). Applicant: Amanda Swor, Drenner Group, PC. Staff: Wendy Rhoades, Housing and Planning Department and Leslie Lilly, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department (30 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 1 PUBLIC HEARINGS 4. Chair Ramberg recessed the meeting for ten minutes at 8:32 P.M. Chair Ramberg resumed the meeting at 8:45 P.M. Name: Karanam Subdivision Wastewater Service Extension Request #5575 Applicant: I.T. Gonzalez, I.T. Gonzalez Engineering Location: 10802 D K Ranch Rd, Austin, TX 78759 Council District: Limited Purpose Jurisdiction (District 10) Staff: Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department Watershed: Bull Creek, Water Supply Suburban, Northern Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, Drinking Water Protection Zone Request: Wastewater Service Extension Staff Recommendation: Recommended (20 minutes) A motion to close the public hearing was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Aguirre’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Barrett Bixler and Schiera were absent. A motion to approve the Karanam Subdivision Wastewater Service Extension Request #5575 was approved on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Ramberg’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Barrett Bixler and Schiera were absent. Name: Loyola Junction Apartments, SP-2021-0242C Applicant: Stephen Jamison, Jamison Civil Engineering Location: …
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission October 5, 2022 at 6:00 P.M. Permitting and Development Center, Events Center, Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Environmental Commission will be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register to speak remotely, call or email Kaela Champlin, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 974-3443, Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov, no later than noon, the day before the meeting. The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi Rachel Scott Pam Thompson Melinda Schiera Audrey Barrett Bixler Colin Nickells Jennifer Bristol, Secretary Kevin Ramberg, Chair Ana Aguirre Richard Brimer Perry Bedford, Vice-Chair AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION 1. Approval the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on September 21, 2022 (5 minutes) 1 Review and approve the 2023 Environmental Commission meeting calendar (10 minutes) DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3. Name: Park 290 Logistic, SP-2021-0095C Applicant: BSREP III Decker Lane Location: 11653 Decker Lane, Austin, TX 78724 Council District: District 1 Staff: Enrique A. Maiz-Torres, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, Development Services Department Watershed: Gilleland Creek/Decker Creek Watershed, Suburban, Desired Development Zone Request: Variance requests are as follows: 1. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill over 4 feet up to 28 feet. 2. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut over 4 feet up to 22 feet. Staff Recommendation: Recommended with conditions (30 minutes) DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 4. 5. Briefing on a proposed ordinance in response to Resolution 20211029-003 which directs staff to review City Code, criteria manuals, and permitting procedures to identify impediments to the design, construction, implementation, and operation of Project Connect—Donna …
Park 290 Logistics Center 11653 Decker Lane Austin, TX SP-2021-0095C Enrique A Maiz-Torres Environmental Review Specialist Senior Development Services Department Property Data 2 • Gilleland Creek and Decker Creek Watershed • Suburban Watershed Classification • Desired Development Zone • Austin Full Purpose • Not located over Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone • No Critical Environmental Features on property • Existing condition undisturbed • Zoning: CH-CO Park 290 Logistic SP-2021-0095C 3 Site Location Austin ETJ Austin City Limits Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone Existing condition 4 Existing Conditions 5 The vegetation of the site was classified as rangeland, consisting of a grazed herbaceous layer with scrubs and small groupings of trees dominated by Ashe juniper, Texas ash, Monterrey oak, cedar elm, honey mesquite. Synopsis 6 • • • • The project is located at the intersection of US 290 and Decker Lane. The site has a Gross Site Area of 66.30 acres. The applicant plans to develop four LEED certified industrial buildings with approx. 