REGULAR MEETING of the URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION TUESDAY MAY 7, 2024, at 5:00pm BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 CITY HALL- 301 W 2nd St. AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Urban Transportation Commission may 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 please call or email the staff liaison in advance at (512)-974-3428 or natalie.leone@austintexas.gov no later than noon on Monday May 6, 2024 with the following information: name, item number(s) to speak on, telephone number, and email address. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Heather Buffo - (District 1) Melissa Ortiz- (District 2) Arlin Alvarez- (District 3) Susan Somers, Chair- (District 4) Daniel Kavelman-( District 5) Edward Smith- (District 6) Diana Wheeler- (District 7) Athena Leyton- (District 8) Spencer Schumacher- (District 9) Ruven Brooks, Vice Chair- (District 10) Deshon Brown- (Mayoral Appointee) AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Urban Transportation Commission REGULAR MEETING on April 2, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update on I35 Cap and Stitch Presenters: Michelle Marx, Shannon Riley, and Lauren Ramirez, Transportation and Public Works 3. Update from Capital Delivery Services with attention to Corridor Program community engagement and communication in relation to corridor construction plans Presenter: Eric Bailey, Capital Delivery Services DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Discussion and approval of a Right of Way vacation of 2015 Whitis Ave and 2010 University Avenue Presenter: Joseph Fotinos, Transportation and Public Works 5. Discussion and approval of a Right of Way vacation an Alley between 2001-2011 Whitis Avenue and 2000-2004 University Avenue Presenter: Joseph Fotinos, Transportation and Public Works 6. Discussion and approval of a recommendation on dockless micromobility regulations and transportation-related rule making Presenter: Joseph Al-Hajeri, Transportation and Public Works Facilitator: Susan Somers, Chair COMMITTEE UPDATES 7. Update from Commissioner Schumacher from the Downtown Commission regarding 8. Update from Commissioner Wheeler from the Joint Sustainability Commission regarding actions taken …
Urban Transportation Commission May 7, 2024 I-35 TODAY The East/West Divide I-35 AT 5TH STREET I-35 UPPER & LOWER DECKS 2 OUR FUTURE 35 The Opportunity Our Future 35 can provide transformational new infrastructure for Austin that is of regional and national significance • TxDOT project lowering the main lanes allows the City to deck over the highway • Up to 30 acres of new urban real estate • Local enhancement can provide an array of community benefits and change the landscape of Austin IMAGE: Klyde Warren Park, Dallas 3 POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF FREEWAY CAPS • Reconnect East and West Austin • Change the landscape of Central Austin • Create marquee public space for citywide use • Support / incubate local businesses • Address local noise and air quality concerns • Create climate resilient public spaces 4 CAP AND STITCH OVERVIEW Potential Cap Locations Potential UT Cap Locations Potential Stitch Location 5 OUR FUTURE 35 Cap and Stitch Definitions TX DOT BASELINE STITCH – Enhanced freeway overcrossing providing 30 feet of bike/ped and landscaping behind the curb COA STITCH – Freeway deck less than 300 feet long (no tunnel ventilation required) CAP – Freeway deck greater than 300 feet long (effectively creates a “tunnel” and requires fire/life safety) 6 WHERE ARE CAPS POSSIBLE? Height Clearances The image below shows a cross section through a highway cap. The cap needs to have at least 16 ½ feet height clearance above the roadway and any ramps or structures. Highway Cap Highway Bridge 16 ½ feet clearance (min) Roadway Surface Beneath Deck 7 WHAT IS POSSIBLE ON TOP OF CAPS? Maximum Building Heights • Buildings may be 1-2 stories max. • Buildings 3 stories or higher would require additional engineering and cost (unlikely to be feasible). Open Space / Park Features One to Two Story Buildings Roadway 8 CAP & STITCH COMPONENTS Roadway Elements + Tunnel Elements and Cap + Amenities Amenities Deck Cap COA-Funded Roadway Elements COA-Funded Deck Structures COA-Funded Amenities Roadway Elements - Preserves the opportunity to build Caps and Amenities in the future. 9 KT0 FUNDING STATUS (All Costs = 2024 Dollars) Decision by Dec 2024 Decision by Dec 2026 Concept Decision by Dec 2024, Final Layout by 2032+ Recurring Annually 2032+ Deck Costs Amenity Costs O&M Costs Structural Design Costs Roadway Elements Costs Acres ($M) ($M) Design ($M) Structure ($M) Amenities ($M) Construction ($M) 1.05 0.23 5.28 3.72 2.10 …
