Gaudette, Angela From: Sent: To: Subject: Bill W Wednesday, October 21, 2020 4:46 PM PAZ Preservation 1700 W 32nd (HR-2020-144852) Follow Up Flag: Flag Status: Follow up Flagged *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** The Historic Review Committee of the Bryker Woods Neighborhood Association reviewed the plans and discussed the plans via Zoom with the architect and owner and made serious recommendations, particularly about the “box dormers” jutting from the roof, as well as the window casings. The architect made minor adjustments—from three box dormers to one 15‐ 18’ box dormer, and did not change the style. At this date, The Neighborhood Association OPPOSES this permit, as it is not in the style of our National Heritage District and greatly contrasts with adjacent homes. (By way of information, our Neighborhood Association only votes to “oppose” or “not oppose;” we do not “support.”) To their credit, the architect did agree to repurpose the stone siding of the existing house and use it as the base of the wall along Jefferson St., as well as preserve the 1930’s stone boundary marker on the SW corner of that lot. Bill Woods Bryker Woods Neighborhood Association Historic Review Committee Bill W Living on Earth is expensive, but it does include a free trip around the sun. This message is confidential, intended only for the named recipient and may contain information that is privileged or exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you receive this message in error, or are not the named recipient, please notify the sender. All comments are the sender’s personal opinion unless otherwise noted. CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1
Gaudette, Angela From: Sent: To: Subject: Bill W Wednesday, October 21, 2020 4:31 PM PAZ Preservation 1801 Mohle (HR-2020-145916) Follow Up Flag: Flag Status: Follow up Flagged *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** The Historic Review Committee of the Bryker Woods Neighborhood Association reviewed the plans and discussed the plans with the architect. There are very minor differences between the old house and the proposed new house. We do NOT object to this permit in our National Historic District. (By way of information, our Neighborhood Association only votes to “object” or “not object;” we do not “support.”) Bill Woods Bryker Woods Neighborhood Association Historic Review Committee Bill W Living on Earth is expensive, but it does include a free trip around the sun. This message is confidential, intended only for the named recipient and may contain information that is privileged or exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you receive this message in error, or are not the named recipient, please notify the sender. All comments are the sender’s personal opinion unless otherwise noted. CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1
Gaudette, Angela From: Sent: To: Subject: Bill W Wednesday, October 21, 2020 4:53 PM PAZ Preservation 1703 W. 32nd St. (2020-082227) Follow Up Flag: Flag Status: Follow up Flagged *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** The Historic Review Committee of the Bryker Woods Neighborhood Association has been in contact with the owner and reviewed the plans. We do NOT oppose this remodel. Although the front roof line will be slightly changed, it is not significant and will not change the style and will keep the same “look” as adjacent houses. (By way of information, our Neighborhood Association only votes to “oppose” or “not oppose;” we do not “support.”) Bill Woods Bryker Woods Neighborhood Association Historic Review Committee Bill W Living on Earth is expensive, but it does include a free trip around the sun. This message is confidential, intended only for the named recipient and may contain information that is privileged or exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you receive this message in error, or are not the named recipient, please notify the sender. All comments are the sender’s personal opinion unless otherwise noted. CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1
Gaudette, Angela From: Sent: To: Subject: Gaudette, Angela Monday, October 19, 2020 2:22 PM Gaudette, Angela FW: Letter to commissioners for 815 Rutherford Place From: Younghee Kim Sent: Monday, October 19, 2020 2:18 PM To: Gaudette, Angela <Angela.Gaudette@austintexas.gov> Cc: Sadowsky, Steve <Steve.Sadowsky@austintexas.gov>; Hoon Kim Subject: Letter to commissioners for 815 Rutherford Place To commissioners, I am writing this letter to request the release of a demo permit on 815 Rutherford Place. We have spoken with a few neighbors since the last meeting. What the neighbors seem to ignore is the fact that we are a local small business owners, mother and a son, and this is our livelihood. We are not big national builders, nor have a large pool of investor’s money backing us. We live in this neighborhood, work here, give what we can here. We too are mindful of our community. We took out bank loans to purchase the property, construction loan to build a new house. We feel we have the same right and freedom to build the house we want abiding the city codes. If the neighbors feel strongly about keeping the houses as they are as rentals they had the same opportunity to purchase the property when it was on the market as we had. We are not in a financial position to be a landlord at this time. This is our only project underway carrying us to next year. We have already spent in excess of $50,000 on architects, engineering, and city permit agency. We even asked architects to come up with the design that would blend well with the characteristics of the neighborhood which they did. This delay puts us in a financial hardship. Please consider our situation. Thank you for your time. Younghee Kim Sent from my iPad 1
