Design Commission April 26, 2021 Design Commission to be held April 26, 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (April 25th by Noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the Design Commission Meeting, members of the public must: • Call or email the board liaison at (512) 974-1243 and aaron.jenkins@austintexas.gov no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. • Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. • Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. • Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. • Handouts or other information may be emailed to aaron.jenkins@austintexas.gov by Noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. • If this meeting is broadcast live, residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch- atxn-live Reunión del Design Commission FECHA de la reunion (Abril 26, 2021) La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (Abril 25th antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los residentes deben • junta en (512) 974-1243 and Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de aaron.jenkins@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). La información requerida es el nombre del orador, los números de artículo sobre los que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutrales, y un número de teléfono o dirección de correo electrónico. la • • Una vez que se haya llamado o enviado por correo electrónico una solicitud para hablar al enlace de la junta, los residentes recibirán un correo electrónico o una …
DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, March 22, 2021 5:30 PM VIA REMOTE WebEx MEETING MINUTES X X X Beau Frail (District 6) Jessica Rollason (District 7) Aan Coleman (District 8) Bart Whatley (District 9) Ben Luckens (District 10) Call to order by: Chair D. Carroll at 5:34 p.m. Member List David Carroll – Chair (District 1) X X Melissa Hanao-Robledo – Vice-Chair (District 5) X X X Martha Gonzalez – (District 2) Samuel Franco (District 3) Josue Meiners (District 4) Evan Taniguchi (Mayor) “X” Denote Commission Members who were in attendance X Jorge E. Rousselin, Executive Liaison X Aaron D. Jenkins, Staff Liaison X Art Zamorano, Staff Liaison CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: None. 1. NEW BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): CITY OF AUSTIN HOUSING AND PLANNING STAFF a. Discussion and possible action to evaluate and make recommendations regarding whether City of Austin EMS Station 7, addressed at 8989 Research Blvd, complies with the City Design and Sustainability Standards, for the City of Austin: Owen Harrod MWM Design Group. • Owen Harrod MWM Design Group presented and answered questions from Commissioners. • Commissioner A. Coleman made a motion that the City of Austin consider the Design Commission’s recommendation for alternative fencing (Ameristar, Design Master, or equivalent product) to eliminate the razor wire and where possible, add a shrub line or some sort of green landscaping onsite. Commissioner J. Meiners seconded. Page 1 of 3 • The motion was approved [8 ayes, 0 nays] b. Discussion and possible action to evaluate and make recommendations regarding whether City of Austin EMS Station 10, addressed at 5228 Duval Road, complies with the City Design and Sustainability Standards, for the City of Austin; Owen Harrod MWM Design Group. • Owen Harrod MWM Design Group presented and answered questions from Commissioners. • Commissioner E. Taniguchi made a motion that the City of Austin consider the Design Commission’s recommendations to install a Monument Sign closer to the street for increased visibility and for additional landscape elements near the parking spaces both at the North and South ends of the property. Commissioner J. Meiners seconded. • The motion was approved [8 ayes, 0 nays] 2. COMMISSION-SPECIFIC BUSINESS (Discussion and possible action): a. Approval of February 22nd Meeting Minutes. • Commissioner A. Coleman requested that the February 22nd minutes reflect that although Commissioner E. Taniguchi recused himself from Item 1.b, Commissioner E. Taniguchi engaged in a brief dialogue during that item. • Commissioner …