CITY OF AUSTIN - R.O.W. VACATION MASTER COMMENT REPORT As of: April 18, 2024 PROJECT NUMBER: 2022-163460 LM PROJECT NAME: 2022-163460 LM (2015 Whitis Avenue) LOCATION: 2015 WHITIS AVE, AUSTIN, TX 78705 Reviewer Phone Attempt Date Approved Date Carlos Delgado (512) 978-4655 11/17/2022 11/17/2022 Re: 2022-163460 LM (2015 Whitis Avenue) R.O.W. Vacation Application Accepted Carlos Delgado DSD Land Management plant_maintenance <plant_maintenance@astound.com> Astound doesn't have any aerial or underground plant in this area. We agree to release the easement. Review Dept. LM Astound Approved Comments: LM AT&T (SWBT) Comments: Approved With Conditions Pamela Johnson (512) 978-4655 11/16/2022 11/16/2022 RE: 2022-163460 LM (2015 Whitis Avenue) R.O.W. Vacation Application Accepted JOHNSON, PAMELA A DSD Land Management ahendrix@abaustin.com AT&T approves with the agreement that any damages or relocation of our facilities is paid for by the applicant/owner/contractor. If you need to relocate any lines please call to Initiate a CWO please call into the department voicemail box at 1-855-581-9891 and leave message. someone will return your call. 4/18/24 73002_f_lm_master_report Page 1 The applicant agrees to the retention of a Public Utility Easement to remain in place until existing facilities arerelocated by the applicant. _____________________________________Andrew Linseisen, Authorized Agent 4/18/2024 As of: April 18, 2024 PROJECT NUMBER: 2022-163460 LM PROJECT NAME: 2022-163460 LM (2015 Whitis Avenue) LOCATION: 2015 WHITIS AVE, AUSTIN, TX 78705 Review Dept. LM ATD Review Approved Comments: None Reviewer Phone Attempt Date Approved Date 512-974-1217 12/20/2022 12/20/2022 LM Austin Resource Recovery Review Approved Michael Zavala (512) 974-1837 12/08/2022 12/08/2022 Comments: I see no issues with this vacation that would hinder any ARR services in this area. 4/18/24 73002_f_lm_master_report Page 2 As of: April 18, 2024 PROJECT NUMBER: 2022-163460 LM PROJECT NAME: 2022-163460 LM (2015 Whitis Avenue) LOCATION: 2015 WHITIS AVE, AUSTIN, TX 78705 Review Dept. Reviewer Phone Attempt Date Approved Date LM AW Infrastructure Management Rejected Comments: Eli Pruitt 512-972-0493 12/07/2022 Austin Water (AW) does not recommend the requested Right of Way (R.O.W.) Vacation at this time. The request is better described as being a 0.0482-acre tract of land situated in the T.J. Chambers Survey, Abstract No. 7 Travis County, Texas, being all of an Alley situated in the Louis Horst¿s Subdivision Outlot No. 21, Division ¿D¿ as shown on a plat recorded in Volume Z, Page 594 and 613 Plat Records of Travis County, Texas, and with an address of 2015 Whitis Avenue and 2010 University Avenue Austin, TX 78705. There is …
TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: M E M O R A N D U M Urban Transportation Commission Joseph Fotinos, Project Manager Land Management, Transportation and Public Works Department 4/25/2024 F# 2022-163460 LM Alley Right-of-Way Vacation approximately 0.0482 acres abutting 2015 Whitis Avenue and 2010 University Avenue. Attached is the Application Packet and Master Comment Report pertaining to the alley vacation application for an approximately 0.0482 acres portion of land, being the paved/developed right of way abutting 2015 Whitis Avenue and 2010 University Avenue situated in the Louis Horst’s Subdivision Outlot No. 21, Division “D” as shown on a plat recorded in Volume Z, Page 594 & 613 Plat Records of Travis County, Texas. The proposed vacation tract will be added to the abutting parcels 0212030505 and 0212030506. The abutting properties are owned by The Catholic Diocese of Austin. Per the transmittal letter dated November 1, 2022, received by the City of Austin, the applicant states, “How do you plan to develop the area to be vacated? Response: The property owned by the Catholic Diocese of Austin will be redeveloped with church related facilities. All affected departments and private utility franchise stakeholders have reviewed the application and recommend approval, subject to the reviewers’ conditions shown on the attached Master Comment Report. Per City Code §14-11-71 – Notice to Interested Property Owners Public notice has been sent to owners within 300’ of the area to be vacated. The director of the Public Works Department may approve the application after the 10th day that the notice is issued; and an affected property owner may submit comments regarding the proposed vacation. Public Notice was sent to appropriate parties on April 22, 2024. No objections have been received by staff as of the date of this memorandum. The applicant has requested that this item be submitted for placement on the May 7, 2024 Urban Transportation Commission. Staff contact: Joseph Fotinos, Project Manager Transportation and Public Works Department, 512-974-4659, landmanagementROW@austintexas.gov Richard T Suttle, Jr. 512-435-2300, ALinseisen@abaustin.com Applicant: Abutting Landowner(s): Catholic Diocese of Austin. The applicant and/or property owner’s representative will be present at the meeting to answer any questions regarding future development and the vacation request. Attachments: Application Packet Master Comment Report
