C20-2022-003 ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REVIEW SHEET C20-2022-003 South Central Waterfront Combining District and Density Bonus Program. Amendment: Description: Conduct a public hearing and consider an ordinance amending City Code Title 25 to create a new zoning district and modify related site development regulations and compatibility standards; and create a new zoning district for density bonus that includes granting additional floor-to-area ratio in exchange for providing community benefits; to establish boundaries for the new zoning districts located in the vicinity commonly known as the South Central Waterfront; and initiating zoning and rezoning for all properties within the South Central Waterfront District except those with Planned Unit Development zoning, Planned Development Area zoning, and subject to Planned Development Agreement, and initiate necessary neighborhood plan amendments for the properties located in the new zoning district’s boundaries. Background: On June 16, 2016, the South Central Waterfront Vision Framework Plan (Vision Plan) was adopted as an amendment to the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan. As defined in the Vision Plan, the South Central Waterfront district encompasses roughly 118 acres. The intent of the Vision Plan was to leverage forecasted development through a districtwide approach that creates a dynamic people-centered district in Central Austin by: - Establishing a lively, attractive pedestrian environment; - Expanding open space and creating great public places; - Enhancing connections to and along the waterfront; and - Providing 20% new affordable housing units, or approximately 527 affordable units in the district. A districtwide approach had been identified as an essential method in realizing the intent of the Vision Plan. Through this approach, the South Central Waterfront is hoped to become a model for how a districtwide green infrastructure system, paired with quality urban design, can provide an interconnected network of public spaces – streets, streetscapes, lakeside trails, and parks – that provides the framework for redevelopment and districtwide value capture to fund other community benefits, such as affordable housing. The urban development envisioned in the Vision Plan requires modifications to the existing zoning and development regulations. To support the development envisioned in the Vision Plan, the City Council passed Resolution Number 20220915-090 on September 15, 2022, to initiate the development of regulations for the South Central Waterfront area. In the resolution, Council asked staff to create regulations that consider today’s market realities, anticipate future demand, and realize the intent of the Vision Plan to: 1 C20-2022-003 - Create a density bonus program “akin” to …
SOUTH CENTRAL WATERFRONT ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20240401-003 Subject: South Central Waterfront Combining District & Density Bonus Program – Above-Ground Structured Parking Seconded By: Date: April 1, 2024 Motioned By: Recommendations The Above-Ground Structured Parking criteria needs to be refined so that it can align with the Urban Design Guidelines on parking facades and accommodate practical code/layout concerns. Description of Recommendation to Council .1 Revise Section 3.6.1.C.2 to read “Above-ground structured parking may be exposed to a street front provided that the structure’s façade shall be the same as, or of equal quality to, the material used for the street facing building façade. .2 Revise Section 3.6.1.C.3 to read “All above-ground structured parking shall have flat parking decks wherever possible.” Rationale: .1 Section 3.6.1.C.2 requires above-ground parking structure facades to maintain the same materials and treatments as the primary building, which implies that they should match. This contradicts the recommendation in the Urban Design Guidelines/B.5 “Control On-Site Parking” recommendation 4, which states” Structured parking should not be treated in such a way that it is indistinguishable from inhabited areas of the building.”