SPECIAL CALLED MEETING SMALL AREA PLANNING JOINT COMMITTEE Thursday, March 21, 2024 11:30 AM Permitting and Development Center (PDC), Rm. 2005 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Small Area Plan Joint Committee may be participating by video conference. 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, call or email the board liaison at 512- 974-3440 or donna.arwood@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Nadia Barrera-Ramirez Alejandra Flores William D. Floyd Betsy Greenberg Patrick B. Howard, Chair Jennifer Mushtaler Alberta Phillips (Planning Commission) (Zoning and Platting Commission) (Zoning and Platting Commission) (Zoning and Platting Commission) (Planning Commission) (Planning Commission) (Planning Commission) AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 3 speakers who sign up by noon (12:00 PM) the day before 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 Small Area Planning Joint Committee meeting on June 7, 2023. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1 2. Discussion and action to elect a Vice-Chair. 3. Discussion and action to approve the 2024 Meeting Schedule. 4. Discussion and recommendation of approval by the Small Area Planning Joint Committee on the South Central Waterfront Combining District and Density Bonus Program (SCWCD). City of Austin Planning Department staff: April Geruso, april.geruso@austintexas.gov, Chad Sharrard, chad.sharrard@austintexas.gov (512-974- 8033); Tyler Tripp, tyler.tripp@austintexas.gov (512-974-3362); Mark Walters, mark.walters@austintexas.gov (512-974-7695). DISCUSSION ITEMS FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Mark Walters at the Housing and Planning Department, at 512-974-7695, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Small Area Planning Joint Committee, please contact the liaison, Mark Walters at 512- 974-7695, mark.walters@austintexas.gov; or Donna Arwood at 512-974-3440, donna.arwood@austintexas.gov. 2
South Central Waterfront Combining District & Density Bonus Program Small Area Planning Joint Committee March 21, 2024 History Combining District Density Bonus Program - Bonus Program Opt-in Requirements - Fees-in-Lieu - Additional On-Site Community Benefits Timeline & Ways to Provide Feedback South Central Waterfront Vision Framework Plan Adopted June 6, 2016 3 City Council Resolution 20220915-090 Directed Planning Staff to create regulations supporting implementation of the 2016 South Central Waterfront Vision Framework Plan. Increased development only available through the Density Bonus Maximize community benefits: affordable housing, open space, and Maximize infrastructure investments: new streets, parks, bikeways, Program. public art, etc. and trails. Program to be re-evaluated/updated at least every five years. 4 City Council Resolution 20220915-090 Create a Density Bonus Program “akin” to Downtown. Support Project Connect transit investment. Allow entitlements significant enough to achieve required infrastructure and community benefits. Ensure entitlements meet market demand to account for increased costs and avoid continual requests to amend the code. Create enhanced environmental standards and protections. 5 City Council Resolution 20220915-090 Create a connected, pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use district where “thousands more Austinites can live, work, and play.” 6 Updates / Changes 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 properties in the district (summer 2024). – Subsequent rezonings and code amendments will be required to add additional properties at a later date. Regulation review will occur sooner than 5 years to account for updated details from Project Connect and citywide density bonus analysis. 7 District Boundary New parcels added that are affected by Project Connect light rail alignment. Project Connect Rail Alignment 8 Combining District Components 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 9 Density Bonus Components Procedures/Requirements “Gate Keeper” Requirements – Affordable Housing – Environmental Protection – Improved Streetscape and Built Environment In-Lieu Fees and Dedications Onsite Community Benefits Eligible for Bonus Area 10 Streets and Light Rail 11 Subdistricts Council approval is required to exceed FAR maximums Project Connect Rail Alignment 12 Critical Water …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING ELECTRIC BOARD Wednesday March 20, 2024 @ 10:00 AM- In Person PERMITTING DEVELOPMENT CENTER/ 1st FLOOR, CONF RM 1401-1402 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DR AUSTIN, TEXAS 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, contact rick.arzola@austintexas.gov Gabriel Flores-Chair (Fuentes); Delwin Goss (Velasquez); David Johnson- V Chair (Madison), Victoria Shope (R.Alter), Ben Brenneman (A.Alter), Deschaine, David (Pool); CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Christian Spies(Kelly); Michael Grant (Qadri); Joel Cochren(Page) AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMUNICATION: 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. 1. Approve the minutes of the Electrical Board Regular Called Meeting from October 18, APPROVAL OF MINUTES- 2023. DISCUSSION 2. Electrical Ordinance 80.38-Suspension of Registration 3. Code Enforcement on Stop Work orders related to Electrical Ordinance. 4. Commercial Plan Review update on workload. 5. Service Center update on staff personnel and permit output. 6. Commercial and Residential Inspection update on staff vacancies and timely inspections. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Rick Arzola at Development Services Department, Building Inspections, at (512) 974-2417, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