CITY OF AUSTIN - R.O.W. VACATION MASTER COMMENT REPORT As of: April 22, 2024 PROJECT NUMBER: 2022-150547 LM PROJECT NAME: 2022-150547 LM (2000 University Avenue) LOCATION: 2000 UNIVERSITY AVE, AUSTIN, TX 78705 Review Dept. LM Astound Approved Comments: LM AT&T (SWBT) Comments: Reviewer Phone Attempt Date Approved Date Carlos Delgado (512) 978-4655 11/17/2022 11/17/2022 carlos.delgado@astound.com Re: 2022-150547 LM Alley ROW Vacation (Whitis and University Avenue) R.O.W. Vacation Application Accepted Carlos Delgado DSD Land Management plant_maintenance <plant_maintenance@astound.com Astound doesn't have any aerial or underground plant in this area. We agree to release the easement. Approved With Conditions Pamela Johnson (512) 978-4655 11/17/2022 11/17/2022 RE: 2022-150547 LM Alley ROW Vacation (Whitis and University Avenue) R.O.W. Vacation Application Accepted JOHNSON, PAMELA A pb9891@att.com DSD Land Management ahendrix@abaustin.com AT&T approves with the agreement that any damages or relocation of our facilities is paid for by the applicant/owner/contractor. 4/22/24 73002_f_lm_master_report Page 1 As of: April 22, 2024 PROJECT NUMBER: 2022-150547 LM PROJECT NAME: 2022-150547 LM (2000 University Avenue) LOCATION: 2000 UNIVERSITY AVE, AUSTIN, TX 78705 Review Dept. LM ATD Review Approved Comments: None Reviewer Phone Attempt Date Approved Date 512-974-1217 12/20/2022 12/20/2022 LM Austin Resource Recovery Review Approved Michael Zavala (512) 974-1837 12/08/2022 12/08/2022 Comments: I see no issues with this vacation that would hinder any ARR services in this area. 4/22/24 73002_f_lm_master_report Page 2 As of: April 22, 2024 PROJECT NUMBER: 2022-150547 LM PROJECT NAME: 2022-150547 LM (2000 University Avenue) LOCATION: 2000 UNIVERSITY AVE, AUSTIN, TX 78705 Review Dept. Reviewer Phone Attempt Date Approved Date LM AW Infrastructure Management Rejected Comments: Eli Pruitt 512-972-0493 12/07/2022 Austin Water (AW) does not recommend the requested Right of Way (R.O.W.) Vacation at this time. The request is better described as being a 0.1127-acre tract of land situated in the T.J. Chambers Survey, Travis County, Texas, being all of an Alley situated in the Louis Horst¿s Subdivision Outlot No. 21, Division ¿D¿ as shown on a plat recorded in Volume Z, Page 594 and 613 Plat Records of Travis County, Texas, and with an address of 2001-2011 Whitis Avenue Austin, TX 78705. There is an existing 4-inch Cast Iron (CI) water line, a proposed 4-inch and 8-inch Ductile Iron (DI) water line, an existing 8-inch wastewater line, a proposed 8-inch Polyvinylchloride (PVC) wastewater line, and 2 wastewater manholes within the requested easement release. Easement release can be reconsidered when 1. The existing water lines, wastewater lines and associated …
TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: M E M O R A N D U M Urban Transportation Commission Joseph Fotinos, Project Manager Land Management, Transportation and Public Works Department 4/25/2024 F# 2022-150547 LM Alley Right-of-Way Vacation approximately 0.1127 acres abutting 2000-2004 University Avenue and 2001-2011 Whitis Avenue. Attached is the Application Packet and Master Comment Report pertaining to the alley vacation application for an approximately 0.1127 acres portion of land, being the paved/developed right of way abutting 2000-2004 University Avenue and 2001-2011 Whitis Avenue situated in the Louis Horst’s Subdivision Outlot No. 21, Division “D” as shown on a plat recorded in Volume Z, Page 594 & 613 Plat Records of Travis County, Texas. The proposed vacation tract will be added to the abutting parcels 0212030512, 0212030509, 0212030508 and 0212030507. The abutting properties are owned by The Board of Regents of The University of Texas System. Per the transmittal letter dated November 1, 2022, received by the City of Austin, the applicant states, “How do you plan to develop the area to be vacated? Response: The property owned by the University of Texas will be redeveloped with UT related facilities. All affected departments and private utility franchise stakeholders have reviewed the application and recommend approval, subject to the reviewers’ conditions shown on the attached Master Comment Report. Per City Code §14-11-71 – Notice to Interested Property Owners Public notice has been sent to owners within 300’ of the area to be vacated. The director of the