Historic Landmark Commission Applications under Review for July 3, 2024 Meeting This list does not constitute a formal agenda and is subject to change. A final agenda will be posted at least 72 hours prior to the meeting. 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, email preservation@austintexas.gov or call Sam Fahnestock at (512) 974-3393. Briefings 2. Briefing on community outreach and engagement for the Equity-Based Preservation Plan – Cara Bertron and Gregory Farrar Historic landmark and historic district applications National Register district permit applications 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 801 Lydia Street – Robertson/Stuart & Mair Local Historic District – Total demolition. 1807 E Cesar Chavez Street – Berner-Clark-Mercado House - Repair/replace deck and rails, paint exterior. 1003 E 9th Street – Robertson/Stuart & Mair Local Historic District – Partial demolition/addition/remodel/new construction accessory dwelling unit. 611 E 6th Street – Sixth Street National Register Historic District – New construction. 1519 Alameda Drive – Travis Heights-Fairview Park National Register Historic District – New construction. 2100 Travis Heights Boulevard – Travis Heights-Fairview Park National Register Historic District – Partial demolition/addition. 900 Spence Street – Willow-Spence National Register Historic District – Total demolition. 1409 Alta Vista Avenue – Travis Heights-Fairview Park National Register Historic District – Total demolition. 1607 Kenwood Avenue – Travis Heights-Fairview Park National Register Historic District – Addition. 1701 W 32nd Street – Old West Austin National Register Historic District – Total demolition and new construction. 4200 Wilshire Parkway – Wilshire Wood National Register Historic District – Total demolition. 1205 W 10th Street – West Line National Register Historic District – Replace windows/doors, replace stone, repaint. Demolition and relocation permit applications (all total demolitions unless otherwise noted) 7304 Knox Lane – Relocation – 78731 1205 Cotton Street – 78702 10413 S IH 35 SVRD NB – 78747 4700 S Congress Avenue #10 – 78745 1702 E Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard – 78702 1704 E Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard – 78702 3711 Gilbert Street – 78703 4704 S Congress Avenue #16 – Relocation – 78745 4704 S Congress Avenue #15 – Relocation – 78745 …
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, July 3rd, 2024 – 6:00 PM City Hall – Boards and Commissions Room 301 W. 2nd Street Austin, TX 78701 Some members of the 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 to speak remotely, email preservation@austintexas.gov or call Sam Fahnestock at (512) 974-3393. COMMISSION MEMBERS: Ben Heimsath, Chair Witt Featherston, Vice Chair Kevin Koch Carl Larosche Trey McWhorter Harmony Grogan Jaime Alvarez Roxanne Evans Raymond Castillo JuanRaymon Rubio Tara Dudley AGENDA REVISED CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first (10) speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. June 5, 2024 – Offered for consent approval. 1 BRIEFINGS 2. Briefing on community outreach and engagement for the Equity-Based Preservation Plan Presenter: Cara Bertron and Gregory Farrar PUBLIC HEARINGS/DISCUSSION AND ACTION Historic Landmark and Local Historic District Applications 3. PR-2024-014961 – 801 Lydia St. Robertson/Stuart & Mair Local Historic District Council District 1 Proposal: Total demolition. (Postponed June 5, 2024) Applicant: Jennifer Hanlen City Staff: Kalan Contreras, Historic Preservation Office, 512-974-2727 Staff Recommendation: Deny the demolition request. 4. HR-2024-040291– 1807 E Cesar Chavez St. Berner-Clark-Mercado House Council District 3 Proposal: Repair/replace deck and rails, paint exterior. (Postponed June 5, 2024) Applicant: David Rudick City Staff: Kalan Contreras, Historic Preservation Office, 512-974-2727 Staff Recommendation: Grant the applicant’s request to postpone the public hearing to August 7, 2024 to allow time to implement Committee feedback. 5. HR-2024-051579 – 1003 E 9th St. Robertson/Stuart & Mair Local Historic District Council District 1 Proposal: Partial demolition/addition/remodel/build new construction accessory dwelling unit. (Postponed June 5, 2024) Applicant: Joshua Mackley City Staff: Kalan Contreras, Historic Preservation Office, 512-974-2727 Staff Recommendation: Strongly encourage the applicant to reduce the addition’s height further to enhance compatibility with the design standards, but approve the application, as the applicant has amended the design to better enhance compatibility per Committee feedback. National Register District Permit Applications 6. HR-2024-044761 – …
NEW NO CHANGE REVISED ELIMINATED 3 2 / 0 3 / 0 1 I T E S Y T L B S A E F I I / 4 2 1 0 2 0 / T E S G N C R P I I / 4 2 2 0 4 0 / T E S S S E R G O R P G N C R P I I 4 2 / 1 3 / 5 0 I T E S T M R E P DRAWING INDEX ISSUE ARCHITECTURAL TITLE SHEET & SITEPLAN GENERAL NOTES SURVEY TREE PRESERVATION TREE FLARE TYPE I DRIVEWAY DETAILS DEMOLITION PLAN CONSTRUCTION & ROOF PLAN FINISH & POWER PLAN REFLECTED CLNG PLAN BUILDING ELEVATIONS BUILDING ELEVATIONS WINDOW & DOOR SCHEDULE PROJECT SCHEDULE PROJECT SCHEDULE INTERIOR ELEVATIONS INTERIOR ELEVATIONS INTERIOR ELEVATIONS INTERIOR ELEVATIONS STRUCTURAL GENERAL NOTES GENERAL NOTES FOUNDATION DETAILS FOUNDATION DETAILS FRAMING DETAILS FRAMING DETAILS FRAMING DETAILS FOUNDATION/PIER LAYOUT PLAN FRAMING AND LATERAL BRACING PLAN R E B M U N T E E H S A0.00 A0.01 A0.02 A0.03 A0.04 D2.00 A2.00 A2.10 A2.20 A3.00 A3.01 A6.00 A6.01 A6.02 A7.00 A7.01 A7.02 A7.03 S0.0 S0.1 S1.0 S2.0 S3.0 S3.1 S4.0 S4.1 S4.2 EXISTING OVER HEAD UTILITY LINES @ 653.4' EXISTING OVER HEAD UTILITY LINES @ 654.4' FINISH GRADE @ SOD AREA METAL EDGING DECOMPOSED GRANITE SIZE: FINE TO 1/4" PARTICLE SIZE 1 1/2" LAYERS, EACH LAYER COMPACTED 90% W/TOP LAYER MIN. 75% DUST FINES ADD STABILIZER PER MANUFACTURER SPECIFICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS CLASS II AGGREGATE BASE (REFER TO SOILS REPORT FOR COMPACTION RATE IF AVAILABLE COMPACTED SUBGRADE GEOTEXTILE FABRIC " 3 " 4 WEST 32ND STREET (50') S70º43'00" E 63.85' EXISTING NO PARKING SIGN EXISTING FIRE HYDRANT K L A W . C N O C G N T S X E I I 34" HACKBERRY TO BE REMOVED RE: 2024-039448TP 1358 HIGH ADJ GRADE 621.4' " 0 - ' 5 1 LOT 4 621 15' CLEARANCE FROM CLOSEST O/H ELECTRIC WIRE NEW FRONT PORCH TO REPLACE EXTG FRONT PORCH 25' BUILDING LINE EXISTING STOP SIGN EXISTING WATER VALVES EXISTING OVER HEAD UTILITY LINES; TYP EXISTING OVER HEAD UTILITY LINES @ 657.4' 7500 LADLE LANE AUSTIN, TX 78749 WWW.RESTRUCTURESTUDIO.COM CONSULTANTS STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: ARCH CONSULTING ENGINEERS, PLLC 2579 WESTERN TRAILS BLVD, SUITE 230 AUSTIN, TX 78745 512-328-5353 | WWW.ARCHCE.NET CONTRACTOR: MERIDIAN CUSTOM HOMES P.O. BOX 161060 - AUSTIN, TX 78716 512-809-9840 | WWW.MCHAUSTIN.COM …