Gaudette, Angela From: Sent: To: Subject: Gaudette, Angela Friday, October 23, 2020 1:35 PM Gaudette, Angela FW: Item D-1, Case HDP-2020-0274; 815 Rutherford/1204 Alta Vista From: Melanie Martinez Sent: Friday, October 23, 2020 1:29 PM Subject: Item D‐1, Case HDP‐2020‐0274; 815 Rutherford/1204 Alta Vista *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Dear Commissioners, I am writing again to oppose the demolition of the two properties at 815 Rutherford and 1204 Alta Vista. Just to summarize, I'm a long‐time resident of Fairview Park and a volunteer with the SRCC's Preservation Committee, but I am writing as a resident, rather than as a representative of that group. You may also remember that I was part of the group which organized the creation of our National Register Historic District. I appreciate the postponement given this case last month and hope we can still find a way to save some of our neighborhood's historic character. I stand by all the pleas I made in my last letter on these proposed demolitions. Both the Tudor house on Rutherford and the Minimal Traditional house on Alta Vista are contributing properties to our historic district. While they are in poor condition now, I believe they definitely could be saved, and very cleverly remodeled. Leaving them as separate properties and remodeling or restoring them could also create an opportunity for rental income, which could offer the owner tax credits for rehabilitation. While the loss of a piece of our neighborhood's story and architectural history is my primary objection to demolition, I feel the owner's proposed design looms over the streetscape. I have not heard if they have altered their plans since the last meeting, but I sincerely hope that they could be encouraged to save the Rutherford House‐‐at the very least! That alone could help retain some of the historic character at this entry point to our district. Of course, my ideal outcome would be saving both. Thank you for doing what you can to help us preserve our neighborhood's history. Melanie Martinez 1214 Newning Ave. Austin TX 78704 CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1
Gaudette, Angela From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Paula Kothmann Friday, October 23, 2020 2:26 PM PAZ Preservation Paula Kothmann (updated) Item D1: 815 Rutherford Place ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ Forwarded message ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ From: Paula Kothmann Date: Fri, Oct 23, 2020 at 2:21 PM Subject: Item D: 815 Rutherford Place To: <preservation@austintexas.gov> Cc: Paula Kothmann < *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Dear Commissioners: Per your direction, three of our committee members spoke with Hoon Kim and offered to meet with him at the property. In my discussion with him over a week ago, he offered to engage an architect to review the viability of preserving part of the Tudor house at 815 Rutherford Place as a cabana for a contemplated swimming pool. Our committee was very pleased. However, to date I have not heard back regarding this project. I request that you postpone further action until we've had an opportunity for Mr. Kim to report back to us about a potential cabana that he offered to explore. Furthermore, there was no sign altering neighbors of Monday's meeting. Therefore, we designed flyers with the information to try to get more neighbor input and to alert them of the hearing. Kind regards, Paula Kothmann ‐‐ Paula Kothmann, CMM Investment Real Estate Consultant Certified Minerals Manager Associate 1317 Kenwood Ave/Austin, TX 78704 512.470.2405 Texas Real Estate Commission License #664403 Brigham Real Estate (Austin) Mayfair International Realty (London) 1 Chair, Land Development Code Revision ad-hoc Committee, SRCC Chair, Preservation Committee, SRCC (South River City Citizens: Riverside to 71, Congress to Parker) Director, Texas Chapter, District One National Association of Royalty Owners Member, Board of Directors Texas Energy Council ‐‐ CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 2 Gaudette, Angela From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Attachments: Paula Kothmann Friday, October 23, 2020 2:12 PM PAZ Preservation Paula Kothmann Backup for D1: 815 Rutherford Place and 1204 Alta Vista Avenue THZC7PointsOnePageCommitteeFinal.pdf *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Dear Commissioners: I write in opposition to a proposed demolition of 815 Rutherford Place and 1204 Alta Vista Ave. I am a resident of Travis Heights and a new member of the Preservation Committee. I also serve on the Zoning Committee and I chair the Land Development …