Regular Called Meeting of the Economic Prosperity Commission Wednesday, March 20, 2024, 6:30pm City Hall, Boards & Commissions Room 1101 301 W. 2nd Street Austin, Texas Some members of the Economic Prosperity Commission may be participating by videoconference. Audio is recorded. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via 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 by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Cesar Garza and Stephanie Calderon at the Economic Development Department: cesar.garza@austintexas.gov and stephanie.calderon@austintexas.gov or 512-974-8055 (Cesar Garza). CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Laura Dixon, Mayor (Watson) Christiana Ponder, District 1 (Harper- Madison) Benjamin Salazar, District 2 (Fuentes) Raquel Valdez Sanchez, District 3 (Velasquez) Michael Nahas, Vice Chair, District 4 (Vela) Vacant, District 5 (R. Alter) Vacant, District 6 (Kelly) Amy Noel, District 7 (Pool) Luis Osta Lugo, District 8 (Ellis) Tina Cannon, District 9 (Qadri) Kelsey Hitchingham, Chair, District 10 (A. Alter) 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 Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on February 21, 2024. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES Updates from the Jobs, Procurement, and Infrastructure working groups. At the commission’s February 21, 2024 meeting, the working groups were asked to contribute to the commission’s budget recommendation to City Council (Agenda Item 3). Discuss and approve the commission’s recommendation to City Council for the City’s FY 2024-2025 budget. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Discuss entrepreneur-in-residence programs at universities and how these programs can foster and retain talent locally. Update from commission’s representative on the City’s Joint Sustainability Committee. The representative is Commissioner Amy Noel; at the commission’s February 21, 2024 meeting, the board approved Commissioner Osta Lugo as backup representative. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) …
1. 3. ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, February 21, 2024 The Economic Prosperity Commission convened in a REGULAR CALLED meeting on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street, Room 1101, Austin, Texas. Chair Kelsey Hitchingham called the Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance in Person: Kelsey Hitchingham (10), Michael Nahas (4), Luis Osta Lugo (8), Raquel Valdez Sanchez (3), Benjamin Salazar (2) Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Christiana Ponder (1), Amy Noel (7) Absent: Laura Dixon (Mayor), Tina Cannon (9) Vacancy: District 5, District 6 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on November 15, 2023. The minutes from the meeting of November 15, 2023, were approved on Commissioner Osta Lugo’s motion, Commissioner Salazar’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Dixon and Cannon were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation by Raul Alvarez regarding the Community Advancement Network and how this organization expands economic opportunities for the Austin area. Raul Alvarez presented an overview of CAN’s frameworks for race equity and upward mobility and other ways CAN expands economic opportunities for the Austin area. Discuss the City of Austin Budget Officer’s FY 2024-2025 budget calendar. The deadline for City Boards and Commissions to submit budget recommendations is March 31, 2024. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Chair Hitchingham reviewed key upcoming dates in the City’s FY 2024-2025 budget approval process. Various reminders for commission members: most recent City email password security update, City Manager’s survey, and having ongoing dialogues with appointing councilmembers about commission priorities. Chair Hitchingham reminded commissioners of various housekeeping items. Presentation by April Geruso, City of Austin Planning Department, about updating the 2012 Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan and possibly approve the appointment of an Economic Prosperity Commission representative to support the development and implementation of the Imagine Austin comprehensive engagement process. On behalf of April Geruso, Alyssa Lane from the City of Austin Planning Department presented an overview of updating the Imagine Austin plan through public participation and other strategies by 2026. The motion to approve the appointment of Commissioner Valdez Sanchez as the board’s representative throughout the Imagine Austin comprehensive engagement process was approved on Commissioner Osta Lugo’s motion, Commissioner Salazar’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Dixon and Cannon were absent. Discuss and possibly approve the appointment of a second …