9 – 1 HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION PERMITS IN NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICTS JULY 3, 2024 PR-2024-026690; GF-2024-043975 WILLOW-SPENCE NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICT 900 SPENCE STREET PROPOSAL Demolish a ca. 1915 contributing building. ARCHITECTURE The 1985 Willow-Spence National Register Historic District Nomination describes the property as a one-story wood-frame house with a hipped roof. A porch supported by wooden columns is located across the eastern three-fifths of the front facade.1 The Historic Resources of East Austin National Register Nomination describes the building as an exemplar of the pyramidal cottage style.2 RESEARCH The house at 900 Spence Street, originally addressed as 810 Spence Street, was built in 1915 by Alfred and Caroline Johnson. Alfred Johnson worked as an engineer at the Southland Ice Company. The Johnsons lived in the home for twenty years, after which time it became a rental. Martha Ann “Mattie” Speir purchased the house after the death of her husband, Nace, in 1943. She took in renters for extra income and lived in the home until her death in 1957. Bastrop natives Bernardino Casarez Romo and Santos Selvera Romo purchased the house in 1957. Married in 1945, the Romo family had 8 children; Bernardino Romo served on the Palm School PTA board. Bernardino Casarez Romo worked as an upholsterer when the family moved into 900 Spence Street around 1959. The Romos retained ownership together until Bernardino Romo’s death at age 97 in 2017, and Santos Romo kept the house until her death in 2021. PROPERTY EVALUATION The property contributes to the Willow-Spence National Register district. Designation Criteria—Historic Landmark 1) The building is more than 50 years old. 2) The building appears to retain high integrity. 3) Properties must meet two criteria for landmark designation (LDC §25-2-352). Staff has evaluated the property and determined that it may meet two criteria for landmark designation: a. Architecture. The building is a good example of the National Folk style. b. Historical association. The property does not appear to have significant historical associations; however, the house’s occupancy history is a good example of the settlement patterns of the district. c. Archaeology. The property was not evaluated for its potential to yield significant data concerning the human history or prehistory of the region. d. Community value. The property was not evaluated for its ability to possess a unique location, physical characteristic, or significant feature that contributes to the character, image, or cultural identity of the …
June 28, 2024 Historic Landmark Commission of the City of Austin City Hall - Boards and Commissions Room 301 W. 2nd St. Austin, TX 78701 Email: preservation@austintexas.gov Re: Opposition to PR-2024-033568, Agenda Item No. 10: 1409 Alta Vista Ave. National Register District Permit Application for “Total demolition” by South River City Citizens Neighborhood Association (“SRCC”) To the Historic Landmark Commission: Please find the following resolution passed by SRCC at its June 18, 2024, general membership meeting concerning the above-referenced item on the agenda for your July 3, 2024 meeting. —----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Whereas the Travis Heights-Fairview Park National Register Historic District (the “District”) has been recognized by the U.S. Department of the Interior; Whereas the property at 1409 Alta Vista (the “Property”), constructed in 1926, is considered a contributing and protected property within the District; Whereas the application to the National Park Service for certification of the District makes numerous references to the importance of the “landscape,” “tree canopy,” and “dense vegetation” (see page 11) and use of design traditions espoused by Andrew Jackson Downing and Frederick Law Olmstead (see page 13); Whereas the Property has seven significant trees that are integral to the character of the Property, the context of the street and neighborhood, and the nature of the District; Whereas demolition of the existing structure on the Property and the proposed construction of two to three densely-packed structures could damage or compel removal of the significant or heritage trees; Whereas the Historic Landmark Commission of the City of Austin is reviewing application number H-2023-043027 to proceed with demolition and new construction on the Property; Whereas, the District contains many examples of new additions to contributing properties; Whereas, the District contains many examples of Accessory Dwelling Units (“ADUs”) added to an original contributing home; Whereas, such new additions and ADUs illustrate square footage enlargement alternatives to full demolition and new construction; Whereas, the recent Home Options for Mobility and Equity (H.O.M.E) Initiative passed by the Austin City Council in December 2023 and May 2024 provides Preservation and Sustainability Bonuses to property owners who retain the original home; Therefore, be it resolved that SRCC, through vote of its general membership on June 18, 2024, opposes the release of the demolition permit proposed under application number HR-2023-043027, unless and until the owner of the Property can demonstrate plans to adequately protect the trees on the Property and preserve the façade of the contributing …
