601 W Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard Historic Landmark Commission 6/4/2025 1 Project Site 2 Demolition Applications 3 Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey 4 Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey 5 Landmark Designation Criteria – 601 W Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard LDC 25-2-352: 1. The property must be 50 years old and must represent a period of significance of at least 50 years ago; and 2. The property must retain a high degree of integrity, as defined by the National Register of Historic Places, that clearly conveys its historical significance and does not include an addition or alteration which has significantly compromised its integrity. Landmark Designation Criteria – 601 W Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard The property must meet at least two of the below criteria: i. Architecture ii. Historical Associations iii. Archaeology iv. Community Value v. Landscape Feature i. Architecture – 601 W MLK ARCHITECURE CRITERIA: √ Embodies the distinguishing characteristics of a recognized Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey - “Commercial” style built in 1940 - Fenetration pattern altered - All windows replaced architectural style, type, or method of construction; × Exemplifies technological innovation in design or construction; √ Displays high artistic value in representing ethnic or folk art, architecture, or construction; × Represents a rare example of an architectural style in the city; × Serves as an outstanding example of the work of an architect, builder, or artisan who significantly contributed to the development of the city, state, or nation; √ Possesses cultural, historical, or architectural value as a particularly fine or unique example of a utilitarian or vernacular structure; or × Represents an architectural curiosity or one-of-a-kind building. ii. Historical Associations – 601 W MLK HISTORICAL CRITERIA: The property has long-standing significant associations with persons, groups, institutions, businesses, or events of historic importance which contributed significantly to the history of the city, state, or nation; or represents a significant portrayal of the cultural practices or the way of life of a definable group of people in a historic time. 1936 - Structure built 1938 to 1952 – Nau owned “Nueces Drugstore” 1955-1970 – Gilmore Studios at this location Staff Report “From 1938 to 1952, the drugstore served the surrounding residential area as a place to stop and eat, as well as a pharmacy—much like the Naus’ other famous Austin enterprise, Nau’s Enfield Drug.” Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey “Gilmore Williams ran Gilmore Studio and was an award-winning …
1800 Nueces Street Historic Landmark Commission 6/4/2025 1 Project Site 2 Demolition Applications 3 Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey 4 Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey 5 Landmark Designation Criteria – 1800 Nueces LDC 25-2-352: 1. The property must be 50 years old and must represent a period of significance of at least 50 years ago; and 2. The property must retain a high degree of integrity, as defined by the National Register of Historic Places, that clearly conveys its historical significance and does not include an addition or alteration which has significantly compromised its integrity. Landmark Designation Criteria – 1800 Nueces Street The property must meet at least two of the below criteria: i. Architecture ii. Historical Associations iii. Archaeology iv. Community Value v. Landscape Feature i. Architecture – 1800 Nueces ARCHITECURE CRITERIA: √ Embodies the distinguishing characteristics of a recognized Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey - Classic Revival - Windows and doors replaced architectural style, type, or method of construction; × Exemplifies technological innovation in design or construction; √ Displays high artistic value in representing ethnic or folk art, architecture, or construction; × Represents a rare example of an architectural style in the city; × Serves as an outstanding example of the work of an architect, builder, or artisan who significantly contributed to the development of the city, state, or nation; √ Possesses cultural, historical, or architectural value as a particularly fine or unique example of a utilitarian or vernacular structure; or × Represents an architectural curiosity or one-of-a-kind building. 1800 Nueces Street Southeast view from Nueces Street 9 1800 Nueces Street Southwest view from West 18th Street 10 1800 Nueces Street Northwest view from alley way 11 1800 Nueces Street Northeast view from rear alley way 12 1800 Nueces Street Southwest view from West 18th Street (Garage) 13 1800 Nueces Street Northwest view from sidewalk (Garage) 14 1800 Nueces Street Northeast view from rear alley way (Garage) 15 1800 Nueces Street Northeast view from rear alley way (Garage) 16 Request We respectfully request your approval of the request for total demolition of the structures located at 1800 Nueces Street and release of the demolition permit upon receipt of a City of Austin Documentation Package. 17 18