Meeting of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee March 20, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. Permitting and Development Center (PDC) – Room #2103 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee may be participating in the video conference. 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 at 512-974-7288 or email Jordan.Feldman@austintexas.gov. Jordan Feldman, the board call or register, liaison, CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS Claire Hempel (Chair) Alejandra Flores (Vice-Chair) Greg Anderson Awais Azhar Betsy Greenberg Felicity Maxwell Lonny Stern CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers signed up prior to commencement of the meeting will be allowed to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of the February 21, 2024, meeting minutes. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. C20-2023-026 Live Music and Creative Space Bonus Phase 2. Discussion and possible action to recommend amendments to City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to create a Creative Combining District and Development Bonus Program to enhance the development and preservation of live music venues and creative sector businesses. City Staff: Donald Jackson, Economic Development Department, (512) 974- 2214, DonaldE.Jackson@austintexas.gov. 3. Update on Potential Upcoming and Active Code Amendments: City Staff: Jordan Feldman, Planning Department, (512) 974-7288, Jordan.Feldman@austintexas.gov. DISCUSSION ITEMS FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days before the meeting date. Please call Jordan Feldman at 512-974-7228 or Jordan.Feldman@austintexas.gov, for additional information; the City receives and accepts Video Relay Service (VRS) calls from people who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing. For more information on the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee, please contact Jordan Feldman at 512-974-7228 or Jordan.Feldman@austintexas.gov 2
Meeting of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee DRAFT MEETING MINUTES February 21, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. Permitting and Development Center (PDC) – Room #2103 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee may be participating in the video conference. 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 at 512-974-7288 or email Jordan.Feldman@austintexas.gov. Jordan Feldman, the board call or register, liaison, COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT CITY STAFF PRESENT Claire Hempel (Chair) Alejandra Flores (Vice-Chair) Greg Anderson Awais Azhar Betsy Greenberg Felicity Maxwell COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT Lonny Stern Jordan Feldman, Planning Department Paul Books, Planning Department Warlan Rivera, Planning Department Kevin Critendon, Austin Water Katherine Jashinski, Austin Water Heather Cooke, Austin Water April Geruso, Planning Department Tyler Tripp, Planning Department CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Flores called the meeting to order at 6:02pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers signed up prior to commencement of the meeting will be allowed to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. No speakers signed up for public communication. 1 DRAFT APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of the December 13, 2023, meeting minutes. On a motion by Commissioner Greenberg, seconded by Chair Hempel, the minutes from the December 13, 2023, meeting were approved unanimously (6-0). DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. C20-2024-001 Onsite Water Reuse. Discussion and possible action to recommend amendments to City Code Chapter 25-9 (Water and Wastewater) relating to clarifying requirements for water conservation in the implementation of the Water Forward Plan, including distances for the Reclaimed Water Connection requirement, clarifying definitions, and modifying variances including adding certain affordable housing exemptions for Reclaimed Water Connections and Onsite Water Reuse requirements. City Staff: Kevin Critendon, Austin Water, (512) 972-0191, Kevin.Critendon@austintexas.gov. Kevin Critendon and Katherine Jashinski presented. The amendment was forwarded to Planning Commission without a recommendation from the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee. 3. C20-2022-003 South Central Waterfront Combining District. Staff presentation on the South Central Waterfront Combining District with a Density Bonus Program. City Staff: April Geruso, Planning Department, (512) 974-9364, April.Geruso@austintexas.gov. 4. Update on Potential Upcoming and Active Code Amendments: City Staff: Jordan Feldman, Planning Department, (512) 974-7288, Jordan.Feldman@austintexas.gov. DISCUSSION …