From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: CLIFTON LADD Larosche, Carl - BC; McWhorter, Trey - BC; bc-jamie.alvarez@austintexas.gov; Castillo, Raymond - BC; Rubio, JuanRaymon - BC; Evans, Roxanne - BC; Heimsath, Ben - BC; Featherston, Witt; Grogan, Harmony - BC; Dudley, Tara - BC; Koch, Kevin - BC Historic Preservation Office; Susan Armstrong Fisher HLC 7-3-24 meeting, agenda item 10: 1409 Alta Vista (PR-2024-033568) Monday, July 1, 2024 10:33:29 AM External Email - Exercise Caution I am writing to oppose the issuance of a demolition permit for 1409 Alta Vista (PR-2024-033568). I am Co-chair of the South River City Citizens (SRCC) Historic Preservation Committee and a resident of the Travis Heights - Fairview Park National Register Historic District. Thank you for this opportunity to comment. The SRCC approved a resolution regarding this home, which will be provided to you separately. Because of technical difficulties last month, I was unable to speak virtually at that meeting, though I had signed up and was on the line when my name was called. What follows is substantively what I had intended to say, had the system worked as it should have. I will not be able to attend in person or virtually on July 3. Thank you for considering my comments in your decision. The Travis Heights - Fairview Park National Register Historic District includes 353 acres of the South River City Citizens neighborhood area. It includes the core of the neighborhood and many of the oldest homes in the neighborhood. The district was approved in July 2021, because it meets the required eligibility criteria for protection on the National Register. I urge you to disapprove the application for demolition of 1409 Alta Vista. Alta Vista is one of the most important streets in the National Register District. For example, the 2024 Preservation Austin historic homes tour featured the Mabel Davis home at 1308 Alta Vista, just a block away from this home proposed for demolition. Both the house and the separate but associated garage are identified as contributing structures in the National Register Historic District listing. As such, they would need separate applications for a demolition permit. 1409 Alta Vista is a beautiful one-story craftsman home built in approximately 1926. I appreciate the staff review of this home, though I believe the property may meet the three required designation criteria for historic landmark status, including community value. I encourage you to evaluate this further. …
From: To: Subject: Date: Historic Preservation Office Case GF 24-073048 - 4200 Wilshire Parkway Friday, June 28, 2024 6:02:31 AM You don't often get email from . Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution Hello. I am writing to offer my support for the construction at 4200 Wilshire Parkway (Case GF 24-073048). I am a neighbor, living at 4101 Lullwood Rd. We have seen the plans and appreciate the attention to honoring the history of the neighborhood. We think the new home will be a great addition to the neighborhood. Take care, Trent 512-924-3478 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".
June 27, 2024 City of Austin P.O Box 1088 Austin, Tx 78767 Subject Property: 7304 Knox Lane Dear City of Austin, Please see the attached documentation and application for the relocation of 7304 Knox Lane primary residence. In reference, to the attached Exhibits A, B, and C, that support and reveal the owner’s longstanding communication with the current neighborhood. In fact, over the years the petitioner has stayed in close communication with the neighborhood’s Mr. Charlie Galvin and the rest of the NWACA Board, refer to Exhibit B, email communication. On May 1, 2024 during the HLC meeting Mr. Hector Rivero, communicated that as a resident of the neighborhood he was not aware of this project. So, the petitioner postponed being placed on the agenda for June until Mr. Rivero’s questions were answered. After multiple attempts to schedule a time to meet with him and the neighborhood we did not hear back. Yet, the owner has over the years already met with the leadership and has a longstanding relationship with this neighborhood. The owner has kept the NWACA Team up to date and communication is also placed in the newsletter. We are asking the Historic Land commission to grant us the ability to relocate this house and help another family. Please refer to Exhibit A, in reference to the subdivision that was reviewed and processed by the City of Austin Staff and does meet the City of Austin’s code requirements. In Exhibit C, please find the contractor who has signed an affidavit communicating a successful relocation is possible. We look forward to working with you on these lots. Please let me know if you have any questions or need further information. Sincerely, Ricca Keepers, MUP Keepers Land Planning Exhibit A Exhibit B Exhibit C AFFIDAVIT OF KEVIN WOODWORTH STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF TRAVIS § § § BEFORE ME, the undersigned authority, a notary public in and for the State of Texas, on this day personally appeared Kevin Woodworth known to me, and who, after being by me duly sworn on oath stated: “My name is Kevin Woodworth, I am over the age of 21 years, I have personal knowledge of the facts stated herein, which are all true and correct, and am fully competent to make this Affidavit. I am President of Blue Moon Builders. I have contracted with the owner of the property located at 7304 Knox Lane, …
From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Fahnestock, Sam Re: Knox Lane Development: July 3 Meeting Tuesday, July 2, 2024 12:43:28 PM ; External Email - Exercise Caution To whom it may concern: My name is Christopher Spandikow. My wife, twin 8-year old children, and I live at 7219 Running Rope. I completely agree with Mr Fitzhugh’s assessment provided in his email. I won’t repeat those same points here. Instead, I’ll offer my proof-point. My family also has not been in contact with Mr. Jimmy Nassour even though we live right next to the Fitzhugh and across from the Knox property. I respectfully recommend the committee to not take Mr. Nassour’s word on topics going forward, but would instead suggest that the committee seek proof of all of his claims. Thank you for your consideration and service. Best Regards, Christopher Spandikow Good morning, Mr. Fitzhugh, On Thu, Jun 27, 2024 at 9:18 AM Fahnestock, Sam <Sam.Fahnestock@austintexas.gov> wrote: Thank you for writing your concerns. I will upload your comments for the Commission to review ahead of the meeting. Thank you, Sam Fahnestock Planner II | he/him City of Austin | Planning Department P: (512) 974-3393 E: sam.fahnestock@austintexas.gov 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin, Texas > From: Champe Fitzhugh < Sent: Wednesday, June 26, 2024 1:38 PM To: Historic Preservation Office <Preservation@austintexas.gov>; Fahnestock, Sam <Sam.Fahnestock@austintexas.gov> Cc: Jack Richards < Betsy Clements < Subject: Knox Lane Development: July 3 Meeting >; > ; ; ; Some people who received this message don't often get email from . Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution To whom it may concern: My name is Champe Fitzhugh, and I live with my wife and our 3 boys at 7221 Running Rope. We are directly across the street from the entrance to the short Knox Lane cul-de-sac which ends at the Knox property. At the July 3 meeting, it is my understanding that Mr. Jimmy Nassour intends to speak. Apparently Mr. Nassour represented that he has had several meetings with nearby residents regarding his plan to redevelop the historic Knox property. If that is the case, and I do not believe it is, those meetings did not involve us, despite our being directly impacted by the proposed plans. The development “plans” continue to experience mission creep. Mr. Nassour now apparently proposes 20 ADUs rather than the original single-family home project. Of course all of his plans have …