Public Works Department may approve the application after the 10th day that the notice is issued; and an affected property owner may submit comments regarding the proposed vacation. Public Notice was sent to appropriate parties on April 24, 2024. No objections have been received by staff as of the date of this memorandum. The applicant has requested that this item be submitted for placement on the May 7, 2024, Urban Transportation Commission. Staff contact: Joseph Fotinos, Project Manager Transportation and Public Works Department, 512-974-4659, landmanagementROW@austintexas.gov Richard T Suttle, Jr. 512-435-2300, ALinseisen@abaustin.com Applicant: Abutting Landowner(s): The Board of Regents of The University of Texas System. The applicant and/or property owner’s representative will be present at the meeting to answer any questions regarding future development and the vacation request. Attachments: Application Packet Master Comment Report
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation Number 20240506-00X: Dockless Micromobility Regulations and Transportation-related Rulemaking WHEREAS, the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan calls on the city to “Emphasize and incentivize shared mobility solutions” by developing and focusing on ”shared mobility services and systems to provide first-mile/last-mile mobility solutions and increase shared trips on the transportation network”; WHEREAS, the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) highlighted Austin in its 2022 Report on Shared Micromobility in the U.S. and Canada as having the second most used e-scooter system in North America with a ride per vehicle per day average of 2.7, which NACTO called “stand out for e-scooter rides per vehicle per day compared to peer cities.”; WHEREAS, following Superpedestrian/Link ceasing operations in North America at the end of 2023, the Austin e-scooter system contracted in size by 29%, losing 2,000 scooters from the system; D R A F T WHEREAS, on March 28th, 2024, Transportation and Public Works (TPW) Director Richard Mendoza briefed the City Council Mobility Committee on “upcoming changes to our department regulations regarding the operations of micro-mobility devices” and cited safety, general aesthetics, and watershed protection as the main issues the regulations were meant to address; WHEREAS, according to the City of Austin Vision Zero Viewer, the number of e-scooter-related serious injuries decreased 50% from 12 in 2022 to 6 in 2023, and the number of deaths decreased from 2 to 0 over the same period; WHEREAS, despite the regulations being effective April 1st, the changes were not incorporated into the “Director’s Rules for Deployment and Operations of Shared Small Vehicle Mobility Systems”, the changes are not listed anywhere on the City of Austin website, and vendors were not formally notified of the changes until April 11th; WHEREAS, the changes communicated to vendors in the “Enhanced Regulations to the Shared Mobility Program” included the following changes: ● “Maintain the number of licensed micro-mobility vendors at 2”, ● “No increases to device permits for current licensed operators”, Transparency ● “Maintain the total number of permitted scooters citywide at 6,700”, ● “Reduce the number of scooters allowed to operate in the Downtown Area Project Coordination Zone (DAPCZ) to 1,125 per licensed vendor”, ● “Reduce maximum speed from 15mph to 10mph between 10pm and 5am daily in the main entertainment districts of the urban core”, and ● “Assign restricted and designated device staging areas and require rebalancing of devices to assigned areas …
Urban Transportation Commission May 7, 2024 Shared Mobility Program Update Joseph Al-hajeri, Parking Enterprise Manager Michael Kimbro, Shared Mobility Supervisor 1 5/3/2024 Shared Mobility Services BRIEFING OVERVIEW 2023 System Overview Speed Limit Reduction Operational Policies/ Data Collection Regulation Background Recent Program Updates: Licensing & Permitting Designated Staging/ Parking Areas Recent Program Updates: Operations Next Steps Q&A 2 5/3/2024 Shared Mobility Services 2023 System Overview Current Operators | Fleet Size Lime | 3,700 scooters & 180 ebikes Bird | 3000 scooters 2023 Total Trips Lime 1,868,208 scooters & 63,402 ebikes Bird 791,337 Link 224,246 Wheels 33,109 Total Distance Travelled 2,927,690 miles Trips per Major Area 2,081,017 (70%) within DAPCZ 395,048 (13%) within UT/West Campus Events Austin City Limits Festival Weekend One: 59,175 trips Weekend Two: 62,881 trips SXSW 142,540 trips 16,556 median trips per day (7,315 typically) 3 5/3/2024 Shared Mobility Services Quick Background Regulation Texas Transportation Code, Title 7 • Chapter 551. - Operation of bicycles and mopeds, golf carts, and other