. This also deviates from other COA regulating plans such as ERC Article 4/4/b/c that has the same “or of equal quality to” flexibility that allows for alignment with the Urban Design Guidelines recommendation. .2 Section 3.6.1.C.3 requires all parking decks to be flat, which is contrary to IBC 2021 section 406.2.4 which specifically requires that all parking decks slope to drain. In addition, the verbiage as structured forbids parked ramps, which exist in 95% of all structured parking and are critical to maximizing parking yield per plate. Adding a “wherever possible” caveat would provide flexibility needed to address these code and layout concerns, but I would also suggest that the Planning Department clearly describe their rationale for this requirement. If it is meant to allow for the future convertibility of parking structures, it fails to address the most critical components which would be increased floor-to-floor height, a ramping system that can be easily demolished and backfilled for usable area, and fire separation distances that can allow for future openings. If convertibility is the intent, a much more comprehensive set of requirements should be developed with aid from the building design community and calibrated by developers. 1 of 2 Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: [Staff or board member can sign] 2 of 2
SOUTH CENTRAL WATERFRONT ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20240401-003 Subject: South Central Waterfront Combining District & Density Bonus Program – Affordable Housing Toolkit Seconded By: Date: April 1, 2024 Motioned By: Recommendations The Program should provide the more robust affordable housing toolkit envisioned by the Vision Framework Plan and codified into the 2018 Regulating Plan draft to drive an increased number of affordable units within and in close proximity to the District. Description of Recommendation to Council .1 Add Section 6.1/E: Off-Site Production of Affordable Units The off-site production of affordable units may be proposed if it produces more units or derives a greater community benefit, as determined by the Housing Director. Off-site affordable units: 1) Must be deed-restricted to achieve at least the same affordability period and income restrictions as the on-site affordable units, and may include any combination of new units or units in an existing structure; 2) Must include at least the same number of units and same bedroom count mix as would be required of the on-site affordable units. 3) Must be within the SCWCD or within one mile of the property seeking the bonus. 4) Must include the payment of a fee equivalent to the on-site requirement. This payment will be held in escrow, until a final Certificate of Occupancy is issued for the off-site units; and 5) Must receive Certificate of Occupancy for the off-site units within 36 months of the date that the final Certificate of Occupancy is issued for the property seeking the bonus. .2 Add Section 6.1/F: Land Dedication for Affordable Units Land dedication for affordable units may be proposed as an alternative to on-site production of affordable units. The applicant may donate to the City land that is within the SCWCD or within one mile of the property seeking the bonus, and provides equal or greater value than the fee equivalent to the on-site requirement. .3 Add Section 6.1/G: City of Austin Funding for Additional Affordable Units. The City of Austin may fund the provision of additional affordable units to achieve affordability for up to twenty percent of the units in a Project or may partner with the developer to increase the yield of off-site affordable housing projects created under Section 6.1/E. The City may elect to 1 of 2 subsidize residential units in these developments for rental or ownership purposes in any amount and at any level of affordability pursuant to …
SOUTH CENTRAL WATERFRONT ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20240401-003 Subject: South Central Waterfront Combining District & Density Bonus Program – Continued SCWAB Oversight Seconded By: Date: April 1, 2024 Motioned By: Recommendations Publicly visible oversight by the South Central Waterfront Advisory Board should be a Program Requirement. Description of Recommendation to Council .1 Add the following clause in Section 5.1: “The South Central Waterfront Advisory Board (SCWAB) shall evaluate and make recommendations regarding whether the Project is in compliance with the Vision Framework Plan and the Combining District and Density Bonus Program. The Development Services Director shall consider comments and recommendations of the SCWAB”. Rationale: A continued advisory role for the SCWAB was envisioned in the original Vision Framework Plan and enshrined as an Application Requirement in the 2018 Regulating Plan Draft. The SCWAB provides critical continuity and communication amongst stakeholders and advocates for the District to ensure that the original vision is properly implemented. It also provides the only public transparency into the process, allowing citizens insight into upcoming SCW projects and giving them a platform for direct feedback as SCWAB recommendations are formed. Continued SCWAB oversight is also entirely consistent with