AG Ashley Gottshalk Design October 22, 2020 Re: Demolition and Relocation Permits Dear Historic Landmark Commission, The house on the site of 2617 E 4th St is without architectural or historical significance. It had no appraised value upon recent purchase and its condition is unlivable and necessitates significant, costly repairs and renovation to meet current standards. Additionally, if kept, the house’s location and orientation make further development and optimization of the site challenging. Mr. Pollard hired me to design two homes for the property, of architecture similar to other recent contemporary new builds in the Holly neighborhood. You’ll find renderings of our intent included. His plans are sure to increase the value of the immediate property and surrounding area. Thank you, Ashley Gottshalk, AIA, WELL AP Architect Licensed in the States of Florida and Texas Dear Historic Landmark Commission, My name is Mitch Flax and I own 3 properties (2615, 2702 and 2704 E 4th St) adjacent to the proposed house demolition at 2617 E 4th street. My wife and I have lived on East 4th Street for 7 years and have seen a number of demolitions and new builds which have helped to revitalize the Holly neighborhood. However, there continue to be a number of dilapidated structures (including 2617 E 4th Street) within the area that we would love to see removed. After having met Alex, we were able to view his site plans and fully support the demolition of the current structure at 2617 E 4th street in order to continue to revitalize our beautiful Holly neighborhood. Sincerely, Mitch Flax Borrower/Client Property Address City Lender Pollard, Alexander E 2617 E 4th St Austin First United Bank and Trust Company Building Sketch County Travis State TX Zip Code 78702 28.3' Kitchen Bedroom Dining 2 4 . 3 ' Bath ' 3 . 4 2 Living Bedroom 28.3' 20' 20' Cvd Porch 6 . 7 ' ' 7 . 6 TOTAL Sketch by a la mode, inc. Living Area First Floor Total Living Area (Rounded): Non-living Area Concrete Patio Area Calculations Summary 687.69 Sq ft 688 Sq ft 134 Sq ft Calculation Details 24.3 × 28.3 = 687.69 20 × 6.7 = 134 Form SKT.BLDSKI - "TOTAL" appraisal software by a la mode, inc. - 1-800-ALAMODE Borrower/Client Property Address City Lender Pollard, Alexander E 2617 E 4th St Austin First United Bank and Trust Company Interior Photos County Travis State …
To: Historic Landmark Commission October 26, 2020 Demolition and Relocation Permits HDP-2020-0419 1117 Linden Street Dear Committee Members, Please find below, a summary based on the research done by the Historic Preservation Center, City of Austin, Austin History Center and my personal efforts to rehabilitate the property at 1117 Linden Street • The exterior of the house is clad in limestone and brick accents - which may have been added since the original construction of the house, as there appears to be siding underneath the stone cladding. • There are records of a garage having existed for the house, but currently there is no garage associated with the house • Based on this, the house does not appear to possess the original architecture • Based on the research of the people who have lived in the house, “the historical significance of the individual residents likely does not rise to the level of satisfying this criterion” - of Historical Association • I have contacted a few neighbors and several house relocation services and offered the house for free if anyone was interested in relocating it. • However, everyone refused citing the stone exterior - apparently houses with stone exteriors are not moved as is. If they are to be moved, all the stone cladding needs to be removed and reinstalled after the house is moved, which apparently becomes cost prohibitive • I do try to rehabilitate houses wherever possible based on the following examples • 1111 Gunter Street - the existing house at this address was permitted to be demolished. I worked with a neighbor and changed the demolition permit to a relocation permit and worked with the neighbor to move the house to his property where it has been rehabilitated! I did not seek any remuneration for the house and gave it to the neighbor for free. • 3705 Govalle Ave - I am currently working with another neighbor to rehabilitate the house at this address and there is a high likelihood that this house will be rehabilitated. Again, I am not seeking any remuneration for this house either and will be giving it for free I do try to rehabilitate houses, particularly by working with neighbors to relocate them. Because of the stone cladding on the house at 1117 Linden, I am unable to find anyone interested in relocating it despite considerable efforts by me. Consequently, I request the …
October 13, 2020 Historic Landmark Commission: On September 9th, 2020 Carla Tremblay, owner of 4509 Balcones Drive, presented her plan to add onto the existing structure. Per that presentation, the Highland Park West Balcones Area Neighborhood Association Board (HPWBANA), by a unanimous vote, has no objections to the project moving forward. We understand that the existing structure was designed by David Graeber and that it might meet the criteria for a historic landmark designation. We believe the plan presented to be in step with the character of the home and the neighborhood. We also believe that due to previous material changes to the structure, a historic landmark designation may not be appropriate. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Regards, Jason Lindenschmidt VP HPWBANA 512-789-1071 jason@lindendwell.com Highland Park West Balcones Area Neighborhood Association l P.O. Box 26101, Austin, Texas 78755 l hpwbana.org