780,000 total square foot with fire lanes and parking areas, three water quality/detention ponds, utility extensions, offsite trail extension, and landscaping. In order to facilitate this type of development the truck courts / loading dock areas must have grades of less than 4% for maneuverability and must be fairly level so that when the trucks are parked at the loading docks the trailer elevations sit level with the finish floor elevations of the buildings and can be loaded and unloaded with ease. Topography of the project limits of construction ranges from 602 to 653 feet. The vegetation of the site was classified as rangeland, consisting of a grazed herbaceous layer with scrubs and small groupings of trees. Variance Request 7 • To allow cut in excess of 4 feet and up to 22 feet. (LDC • To allow fill in excess of 4 feet and up to 28. (LDC 25-8- 25-8-341) 342) Proposed Site Plan and Grading 8 *The use of all the buildings requires a uniform finished floor elevation similarly found in other industrial and commercial buildings. (Dalfen Industrial – SP- 2020-0407D). Cut 9 Fill 10 Retaining Wall Structures 11 • To structurally contain fill and minimize the amount of grading. • Resist lateral pressure of the soil. • Prevent movement of soil downward. • Increased stability. *Retaining walls in RED Variance recommendation 12 Staff recommends the variance, having determined that the required findings …
PROPOSED LANGUAGE FOR PROJECT CONNECT ORDINANCE DRAFT SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL CHANGES PART 1. Project Connect is the City’s high-capacity transit system expansion, which will ultimately consist of multiple light rail lines, a downtown subway, an expanded bus system, and associated transportation terminals. To facilitate the construction of this critical transportation infrastructure, certain modifications and waivers to City Code are necessary to ensure that construction of a high-capacity transit system is completed in a timely manner. PART 2. This ordinance and the attached Exhibits A and B consist of the “Transit System Regulations”. Development of the Transit System shall conform to the limitations and conditions set forth in this ordinance. If this ordinance and the attached exhibits conflict, this ordinance controls. Except as otherwise provided by this ordinance, all other rules, regulations, and ordinances of the City apply. PART 3. The attached exhibits are incorporated into this ordinance in their entirety as though set forth fully in the text of this ordinance. The exhibits are as follows: A. B. Transit System Exhibit Transit System Noise and Mitigation Plan Requirements PART 4. Definitions. A) Transit System Project means a transportation project with any related appurtenances, including but not limited to a rail and public transit line, rail station, or a transportation terminal, funded by a public entity that is located on publicly owned land, either in fee or public easement and generally depicted on attached Exhibit A. B) Unless otherwise specifically defined, all terms in this ordinance shall have the meaning established in Title 25 of Code of the City of Austin, Texas (the “Land Development Code”). PART 5. Any construction activities associated with a Transit System Project must comply with a noise and mitigation plan approved by the City that meets the requirements listed in Exhibit B. To the extent there is a conflict with Chapter 9-2 (Noise and Amplified Sound), the Transit System Noise and Mitigation Plan will control. PART 6. Transit System Uses A) The use of a site for a traction powered substation is a Local Utility Service use as described in 25-2-6(28). PROPOSED LANGUAGE FOR PROJECT CONNECT ORDINANCE DRAFT SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL CHANGES B) The use of a site for the provision of maintenance, repair, vehicular or equipment servicing, material storage, or similar activities for light rail lines is a Maintenance and Facilities use as described in 25-2-6 (29). PART 7. Code Modifications. The following code modifications …
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EXHIBIT B – Rail Construction Noise and Mitigation Plan Requirements The Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) will submit the required components listed below to be reviewed and approved by City Staff. City Staff will review the plan to ensure that all required components are present in the plan and are satisfactory to City Staff before approval. ATP commits to adhere and ensure that contracted parties responsible for light rail construction activities adhere to the policies and procedures housed within the submitted plans. The following components are required: 1. Construction Noise Mitigation and Monitoring Plan Construction noise impacts will be documented in the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), completed in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. Mitigation measures identified in the Mitigation Monitoring Plan, affirmed in the FEIS and Record of Decision, will be included in contract documents, monitored for implementation during final design and construction. Measures to minimize impacts will include, but are not limited to: • • • Sound monitoring during construction Limiting idling and back up alarms of equipment Limiting certain activities during certain times 2. Noise Control Plan Requirements for Contractors during Construction ATP will require all contractors to submit a Noise Control Plan as part of their contract that addresses mitigation for their specific schedule, equipment, and methods of construction. ATP will submit their requirements of contractors for this plan to the City. The requirements will include, but are not limited to: Schedule (dates and times of day) and methods of construction • Contractor’s specific equipment types • • Maximum noise limits for each piece of equipment with certification testing • Prohibitions on certain types of equipment and processes during the night or daytime hours • • Methods for projecting construction noise levels • • Methods for responding to community complaints in line with the Programmatic Project Identification of specific sensitive locations near construction sites Implementation of noise control measures where appropriate Communications Plan. 3. Programmatic Project Communications Plan This plan will contain requirements for programmatic communications including how the program will communicate to the public about construction impacts and timelines, posting of public-facing materials, procedures for submission of noise and construction impact complaints, and how complaints will be handled. • This plan will be adhered to by all contractors for the program. This plan will dictate high-level requirements that ensure consistency of information, noticing, monitoring, reporting, and responding to complaints. Items that are …
RESOLUTION NO. 20211029-003 WHEREAS, the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan ("ASMP") (Ordinance No. 20190411-033) is the transportation element of the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan and calls for a 50/50 mode share by 2039, which includes increasing use of sustainable modes such as walking, bicycling, teleworking and transit; WHEREAS, City Council adopted Resolution No. 20190808-081 directing the City Manager to "analyze and report on options for the City of Austin and other related or interested public or private entities to leverage resources to support the creation, operation, and maintenance of a high-capacity transit system"; WHEREAS, Austin voters approved Project Connect, the regional high- capacity transit system, on November 3,2020; WHEREAS, on December 18,2020, the City of Austin and the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority created a local government corporation named the Austin Transit Partnership Local Government Corporation to aid the City and Capital Metro and act on their behalf to accomplish the governmental purpose of implementing the Project Connect System Plan; WHEREAS, in a report entitled Saving Time and Making Cents: A Blueprintfor Building Transit Better ("Eno Report"), published in 2021, the Eno Center for Transportation identified local regulation, permitting, and decision- making procedures throughout the United States as an obstacle to achieving viable, cost-effective transit systems on par with those of peer nations; WHEREAS, noting that local development codes are generally ill- suited to the nature and scale of mass transit, the Eno Report found that jurisdictions that have successfully constructed mass transit systems apply modified regulations and review procedures to accommodate the unique challenges Page 1 0f 3 transit construction presents and the ways it differs from private development or conventional transportation and public works projects; WHEREAS, the City ofAustin's Land Development Code does not provide for the design and permitting of linear construction required for mobility and transit facilities that encompass large areas, include subsurface and above-ground elements, and span multiple zoning districts and watersheds; WHEREAS, greater flexibility and more carefully tailored regulations are required to facilitate construction of Project Connect; WHEREAS, City staff routinely interprets and applies City Code to development and capital improvement applications; WHEREAS, the Land Development Code, existing regulations, criteria, and procedures should be flexibly applied to facilitate construction of Project Connect to the greatest extent possible until existing requirements can be amended; WHEREAS, there are Project Connect MetroRapid and MetroRail projects currently moving forward in advance of the Orange and Blue Line light rail projects; …
VERSION TWO PROPOSED LANGUAGE FOR PROJECT CONNECT ORDINANCE DRAFT SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL CHANGES Project Connect is the City’s high-capacity public transit system expansion, PART 1. which will ultimately consist of a light rail network, an expanded bus system, transportation terminals and stations, maintenance facilities, and all associated improvements necessary for operation of the transit system. To facilitate the construction of this critical transportation infrastructure, certain modifications and waivers to City Code are necessary to ensure the construction of a high-capacity transit system. PART 2. This ordinance and the attached Exhibits A and B consist of the “Transit System Project Regulations”. Development of the Transit System Project shall conform to the limitations and conditions set forth in this ordinance. If this ordinance and the attached exhibits conflict, this ordinance controls. Except as otherwise provided by this ordinance, all other rules, regulations, and ordinances of the City apply. PART 3. The attached exhibits are incorporated into this ordinance in their entirety as though set forth fully in the text of this