the setup of the Downtown Density Bonus Program (DDBP) that served as the foundational template for the Combining District Program. The recommended clause exactly matches the 25-2-586, section C/I/ii verbiage requiring Design Commission evaluation and recommendations as a DDBP Gatekeeper Requirement. The Planning Department has voiced a concern that the Vision Framework Plan is too aspirational and/or too outdated to serve as a basis for compliance recommendations moving forward. The SCWAB does not agree with this sentiment. That document is our only connection to the District-wide, consensus-based, masterplanning effort that kickstarted this neighborhood, and the vision it imparted is sorely missing in the project-focused implementation program. As such, it can still serve as our North Star in discussions with developers, helping to improve project designs and aligning proposed community benefits to the betterment of the District as a whole. 1 of 2 Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: [Staff or board member can sign] 2 of 2
SOUTH CENTRAL WATERFRONT ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20240104-03 Subject: South Central Waterfront Combining District & Density Bonus Program – Green Community Benefits Seconded By: Date: April 1, 2024 Motioned By: Recommendations The stipulated list of community benefits should be expanded to include increased green building ratings and green roof community benefits to align with the environmental stewardship goals in the Vision Framework Plan. Description of Recommendation to Council .1 Add the following option in Section 6.5: Green Building Community Benefit An applicant may achieve bonus area by constructing a project to green building standards that exceed the requirements in section 6.2/D/2. The amount of bonus area that may be achieved is listed in the DBSCW Bonus Schedule. The requirements are as follows: 1) The applicant shall execute a restrictive covenant committing to achieve a specified rating under the Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB) program using the ratings in effect at the time the ratings application is submitted for the project or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) program using the most recently launched version of the LEED for New Construction rating at the time of the project's registration. 2) The applicant shall also provide the director with a copy of the project's signed Austin Energy Green Building Letter of Intent for projects seeking AEGB rating or a copy of the completed LEED registration for projects seeking a LEED rating before the director may approve bonus area for a site. 3) An applicant must submit an AEGB or LEED checklist indicating the measures the project intends to complete to meet the applicable green building requirement before the director may approve bonus area for a site. 4) A project seeking an AEGB rating will be subject to at least one inspection during construction and an inspection at substantial completion. A project seeking LEED certification must submit the LEED design review results and an updated LEED checklist or scorecard indicating the project will be able to obtain LEED certification by substantial completion. 5) If the specified AEGB rating or LEED certification is not achieved within nine months from time of occupancy, an owner must pay into the Affordable Housing Trust Fund the applicable development bonus fee for the bonus area initially granted for this community benefit. The owner's payment will be based on the development bonus fee in effect when the owner pays. 1 of 2 .2 Add the following option in Section …
SOUTH CENTRAL WATERFRONT ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20240401-003 Subject: South Central Waterfront Combining District & Density Bonus Program – Subdistrict FAR/Height Map Seconded By: Date: March 28, 2024 Motioned By: Recommendations The Subdistrict FAR/Height Map should be further refined to align with the Vision Framework Plan’s intent to buffer existing residential and low-density neighborhoods from high density development. Description of Recommendation to Council .1 All Subdistrict 5 parcels South of Riverside Drive should be mapped to Subdistrict 4 and thus subject to a maximum height. .2 Subdistrict 4 should be limited to 500’ of height. .3 The newly added parcels at 601 South 1st St, and 601-605 Barton Springs Rd (West of South 1st Street) should be mapped to Subdistrict 3. Rationale: The South Central Waterfront Vision Framework plan and 2018 Regulating Plan Draft envisioned much lower building height limits (90’-400’ range) and stepped down building heights as they move away from the Northwest