low- powered vehicles. Title 14 Use of Streets and Public Property • § 14-9-23 - City-wide dockless transportation license authorized. • § 14-9-24 - City-wide dockless transportation unit placement plan. • § 14-9-25 - License amendment, suspension, or revocation. Title 12 Traffic Enforcement • § 12-2 - Micro-Mobility Devices and Bicycles. Director Rules for Deployment and Operation of Shared Small Vehicle Mobility Systems City Approved Fees Fee Type License Fee Fee Schedule $1,500 per year Collection Collected bi-annually in December & June Per Device Permit Fee $80 per device/ per year Collected bi-annually in December & June Per Trip Fee $0.15 per trip Collected Monthly 4 5/3/2024 Shared Mobility Services Operational Policies/Data Collection Data from provider API utilizing Mobility Data Specification Data aggregated by Ride Report Real-time visibility and reporting How TPW Monitors/ Enforcement • Third-party data management • Geofencing/device performance restrictions • Calls/Customer Service Requests (CSR) • CSR response audits • Staff device audits • Shared communications channel during special events Results of Enforcement of Director Rules • • • Impounds Reduction in Service Denial of license and/or device permits 5 5/3/2024 Shared Mobility Services Recent Program Updates License & Permit Changes Maintain the number of licensed micro-mobility vendors at 2. No increases to device permits for current licensed operators. ACTIVE ACTIVE Maintain the total number of permitted scooters citywide at 6,700. ACTIVE 6 5/3/2024 Shared Mobility Services Recent Program Updates Operations Changes Reduce …
REGULAR MEETING of the URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION TUESDAY APRIL 2, 2024, at 5:00pm BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 CITY HALL- 301 W 2nd St. AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Urban Transportation Commission may 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 please call or email the staff liaison in advance at (512)-974-3428 or natalie.leone@austintexas.gov no later than noon on Monday April 1, 2024 with the following information: name, item number(s) to speak on, telephone number, and email address. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Vacant - (District 1) Melissa Ortiz- (District 2) Arlin Alvarez- (District 3) Susan Somers, Chair- (District 4) Daniel Kavelman-( District 5) Edward Smith- (District 6) Diana Wheeler- (District 7) Athena Leyton- (District 8) Spencer Schumacher- (District 9) Ruven Brooks, Vice Chair- (District 10) Deshon Brown- (Mayoral Appointee) AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Urban Transportation Commission REGULAR MEETING on March 5, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion on Green Streets Initiative Presenter: Kevin Howard, Urbinden DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion and approval of a recommendation on South Central Waterfront regarding multimodal transportation and transit supportive density Presenter: April Geruso, Planning Department 4. Discussion and approval of a recommendation on Equitable Transit-Oriented Development 5. Discussion and approval of a recommendation on Living Streets/Pedestrian Vibrancy 6. Discussion and approval of a recommendation on Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Facilitator: Susan Somers, Chair Facilitator: Susan Somers, Chair (ABIA) street safety Facilitator: Daniel Kavelman 7. Discussion and approval of the Officer Elections Facilitator: Susan Somers, Chair COMMITTEE UPDATES 8. Update from Commissioner Schumacher from the Downtown Commission regarding actions taken at the March 20, 2024 meeting 9. Update from Commissioner Wheeler from the Joint Sustainability Commission regarding 10. Update from Commissioner Schumacher from the Bicycle Advisory Council regarding actions taken at the March 27, 2024 meeting actions taken at the March 19, 2024 meeting …
GREEN STREETS INITIATIVE Street Trees Keep Austin Cool March 26th, 2024 Prepared by: Kevin Howard (Urbinden) & Jana McCann, FAIA (McCann Adams Studio) WHERE ARE OUR HEAT ISLANDS? • The worst urban heat island effects follow our major street network. • Yet, streets are how we get around, where we walk, bike, roll, catch transit - exactly where it must be cooler. • AND, lower-income residents – who depend more on transit - live on the hotter, east side. • The worsening heat islands are a major public health risk for everyone, but especially our most vulnerable communities. Heat Map of Austin showing the yellow, hottest areas focused in East Austin and Downtown WHY AUSTIN NEEDS GREEN STREETS • Address challenges of densification and climate change using public rights-of-way. • Less private yard space and busier streets mean that we will rely