From: To: Subject: Date: OCEAN Contact Team Fahnestock, Sam Fwd: Please recommend historic zoning for 1500 E 12th Street Tuesday, July 2, 2024 8:21:07 AM You don't often get email from . Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution Thank you for your attention to Item 26. Sincerely, Nate > ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: OCEAN Contact Team < Date: Tue, Jul 2, 2024 at 8:15 AM Subject: Please recommend historic zoning for 1500 E 12th Street To: <BC-Ben.Heimsath@austintexas.gov>, <BC-Witt.Featherston@austintexas.gov>, <bc- juanraymon.rubio@austintexas.gov>, <BC-Raymond.Castillo@austintexas.gov>, <bc- jamie.alvarez@austintexas.gov>, <BC-Trey.McWhorter@austintexas.gov>, <BC- Carl.Larosche@austintexas.gov>, <bc-roxanne.evans@austintexas.gov>, <BC- Tara.Dudley@austintexas.gov>, <BC-Harmony.Grogan@austintexas.gov>, <BC- Kevin.Koch@austintexas.gov> Cc: <sam.fahenstock@austintexas.gov> Dear Chair Heimsath, Vice Chair Featherston and the Historic Landmark Commission: The Organization of Central East Austin Neighborhoods contact team appreciates staff's research and recommendation that 1500 E 12th Street be designated a historic landmark. We encourage you to elevate that assessment to council with your full support. This structure--known in past lives as the Ministry of Challenge, Eisenbeiser Grocery, Club Fifteen Hundred and Fifteen Hundred Beauty and Barber Shops-- has a long and varied history of adaptive reuse and mixed use dating back to the 1890s, and together with the I.Q. Hurdle House (at 1416) and Southgate-Lewis House (at 1501) comprises a historic anchor at the corner of E 12th and Comal Streets. While the Southgate-Lewis House has become the subject of renewed restoration efforts by the longtime owner, the W.H. Passon Historical Society, sadly, the other two properties have deteriorated and languished under the eight-year tenure of a Dallas holding company's entities called Sodosopa Salmon LP and Poisonous Poinsettia LP. As you may know, that company has amassed scores of properties along and nearby E 12th Street, restoring none and building nothing but fences and parking lots. That should not be the future for a high-profile site which, under decades of African American and German immigrant stewardship, provided groceries, libations, personal services, and even rehabilitation and supportive housing. That should not be the future for properties called out in the 2016 East Austin Historic Survey as eligible for landmark status. E 12th Street needs buildings that testify to its past and invite new waves of vitality and community within them; the street has its fill of clearance, vacancy, temporary uses, fences and parking lots. East 12th needs your courage, commitment and sustained attention to prevail and thrive in the face of indifferent actors who mock its legacy with LPs …
July 1, 2024 City of Austin Historic Preservation Office and Historic Landmark Commission Members: It is with great enthusiasm that I join Commissioner Rubio in an initiative to grant historic zoning designation to the Bethany Cemetery in East Austin. I have, off and on over the past few years, had the occasion to support the Bethany Cemetery Association. The fact that the association has been a good steward of this land as well as working hard to preserve its impressive history, allows us to have this conversation today. I look forward to a full discussion on the preservation of this cemetery and its history and look forward to hearing how I can be a part of making this initiative a success. Sincerely, Roxanne J. Evans Commissioner Roxanne J. Evans
Report of Public Involvement and Feedback Updated July 2, 2024 PHOTO CREDITS : DIANNA DEAN, CD&P, TAP-ATX Table of Contents Section 1: Executive Summary Community Engagement Objectives Metrics for Success Engagement Summary Partners Preservation Plan Committee Preservation Plan Working Group Historic Preservation Office Staff Technical Advisory Group Mini-Grant Partner Organizations Community Ambassadors Section 2: Engagement Activities and Materials Summary Engagement Activities Plan Materials Section 3: What We Heard Community Survey Results Section 4: Engagement Overview City-Hosted Events Partner Organization-Hosted Events Community-Ambassador-Led Events Presentations at Community Meetings Pop-Up Tabling Events 1-on-1 and Small Group Conversations City of Austin Board and Commission Briefings Deep Dives Flyer Distribution Unique Engagements Section 5: Plan Communications Videos Newsletter Social Media Personalized Communication Digital Toolkit City of Austin Resources Media and Advertising Areas of Improvement p. 1 p. 2 p. 3 p. 4 p. 4 p. 4 p. 5 p. 5 p. 5 p. 6 p. 9 p. 13 p. 13 p. 14 p. 16 p. 16 p. 17-26 p. 27 p. 27 p. 34 p. 36 p. 37 p. 38 p. 40 p. 41 p. 42 p. 42 p. 44 p. 45 p. 45 p. 46 p. 47 p. 47 p. 48 p. 48 p. 49 p. 50 Appendix p. 51-52 Executive Summary The draft Equity-Based Preservation Plan was created by community members as part of the Preservation Plan Working Group, as directed by Austin’s Historic Landmark Commission. This public engagement report outlines the comprehensive efforts undertaken to inform and engage community members around the draft plan in spring 2024. The four-month engagement window ran from February through May 2024 and built on previous multi-year outreach and engagement (Appendix A). The primary objectives were to raise local awareness of the plan’s creation and gather feedback on the draft plan’s goals and recommendations. Public outreach and engagement were executed by the City of Austin, community engagement consultant CD&P, community ambassadors, and mini-grant Partner Organizations, collectively referred to as the engagement team. The draft plan was developed to be accessible and applicable to all community members, not only the historic property owners and preservation advocates currently involved in local preservation initiatives. The number of self-identified preservationists in Austin is relatively small. In developing the draft preservation plan, the City of Austin, Preservation Plan Working Group, and Historic Landmark Commission sought to expand the number, racial/ethnic, and geographic diversity of people who are aware of and interested in …