C20-2023-026 ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REVIEW SHEET Amendment: C20-2023-026 Live Music Venue and Creative Space Bonus Phase 2 Description: Consider amendments to Title 25 of the City Code to create a new Creative District combining district with provisions for creative space and music venue preservation, modified site requirements, and density bonuses for affordable creative space. Background: Initiated by City Council Resolutions 20220728-094 and 20220901-089, and reaffirmed by City Council Resolutions On July 28, 2022, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 20220728-094 initiating changes to establish the criteria to be a Live Music Venue to and support the creation of a live music venue bonus and incentive program for new and existing venues. On September 1, 2022, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 20220901-089 initiating changes to develop and adopt clear land use definitions and to create a bonus and incentive program for broadly defined creative spaces. These Resolutions are being addressed concurrently. Revised definitions were approved on September 14, 2023, in Ordinance 20230914-097. Ordinance No. 20230921-103 and Resolution 20240229-060 reaffirmed City Council’s commitment to the creation of a density bonus and district program to support live music and creative space districts and the preservation and incentivization of affordable creative space. Summary of Proposed Code Amendment: The proposed code amendments will create a new combining district for an affordable creative space bonus program and: 1. Is available city-wide on parcels in districts that have been rezoned to add the new combining district designation 2. Defines the following land uses as creative space uses: 1. Art Gallery; 2. Art Workshop; 3. Cocktail Lounge; 4. Performance Venue; 5. Personal Improvement Services; 6. Theater; 7. Other related uses as approved by the Director. 3. Requires the following use requirements for developments in creative district combining districts: 1. Along at least 30 percent of building frontage along the principal street, the building must be reserved for affordable creative space uses in ground-floor spaces; 2. At least 25 percent of ground floor gross leasable area in the building must be dedicated to affordable creative space; and, 1 3. Development must comply with protections consistent with Existing Non- Residential Space provisions of 4-18-31 for existing creative space uses in existence on the site for at least 12 months; the developer must: 1. Redevelop the site to replace all existing creative spaces with creative spaces C20-2023-026 of comparable size; 2. provide current creative space operators with: 1. notice and information …
The purpose of the crea�ve district (CD) overlay district is to provide voluntary development bonuses in return for providing affordable commercial space in new development or contribu�ng to a fund for preserva�on of crea�ve space in the crea�ve district. CREATIVE DISTRICT COMBINING DISTRICT PURPOSE PROPOSED ZONING CHANGES CHANGES TO DEFINITIONS/TERMINOLOGY CREATIVE SPACE means a site that includes one or more of the following occupancies: Art Gallery; Art Workshop; Cocktail Lounge (note: intent is only for existing preservation purposes, if a cocktail lounge is operating as a performance venue); Performance Venue; Personal Improvement Services; Theater; • • • • • • • Other related uses as approved by the Director. EXISTING CREATIVE SPACE means a site that includes one or more CREATIVE SPACE occupancies that has been opera�ng for at least 12 months. NON-RESIDENTIAL SPACE means CREATIVE SPACE for the purpose of this sec�on. 1) A proposed development is eligible for this program if: ELIGIBILITY Its zoning includes the crea�ve district overlay zoning string; a. b. Along at least 30 percent of the building frontage along the principal street, the building must be reserved for affordable crea�ve space uses in ground-floor spaces; It includes at least 25 percent of ground floor gross leasable area dedicated to affordable crea�ve space through restric�ve covenants; and, It complies with protec�ons consistent with Exis�ng Non-Residen�al Space provisions of 4-18-31. c. d. 2) An applicant may pay a fee-in-lieu of on-site affordable crea�ve space if: DRAFT a. the fee-in-lieu of on-site affordable crea�ve space is sufficient to construct or preserve an equivalent gross leasable area that would have been required on-site; b. the crea�ve space receiving the fee-in-lieu is located in the same crea�ve district as the site genera�ng the fee-in-lieu; and, c. the director authorizes the applicant to pay a fee-in-lieu. AFFORDABILITY REQUIREMENTS 1) A development that leases space to a crea�ve space must comply with the following minimum requirements: a. Rent for the crea�ve space or spaces that contribute to the bonus program must be the lesser of 50% of average retail space rent for the City of Aus�n, or a fixed ra�o of annual revenues considered typical of and sustainable for the type of crea�ve space as approved by the Director; and b. Year-over-year rent escala�on may not exceed 5% for any crea�ve space tenant. 2) The minimum affordability period for a development is 10 years following the issuance of the last cer�ficate …