on trees in the public realm for health and public safety • Increasing vegetation - particularly trees - is an effective way to make Austin more livable and resilient to the effects of climate change. • Street trees are essential urban infrastructure, not just “nice-to-haves” or “beautification” Example of continuous shade trees at curbside, providing both shade and protection from road for sidewalk users WHERE ARE THE TREES? • Austin over-relies on private yards and preserved natural areas for its urban forest, which are concentrated in wealthier parts of town. • Low-income and BIPOC communities are disproportionately impacted by extreme heat • Yet, street trees are one of the most desired community benefits, according to many public surveys and in the “Contracts with Voters” in recent bond elections. The City’s Tree Canopy Map shows lack of “shade equity” on the east side. 1. The LACK OF LEADERSHIP means that review staff are conducting reviews and making decisions, with little guidance and support. Departmental Silos preclude integrated and responsive urban design. 2. Austin’s RULES & REGULATIONS are not aligned with City and community priorities: if they were, street trees would be required of most public and private development. 3. The PERMITTING PROCESS – eliminating license agreement process and 4. reduce required discretion and inconsistent implementation. It is more EXPENSIVE to plant street trees in public ROWs: we need to assure they can be subsidized for transit and affordable housing projects. Street trees compete with utilities for space in the ROW and generally come out the losers – along with …
South Central Waterfront Combining District & Density Bonus Program Urban Transportation Commission April 2, 2024 South Central Waterfront Vision Framework Plan Adopted June 6, 2016 2 Streets and Light Rail 3 City Council Resolution 20220915-090 Allow increased development only through the Density Bonus Program. Maximize community benefits and infrastructure investments. Create a Density Bonus Program “akin” to Downtown and that supports Project Connect. Allow entitlements for required infrastructure and community benefits. Ensure entitlements meet market demand. Create enhanced environmental standards and protections. Program to be re-evaluated/updated at least every five years. 4 Approach Since Council Resolution The SCW regulations will be implemented by: – Council adoption of an optional set of regulations and bonus program through the creation of a Combining District and a Density Bonus Program (spring 2024). – City-initiated rezoning of non PDA, PUD, and Planned Development Agreement properties in the district (summer 2024). First reevaluation within 1-2 years. 5 District Boundary Expansion 6 Combining District Density Bonus General Provisions (Policies, procedures, and who can participate) Land Use Standards (Permitted and conditional land uses) Development Standards (What can be built and where) Design Standards (How it will look) Definitions Procedures/Requirements “Gate Keeper” Requirements – – – Affordable Housing Environmental Protection Improved Streetscape and Built Environment In-Lieu Fees and Dedications On-Site Community Benefits Eligible for Bonus Area 7 7 Subdistricts Council approval is required to exceed FAR maximums and heights Project Connect Rail Alignment 8 Critical Water Quality Zones Existing Overlays remain, with some elements being superseded by SCW Combining District 9 Permitted land uses support: Land Uses – Transit – Pedestrian use – Mixed-use – Creative Enterprise – Recreation and Entertainment Activity 10 Parks & Open Space Required publicly accessible Open Space (5% of site) Parkland dedication may be credited towards Parks Fee-in-Lieu amount Buildout of parks amenities is a community benefit available for bonus area Both parkland dedication and buildout must meet PARD criteria and be accepted by the PARD Director 11 Density Distribution Areas (DDAs) Floor-to-Area Ratio (FAR) is calculated separately for each DDA and FAR maximums apply separately. Not representative of actual site plan DDAs shall be no greater than 90,000 sq. ft. Internal circulation routes are required along DDA boundaries for internal pedestrian circulation. 12 SCW Density Bonus Program On-site Requirements: Enhanced Environmental Standards Streetscape and …