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION | JULY 3, 2024 Austin History Center (C05767, PICA 24201, PICA 29995); Chen Chen Wu; City of Austin Planning Process 2021-22 Draft plan developed by Preservation Plan Working Group Fall 2022 Draft plan presented to Historic Landmark Commission • Preservation Plan Committee • Community survey • Focus groups • Technical Advisory Group • ULI Technical Assistance Panel CREATE WITH INPUT RAISE AWARENESS GET FEEDBACK ON DRAFT PLAN Spring 2024 Intensive outreach & engagement Engagement Objectives Priority Groups • Inform the public • Historically marginalized • Gather community feedback • Move the plan forward communities: Communities of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ communities, low-income households, and renters • People directly impacted by the plan: Historic property owners and tenants; designers, developers, builders, and other real estate professionals; and City departments Community Outreach and Engagement Four-month engagement window from Feb. through May 2024 • 45 pop-ups at community events • 17 board and commission briefings • 42 presentations to boards and • 7 deep dives commissions, community groups, and professional stakeholder organizations • 4 City-hosted events • 29 small-group and 1-on-1 conversations Community Ambassadors DEEP DIVE AT AUSTIN CLUBHOUSE COMMUNITY AMBASSADORS (5 OF 9) AMBASSADOR COLLAGE AMBASSADOR DIANNA AND COMMUNITY PARTICIPANTS Mini-Grant Partner Organizations ANDERSON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION CREATIVE ACTION TAIWANESE AMERICAN PROFESSIONALS – AUSTIN CHAPTER Community Outreach and Engagement • 2,409+ people engaged about the draft plan • 2,662 community surveys completed (online and paper copies) • 1,000+ people engaged at pop-up tabling • 590+ people engaged by ambassadors and Partner Organizations • 349 people attended City-hosted events Community Outreach and Engagement Priority Group Survey Respondents Communities of color People with disabilities LGBTQIA+ communities Renters 52% 18% 14% 28% Austin 49.6% 7.2% 5.9% 55.6% Community Outreach and Engagement Race/Ethnicity White Hispanic Black or African American Asian or Asian American Native American, Alaska Native, or Indigenous Middle Eastern, Arab, or North African Survey Respondents (1,447) 37% (535) 22% (319) 19% (281) 6% (92) 4% (53) 1% (11) Austin 63.2% 7.9% 32.5% 8.4% 0.8% No Census equivalent Community Outreach and Engagement HOW LONG PEOPLE WHO RESPONDED SURVEY RESPONDENTS’ ZIP CODES TO THE SURVEY HAVE LIVED IN AUSTIN More than 5 people responded to the survey in 41 of Austin’s 64 ZIP codes What We Heard • • • • • • • “The buildings I cared about have already been demolished.” “We heard a lot of frustrated voices that this …
Sandlin Services, LLC P: (806)679-7303 TBPELS Firm # 21356 July 1, 2024 Historic Landmark Commission City of Austin 301 W. 2nd Street Austin, TX 78701 Engineer’s Letter of Support for Demolition Permit 1500 E. 12th St. – #2024-064274 PR Dear Historic Landmark Commissioners, As the Professional Engineer, we object to the staff recommendation to initiate Historic Zoning or otherwise require a Documentation Package before releasing the demolition permit. As you will see, the public benefits afforded by demolition of the structure far outweigh the marginal benefits of allowing it to remain, and my justification is based on the following facts: 1. This structure type is not conducive nor available for relocation. Anything other than demolition is a 2. Various Civil Engineering Infrastructure items built around the structure are non-compliant with safety hazard to the community. modern safety driven setbacks. 3. Structure proximity to the adjacent major power infrastructure per National Electric Code as also used by the City of Austin is non-compliant. This is a disaster waiting to happen and the structure cannot remain. 4. The structure’s location related to public Right-Of-Way proves compliant sidewalks and sight distance unfeasible, endangering the safety, health and welfare of the members of the public amongst other conflicts. Due to the considerable risk to the health, safety and welfare of the public, it is our professional duty to inform you of the importance that this demolition plan be approved. Should you have any questions or need anything further at this time, please contact me at (806) 679-7303. Sincerely, Nick Sandlin, P.E. President & Principal TBPELS Firm# 21356 1
July 1, 2024 Historic Landmark Commission City of Austin 301 W. 2nd Street Austin, TX 78701 Ownership Letter of Opposition to Staff Recommendation 1500 E. 12th St. – #2024-064274 PR Dear Historic Landmark Commissioners, As the Authorized Agent for the Owner, we hereby object to the Staff recommendation to initiate Historic Designation, Zoning or otherwise require a Documentation Package before releasing the demolition permit for the site located at 1500 E. 12th St for case #2024-064274 PR. Sincerely, Nick Sandlin, P.E. President & Principal TBPELS Firm# 21356 1
From: To: Subject: Date: Eric Standridge Fahnestock, Sam Re: 1500 East 12th street Tuesday, July 2, 2024 4:16:05 PM [You don't often get email from https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] . Learn why this is important at External Email - Exercise Caution Hello Sam, Thank you for the staff recommendation and report on this case. I noticed my correspondence below was included in the back up for the case. Can you please add my public comments from the June 5 meeting shared below. Thank you. -eric Good Evening Commisioners, My name is eric standridge and I have spent over half my life as a resident of Distict 1. Thank you for your service to our city and for the opportunity to speak today. I am here today to make you aware of what is happening to 1500 East 12th street, aka the former Eissenbiser grocery & cafe, east end saloon, club fifteen hundred, beauty and barber shop, palladium club, carol’s record shop and the ministry of challenge aka the rarest of rare building typologies in east austin, a century old neighborhood scale hybrid house/corner store on an intersection that include two other landmarked properties, the Southgate lewis house and the IQ Hurdle house. Recommended eligible, for historical associations and community value in multiple historic resource surveys and cited as a preservation priority by the D1 council member. Is it in rough shape, no doubt, you would be to if you were over a hundred years old and subject to a decade of neglect following all your neighbors being torn down and vacant lots becoming the norm. And yet even today this building still stands. The owner of this obvious historic asset has chosen to begin total demolition without an approved permit. Surely, they and their consultants are familiar with the process, having owned the property for over a decade and subject to numerous code compliance cases, and being the owners of the numerous properties on 12th street including the boarded up and vacant landmark IQ Hurdle house across the street. There have been missing windows, dangling fascia and siding and general despair at this property for all of recent memory. This is a case study for demolition by neglect. How is it that the normal process doesn't apply in East Austin? Can we agree applying for a permit is not the same as getting a permit? Preservation, and adaptive reuse are hard, sure, …
From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Jay Perrett Heimsath, Ben - BC Historic Preservation Office; Ben.Heimsath@austintexas.gov HLC - Item 26 - 1500 E 12th St Wednesday, July 3, 2024 10:46:13 AM Some people who received this message don't often get email from important . Learn why this is External Email - Exercise Caution Chairman Heimsath, I am writing in support of historic zoning for the property located at 1500 E 12th St. This building has tremendous historic significance for the African American and German communities, and is an increasingly rare example of a building that has stood as an important gathering point in our neighborhood for well over a hundred years. As you will note in the report prepared by staff, there is a rich history associated with this building and this location, and it very clearly meets the criteria for landmark status. Please follow the recommendation of staff and the input from neighbors and community members, and ensure that this building is preserved. There are not many chances left to retain such prominent examples of our community's history, and it would be a shame to let another one go. Best, Jay Perrett 404-702-3339 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".
July 2, 2024 RE: Fannie Davis Town Lake Gazebo Dear Chair Heimsath, Vice Chair Featherston, and Members of the Historic Landmark Commission, Preservation Austin exists to empower Austinites to shape a more inclusive, resilient, and meaningful community culture through preservation. We write today in support of designating the Fannie Davis Town Lake Gazebo as a City of Austin Historic Landmark for its historic associations with women in construction, its Mid-Century Modern architectural style, and its community value as a significant site in the beautification of Lady Bird Lake. Built in 1969-70, the Austin Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) spearheaded the efforts to raise funds for what was originally known as the Town Lake Gazebo. The organization commissioned architect J. Sterry Nill to design the gazebo in a striking Mid-Century Modern style, featuring a dramatic geometric roofline with folded plate ridges and valleys. The gazebo was one of the first structures built to beautify the south shore of Town Lake (now Lady Bird Lake), and its design reflects the spirit of its age and its role as a community space. The gazebo was later named in honor of Fannie Davis, a charter member of the Austin Chapter of NAWIC. It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2019. In alignment with our Underrepresented Heritage Advocacy Priority, we commend the Historic Landmark Commission for taking the initiative to honor this significant site of women’s heritage. We wholeheartedly support the designation of the Fannie Davis Town Lake Gazebo as a City of Austin Landmark. Thank you for your consideration and your service to our city. Sincerely, Melissa Barry, President
Austin Parks and Recreation Department 200 South Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78704 July 3, 2024 Historic Landmark Commission City of Austin Subject: Fannie Davis Gazebo Dear Members of the Historic Landmark Commission: Please accept this letter of support from the Austin Parks and Recreation Department for the designation of the Fannie Davis Gazebo as a City of Austin Historic Landmark. The 1969 Town Lake Gazebo was the first public structure built in the effort to beautify the south shore of Town Lake (now Lady Bird Lake), which was created after the construction of Longhorn Dam on the Colorado River in 1960. The Austin Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), established in the 1950s for women working in the construction industry, spearheaded and raised funds for the project. Inspired by Lady Bird Johnson, a national leader in environmental beautification and later the honorary co-chair of the Town Lake Beautification Committee, the Austin chapter began planning and raising money for the structure in 1965. Nearly 100 contractors and suppliers enthusiastically supported the gazebo project with donations of materials and labor. The gazebo was dedicated in June 1970, and then in 1984, the structure was named for Fannie Davis, a founding member of the Austin chapter of NAWIC. The gazebo was designed by architect, J. Sterry Nill, to resemble an inverted morning glory flower and its design reflects diverse architectural trends of the 1960s. The Fannie Davis Gazebo was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2020. Noted for its historical and architectural significance, the Fannie Davis Gazebo joined other properties under the stewardship of the Austin Parks and Recreation Department system with historic designation. The Parks and Recreation Department Historic Preservation & Tourism Program appreciates the support of the Historic Landmark Commission and looks forward to collaborating on the historic designation process. Best regards, Kim McKnight, MSHP, AICP Program Manager, Historic Preservation & Tourism Program Cc: Alyssa Tharrett RA, NCARB, Division Manager, Architectural Development Liana Kallivoka, PhD, PE, LEED Fellow, Assistant Director Angela Means, MPA, Interim Director 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.
July 2, 2024 RE: Bethany Cemetery Historic Landmark Dear Chair Heimsath, Vice Chair Featherston, and Members of the Historic Landmark Commission, Preservation Austin exists to empower Austinites to shape a more inclusive, resilient, and meaningful community culture through preservation. We write today in support of designating Betheny Cemetery as a City of Austin Landmark for its Historic Associations, Community Value, Archeology, and Landscape Features. We commend Sue Spears and the Betheny Cemetery Association for their tenacious advocacy in preserving and celebrating this incredibly significant site of Austin’s Black heritage. Betheny Cemetery was formally established in 1893, though burials at the site date to as early as 1879. The first Black cemetery in Austin, Betheny opened after Oakwood Cemetery ran out of room for Black graves in its small, segregated section. The Bethany Cemetery Company, formed in 1893 by William Holland, Henderson Rollins, Allen Bradley, and William M. Tears, maintained the site until 1933. Bethany Cemetery is the final resting place for hundreds of Black Austinites, including graves of formerly enslaved individuals. Betheny Cemetery tells the story of Austin’s Black community, from slavery and Jim Crow to the present-day advocacy and education efforts of the Betheny Cemetery Association. In alignment with our Underrepresented Heritage Advocacy Priority, we commend the Historic Landmark Commission for taking the initiative to protect one of Austin’s most significant sites of Black heritage. We wholeheartedly support the designation of Betheny Cemetery as a City of Austin Landmark. Thank you for your consideration and your service to our city. Sincerely, Melissa Barry, President
1 HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, July 3rd, 2024 – 6:00 PM City Hall – Boards and Commissions Room 301 W. 2nd Street Austin, TX 78701 Some members of the 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 to speak remotely, email preservation@austintexas.gov or call Sam Fahnestock at (512) 974-3393. COMMISSION MEMBERS: Ben Heimsath, Chair x Witt Featherston, Vice Chair x Kevin Koch ab Carl Larosche ab Trey McWhorter x Harmony Grogan x x x ab x x Jaime Alvarez Roxanne Evans Raymond Castillo JuanRaymon Rubio Tara Dudley APPROVED MINUTES CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first (10) speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. Bonnie Orr spoke on 409 E Monroe. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. June 5, 2024 – Offered for consent approval. HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES MOTION: Approve the minutes per passage of the consent agenda on a motion by Commissioner McWhorter. Commissioner Grogan seconded the motion. Vote: 8-0. The motion passed. BRIEFINGS (June 5, 2024) 2. Briefing on community outreach and engagement for the Equity-Based Preservation Plan Presenter: Cara Bertron and Gregory Farrar CONSENT/CONSENT POSTPONEMENT AGENDA Historic Landmark and Local Historic District Applications 3. PR-2024-014961 – 801 Lydia St. Robertson/Stuart & Mair Local Historic District Council District 1 Proposal: Total demolition. (Postponed June 5, 2024) Applicant: Jennifer Hanlen City Staff: Kalan Contreras, Historic Preservation Office, 512-974-2727 Staff Recommendation: Deny the demolition request. MOTION: Postpone the public hearing to August 7, 2024, per passage of the consent postponement agenda, on a motion by Commissioner McWhorter. Commissioner Grogan seconded the motion. Vote: 8-0. The motion passed. 4. HR-2024-040291– 1807 E Cesar Chavez St. Berner-Clark-Mercado House Council District 3 Proposal: Repair/replace deck and rails, paint exterior. (Postponed June 5, 2024) Applicant: David Rudick City Staff: Kalan Contreras, Historic Preservation Office, 512-974-2727 Staff Recommendation: Grant the applicant’s request to postpone the public hearing to August 7, 2024 to allow time to implement Committee feedback. MOTION: …
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission July 3, 2024 at 6:00 PM Permitting And Development Center, Events Center, Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Environmental Commission will be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely 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 Elizabeth Funk, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov, no later than noon the day before the meeting. The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). Colin Nickells Jennifer Bristol, Secretary David Sullivan Richard Brimer Perry Bedford, Chair CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi Peter Einhorn Mariana Krueger Melinda Schiera Hanna Cofer, Vice Chair 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. 1 Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on June 5, 2024. APPROVAL OF MINUTES STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing on Austin's Drought Contingency Plan and Water Conservation Plan – Kevin Kluge, Water Conservation Division Manager, Austin Water Staff briefing on updates to single family residential landscape transformation activities – Kevin Kluge, Water Conservation Division Manager, Austin Water DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Presentation, discussion and recommendation on the Community Investment Budget – Kathy Mitchell, Equity Action. Sponsored by Commissioners Sullivan and Krueger COMMITTEE UPDATES Discussion on the draft recommendation from the Urban Forestry Committee on supporting Austin’s tree canopy – Richard Brimer Update from the Bird-Friendly Design working group on their first meeting on July 1st – Jennifer Bristol 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 …
2. in a REGULAR meeting on ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, June 5, 2024 The ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION convened Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bedford called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Perry Bedford, Jennifer Bristol, Richard Brimer, Peter Einhorn, Haris Qureshi, and David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Colin Nickells and Mariana Krueger Commissioners Absent: Hanna Cofer and Melinda Schiera PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers Santiago Kathy Mitchell APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on May 15, 2024. The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular meeting on May 15, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Einhorn’s motion, Commissioner Qureshi’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Bristol abstained. Commissioners Cofer and Schiera were absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion and recommendation of Austin Water Capital Improvement Projects located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone for approval to include in the 5-year Capital spending plan as required by Financial Policy #8 – Frida Guo, Financial Manager II, Austin Water The Environmental Commission took a ten-minute recess at 6:16 P.M. Chair Bedford called the meeting to order at 6:26 P.M 1 3. 