Live Music Venue and Creative Space Regulatory Incentives Phase II March 2024 Council Actions Resolution No. 20220728-094: Establish the criteria to be a Live Music Venue Create live music venue bonus and incentive program for new and existing venues, Initiate changes to Land Development Code Section 25 Resolution No. 20220901-089: Develop and adopt clear creative space land use definitions Create creative space bonus and incentive program for new and existing including venues Create new code elements to "Diversify, sustain, and cultivate the city's culture, music, and arts communities and industries“ Criteria for designation of Arts Districts Initiate changes to Land Development Code Section 25 Resolution No. 20230921-102: Develop LDC amendments with incentives for cultural space preservation and creation by Spring 2024 Bring an ordinance establishing a Cultural District Overlay initiated in Resolution No. 20220728-094 and Resolution No. 20220901-089 by Spring 2024 Guidance from Resolutions Resolution No. 20220728-094: Fee Waivers Modified Parking requirements Expanded facilitation of affordable commercial space... in new construction Prioritization of music venue or creative space as a community benefit for density bonuses or other overlays within the Red River Cultural District, East 6th Street Entertainment District, and Warehouse Entertainment District Resolution No. 20220901-089: Fee waivers Modified parking requirements Expedited permitting process "increase in floor to area ratio (FAR) in square footage or other appropriate development incentive related to what is provided for the dedicated creative space" "Prioritization of creative space as a city-wide community benefit as it relates to density bonus programs, Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning, or within other regulatory plans Increased flexibility in development regulations and opportunities for modification of policies, rules, codes, or design standards Permit accessory use as a theater, art gallery, or art workshop in all commercial and industrial/warehousing zoning districts Goals Develop a paper district that is not mapped; no change to a property’s zoning will be made through initial district adoption After adoption, owners of eligible properties may then request a rezoning to incorporate “Creative District (CD)” code string Goals and Timeline Milestones Codes and Ordinances Backup Due: March 13 Arts Commission: March 18 Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee (COJC): March 20 Music Commission (tentative): April 1 PC Backup Due: April 16 City Council Set Date: April 18 Planning Commission …
The purpose of the Red River Cultural District (RRCD) Crea�ve Subdistrict district is to create a subdistrict in the Downtown Density District and to provide voluntary development bonuses in return for providing affordable commercial space in new development or contribu�ng to a fund for preserva�on of crea�ve space in the crea�ve subdistrict. RED RIVER CULTURAL DISTRICT CREATIVE SUBDISTRICT PURPOSE PROPOSED ZONING CHANGES CHANGES TO DEFINITIONS/TERMINOLOGY CREATIVE SPACE means a site that includes one or more of the following occupancies: Art Gallery; Art Workshop; Cocktail Lounge (note: intent is only for existing preservation purposes, if a cocktail lounge is operating as a performance venue); Performance Venue; Personal Improvement Services; Theater; • • • • • • • Other related uses as approved by the Director. EXISTING CREATIVE SPACE means a site that includes one or more CREATIVE SPACE occupancies that has been opera�ng for at least 12 months. NON-RESIDENTIAL SPACE means CREATIVE SPACE for the purpose of this sec�on. 1) A proposed development is eligible for this program if: ELIGIBILITY Its zoning includes the crea�ve district overlay zoning string; a. b. Along at least 65 percent of the building frontage along the principal street, the building must be reserved for affordable crea�ve space uses in ground-floor spaces; It includes at least 50 percent of ground floor gross leasable area dedicated to affordable crea�ve space through restric�ve covenants; and, It complies with protec�ons consistent with Exis�ng Non-Residen�al Space provisions of 4-18-31. c. d. DRAFT 2) An applicant may pay a fee-in-lieu of on-site affordable crea�ve space if: a. the fee-in-lieu of on-site affordable crea�ve space is sufficient to construct or preserve an equivalent gross leasable area that would have been required on-site; b. the crea�ve space receiving the fee-in-lieu is located in the same crea�ve district as the site genera�ng the fee-in-lieu; and, c. the director authorizes the applicant to pay a fee-in-lieu. AFFORDABILITY REQUIREMENTS 1) A development that leases space to a crea�ve space must comply with the following minimum requirements: a. Rent for the crea�ve space or spaces that contribute to the bonus program must be the lesser of 50% of average retail space rent for the City of Aus�n, or a fixed ra�o of annual revenues considered typical of and sustainable for the type of crea�ve space as approved by the Director; and b. Year-over-year rent escala�on may not exceed 5% for any crea�ve space tenant. 2) The minimum …