corner of the Statesman tract and toward existing low-density neighborhoods. This was a purposeful response to significant Stakeholder feedback, long-held planning/compatibility principles, and a need for enhanced environmental protections/setbacks at Bouldin Creek. The current FAR/Height Map has been completely revamped to address Council Resolution 20220915- 090. It now allows denser/taller buildings across the District as a whole as a reaction to 2024 land values, escalated construction costs, and the need to accelerate development in the area. In light of the preceding, the current map is generally acceptable to the SCWAB with some exceptions. .1 Extending the unlimited height and maximum FAR entitlements of Subdistrict 5 across the originally proposed dividing line at Riverside Drive is incongruous with the Vision Framework Plan’s stated goal to transition height down as it nears existing neighborhoods. In addition, several of these parcels are mapped to legacy lot lines that are likely going to be eliminated via the Developer’s DDA process. .2 Subdistrict 4 parcels adjacent to the environmentally sensitive Bouldin Creek and/or the School for the Deaf should not be allowed 600’ of building height, a number that dwarfs most downtown construction and exceeds by 200’ the highest limit even contemplated in the Vision Framework. That height is also twice the 300’ allowed height in the adjacent Subdistrict 3 parcels, thus inconsistent with the idea of a stepped height transition. 1 of 2 .3 The newly included parcels West of South 1st Street are in close proximity to one and two-story …
SOUTH CENTRAL WATERFRONT ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20240401-003 Subject: South Central Waterfront Combining District & Density Bonus Program – Endangered Open Spaces Seconded By: Date: April 1, 2024 Motioned By: Recommendations The four key Open Spaces in the Vision Framework Plan are endangered by years of city inaction and by the transition from a true regulating plan to an opt-in Combining District Program that fails to acknowledge previous open space masterplanning at any level. While the Parks fee-in-lieu allocation and parkland dedication community benefit in the Program will no doubt help secure both funding and potential park land in the aggregate, developing a SCW Open Spaces Masterplan and Budget are critical in achieving the district-wide vision. In addition, the Program should require that all approved PUDs or PDAs seeking to unwind and opt into the SCWCD in the future, must satisfy their negotiated obligations to these Open Space projects. Description of Recommendation to Council .1 Direct PARD or another City Department to develop a comprehensive SCW Open Spaces Masterplan that further defines how the four open space catalyst projects in the Vision Framework Plan will be designed and delivered in the current regulatory environment. .2 Direct PARD or another City Department to develop a companion SCW Open Spaces Budget that projects estimated FIL funds from the DBSCW and details how these funds, along with other possible public and private funding sources not yet fully explored, will be used to finance the four key open spaces in a timely manner, and prior to those funds being used outside the District. .3 Add Section 5.1.A.5 – The applicant must satisfy all parkland dedication and open space community benefit obligations codified in a prior PUD or PDA executed after the June 16, 2016 adoption of the SCW Vision Framework Plan. The Director shall determine the total bonus area obtainable through the previously negotiated obligations and shall apply them to satisfy the DBSCW Parkland Fee-in-Lieu requirement and/or other community benefits. Rationale: The City of Austin won a US EPA grant from the “Greening of America’s Capitals Program” in 2016 and in conjunction with much stakeholder and public input that year, planned out approximately 20 acres of open space and trail improvements in the SCW area. The plan sought to humanize the district, increase connectivity, respect and promote the waterfront, improve water quality, nurture Austin’s eclectic character and create a welcoming, inclusive gateway to the South …
March 20, 2024 Austin Environmental Commission Via Electronic Delivery Re: Southshore District Combining District and Density Bonus Environmental Commissioners, Please find the following recommendations from the Save Our Springs Alliance concerning the current draft regulating plan for the South Shore Waterfront Combining District and regulating plan. These are relatively abbreviated comments, and we intend to continue to expand upon them as the plan makes their way through the public process. As an initial comment, we would encourage the Environmental Commission and all commissions to carefully study and review the plan. There seems to be a disconnect between the Southshore Vision Framework and much of the draft language that cannot be resolved in a single public hearing. As an advisory commission to the City Council, please take the time that you need to review and make recommendations. SOS Recommendations: 1. Riparian Zone Impacts. Mandate City Council oversight and approval for any modificaOons of the hike-and-bike trail and for any expansion of trails within the CriOcal Water Quality Zone and Water Quality TransiOon Zone. 2. District Overreach. Remove properOes that were not previously included within the Southshore Vision Framework. 3. Maintain Waterfront Overlay. Maintain the current waterfront overlay regulaOons, including setbacks, height limits, use restricOons, and impervious cover limits. 4. South Shore is Not Downtown. Scale back on the downtown-level densiOes within the South Shore Subdistrict of the Waterfront Overlay, which was intenOonally more of a natural aestheOc compared to Downtown. 5. Rezone All ProperCes. Rezone all the properOes within the Southshore District to require compliance with the regulaOng plan and ensure consistency with the Vision Framework. OpOonal/piecemeal compliance will not achieve the community benefits. 6. Enhance Open Space Requirement. Increase the requirements for public open space recognizing the constraints on requirements for dedicated, on-site parkland. 7. Require On-Site DedicaCon / No Fee-in-Lieu. To the maximum extent permi[ed under state law, require that all parkland requirements be met through on-site dedicaOon (removing the fee-in- _______________Austin’s water watchdog since 1992_______________ 4701 Westgate Blvd, D-401, Austin, TX, 78745 • 512-477-2320 • SOSAlliance.org lieu). Please also enhance the density bonus program to include more emphasis on on-site parkland dedicaOon. 8. No Public Subsidies. The enOre district relies too much on subsidizaOon from public tax dollars. Adding a density bonus on top of public subsidies is conceptually flawed. Brief Explanations of Each Recommendation. 1. Limit Riparian Zone Impacts. The Southshore Vision Framework states: “Almost all of …
SOUTH CENTRAL WATERFRONT ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION APRIL 1, 2024 AGENDA ITEM #3 Subject: Proposed South Central Waterfront Combining District and Density Bonus Program Motioned By: Board Member Sullivan Seconded By: Board Member Puzycki Grant staff recommendation, as amended, to create a new combining district and density bonus program governing development in South Central Waterfront District. Date: April 1, 2024 Recommendation Amendments: 1. Refine above-ground structured parking criteria to align with the Urban Design Guidelines on parking facades and accommodate practical code/layout concerns. Revise Section 3.6.1.C.2 to read “Above-ground structured parking may be exposed to a street front provided that the structure’s façade shall be the same as, or of equal quality to, the material used for the street facing building façade. Revise Section 3.6.1.C.3 to read “All above-ground structured parking shall have flat parking decks wherever possible.” Rationale. These amendments seek to correct conflicts with Urban Design Guidelines/B.5 “Control On-Site Parking,” other COA regulating plans such as ERC Article 4/4/b/c. and IBC 2021 section 406.2.4. By adding “wherever possible” provides flexibility for efficient, code-compliant layouts. 2. Publicly visible oversight by the South Central Waterfront Advisory Board should be a program requirement. Rationale. A continued advisory role for the SCWAB was envisioned in the original Vision Framework Plan and 2018 Draft Regulating Plan Draft. The SCWAB provides critical continuity and communication amongst stakeholders and advocates for the District to ensure that the original vision is properly implemented. It also provides the only public transparency into the process, allowing citizens insight into upcoming SCW projects and giving them a platform for direct feedback as SCWAB recommendations are formed. 3. Amend the fee schedule and density bonuses to provide “stackable bonuses” or “value multipliers” to incentivize large, unique or desirable permanent community benefits. Rationale: Value multipliers for certain benefits will incentivize either uniquely large, uniquely useful, or uniquely desirable permanent community benefits as opposed to smaller, disjointed, lower-value benefits. 4. Pursue efforts that increase the number of affordable units within and near the South Central Waterfront District 1 of 2 Rationale: Tap available resources and tools to ensure affordable housing is created within the SCW District or adjacent to it. 5. Amend boundaries of the South Central Waterfront Housing Fee Spending Area to be within 15-minute walk of high frequency mass transit lines. Rationale: Housing Trust Funds collected from SCW developments should be used for creating affordable housing within the SCW District or …
SOUTH-CENTRAL WATERFRONT ADVISORY BOARD SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, APRIL 1, 2024 AT 6:00PM The South Central Waterfront Advisory Board convened the Special Called Meeting at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752 in a hybrid format. BOARD MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE: Jim Stephenson, Chair Felicity Maxwell, Vice Chair David Sullivan, Board Member Ryan Puzycki, Board Member BOARD MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY: Julia Woods, Board Member Isaac Cohen, Board Member Hopie Martinez, Ex Officio (Financial Services - Real Estate) Rebecca Edwards, Ex Officio (Housing) Matiur Rahman, Ex Officio (Transportation) CALL TO ORDER Chair J. Stephenson called the Meeting to order at 6:05 pm. 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. Bobby Levinski from Save Our Springs Alliance shared general comments and recommendations regarding the South Central Waterfront Combining District and Density Bonus Plan. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the South-Central Waterfront Advisory Board (SCWAB) Regular Meeting of the March 18, 2024 a. The motion to approve the minutes was made by Board Member D. Sullivan and seconded by Vice Chair F. Maxwell and passed by a vote of (6-0). Board Member Bazan was absent. DISCUSSION 2. Discussion on staff presentation on South Central Waterfront (SCW) Combining District and Density Bonus Program Draft dated March 27, 2024 by April Geruso of the City of Austin Planning Department. a. April Geruso of the Planning Department presented to the Board a summary of staff’s revised SCW Combining District and Density Bonus Program dated April 1, 2024. No action was taken. DISCUSSION AND ACTION 3. Discussion and action to recommend amendments to the proposed South Central Waterfront Combining District & Density Bonus Program. o A base motion was made by Vice Chair F. Maxwell and seconded by Board Member D. Sullivan to adopt April 1, 2024 version of staff’s proposed South Central Waterfront Combining District & Density Bonus Program. Motion was passed by vote of 6-0 with Board Member Bazan absent. Amendments a. Recommendation 1 –A motion was made by Vice Chair F. Maxwell and seconded by Board Member D. Sullivan to amend staff’s proposal to refine criteria regarding above-ground, structured parking to align with the Urban Design Guidelines on parking facades and to accommodate practical code …
REGULAR MEETING of the SOUTH-CENTRAL WATERFRONT ADVISORY BOARD MONDAY, MARCH 18, 2024 AT 7:00PM Permitting and Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Room 1405 Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the BOARD/COMMISSION may be participating by videoconference. 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 or to listen in on the meeting, call or email Margaret Shaw at (512)-974-6497 or margaret.shaw@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Jim Stephenson, Chair Felicity Maxwell, Vice Chair Conners Ladner, Board Member David Sullivan, Board Member Julia Woods, Board Member Stephanie Bazan, Board Member Isaac Cohen, Board Member Ryan Puzycki, Board Member Vacant , South River City Neighborhood Association Rebecca Edwards, Ex Officio (Housing) Dewitt Peart, Ex Officio(Downtown Austin Alliance) Matiur Rahman, Ex Officio (Transportation) Hopie Martinez, Ex Officio (Financial Services - Real Estate) 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. 2. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the South-Central Waterfront Advisory Board (SCWAB) Regular Meeting of the February 22, 2024 DISCUSSION Discussion on a presentation on redevelopment plans for 500 South Congress in a Planned Unit Development (PUD) application by Michael Iannacone of The Related Companies, L.P. Discussion on the proposed South Central Waterfront Combining District with a Density Bonus Program. 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 Margaret Shaw at the Economic Development Department, at (512)-974-6497 or margaret.shaw@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the South-Central Waterfront Advisory Board, please contact Margaret Shaw at the Economic Development Department, at (512)-974-6497 or margaret.shaw@austintexas.gov.