4. 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS A motion to recommend the approval of the request for inclusion of the CIP projects in Austin Water Utility’s 5-year capital spending budget passes on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Bedford’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Cofer and Schiera were absent. Presentation, discussion, and recommendation on bird-friendly design and building solutions from Travis Audubon – Heidi Trudell, requested by Commissioner Bristol Speakers Craig Nazor Maura Powers A recommendation regarding bird-friendly design and building solutions approved on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Bedford’s second on an 7-0 vote. Commissioner Nickells abstained. Commissioners Cofer and Schiera were absent. Name: 290 Parmer Industrial – 2, SP-2023-0401C Applicant: Ryan Taylor, Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. Location: 10095 E US 290 Hwy Service Road EB Austin, Texas Council District: District 1 Staff: David Michael, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, Development Services Department Applicant request: Variance request is to A) vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut up to 15 feet and B) vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill up to 16 feet. Staff recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the variances with conditions Speakers Ryan Taylor, Civil Engineer, Kimley-Horn A motion to close the public hearing was approved on Commissioner Einhorn’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s …
2024 Updates to the Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plans Environmental Commission – July 3, 2024 Kevin Kluge, Water Conservation Division Manager Agenda Water Supply Conservation & Drought Planning Water Conservation Plan (WCP) Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) Next Steps 2 Austin’s Water Supply Colorado River • Combination of State-granted water rights & long-term contract with LCRA • Up to 325,000 acre- feet per year (afy) LCRA reservation & use fees pre-paid in 1999 • Additional use payments trigger when average for 2 consecutive years exceeds 201,000 afy Centralized Reclaimed System 3 Water Supply Storage Levels 4 Conservation & Drought Planning Texas requires a Water Conservation Plan (WCP) and Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) to be updated every 5 years • Submit to Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) • Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) requires an updated WCP for financing WCP – reduce overall water consumption and improve water use efficiency DCP – water supply drought triggers and response activities 5 Conservation & Drought Planning Water Conservation Plan (WCP) Activities in non-drought and drought conditions Describes • Conservation (rebates, education, enforcement) • Water loss • Reuse Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) Focused on drought conditions Describes drought • Stages (1-3, emergency) • Triggers (demand and supply) • Actions (historically, restrictions) Must be consistent with the LCRA 5- and 10-year goals for Total GPCD, Res. GPCD, and Water Loss DCP Requires Code changes How does this work regionally with our water supply partner? LCRAs Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) Austin DCP must align with LCRAs DCP LCRA recently updated its DCP on March 26, 2024 LCRAs significant updates include: • Adjusting drought trigger levels (From 4 stages to 5 stages) • Adding LCRAs inflow trigger for Drought Stage 2 • Adding specific drought condition water use restrictions 7 Water Conservation Plan Residential Customer Programs Household Material Distribution Residential Irrigation Audits Go Repair! and Plumbing Program Austin Energy All-Star Conservation Kits 8 Water Conservation Plan Residential Incentive Programs 9 Water Conservation Plan Commercial Incentive Programs Bucks for Business • Performance-based: $1 per 1,000 gallons saved over 10 years • Examples: high-efficient fixtures, cooling systems, reusing high quality rinse water • Program resurgence: In Fiscal Year 2024, 18 applications, saving 16.4 million gallons, plus up to 10 more by end of the fiscal …
Landscape Transformation Activities Environmental Commission | July 3, 2024 Kevin Kluge, Water Conser vation Division Manager Why New Water Conservation Measures? Lakes are 50% full Highland Lakes inflow • 2022 - record low • 2023 – 4th lowest El Niño will shift to La Niña Drought Stage 2 restrictions Per-person use has declined but plateaued 2 Landscape Transformation Strategy From traditional landscaping to plants with reduced water needs New single-family residential Potential limits on turf and irrigation Savings goal of 2,490 AF (811 MG) by 2040 3 Public Engagement & Input Public and stakeholder meetings • February, May, June, & November 2022 • August 2023 Smaller stakeholder group meetings Speak Up Austin! page • 2 surveys (256 and 303 responses) • Majority of local responses favored regulating landscape transformation 4 Internal City Stakeholders Watershed Protection Department (WPD) Development Services Department (DSD) Austin Energy (AE) – Green Building Office of Sustainability Equity Office Planning and Housing Department Wildlife Austin (PARD) Austin Fire Department – (Wildland-Urban Interface) 5 Stakeholder Meetings Home Builders Association of Greater Austin (HBA) • Concern about project delays Central Texas Professional Irrigation Association - • Supported increased enforcement • Supported high-efficiency irrigation system components Association of Professional Landscape Architects (CTPIA) (ASLA) Texas Nursery and Landscape Assoc. 6 (TNLA – Region 8) Additional Meetings Other utilities in Texas • New Braunfels • City of Frisco • Model homes with 50% turf reduction • Post-installation inspections (within 1-2 days) • Irrigation check-up • Georgetown • Residential landscape ordinance 7 Steps to Transform Landscapes Build with savings Set customers up for success Encourage alternative water 8 Build with Savings Enhanced Soil Inspections • A minimum of 6 inches of topsoil • Topsoil mix composed of 20% compost • Estimated Water Savings: 10% reduction 9 Required residential plant list • Apply commercial plant requirements to residential • Grow Green Plant Guide as a model Build with Savings Limit irrigation area • Up to 50% of landscape area; front yard or back • Estimated Water Savings: 35% annually per home 10 Set Customers Up for Success Est. Water Savings Potential Cost 22% savings $543 plus labor 10% savings Austin Water inspection 5% savings Austin Water staff time Require pressure reduction devices (new irrigation systems) Require …