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION MARCH 20, 2024, TIME: 5:30 p.m. Austin City Hall, Council Chamber, Room 1001 301 W 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Downtown 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 via 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 by telephone. To register, please contact Christine Maguire at Christine.maguire@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-7131. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: August Harris (Chair) VACANT (District 1) Tania A. Ortega (District 2) Liz Coufal (District 3) Ralph E. Ishmael, Jr. (Vice-Chair) Darilynn Cardona-Beiler (District 5) Taylor Major (District 6) Mike Lavigne (District 7) VACANT (District 8) Kimberly Levinson (District 9) Sania D. Shifferd (Mayor) CALL TO ORDER Marissa McKinney (Design Commission) David Holmes (Public Safety Commission) Amy Mok (Arts Commission) Spencer Schumacher (Urban Transportation) Jennifer Franklin (Parks and Recreation Board) Carl J. Larosche (Historic Landmark Commission) Anne Charlotte Patterson (Music Commission) AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten 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. 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission February 21, 2024 meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Approve a recommendation to City Council for immediate and future funding that is consistent with other Cultural Districts to support activities in the Red River Cultural District through its management entity, the Red River Merchants Association. Presentation by Nicole Klepadlo, Interim Executive Director, Red River Cultural District. 3. Approve a recommendation to City Council to appropriate funding during the FY 2025 Budget to equip the Austin Police Department and Transportation and Public Works Department with sufficient barricades to enhance pedestrian safety for Downtown activities and events. 4. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding Downtown graffiti policy with updated information presented by Chair Harris, Downtown Commission. DISCUSSION Department. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 5. Presentation on the Downtown Historic Survey by Emily Payne with HHM, Inc., on behalf of the Planning Department, Historic Preservation Division. 6. Presentation on the Equity-Based Preservation Plan by Cara Bertron, Planning 7. Update and discussion regarding actions related to the Downtown Commission taken at …
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, February 21, 2024 The Downtown Commission convened the regular meeting on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street in hybrid meeting format. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE August Harris, Chair Ralph E Ishmael, Jr. Vice-Chair Liz Coufal Mike Lavigne Kimberly Levinson Spencer Schumacher Sania D. Shifferd COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY Darilynn Cardona-Beiler Jennifer Franklin David Holmes Amy Mok Tania Ortega Ann Charlotte Patterson CALL TO ORDER Chair Harris called the meeting of the Downtown Commission to order at 5:32 pm APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission January 17, 2024 meeting. The minutes from the meeting on 01/17/24 were approved on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Vice Chair Ishmael’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Lavigne and Shifferd were off the dais. Commissioner Major was absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEM 2. Approve a recommendation to Council to prioritize community engagement with regards to the Convention Center expansion. The motion to approve Recommendation 20240221-002 to create a Convention Center Expansion Advisory Board was approved on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Coufal’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Lavigne and Shifferd were off the dais. Commissioner Major was absent. 3. Approve a recommendation on the renewal of the Sixth Street Public Improvement District. Presentation by Donald E Jackson of the Economic Development Department. The motion to postpone this item to 3/20/2024 was approved on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Vice Chair Ishmael’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Lavigne and Shifferd were off the dais. Commissioner Major was absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Presentation by Commander Jeff Olson of the Austin Police Department on Downtown Command public safety trends. Presentation was given by Commander Jeff Olson, Downtown Area Command Unit, Austin Police Department. 5. Presentations by Commander Jeff Olson of the Austin Police Department (APD), William Manno of the Austin Center for Events, Brian Block of the Development Services Department, and Division Chief Stephen Truesdell of the Austin Fire Department (AFD) on South by Southwest Festival 2024 preparedness. Presentations were given by Commander Jeff Olson, Downtown Area Command Unit, Austin Police Department; Lieutenant Christopher Juusola, Austin Police Department; Brian Patterson, Fire Battalion Chief, Special Events; and Bill Manno, Program Manager, Office of Special Events. 6. Presentation on the status of Austin Light Rail by Peter Mullan, EVP Architecture and Urban Design, Lindsay Wood, EVP - Engineering and Construction, and Courtney Chavez, SVP - Equity and Community Partnership. Presentation was …