1806 Nueces Street Historic Landmark Commission 6/4/2025 1 Project Site 2 Demolition Applications 3 Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey 4 Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey 5 Landmark Designation Criteria – 1806 Nueces LDC 25-2-352: 1. The property must be 50 years old and must represent a period of significance of at least 50 years ago; and 2. The property must retain a high degree of integrity, as defined by the National Register of Historic Places, that clearly conveys its historical significance and does not include an addition or alteration which has significantly compromised its integrity. Landmark Designation Criteria – 1806 Nueces Street The property must meet at least two of the below criteria: i. Architecture ii. Historical Associations iii. Archaeology iv. Community Value v. Landscape Feature i. Architecture – 1806 Nueces ARCHITECURE CRITERIA: √ Embodies the distinguishing characteristics of a recognized Staff Report: Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey - Tudor Revival - Some exterior wall materials replaced - Front addition architectural style, type, or method of construction; × Exemplifies technological innovation in design or construction; √ Displays high artistic value in representing ethnic or folk art, architecture, or construction; × Represents a rare example of an architectural style in the city; × Serves as an outstanding example of the work of an architect, builder, or artisan who significantly contributed to the development of the city, state, or nation; √ Possesses cultural, historical, or architectural value as a particularly fine or unique example of a utilitarian or vernacular structure; or × Represents an architectural curiosity or one-of-a-kind building. 1806 Nueces Street Southeast view from Nueces Street 9 1806 Nueces Street Northeast view from parking lot 10 1806 Nueces Street Northwest view from parking lot 11 1806 Nueces Street Southwest view from alley way 12 Request We respectfully request your approval of the request for total demolition of the structures located at 1806 Nueces Street and release of the demolition permit upon receipt of a City of Austin Documentation Package. 13 14
EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2025 The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at City Hall – Board and Commissions Room located at 301 West Second Street in Austin, Texas 78701. (Some members of the ESB-MACC Advisory Board participated via videoconference.) Chair Navarro called the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Meeting to order at 6:01pm. Board Members in Attendance: Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Angelica Navarro, Chair Lillian “Lily” Zamarripa-Saenz, Vice Chair Hilario “Larry” Amaro, Member Anthony Martinez, Member John Estrada, Member Cynthia “Cy” Herrera, Member (Arrived at 6:22pm) Lynda Quintana, Member Raul “Roy” Reyna, Member Selma Sanchez, Member (Arrived at 6:08pm) Board Members Absent: Noemi Castro, Member Alexander “Al” Duarte, Member Staff in Attendance: Marjorie Flanagan, PARD Division Manager of Museums and Cultural Programs Michelle Rojas, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Manager Marie Ortiz, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Supervisor Tina Davila, ESB-MACC Administrative Specialist PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No sign-ups for public communication. Chair Navarro took a moment to introduce new Board Member Lynda Quintana asking her to share a little about herself and why she was interested in joining the ESB-MACC Advisory Board. Member Quintana shared that she has lived in Austin for 25 years. She was originally from Taos, New Mexico where she grew up in a large family and loved the sense of community. Since she was not in Taos anymore, she wanted to give back to the Austin community, hoping to offer her children the same feeling of community and Hispanic culture. 