24” OAK EXISTING SIDEWALK COMAL STREET I E V R D G N T S X E I I 32” PECAN EXISTING 2-STORY ADDITION Y R O T S - 1 G N T S X E I I E G A T T O C Y E L L A T N E C A J D A T E E R T S W O L L W I I K L A W E D S G N T S X E I I N 24” PECAN EXISTING SITE PLAN SCALE: 1/16” = 1’-0” 1601 Willow Street Historic Commission Presentation 26 Oct 2020 24” OAK EXISTING SIDEWALK COMAL STREET I E V R D G N T S X E I I I N O S N E T X E R A E R D E S O P O R P Y R O T S - 1 EXISTING 2-STORY ADDITION TO BE REMOVED Y R O T S - 1 G N T S X E I I E G A T T O C 32” PECAN PROPOSED SIDE EXTENSION 2-STORY Y E L L A T N E C A J D A T E E R T S W O L L W I I K L A W E D S G N T S X E I I N 24” PECAN PROPOSED SITE PLAN CHANGES SCALE: 1/16” = 1’-0” 1601 Willow Street Historic Commission Presentation 26 Oct 2020 24” OAK EXISTING SIDEWALK COMAL STREET I E V R D D E S O P O R P 32” PECAN Y R O T S - 1 G N T S X E I I E G A T T O C PROPOSED 2-STORY ADDITION Y E L L A T N E C A J D A T E E R T S W O L L W I I K L A W E D S G N T S X E I I N 24” PECAN PROPOSED SITE PLAN SCALE: 1/16” = 1’-0” 1601 Willow Street Historic Commission Presentation 26 Oct 2020 EXISTING FRONT VIEW NTS 1601 Willow Street Historic Commission Presentation 26 Oct 2020 PROPOSED FRONT VIEW NTS 1601 Willow Street Historic Commission Presentation 26 Oct 2020 EXISTING VIEW FROM NW NTS 1601 Willow Street Historic Commission Presentation 26 Oct 2020 PROPOSED VIEW FROM NW NTS 1601 …
October 22, 2020 Mary Senders and Mario Zapata c/o: Joshua Mackley, Forrm Architecture Re: 1601 Willow St. Dear Mary and Mario: Thank you so much for reaching out to our team, the East Cesar Chavez Neighborhood Plan Contact Team regarding your project at 1601 Willow Street. Having reviewed your intentions for the remodeling and addition, our team voted unanimously voted to support your demolition project. We are really happy that you are going to maintain the integrity of most of the house, removing only a small two-story addition in favor of a larger two-story addition. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call. Sincerely, Susan Benz, Treasurer ECC NPCT
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation 20201026-002a Continued Funding for the Hotel Safety Net for survivors of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Human Trafficking WHEREAS, the many victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, find themselves displaced and homeless during the COVID-19 pandemic, WHEREAS, during the COVID-19 pandemic, previously full local emergency shelters serving victims; have had to cut their capacity to less than half to avoid infection risk and to ensure the safety of their staff and current residents, WHEREAS, during the COVID-19 pandemic, calls to the COVID-19 Domestic Violence emergency response hotline has increased by 233% since its inception in April 2020, WHEREAS, local law enforcement agencies are now able to place domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking agencies into immediate connection with housing and to provide food access and immediate incidentals for displaced and now homeless victims who have been turned away due to lessened emergency shelter capacity and long waitlists; WHEREAS, local hotels across the city of Austin/Travis County and in the surrounding counties have built a “safety net” of hotels throughout the city for these displaced and now homeless victims as they transition out of their violence; WHEREAS, these victims will now face chronic homelessness, food insecurity, increased unemployment, and the lack of safety and stability that comes with have an address; WHEREAS, before the COVID-19 pandemic, 48% of those victims leaving their violence were being turned away from local shelters and now nearly 90% is being turned away per a 2019-2020 HHSE report from The Texas Council on Family Violence; WHEREAS, domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking should be considered public health concerns and become a permanent consideration for funding resources after the COVID-19 pandemic is deemed over; WHEREAS, There is still a very high demand for the hotel safety net, resources and services provided during to the victims seeking support during COVID-19; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: 1) Implore City Council and the City Manager to continue funding the hotel safety net and resources for victims experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The funding to this NOW ESSENTIAL and RELIED UPON Program going forward, will nurture the trust and relationship between local law enforcement, local referring agencies, and the victims themselves. The Hotel Safety Net has grown to 40 local hotels, providing them revenue to keep their doors …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION The City of Austin Human Rights Commission Recommendation 20201026-002b : Black Quality of Life Declaration - October 2020 WHEREAS, the African American Resource Advisory Commission (“the Commission”) is authorized by Austin City Codes: 2-1-101 to advise the