OUR MISSION The Red River Cultural District is a creative community providing authentic Austin experiences through diverse local music, art and food for every fan and guest. In an ever-changing ATX, our nonprofit seeks to preserve and grow Red River's creative, business, and music scene. As a community rooted in artists, musicians, performers, music venues, cultural institutions and small businesses, the District embodies the soul and heart of Austin. WHO is the RED RIVER Cultural District The District is managed by the Red River Merchant’s Association, a coalition of 50+ businesses including live music venues, food, hospitality, entertainment businesses and also the Austin Symphony Orchestra, First Baptist Church, German-Texan Heritage Society and Waterloo Greenway. The District was designated a State Cultural District in 2020 by the Texas Commision on the Arts and a local Cultural District by the City of Austin in 2013. RED RIVER Cultural District IMPACT • Conserve Austin's only walkable live music hub of over dozen independent music venues • Support thousands of local musicians and performers annually through direct financial support • Foster 1000+ music and service industry jobs in the district • Backbone to major tourism and economic generators including SXSW, ACL, Levitation, Oblivion Access, GTHS Oktoberfest and more RED RIVER Cultural District IMPACT • Local, State, and Federal Policy advocacy for live music ecosystem and small and local business assistance • Creative economy hub including opportunities for photographers, video production, designers, fashion, artists, and more • Destination for local and Texas music heritage • Industry Development Incubator RED RIVER Cultural District IMPACT • $200K in direct pandemic relief to music and service industry to 3,000 individuals served • Curb appeal, district identify and safety enhancements $1.5M+ improvements • FREE Signature Music Festivals Our premier all-ages district-wide festivals Free Week and Hot Summer Nights fuel community growth in the traditionally dog-days of summer and dead of winter. • Support with direct payment 500+ musicians, artists, and performers per festival over 3 days • Average 15,000+ attendees of locals and visitors • Leverage industry support and causes through partnerships • Average 15-25% first time performers during either fest Hot Summer Nights 2023 Highlights 30+ Million media impressions in July alone including the front page of the Austin Chronicle Total Participating Venues: 14 total (largest participation yet) Total Music Acts: 130 Our largest Hot Summer Nights Estimated total musicians supported: 400+ Estimated Attendance: 10,000+ Media Partners: Chronicle, …
RECOMMENDATION DOWNTOWN COMMISSION Recommendation Number: 20240320-002 Immediate and future funding for the Red River Cultural District WHEREAS, On February 9, 2024, City Council approved a resolution directing the City Manager to return to Council with an Economic and Cultural District Framework, identifying funding and support for Red River Cultural District, and WHEREAS, The Red River Cultural District is the Austin’s largest geographically contiguous collection of live music venues hosting local and touring artists from a diverse range of backgrounds and a wealth of genres, from hip-hip to Latin to LGBTQIA+ to independent rock and more; and WHEREAS, other designated Austin Cultural Districts have received recent funding in amounts ranging from $120,000 to $300,000; and WHEREAS, Austin’s live music industry is a primary driver of tourism; and WHEREAS, Austin’s live music venues face dramatically escalating rent and operating costs; and WHEREAS, the Red River Cultural District produces two annual festival which are completely free and open to the public, and on February 15, 2024 City Council passed a resolution directing the City Manager to investigate ways to preserve accessible, inclusive, open-to-the-public events and to identify opportunities for the City to support and promote community events NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Downtown Commission recommends that Austin City Council to allocate immediate and future funding to the Red River Cultural District consistent with amounts allocated to other Cultural Districts, through its managing entity, Red River Merchants Associaiton. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Downtown Commission Recommendation Number 20240320-003: Downtown Vehicle Safety Mitigation Plan FY 2025 Budget Recommendation The Downtown Commission recommends that the Austin City Council appropriate funding in the amount of $518,291.19 purchase 65 Meridian Archer movable street barricades and associated equipment and training as shown on the attached Quote from to Meridian Rapid Defense Group Sales LLC and thereby equip the Austin Police Department and Transportation and Public Works Department with sufficient barricades to enhance pedestrian safety for Downtown activities and events. Motioned By: ________________________ Seconded By: __________________________ Date of Approval: March 20, 2024 Attest: Christine Maguire, Commission Executive Liaison, Economic Development Department __________________________________________ Vote: ___-___ For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Vacant:
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION (Downtown Commission) Recommendation Number: (20230315-5) Recommendation for Anti-Graffiti Policy WHEREAS graffiti is a crime under the laws of the State of Texas; and WHEREAS Title 7 of the Texas State Penal Code §28.08 addresses offenses against property, including graffiti. A person commits an offense if, without the effective consent of the owner, the person intentionally or knowingly makes markings, including inscriptions, slogans, drawings, or paintings, on the tangible property of the owner with paint, an indelible marker, or an etching or engraving device. WHEREAS Title 7 of the Texas Penal Code §30.05 addresses criminal trespass. With notice, a person commits an offense if he enters or remains on or in property, including an aircraft or other vehicle, of another without effective consent or he enters or remains in a building of another without effective consent; and WHEREAS Title 3, of the Texas Penal Code §12.43 establishes penalties for repeat and habitual misdemeanor offenders. WHEREAS graffiti is a public nuisance; and WHEREAS graffiti defaces private, business and public property leaving the property owner and the taxpayer to bear the burden of remediation and adversely affecting citizens, communities, businesses and property values; and WHEREAS vandals risk their lives and potentially the lives of others when tagging or attempting to tag property; and WHEREAS the Center for Problem-Oriented Policing estimates the graffiti problem costs our nation $12 billion annually; and WHEREAS graffiti is a growing and ever more costly problem in the City of Austin per the following examples; 1) Austin Parks and Recreation Department spends $546,000, Building Services contracts with a third party for $437,325 for graffiti abatement, and while other departments neither track instances of graffiti nor costs associated with abatement, they periodically conduct graffiti abatement in the course of their other work thus drawing time and resources away from their primary service; and TXDoT and CTRMA together incur costs of more than $150,000 annually abating graffiti through just the central sections of IH35 and MoPac Loop 1; and Graffiti on private property in Austin costs individuals and businesses significant expense; and The Downtown Austin Alliance abated 26,485 instances of graffiti and stickers/posters in the Austin Downtown Public Improvement District in 2022 through a third party vendor 2) 3) 4) requiring the expenditure of significant funds that could be utilized better elsewhere; and Tagging of traffic signage creates public safety hazards and the signs must be discarded because abatement …
City of Austin Historic Resource Survey of Downtown Downtown Commission March 20, 2024 1. Survey Boundary 2. Project Schedule & Status 3. Scope and Methodology 4. Frequently Asked Questions 5. Opportunities for Input 6. Questions Survey Boundary Survey Boundary: Downtown Austin and Adjacent Neighborhoods - HHM will survey both parcels with CAD dates of 1979 or earlier and parcels with no known date - Excludes local historic districts and recently surveyed areas - Estimated maximum of 1,553 parcels Map illustrating the survey boundary and excluded areas. Project Schedule & Status Project Schedule Task Task 1. Project Initiation/Project Plan and Schedule Task 2a. Draft Fieldwork Methodology Task 2b. Final Fieldwork Methodology Task 3. Fieldwork and Community Coordination Task 4a. Draft Research Design Task 4b. Final Research Design Task 5. Research & Community Input Task 6. First Draft Survey Report and Contexts for City Task 7. Second Draft Survey Report and Contexts for Public Task 8. Final Survey Report and Contexts Deadline Friday, October 13, 2023 Friday, November 17, 2023 Friday, December 15, 2023 Friday, March 29, 2024 Friday, May 10, 2024 Friday, June 7, 2024 Friday, August 9, 2024 Friday, October 18, 2024 Monday, January 6, 2025 Friday, February 28, 2025 Survey Status: Downtown Austin and Adjacent Neighborhoods - 1,989 resources surveyed as of March 15, 2024 - City Directory research complete for all historic-age resources not previously designated - Occupant research underway - Evaluation of significance and potential eligibility underway Map illustrating survey completed to date as of March 15,2024 Scope and Methodology Survey Preparation and Prior Data Integration The GIS-based survey forms will be prepopulated with locational points, County Appraisal District data, and prior designation data, and prior survey data prior to fieldwork. Map illustrating prior historic designations intersecting with the survey area. Reconnaissance-Level Field Documentation In the field, surveyors will take photographs and gather basic information about each resource’s form, architectural style, materials, and alterations. Example: Reconnaissance-Level Survey Form for 4512 Avenue D from the North Hyde Park Survey Intensive-Level Documentation After completing fieldwork, surveyors will integrate historic research and compile additional documentation for potential individual landmarks and/or individual NRHP-eligible resources. Example: Intensive-Level Survey Form for 905 E. 2nd Street from the East Austin Survey Historic District Analysis For potential historic districts, summary forms will document district-level trends. Example: Historic District Summary form for Swedish Hill from the East Austin survey. Historic District Analysis Documentation of historic districts …
