Recommendation 20240813-004: Disposition and use of the Browning Hangar, including a potential amendment to the Mueller MDA — original pdf

Recommendation

RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL Robert Mueller Municipal Airport Plan Implementa�on Commission Recommenda�on Number (20240813-004) Concerning the Disposition of the Mueller Browning Bow-Trussed Hangar WHEREAS the Mueller Master Development Agreement (MDA) calls for a Plan to retain the Browning Bow-Trussed Hangar due to its historical significance: WHEREAS the Hangar is treated as historic due to the exposed wood bow-trusses and the over 80-year storied history of the facility; WHEREAS the Mueller Redevelopment and Reuse Plan (2000) iden�fied the Hangar for community ac�vi�es and/or publicly oriented uses; WHEREAS the Hangar structure has, at considerable expense, been stabilized and a new roof covering installed (in 2007-2008); WHEREAS the Hangar, since 2008, has been u�lized mostly for free by the public, small groups, and Mueller Lake Park patrons (in addi�on to paid users, with reserva�ons through Catellus) – contribu�ng to the great success of the park, with the Hangar and property a widely recognized public amenity; WHEREAS the Hangar is closely associated by the public with Mueller Lake Park, due to its proximity to the Park; and there is a community effort dedicated to preserving the Hangar as a public amenity and gathering space, as well as community concerns of it not being free and open to the public; WHEREAS the Master Development Agreement states, in Article 8.9(a), that the Long-Term Plan for the Hangar “may include the sale or lease of the Bow-Trussed Hangar.” NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the RMMA PIAC recommends the Aus�n City Council consider; • That the Long-Term Plan will consider the lease, in addi�on to the sale, of the Bow-Trussed Hangar and property. • Ensuring the Hangar has public accessibility by way of a restric�ve covenant, pedestrian access easement, or similar means. Term Plan. • That the provision of food, beverages and public restrooms at the Hangar be considered as part of the Long- • That Historic Zoning be pursued with the City of Aus�n Historic Landmark Commission. • That a City of Aus�n partnership with a community-based nonprofit organiza�on be considered as part of a long- term Hangar management plan, including exploring the possible establishment of a conservancy for support. Date of Approval: August 13, 2024 (END) Record of the vote: 8-0; Commissioner Sokolic abstained; Commissioners Luecke and Neider were absent. Atest: _____________________________________________ Kate Clark, Staff Liaison Robert Mueller Municipal Airport Plan Implementa�on Advisory Commission