Key Adjustments to the South Central Waterfront Combining District and Density Bonus Program March 27, 2024 The South Central Waterfront Combining District and Density Bonus program underwent a one-month public input process. As a result, feedback was provided by community members, Boards and Commissions, staff, and other stakeholders. Staff consolidated and assessed the feedback to determine recommended adjustments to the draft code for the South Central Waterfront. The following is a list of the key changes made in the draft code as a result of the discussion, using the following key as the source of the adjustment: Boards and Commissions, Public Input, and/or Staff. Key: Source of Input Boards and Commissions Public Staff District Boundary and Subdistricts Source Adjustment Section 1.2 Section 3.3.2 District boundaries were further expanded to include three properties on the western side of the South Central Waterfront. See the updated map for detail. To underscore the commitment to transit-oriented development in the area, the FAR was adjusted to properties near to the proposed Project Connect station on the north side of East Riverside Drive. See the updated map for detail. Height limits have been added to Subdistricts 1 through 4. They are: 1 - 120', 2 - 240', 3 - 300', 4 - 600'. Subdistrict 5 remains with unlimited height. This adjustment reinforces and improves the density gradient from the closest areas to downtown being the most dense, and for the density to transition down as one moves further away from downtown. Section 3.3.2 - 1 - Land Use Source Adjustment Cocktail Lounges above 3,500sf in size will trigger the need for a conditional use permit. The conditional use permit process will better assist in the review and regulation of entertainment / nightlife noise disturbances. The Custom Manufacturing land use has been limited to 2,500sf. The limitation will deter larger single-purpose land uses and encourage more flexible development that supports smaller creative businesses. Section 2.3.1(C)(4) Section 2.3.1(D)(1) Adjustment Section 2.7(C) Section 4.4.3 Shade provisions increased for cantilevered, affixed, and freestanding options. Trees will still be the dominant shade mechanism, but this change allows for strong urban design and diversity in design of the urban space. This is also consistent with activities in other urban areas in the city. An additional internal circulation route type with a bicycle lane was added. This addition increases bicycle connectivity within the South Central Waterfront area and facilitates safe separation of …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation 20240402‐005: Living Streets and Pedestrian Vibrancy WHEREAS, Austin City Council created the Living Streets program [RESOLUTION NO. 20211021-027] in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that “creative activation of residential streets can help build community, increase safety, and improve quality of life;” WHEREAS, the same Resolution, Austin City Council “enthusiastically embraces the Living Streets vision of a suite of street activations that are easily accessible to all Austinites for safe and joyful community-building in all neighborhoods;” WHEREAS, the Living Streets program has recently launched its first slate of Healthy Streets and Play Streets over the past few months; WHEREAS, Living Streets and reclaiming civic uses for city streets also significantly advances Austin’s ambitious Vision Zero and safety goals recorded in the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan and Vision Zero planning; WHEREAS, in 2023 the United States Surgeon General published an advisory report regarding the nation’s loneliness epidemic as a major public health concern and identified one of the major pillars to solving the loneliness epidemic as social infrastructure, writing, “many factors that influence social connection are environmental. Decisions about the layout of our cities, from the usability and reach of public transportation to the design of housing and green spaces, have a direct effect on social interaction in a community. This is why strengthening social infrastructure that promotes social connection is critical to advancing key aspects of community health, resilience, safety, and prosperity;” WHEREAS, community-oriented street furniture, such as community bulletin boards, benches, flower beds, public art, bike repair stations, and Little Free Libraries, support and encourage walkability; social connectedness; resiliency; and local businesses, organizations, causes, and City programs, by adding useful, inviting, and aesthetically-pleasing places and facilities; WHEREAS, community members have identified obstacles to implementing such facilities that support Living Streets, and more generally, to social connectedness and community on our streets citywide; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED; the Urban Transportation Commission recommends that Austin City Council direct staff to investigate barriers to the installation of such infrastructure in the public realm, including along lot lines and near intersections; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Urban Transportation Commission urges Austin City Council and Austin Transportation and Public Works to propose and pass code amendments to remove barriers to community-oriented street furniture in the public realm and allow residents to freely install social infrastructure; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Urban Transportation Commission recommends that Austin City …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation 20240402‐003: South Central Waterfront WHEREAS, the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan aims to quadruple the number of Austinites commuting via public transit from 4% in 2017 to 16% in 2039, and identifies increasing “the number of people living and working within a 1/2 mile of the Transit Priority Network” as a key indicator of success; WHEREAS, the South Central Waterfront District provides a unique opportunity to create a transit‐supportive neighborhood centered around the future Waterfront Station as part of the Project Connect Light Rail; WHEREAS, the existing road network proposed for the South Central Waterfront District was first proposed as in the 2016 South Central Waterfront Vision Plan, at a time when future transit connections were anticipated to be located on neighboring arterials and not in the middle of the district, and was later adopted in the ASMP Street Network Table; WHEREAS, Council Resolution No. 20220915‐090 acknowledged the shortcomings of the vision plan, noting that since its adoption in 2016, “many attributes of the District have changed, including approval of Project Connect” and directed the City Manager to develop a regulating plan to include increased development entitlement bonuses and regulations that, among other goals, “support the Project Connect transit investment the community is making and help create a connected, pedestrian‐oriented, mixed use district where thousands more Austinites can live, work, and play”; and WHEREAS, 16.6% of the Project Justification Score used by the Federal Transit Administration to evaluate Capital Investment Grant applications evaluates the land‐use, density, affordable housing, and transit‐supportive zoning within a half‐mile radius of each station; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Urban Transportation Commission (UTC) recommends that the City Council direct the City Manager to consider and initiate amendments to the ASMP Street Network Table for the South Central Waterfront District upon the publishing of the Project Connect NEPA EIS Record of Decision to ensure the street grid and levels create a transit supportive environment; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the UTC appreciates staff’s responsiveness to community concerns by increasing the FAR limit on the north side of East Riverside Drive, the UTC recommends that the City Council alter the South Central Waterfront Combining District and Density Bonus regulations to maximize access to the future Waterfront Light Rail Station by reclassifying all parcels located directly on Riverside Drive to the east of Congress Ave to Subdistrict 4 or 5. Motioned …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation 20240402‐004: Equitable Transit‐Oriented Development Overlay WHEREAS the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan aims to quadruple the number of Austinites commuting via public transit from 4% in 2017 to 16% in 2039, and identifies increasing “the number of people living and working within a 1/2 mile of the Transit Priority Network” as a key indicator of success; WHEREAS the Federal Transit Administration’s software for ridership forecasting uses the number of people who can walk from their homes or jobs to a transit stop as its major input and forecast ridership is a major factor in FTA funding decisions WHEREAS regardless of current zoning the presence of a transit stop will increase the demand for residential and commercial spaces regardless of base zoning, including those that are single family zoned, as is pointed out in RESOLUTION NO. 20230309‐016 WHEREAS COUNCIL restrictions on which current base zones may be considered for the ETOD Overlay has resulted in a relatively small area being eligible for ETOD zoning NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Urban Transportation Commission recommends that the City Council direct the City Manager to direct staff to consider additional base zones for the ETOD Overlay subject to the considerations and limitations that staff has already used in selecting base zones as overlay candidates but omitting the restriction to non‐single family zones, with a goal of enabling application of the ETOD Overlay to at least 50% of the land area within one‐half mile of Phase 1 Austin Light Rail alignment and Priority Extensions.