City Council on issues related to the quality of life for the City’s African American community; and WHEREAS, the Commission is specifically authorized to recommend programs designed to alleviate any inequities that may confront African Americans in social, economic, and vocational pursuits, including (1) health care, (2) housing, including affordable housing, home ownership, and homelessness, (3) entertainment opportunities for professionals and students, (4) employment, (5) cultural venues, including museums, theaters, art galleries, and music venues, and (6) Public Safety; and WHEREAS, on October 27, 2005 the City Council approved the African American Quality of Life Initiative; and WHEREAS, under the Arts, Culture, and Entertainment Recommendation from the African American Quality of Life Initiative, a need for an African American Cultural Heritage District was recognized to enhance the quality of life for African Americans; and WHEREAS, City staff has worked closely with numerous Cultural Arts organizations within the City to determine this area meets the District's criteria; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has detailed Strategic Direction 2023 to “strive to create a complete community where every Austinite has choices at every stage of life that allow us to experience and contribute to the following outcomes: Economic Opportunities, Mobility, Safety, Health and Environment, Culture and Life-long learning, and Government that Works for “All of Us”; and WHEREAS, City Council’s adoption of the 1928 Master Plan required African Americans to relocate to the “Negro District” in order to receive basic City services, this plan strategically and systematically, along with additional ordinances that were adopted to ensure full compliance with the segregated 1928 Master Plan, and thus the lives of African Americans have been severely impacted socially and economically by years of intentional and systemic racism due to the implementation of the 1928 Master Plan; and WHEREAS, March 2017, the Mayor’s Task Force issued a report on Institutional Racism and Systemic Inequities that is inclusive of a list of recommendations aimed at the dismantling of institutional racism and systemic inequities in the City of Austin and the Austin region; and WHEREAS, In support of Resolution No. 20180215-082 we also ask the City Manager to, among other things, analyze and provide next steps for collaboration …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION The City of Austin Human Rights Commission Recommendation: Block 16 and Block 18 African American Cultural Space WHEREAS, the African American Resource Advisory Commission (“the Commission”) is authorized by Austin City Codes: 2-1-101 to advise the City Council on issues related to the quality of life for the City’s African American community; and WHEREAS, the Commission is specifically authorized to recommend programs designed to alleviate any inequities that may confront African Americans in social, economic, and vocational pursuits, including (1) health care, (2) housing, including affordable housing, home ownership, and homelessness, (3) entertainment opportunities for professionals and students, (4) employment, (5) cultural venues, including museums, theaters, art galleries, and music venues, and (6) Public Safety; and WHEREAS, the African American Resource Advisory Commission supports the African American Cultural Heritage District Investment Initiative; and WHEREAS, on October 27, 2005 the City Council approved the African American Quality of Life Initiative; and WHEREAS, under the Arts, Culture, and Entertainment Recommendation from the African American Quality of Life Initiative, a need for an African American Cultural Heritage District was recognized to enhance the quality of life for African Americans; and WHEREAS, City staff has worked closely with numerous Cultural Arts organizations within the City to determine this area meets the District's criteria; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has detailed Strategic Direction 2023 to “strive to create a complete community where every Austinite has choices at every stage of life that allow us to experience and contribute to all of the following outcomes: Economic Opportunities, Mobility, Safety, Health and Environment, Culture and Life-long learning, and a Government that Works for “All of Us”; and WHEREAS, City Council adoption of the 1928 Master Plan required African Americans to relocate to the “Negro District” in order to receive basic City services, this plan strategically and systematically, along with additional ordinances were adopted to ensure full compliance with the segregated 1928 Master Plan, and the lives of African Americans have been severely impacted socially and economically by years of intentional and systemic racism due to the implementation of the 1928 Master Plan; and WHEREAS, In support of Resolution No. 20180215-082 we also ask the City Manager to, among other things, analyze and provide next steps for collaboration and support of an “Austin Cultural Trust” that could create spaces that support artists and arts organizations, preserve historic and iconic cultural buildings and spaces for creative …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION The City of Austin Human Rights Commission Recommendation 20201026-002d: Black Arts and Cultural District Recommendation WHEREAS, the African American Resource Advisory Commission (“the Commission”) is authorized by Austin City Codes: 2-1-101 to advise the City Council on issues related to the quality of life for the City’s African American community; and WHEREAS, the Commission is specifically authorized to recommend programs designed to alleviate any inequities that may confront African Americans in social, economic, and vocational pursuits, including (1) health care, (2) housing, including affordable housing, home ownership, and homelessness, (3) entertainment opportunities for professionals and students (4) employment, (5) cultural venues, including museums, theaters, art galleries, and music venues, and (6) Public Safety; and WHEREAS, on October 27, 2005 the City Council approved the African American Quality of Life Initiative; and WHEREAS, under the Arts, Culture, and Entertainment Recommendation from the African American Quality of Life Initiative, a need for an African American Cultural Heritage District (AACHD) was recognized to enhance the quality of life for African Americans; and WHEREAS, African American historic landmarks represent only 47 of the 629 historical landmarks in the City of Austin and City staff have worked closely with numerous Cultural Arts organizations within the city to determine the African American Cultural Heritage District meets the City of Austin's criteria; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has detailed Strategic Direction 2023 to “strive to create a complete community where every Austinite has choices at every stage of life that allow us to experience and contribute to all of the following outcomes: Economic Opportunities, Mobility, Safety, Health and Environment, Culture and Life-long learning, and Government that Works for “All of Us”; and WHEREAS, March 2017, the Mayor’s Task Force issued a report on Institutional Racism and Systemic Inequities that is inclusive of a list of recommendations aimed at the dismantling of institutional racism and systemic inequities in the City of Austin and the Austin region; and WHEREAS, African Americans account for 8% of the population in Travis County, 13% of African Americans live below the poverty line, 34% of the homeless population are African Americans and 25% of those serving sentences in Travis County Jail are African American men and women. In addition, 34% of children in low income homes do not receive any learning support services while African American children make up 90% of children in low income homes; and WHEREAS, on August …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendation 20200826-2A Supporting the Austin Climate Equity Plan WHEREAS, the City Council passed Resolution No. 20150604-048 adopting the Austin Community Climate Plan and creating the Joint Sustainability Committee; and WHEREAS, the Austin Community Climate Plan includes a schedule for reporting and updates, with a full plan revision in 2020; and WHEREAS, the harmful effects of climate change, including floods, droughts, heat waves and wildfires, are worsening in the Austin area and around the world; and WHEREAS, the “Global Warming of 1.5 °C” issued in 2018 by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change illustrates that keeping the average global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius will help to avoid severe effects of climate change, including ecosystems collapsing, that will very likely occur if warming reaches 2 degrees Celsius; and WHEREAS, low-income communities and communities of color in Austin and around the world are the most impacted by extreme weather and pollution despite having contributed least to the drivers of climate change and pollution; and WHEREAS, harmful land use and the refusal to create or enforce real environmental regulations continue to disproportionately expose communities of color to environmental harms, leading to unjust quality of life outcomes both historically and today; and WHEREAS, low-income communities and communities of color must be prioritized to receive the disproportionate benefits of the transition to a pollution-free society to remedy disproportionate harm done historically and presently; and WHEREAS, if we design and implement programs to serve low-income communities and communities of color, we will positively impact all residents in the Austin area; and WHEREAS, the Paris Agreement within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change set a goal of “keeping a global temperature rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius”; and WHEREAS, current international, federal, state and local commitments to greenhouse gas reduction fall short of what is needed to keep average global warming to either 1.5 or 2 degrees Celsius and the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s “Emissions Gap Report 2019” illustrates the significant magnitude in the gap between international commitments and needed emissions reductions; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin is a member of C40 Cities, a network of global cities committed to addressing climate change; and WHEREAS, C40 Cities has developed guidance for cities on setting greenhouse …