$10/SF of Bonus Area $5/SF of Bonus Area $5/SF of Bonus Area $3/SF of Bonus Area September 11, 2018 City of Austin Design Commission David Carroll, Design Commission Chair Recommendations regarding adjusting the Downtown Density Bonus Program Fee Table Date: To: From: Subject: Per LDC §25-2-586, the Downtown Density Bonus Program outlines the Development Bonus Fee schedule that an applicant pays to the City per square foot of bonus area requested. These fees are then distributed by NHCD to help build affordable housing projects in Austin. The Development Bonus Fees, however, are not the equal across all downtown. The current fees for Residential projects are: Core/ Waterfront District: Lower Shoal Creek District: Rainey Street District: All other Districts: Due to many factors including Austin’s booming economy, the redevelopment of the Seaholm power plant, and the revitalization of Austin’s urban creeks, we have seen large growth in the Lower Shoal Creek, Rainey Street, and Waller Creek Districts in particular. It is now apparent that the incentive of lower Development Bonus Fees in these Districts is no longer necessary and they should be reevaluated. This task had been identified and written into CodeNEXT, but now that the effort has stalled the City is continuing to lose money every day in these Districts. The Design Commission recommends that the Development Bonus Fees in the Lower Shoal Creek, Rainey Street, and Waller Creek Districts be adjusted to match the current Core / Waterfront District fee of $10/SF of Bonus Area. This is an easy fix to an outdated system until the entire program can be reevaluated and will result in many more dollars allocated to affordable housing in Austin. Thank you, David Carroll, AIA Chair Design Commission
DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Date: November 04, 2019 Re: Land Development Code amendments related to the Downtown Density Bonus Program Honorable Mayor Adler and City Council Members, In Austin, high-rise projects that comply with the current Downtown Density Bonus Program (DDBP) can be awarded more than three-times the floor area than the base zoning allows in exchange for what today are considered modest design improvements. The Design Commission is a strong advocate for downtown density, but we also find that the DDBP is dated and does not create public benefits comparable to the entitlements that these projects receive. We are specifically concerned that the DDBP is not well aligned with more recently adopted policy goals including: mobility1, pedestrian safety2, climate and sustainability3, livability and affordability4. For example, a developer may approach the Design Commission with entitlements for an eight-story commercial building, and if compliant with the DDBP, walk away with the ability to construct 24 stories of hotel space (hundreds of units), and 8 stories of parking (thousands of additional parking spaces), in exchange for modest street level improvements5, and perhaps somewhat more energy efficient building design6. The Downtown Density Bonus Program’s gatekeeper requirements do not account for: • Design for ride share queuing and associated pedestrian safety • Public access to structured parking garages or parking demand management systems • Parking structures designed for future re-use as livable space • Downtown mobility planning, i.e. support for alternative mobility options through funding, and discouragement of parking structures, especially if not designed to support transit system. To this end, the Design Commission respectfully requests that Council consider a resolution directing the City Manager to assign multi-departmental staff7 to assist the Commission in drafting proposed code amendments to better align the DDBP with the city’s adopted goals. Input from public stakeholders will play an important role in this process as well to ensure the DDBP remains functional and attractive to developers. Further, the Design Commission recommends that the process to amend the Downtown Density Bonus Program should include an examination of the following recommendations: 1 Austin Strategic Mobility Plan 2 Vision Zero 3 Austin Community Climate Plan 4 Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan 5 City of Austin Great Streets Program. 6 Two-star rating from Austin Energy Green Building Program. 7 Austin Transportation Department, Office of Sustainability, Neighborhood Housing and Community Development with Capital Metro partnership. 1/2 FUNCTIONALITY • If a DDBP applicant receives a …
#CarverMuseumATX THE GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER MUSEUM, CULTURAL & GENEALOGY CENTER Facility Expansion Plan Design Commission - April 26, 2021 / 5:30 pm 1 PLANNING PROCESS We are here Initiation Planning Conception Adoption Implementation 1 2 3 4 5 Needs Assessment Small Group Discussions Preliminary Planning Concepts Draft Planning Report Community Meetings Boards, Commissions & City Council Presentations Final Facility Expansion Plan Submission 2 Community Meeting # 1 - 08/8/20March - July 2020May 2021 / TBDCommunity Meeting # 2 - 10/3/20Community Meeting # 3 - 11/21/20 A VIRTUAL ADVENTURE...! COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & INPUT Community Meetings: x 3 Small Group Discussions: 8 Groups 77 Participants • Performing Artists • Carver Task Force • Civic Leaders • Visual Artists • COA African American Employees • Carver Museum Staff • Carver Ambassadors • African American Resource Advisory Commission Technical Advisory Group Meetings: x 3 3 A Critical Piece of the African American Community in Austin Texas Capitol 1 2 t h S t r e e t Carver Site 8 C h i c o n S t r e e t . 2 9 10 I-35 11th Street 4 3 5 R o s e w o o d Av e . Rosewood Courts Eastside ECHS 7 1 6 1. Texas State Cemetery 2. Rosewood Neighborhood Park 3. Charles E. Urdy Plaza 4. Historic Victory Grill 5. Six Square 6. Huston-Tillotson University 7. Oakwood Cemetery 8. James L.Farmer Jr. Home 9. Dedrick Hamilton House 10. African-American Cultural Heritage Facility 4 GOALS & PRINCIPLES 1. Recognize, respect and reflect the community’s history, culture and heritage. 2. As the heart of Black art and culture in Austin, the plan should advance the vision and mission of the Carver 3. Establish stronger outdoor amenities that connect with Museum. nature. 4. Strengthen the diverse and inter-generational experiences in and around the facility, while meeting present and future needs of the community and staff. 5. Create flexible spaces that could be used by everyone in the community. 5 KEY PLANNING THEMES Explores the multiplicity of meanings and relationship of the community with the Carver Looks at one’s perception and experience of the building and the complex as a whole –includes branding, wayfinding & accessibility Idea of the Carver Experience Program Indoor Spaces Elaborates upon the programs and events organized by the Carver and their spatial requirements Understanding the design and utilization of existing indoor spaces Understanding the relationship …
City of Austin - Design Commission Project Review Application The Design Commission provides advisory recommendations to the City Council to assist in developing public policy and to promote excellence in the design and development of the urban environment. The Design Commission reviews three types of projects: 1. City projects (see page ii for process) The Commission reviews all municipal buildings and associated site plans to ensure they demonstrate compliance with city design and sustainability standards (Council Resolution No. 20071129-046), including those seeking Subchapter E Design Standards Alternative Equivalent Compliance (AEC) (Council Resolution No. 20100923-086). 2. Destiny Bonus projects (see page iv for process) The Commission reviews density bonus projects for substantial compliance with the Urban Design Guidelines for Austin in accordance with the Gatekeeper requirements of LDC 25-2-586 for the Downtown Density Bonus Program. 3. Advisory Recommendations for Private projects (see page ii for process) The Commission will consider Project Review Applications from private projects during its regularly scheduled monthly public meetings and may issue an advisory recommendation in the form of a Project Review Letter to the Applicant. This Project Review Application must be submitted before your project can be presented to the Design Commission for their review. Design Commission requests project be presented in their Conceptual/Schematic Design phase. This application primarily addresses inhabited buildings and structures and their effect on the public realm; please refer to Appendix A for infrastructure type projects. The Commission's review of projects is based on the planning/design principles in the Urban Design Guidelines for Austin. Ensure that all applicable principles are addressed in the application questions and in your presentation. https://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Boards_and_Commissions/ Design_Commission_urban_design_guidelin es_for_austin.pdf The Design Commission supports the vision and principles of Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, especially those that affect the urban environment and fabric. All projects should consider this vision and principles, many of which are similar to the Urban Design Guidelines. Refer to Appendix C for the most pertinent sections of Imagine Austin. The Design Commission expects the applicant’s design team to present their project with those most knowledgeable and encourages the inclusion of sub-consultants at the presentation, when deemed necessary. EXHIBITS TO PRESENT 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) Completed Project Review Application (p.1-6) Existing zoning classification, adjacent zoning & uses, future land use map classification, topography Vicinity plan, including public transportation and connectivity on-site and within quarter mile Site plan and landscape plan Ground level, basement …
DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Recommendation Number: (201804‐02a): CodeNEXT Draft 3 Working Group Memo Motion by: Aan Coleman Second By: Evan Taniguchi Per LDC §25‐2‐586, the Design Commission evaluates and makes recommendations to the Planning and Zoning Director regarding whether density bonus projects substantially comply with the Urban Design guidelines, one of the three Gatekeeper Requirements for the Density Bonus Program. The Design Commission proposes the following recommendations to the third draft of the CodeNEXT: 23‐3E‐1: The Design Commission suggests that the proposed Density Bonus of Max Dwelling Units per Acre be more equitable. This has been concentrated in east Austin and not been allowed in west Austin. This could be interpreted as racially and/or economically bias. Density must be distributed evenly to be effective at achieving affordability throughout Austin. 23‐3B‐1060: The Design Commission wants to understand how the Director determines if off site affordable units propose a better community benefit than on‐site affordable units. The Director shall provide metrics for the evaluation of the production of off‐site units in areas of high opportunity. 23‐3E‐1060: The Design Commission supports this proposed Downtown Density Bonus fee for non‐ residential projects. 23‐3E‐1060B: The draft does not include a fee‐in‐lieu schedule. This regulation cannot be properly evaluated without knowing what the cost to developers will be for the added entitlements. 23‐3E‐1070: It is unclear who the designated review group will be in determining the fee‐in‐lieu schedule. 23‐3E‐2: The Design Commission proposes that all downtown have a two‐tiered Density Bonus Program, like the current program in the Rainey Street District. The first FAR tier should have a properly calibrated affordable housing requirement without a fee‐in‐lieu option. The second tier could have a fee‐in‐lieu option. 23‐3E‐2040: If a design of a proposed project changes significantly after the Density Bonus is approved then it should be required to return to the Design Commission to be re‐evaluated for compliance. 23‐3E‐2050: The Design Commission recommends that the Community Benefit requirements be expanded to include all projects opting into the Density Bonus Program. 23‐3E‐2050: The Design Commission recommends that the Community Benefit options include mobility alternatives that support biking, and pedestrian transit, and manages off street parking and ride‐share loading availability to reduce street traffic and support Vision Zero’s mission to reduce pedestrian fatalities. If they are not providing on site affordable housing, the applicant should also be required to file a …
DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, April 26, 2021 5:30 PM VIA REMOTE WebEx Meeting Minutes X X X X Vacant (District 6) Jessica Rollason (District 7) Aan Coleman (District 8) Bart Whatley (District 9) Ben Luckens (District 10) Call to order by: Chair D. Carroll at 5:34 p.m. Member List David Carroll – Chair (District 1) X X Melissa Hanao-Robledo – Vice-Chair (District 5) X Martha Gonzalez – (District 2) Samuel Franco (District 3) X Josue Meiners (District 4) X Evan Taniguchi (Mayor) X “X” Denote Commission Members who were in attendance X Jorge E. Rousselin, Executive Liaison X Aaron D. Jenkins, Staff Liaison X Art Zamorano, Staff Liaison CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: None. 1. NEW BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): CITY OF AUSTIN HOUSING AND PLANNING STAFF a. Courtesy Briefing of the City of Austin George Washington Carver Museum Expansion, to be presented by Terry Smith-Smith & Co. Architects; Gregory Montes-City of Austin Park and Recreation Department (PARD). • Gregory Montes and Terry Smith, Smith & Co. Architects presented and answered questions from the Commissioners. • No action was taken by Design Commission for this item. Page 1 of 3 2. COMMISSION-SPECIFIC BUSINESS (Discussion and possible action): a. Approval of March 22nd meeting minutes. • Commissioner E. Taniguchi made a motion to approve the March 22nd meeting minutes as presented. Commissioner J. Meiners seconded. • The motion was approved [10 ayes, 0 nays] b. Attendance Reports for the Commissioners • Aaron Jenkins briefed the commission that attendance reports were requested by the City Clerk’s office on a regular basis. Mr. Jenkins provided a courtesy reminder that Commissioners need to attend all meetings if possible; more than (3) unexcused consecutive absences will place the Commissioners in jeopardy of being removed from the Commission. Mr. Jenkins asked that staff be notified of any absence, so that the attendance report and be marked accordingly. c. Officer Elections: Chair & Vice Chair • Commissioner A. Coleman made a motion to approve David Carroll as Chair and Melissa Hanao-Robledo as Vice chair for the next election cycle. Commissioner S. Franco seconded. [Commissioner A. Coleman withdrew her motion.] • Commissioner A. Coleman made a motion to approve David Carroll as Chair and Jessica Rollason as Vice chair for the next term. Commissioner J. Meiners seconded. • The motion was approved [9 ayes, 0 nays] * Commissioner M. Gonzalez was unable to connect into the meeting, due to technical difficulties. …