ordinance. The exhibits are as follows: A. B. Transit System Project Exhibit Rail Construction Noise and Mitigation Plan Requirements PART 4. Definitions. A) Transit System Project means a transportation project generally depicted on Exhibit A with any related appurtenances, including but not limited to a rail and public transit line, rail station, or a transportation terminal, funded by a public entity. [and located on publicly owned land or in the right-of-way or a public easement.] B) Unless otherwise specifically defined, all terms in this ordinance shall have the meaning established in Title 25 of Code of the City of Austin, Texas (the “Land Development Code”). PART 5. A Transit System Project for rail lines or any associated infrastructure necessary to construct the rail lines must comply with a noise and mitigation plan approved by the City that meets the requirements listed in Exhibit B. To the extent there is a conflict with Chapter 9-2 (Noise and Amplified Sound), the approved noise and mitigation plan will control. VERSION TWO PROPOSED LANGUAGE FOR PROJECT CONNECT ORDINANCE DRAFT SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL CHANGES PART 6. Transit System Uses as described in 25-2-6(28). A) The use of a site for a traction powered substation is a Local Utility Service use B) The use of a site for the provision of maintenance, repair, vehicular or equipment servicing, material storage, or similar activities for rail lines is a …
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20221005-003 Date: October 5, 2022 Subject: Park 290 Logistic, SP-2021-0095C Motion by: Jennifer Bristol RATIONALE: Seconded by: Kevin Ramberg WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill over 4 feet up to 28 feet and requesting to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut over 4 feet up to 22 feet and; WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in the Gilleland Creek Watershed, Suburban, Desired Development Zone; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Staff recommends this variance, with conditions having determined the required Findings of Fact have been met. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the variance request with the following conditions: Staff Conditions: • Provide a tree-shaded outdoor seating area as to encourage employees to take breaks on-site, rather than driving to alternative locations. • Provide an on-site trail with drainage swales that naturally convey flows into existing on-site ponds. • Provide vegetative walls adjacent to the critical environmental feature located on the site. • Provide terraced landscaping area in the open space allocated on the site. and the following Environmental Commission Conditions: • • • • • • Recommend including solar technology where possible Recommend using A/C condensation catchment system to be used for landscaping Include at least one EV charging station for staff or visitors Encourage long-term tree care plan for the new and existing trees Utilize native plant standards for Blackland Prairie Utilize Dark Sky lighting in outdoor spaces The applicant will work with staff and landscape architect to increase the number of trees on site by 50 additional trees beyond what is on the plan set to the maximum extent practicable per site condition availability. Incorporate plants that support pollinators. The applicant will work with staff to review the reflective glass product they have proposed to ensure it is reducing bird strikes onsite. VOTE 9-0 For: Aguirre, Bedford, Brimer, Bristol, Ramberg, Schiera, Scott, Thompson, and Qureshi Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Barrett Bixler and Nickells Approved By: Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair • • • 2
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20221005-004 Date: October 5, 2022 Subject: Project Connect Motion by: Kevin Ramberg RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission supports the implementation and operation of Project Connect. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission understands this proposed ordinance will not change the code requirements that trigger Boards and Commissions review and approvals. Seconded by: Rick Brimer THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the proposed ordinance in response to Resolution 20211029-003 with the following Environmental Commission Conditions: 1. Project Connect commits to brief the Environmental Commission and seek our recommendations on the 2. Project Connect commits to implementing multilingual public outreach based on the languages spoken in project development annually at a minimum; the target populations; and 3. Project Connect commits to presenting to the Environmental Commission early in the Draft EIS NEPA public involvement period to seek Commission comments and recommendations related to sound mitigation and management and other environmental elements. VOTE 8-0 For: Aguirre, Bedford, Brimer, Ramberg, Schiera, Scott, Thompson, and Qureshi Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Barrett Bixler, Bristol, Nickells Approved By: Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair