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. The minutes from the Regular meeting of April 2, 2025, were approved on Vice Chair Zamarripa- Saenz’s motion. Member Estrada seconded. Unanimous vote (7.0). Motion passed. Members Castro, Duarte, Herrera and Sanchez absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on staffing updates, April and May programs, marketing and outreach efforts, and updates on signature event planning. Olivia Tamzarian, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Marketing & Outreach Representative provided updates on Holistic Wellness Programs (HWP), Caminos Teen Leadership programming, and current and upcoming marketing and outreach events. Erik Granados, ESB-MACC Education Specialist reported on youth and family education programs (Sabados en Familia, CIS Afterschool, Lending Library, Morning Glories, and Dia del Niño) detailing the curriculum, activities and number of participants for each initiative. Michelle Rojas, ESB-MACC Culture & Arts …
6.4.25 MACC Staff Report – Website - Facebook - Instagram Please share our social media posts, sign up for our newsletter, and check out our upcoming events! Holistic Wellness Programming Past: All-Levels Yoga: Saturdays @ 10:30-11:30am Southeast Library Attendance: 42 Focuses on body awareness, connection with the breath, with gentle movement, and time for meditation and relaxation. The library has mats to share. Nourishing Flow: 1st Sat of each month @ 1:30-2:30pm My Vinyasa Practice- SoCo Studio Attendance:3 A gentle and restorative yoga class that invites you to reconnect with your body and breath. Through mindful movement, soothing breathwork, and the healing power of sound, we’ll cultivate a deep sense of relaxation Women’s Self-defense: Saturday, May 10 @ 2pm – 4pm Austin Women’s Boxing Club Attendance:12 We will practice using mixed martial arts techniques from Karate, Jiu Jitsu, and more. You will gain a basic understanding of how to defend yourself using your body Zumba: Saturday, May 10 @ 5pm – 6pm Corazon Latino Dance Studio Attendance:4 Bring your mom, mother figure, friend (or yourself) to this high-energy fitness class that combines Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow dance moves! It’s a fun and effective way to get a full-body workout, improve your cardiovascular health, and burn calories. Tortilla Workshop: Sunday, May 11 @ 3pm – 4:30pm •Session 1: 3-3:30pm •Session 2: 4-4:30pm Veracruz All Natural Attendance:40 Join us for this all-ages event to learn (or perfect!) your corn tortilla making skills, guided by the wonderful folks of Veracruz All Natural! Light snacks and refreshments will be offered. Chair Yoga: 3rd Friday of each month @ 10am Windsor Park Branch Attendance: 6 A gentle form of yoga that can be done seated in a chair. These modifications make yoga accessible to people with various physical abilities Affirmations to Overcome Perfectionism & Navigate Negative Self-talk (16+): Saturday, May 17 @ 2pm – 4pm Ruiz Library. Attendance:14 The founders of Sin Miedo Counseling will guide us in understanding the impact of perfectionism and negative self-talk, using affirmations as tools for healing and self-talk, using affirmations as tools for healing and self-compassion. Healing Garden Workday: Sunday, May 18th @ 10am-11am Sunset Valley Community Garden Attendance: 8 Creating Garden Ollas and Water Ceremony: Join us as we learn how to keep our garden soil healthy while exploring the mesoamerican Azteca chinampas farming practices by creating our own garden ollas and close with a guided water ceremony. …
From: To: Subject: Date: Attachments: Historic Preservation Office Regarding Case Number: PR 2025-041615 Wednesday, June 4, 2025 2:26:50 PM image001.png You don't often get email from . Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution To whom it may concern, as well as Sam Fahnestock, I am writing to oppose the demolition of 607 E 38th Street in Austin’s historic Hancock neighborhood. I live nearby on Texas Avenue, and it is vital that houses original to Hancock remain intact. Hancock is one of the few areas in Austin in which the majority of the original homes remain, and we must preserve Austin’s history as the city grows. This particular property contains a lovely duplex on a shady lot – it is absolutely worth preserving. Every time you permit the demolition of an original house, a bit more of the history that Hancock represents to our city disappears. I urge you to deny the demolition permit request. Thank you, Scott Brown - Scott Brown President CAUTION: This is an EXTERNAL email. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious or phishing email, please report it using the "Report Message" button in Outlook. For any additional questions or concerns, contact CSIRT at "cybersecurity@austintexas.gov".
604 West 18th Street and 1801 Rio Grande Street Historic Landmark Commission 6/4/2025 1 Project Site 2 Demolition Applications 3 Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey 4 Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey 5 Landmark Designation Criteria – 604 W 18th Street and 1801 Rio Grande Street (Penthouse Apartments) LDC 25-2-352: 1. The property must be 50 years old and must represent a period of significance of at least 50 years ago; and 2. The property must retain a high degree of integrity, as defined by the National Register of Historic Places, that clearly conveys its historical significance and does not include an addition or alteration which has significantly compromised its integrity. Landmark Designation Criteria – 604 W 18th Street and 1801 Rio Grande Street (Penthouse Apartments) The property must meet at least two of the below criteria: i. Architecture ii. Historical Associations iii. Archaeology iv. Community Value v. Landscape Feature i. Architecture ARCHITECURE CRITERIA: √ Embodies the distinguishing characteristics of a recognized Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey - 1963-1964 ranch style apartment building - All doors and windows replaced architectural style, type, or method of construction; × Exemplifies technological innovation in design or construction; × Displays high artistic value in representing ethnic or folk art, architecture, or construction; × Represents a rare example of an architectural style in the city; × Serves as an outstanding example of the work of an architect, builder, or artisan who significantly contributed to the development of the city, state, or nation; × Possesses cultural, historical, or architectural value as a particularly fine or unique example of a utilitarian or vernacular structure; or × Represents an architectural curiosity or one-of-a-kind building. 604 West 18th Street Southwest view from West 18th Street 9 604 West 18th Street Southeast view from Nueces Street 10 604 West 18th Street Northeast view from side alley way 11 604 West 18th Street Northeast view from alley way 12 1801 Rio Grande Street Northwest view from Rio Grande Street 13 1801 Rio Grande Street Northwest view from Rio Grande Street 14 1801 Rio Grande Street Southwest view from West 18th Street 15 1801 Rio Grande Street Southwest view from West 18th Street 16 Request We respectfully request your approval of the request for total demolition of the structures located at 604 West 18th Street and 1801 Rio Grande Street and release of the demolition permit upon receipt of a City of Austin …
From: To: Subject: Date: Attachments: Contreras, Kalan Fahnestock, Sam FW: MLK/Rio Grande/Nueces/18th St. properties on HLC agenda Wednesday, June 4, 2025 1:22:56 PM image001.png One more for late backup Kalan Contreras Historic Preservation Officer Planning Department she/her | 512-974-2727 kalan.contreras@austintexas.gov From: Lori Martin Sent: Tuesday, June 3, 2025 11:30 AM To: Lukes, Austin <Austin.Lukes@austintexas.gov>; Contreras, Kalan <Kalan.Contreras@austintexas.gov> Subject: MLK/Rio Grande/Nueces/18th St. properties on HLC agenda External Email - Exercise Caution Hi Austin and Kalan, Hope you are both well! I see there are several demolition permits for the properties bounded by MLK, Nueces, Rio Grande and 18th Street. I don’t see any renderings for what is proposed for the site. Did I miss something or are the owners asking to tear down all these buildings without an indication of what will replace them? Is that typical practice for such a large expanse and significant number of buildings? The apartments are still occupied! As you may recall, we have a client with a property adjacent to this area. Not knowing what the plan for the area will be is quite unsettliing for her, as you can imagine. Do you know where I can find more information about the plans for this location? Thanks so much for your help. This is quite a swath of buildings to lose at once. I understand the Jack Brown corner is underutilized, but a huge empty block does with no clear plan does not benefit the neighborhood either. I appreciate any info you can provide! Lori Lori Martin, MSHP Architectural Historian O’Connell Architecture, LLC 3908 Avenue B, #309 • Austin • Texas • 78751 • CAUTION: This is an EXTERNAL email. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious or phishing email, please report it using the "Report Message" button in Outlook. For any additional questions or concerns, contact CSIRT at "cybersecurity@austintexas.gov".
601 W Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard Historic Landmark Commission 6/4/2025 1 Project Site 2 Demolition Applications 3 Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey 4 Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey 5 Landmark Designation Criteria – 601 W Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard LDC 25-2-352: 1. The property must be 50 years old and must represent a period of significance of at least 50 years ago; and 2. The property must retain a high degree of integrity, as defined by the National Register of Historic Places, that clearly conveys its historical significance and does not include an addition or alteration which has significantly compromised its integrity. Landmark Designation Criteria – 601 W Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard The property must meet at least two of the below criteria: i. Architecture ii. Historical Associations iii. Archaeology iv. Community Value v. Landscape Feature i. Architecture – 601 W MLK ARCHITECURE CRITERIA: √ Embodies the distinguishing characteristics of a recognized Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey - “Commercial” style built in 1940 - Fenetration pattern altered - All windows replaced architectural style, type, or method of construction; × Exemplifies technological innovation in design or construction; √ Displays high artistic value in representing ethnic or folk art, architecture, or construction; × Represents a rare example of an architectural style in the city; × Serves as an outstanding example of the work of an architect, builder, or artisan who significantly contributed to the development of the city, state, or nation; √ Possesses cultural, historical, or architectural value as a particularly fine or unique example of a utilitarian or vernacular structure; or × Represents an architectural curiosity or one-of-a-kind building. ii. Historical Associations – 601 W MLK HISTORICAL CRITERIA: The property has long-standing significant associations with persons, groups, institutions, businesses, or events of historic importance which contributed significantly to the history of the city, state, or nation; or represents a significant portrayal of the cultural practices or the way of life of a definable group of people in a historic time. 1936 - Structure built 1938 to 1952 – Nau owned “Nueces Drugstore” 1955-1970 – Gilmore Studios at this location Staff Report “From 1938 to 1952, the drugstore served the surrounding residential area as a place to stop and eat, as well as a pharmacy—much like the Naus’ other famous Austin enterprise, Nau’s Enfield Drug.” Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey “Gilmore Williams ran Gilmore Studio and was an award-winning …
1800 Nueces Street Historic Landmark Commission 6/4/2025 1 Project Site 2 Demolition Applications 3 Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey 4 Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey 5 Landmark Designation Criteria – 1800 Nueces LDC 25-2-352: 1. The property must be 50 years old and must represent a period of significance of at least 50 years ago; and 2. The property must retain a high degree of integrity, as defined by the National Register of Historic Places, that clearly conveys its historical significance and does not include an addition or alteration which has significantly compromised its integrity. Landmark Designation Criteria – 1800 Nueces Street The property must meet at least two of the below criteria: i. Architecture ii. Historical Associations iii. Archaeology iv. Community Value v. Landscape Feature i. Architecture – 1800 Nueces ARCHITECURE CRITERIA: √ Embodies the distinguishing characteristics of a recognized Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey - Classic Revival - Windows and doors replaced architectural style, type, or method of construction; × Exemplifies technological innovation in design or construction; √ Displays high artistic value in representing ethnic or folk art, architecture, or construction; × Represents a rare example of an architectural style in the city; × Serves as an outstanding example of the work of an architect, builder, or artisan who significantly contributed to the development of the city, state, or nation; √ Possesses cultural, historical, or architectural value as a particularly fine or unique example of a utilitarian or vernacular structure; or × Represents an architectural curiosity or one-of-a-kind building. 1800 Nueces Street Southeast view from Nueces Street 9 1800 Nueces Street Southwest view from West 18th Street 10 1800 Nueces Street Northwest view from alley way 11 1800 Nueces Street Northeast view from rear alley way 12 1800 Nueces Street Southwest view from West 18th Street (Garage) 13 1800 Nueces Street Northwest view from sidewalk (Garage) 14 1800 Nueces Street Northeast view from rear alley way (Garage) 15 1800 Nueces Street Northeast view from rear alley way (Garage) 16 Request We respectfully request your approval of the request for total demolition of the structures located at 1800 Nueces Street and release of the demolition permit upon receipt of a City of Austin Documentation Package. 17 18
1806 Nueces Street Historic Landmark Commission 6/4/2025 1 Project Site 2 Demolition Applications 3 Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey 4 Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey 5 Landmark Designation Criteria – 1806 Nueces LDC 25-2-352: 1. The property must be 50 years old and must represent a period of significance of at least 50 years ago; and 2. The property must retain a high degree of integrity, as defined by the National Register of Historic Places, that clearly conveys its historical significance and does not include an addition or alteration which has significantly compromised its integrity. Landmark Designation Criteria – 1806 Nueces Street The property must meet at least two of the below criteria: i. Architecture ii. Historical Associations iii. Archaeology iv. Community Value v. Landscape Feature i. Architecture – 1806 Nueces ARCHITECURE CRITERIA: √ Embodies the distinguishing characteristics of a recognized Staff Report: Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey - Tudor Revival - Some exterior wall materials replaced - Front addition architectural style, type, or method of construction; × Exemplifies technological innovation in design or construction; √ Displays high artistic value in representing ethnic or folk art, architecture, or construction; × Represents a rare example of an architectural style in the city; × Serves as an outstanding example of the work of an architect, builder, or artisan who significantly contributed to the development of the city, state, or nation; √ Possesses cultural, historical, or architectural value as a particularly fine or unique example of a utilitarian or vernacular structure; or × Represents an architectural curiosity or one-of-a-kind building. 1806 Nueces Street Southeast view from Nueces Street 9 1806 Nueces Street Northeast view from parking lot 10 1806 Nueces Street Northwest view from parking lot 11 1806 Nueces Street Southwest view from alley way 12 Request We respectfully request your approval of the request for total demolition of the structures located at 1806 Nueces Street and release of the demolition permit upon receipt of a City of Austin Documentation Package. 13 14
500 South Congress Planned Unit Development (PUD) C814-2024-0001 Sean Watson Environmental Program Coordinator Watershed Protection C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 500 South Congress PUD C 8 1 4- 2 0 2 4 - 0 0 0 1 C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Site Inf ormation • • A u s t i n F u l l P u r p o s e T o t a l s i t e a r e a = 6 . 4 8 a c r e s J u r i s d i c t i o n • • • • • • C o u n c i l D i s t r i c t 9 E a s t B o u l d i n C r e e k a n d L a d y B i r d L a k e W a t e r s h e d s , U r b a n W a t e r s h e d S o u t h S h o r e C e n t r a l D i s t r i c t W a t e r f r o n t O v e r l a y P r o p o s e d r e z o n i n g t o a l l o w f o r m i x e d u s e d e v e l o p m e n t / P U D T w o R i m r o c k C E F s s o u t h o f s i t e C r i t i c a l W a t e r Q u a l i t y Z o n e ( C W Q Z ) a n d 1 0 …
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN RECOMMENDATION 20250604-008 Date: June 4, 2025 Subject: Program Motioned By: Commissioner Zayan Opposition to Austin’s Automated License Plate Reader Surveillance Seconded By: Vice Chair Tau Recommendation The City of Austin Commission for Women urges City Council to discontinue Austin’s automated (AI) license plate reader (ALPR) surveillance program . Description of Recommendation to Council The trial period for the Austin Police Department’s use of automated (AI) license plate readers is ending, and now Council must decide whether to make the program permanent. It is the recommendation of the City of Austin Commission for Women that Council discontinue the automated license plate reader surveillance program. Rationale: From March through December of 2024, automated license plate readers (ALPR) scanned more than 75 million license plates across Austin as part of an APD trial program. While council’s approved policy stated that license plate data must be deleted within one week, that has not been the reality of the program. According to a recent audit, contractor Flock Safety retains "non-exclusive, worldwide, perpetual, royalty-free right and license" to indefinitely use license plate information scanned across Austin.1 1 https://communityimpact.com/austin/south-central-austin/government/2025/05/20/75m-license-plates- scanned-under-rebooted-austin-police-program-audit-reveals-successes-concerns/ What this means is that the data connected to the millions of license plates scanned under this program is not protected. This program puts the data of Austinites at risk. Consider what Texas State Senator Sarah Eckhardt, who represents much of Austin, said on the floor of the Texas Senate just last week during the hearing for HB521: “We’re in the process of creating a number of lists, and this is of great concern. We have a number of bills this session… that create lists of people as if we are preparing to shoot fish in a barrel… We have lists of individuals who are public servants who are trying to assist people to vote. We have lists of judges who are using their discretion to release people on bail. We have lists of prosecutors who are – within their discretion – choosing not to pursue cases. We have lists of vendors who sell books that are disfavored. We are entering into a time period of surveillance and lists and disfavored groups by statute… We had a priority in this legislative session to look at the scourges of communism. That was one of the scourges of communism. Lists of public servants that were disfavored, lists of judges that were disfavored, lists of books that …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20250604-002 Date: June 4, 2025 Subject: 500 S Congress, C814-2024-0001 Location: 500 S Congress, Austin, TX 78704 Motion by: Hanna Cofer Seconded by: David Sullivan WHEREAS, The Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning for a 6.48-acre; and WHEREAS, The Environmental Commission recognizes that the project is located within the Urban Watersheds of Lady Bird Lake and East Bouldin Creek, includes portions of the 100-year floodplain and Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ); and WHEREAS, The Commission acknowledges that the applicant has proposed numerous environmental enhancements and elements of superiority; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that City staff recommends the PUD with numerous conditions as provided in back-up material; THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends approval of the Mixed-Use PUD with the following conditions: 1. Implement on-site recycling and reuse of existing concrete and other demolition materials to the extent feasible. 2. Require the use of low-intensity, shielded, dark-sky compliant lighting along the creek corridor and riparian zones. 3. Commit to certifying the riparian restoration area and adjacent natural spaces as a Texas Wildscape with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department or as a Certified Wildlife Habitat with the National Wildlife Federation. 4. Require an additional 5% of all parking spaces be constructed with the capability to support future installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. VOTE 8-1 For: Isabella Changsut, Haris Qureshi, Martin Luecke, Justin Fleury, Jennifer Bristol, Hanna Cofer, Annie Fierro, David Sullivan Against: Richard Brimer Recuse: None Absent: Mariana Krueger, Ashika Ganguly 1 Approved By: Jennifer Bristol, Environmental Commission Chair CONDITIONS TO BE INCLUDED FROM CITY STAFF RECOMMENDATION: a. Section 25-8-63(C)(12) (Impervious Cover Calculations) as modified by the PUD b. Section 25-8-261 (Critical Water Quality Zone Development) as modified by the PUD c. Section 25-8-213(C) (Water Quality Control Standards) as modified by the PUD d. Comply with the City of Austin’s Green Building Program for a 2-star rating. e. Comply with the most current AEGB Light Pollution Reduction criteria available at the time of site plan f. Comply with the most current AEGB Bird Collision Deterrence criteria available at the time of site plan g. Provide water quality treatment with rainwater harvesting cisterns and rain gardens. h. Reduce site impervious cover by 5% i. Remove 8000 sqft of concrete from the CWQZ, reducing the existing impervious cover in the CWQZ from 48.2% to 20.7% j. Use natural channel design techniques as …
June 4, 2025 OWANA Attn: Donna Osborn Austin, TX 78703 RE: Level One Assessment Heritage Live Oak Back Yard of 705 West Lynn Street, Austin, Texas 78703 The client contacted me to assess the Heritage Live Oak (Quercus fusiformis) at the back yard of 705 West Lynn Street in central Austin (see aerial on the next page). The tree was assessed from abutting public property on June 3, 2025, by Bartlett Tree Expert employees Francine Kruger and Audrey Gonzales. It is presumed that the tree has a 34-inch diameter trunk and that the parcel is subject to the most recent Land Development Code of the City of Austin. If so, this tree is considered a Heritage Tree, and removal requests are required to be processed via the Land Use Commission. The tree had a co-dominant trunk and was in fair condition. The tree is a moderate candidate for preservation (rating definitions below). It appears that the tree has not had recent maintenance due to numerous dead branches and thin canopy. Photographs are attached to assist with substantiating these conditions. If preserved, a more detailed assessment is recommended to ensure that the proposed impacts meet the preservation criteria of the Tree Preservation Ordinance. This includes assessing canopy and root zone impacts and designing a robust tree protection plan. Additionally, the canopy characteristics indicate that Root Invigoration, pruning and a prescriptive fertilization program would benefit the tree (see descriptions of services attached). Condition Rating Good A healthy tree that may have a slight decline in vigor, small amount of twig dieback, minor structural defects that could be corrected. Fair Tree with moderate vigor, moderate twig and small branch dieback, thinning of crown, poor leaf color, moderate structural defects that might be mitigated with regular care. Poor Tree in decline, epicormic growth, extensive dieback of medium to large branches, significant structural defects that cannot be abated. Suitability for Preservation Rating High A tree with fair or good health, structure or form that has the potential for longevity at the site; Moderate Tree with somewhat declining health and/or structural defects that can be abated with treatment. The tree will require more intense management and monitoring, and may have shorter life span than those classified as ‘high’ suitability; Low Tree in poor health or with significant structural defects that cannot be mitigated. Tree is expected to continue to decline, regardless of treatment. The species or …