SOUTH-CENTRAL WATERFRONT ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 22, 2024, AT 6:00PM The South Central Waterfront Advisory Board convened the Regular Meeting at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752 in a hybrid format. BOARD MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE: Jim Stephenson, Chair David Sullivan Ryan Puzycki BOARD MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY: Julia Woods Felicity Maxwell, Vice Chair Isaac Cohen Stephanie Bazan Rebecca Edwards, Ex-Officio Hopie Martinez, Ex-Officio DeWitt Peart, Ex-Officio Matiur Rahman, Ex-Officio CALL TO ORDER Chair J. Stephenson called the Meeting to order at 6:03 pm. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the South-Central Waterfront Advisory Board (SCWAB) Regular Meeting of the January 18, 2024 The motion to approve the minutes was made by Board Member D. Sullivan, seconded by Vice Chair F. Maxwell and approved by a vote of (7-0). Board Member C. Ladner was not present. DISCUSSION 2. Staff presentation on the South Central Waterfront Combining District with a Density Bonus Program by April Geruso of the City of Austin Planning Department. April Geruso and staff from the City of Austin Departments of Watershed Protection, Planning, Housing, Transportation and Public Works, and Parks and Recreation briefed the Board on status of the South Central Waterfront (SCW) Combining District and Density Bonus Program. Discussion on FY2024-25 City of Austin Budget Recommendations. SCWAB staff liaison, Margaret Shaw, provided overview of City budget process and explained all Boards and Commissions may submit recommendations to City Council regarding allocation of resources (funding, staff) by March 31, 2024. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES 4. Update from Active Projects Working Group meeting on January 24, 2024 with developer of 500 South Congress. Chair J. Stephenson and Board Member D. Sullivan shared update on their meeting with Michael Iannacone from The Related Companies on plans to redevelop 500 South Congress. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Board action on Combining District and Density Bonus Program from City Planning Department staff (Chair Stephenson, Vice Chair Maxwell) Presentation by Michael Iannacone from The Related Companies on plans to redevelop 500 South Congress. (Chair Stephenson, Board Member Sullivan) Updates from Working Groups (Chair Stephenson, Vice Chair Maxwell) ADJOURNMENT Chair J. Stephenson adjourned the meeting at 8:13 pm. 3.
500 S O U T H C O N G R E S S M I X E D - U S E D E V E L O P M E N T CONFIDENTIAL : NOT FOR UNAUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTION RELATED A G L O B A L R E A L E S TAT E C O M PA N Y Widely recognized as one of the most innovative and prolific developers in the U.S., The Related Companies is one of the most prominent privately-owned real estate firms in the country with over $60 billion in assets owned, managed, or under development. Founded in 1972 by Stephen M. Ross, Related has become a fully-integrated, highly diversified industry leader with experience in virtually every aspect of development, design, construction, acquisitions, management, finance, marketing, leasing, and sales. Led by visionaries who are passionate about real estate and the future of cities, Related Companies has an extensive track record executing complex transactions across the country with the resources necessary to deliver successful development projects. Related’s capabilities include residential development ranging from affordable and workforce housing to luxury rental and for-sale residences; large format retail and industrial developments; hotel and hospitality opportunities; office developments; and unparalleled expertise incorporating all of these uses, along with verdant and reflective open spaces, into dynamic city centers. Headquartered in New York City, Related has additional offices and major developments in Austin, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., West Palm Beach, Abu Dhabi, and London - and boasts a team of over 4,000 professionals. WORLD CLASS OPERATOR R E L AT E D E X P E R I E N C E $60+ Billion Real Estate Portfolio Owned, and/or managed, and under construction Innovator in Mixed- Use Development Hudson Yards, Deutsche Bank Center (f.k.a. Time Warner Center), The Square Downtown West Palm, Al Maryah Central, Related Santa Clara, The 78, The Grand Los Angeles and Brent Cross Town 67,500 Residential Units 5,500 luxury condominiums 12,000 luxury rental apartments 50,000 affordable and workforce apartments 30 Million SF of Commercial Space Including retail, office and hotel Focus on Gateway Cities New York, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington DC, Miami/South Florida, Abu Dhabi, London and now Austin Developer of Hudson Yards, New York The largest private real estate development in US history, 28 acres, including 20 million SF of development 1 LADYBIRD LAKE 500 SOUTH …
March 18th, 2024 South Central Waterfront Advisory Board Item #3 - Discussion on the proposed SCW Combining District and Density Bonus Program Submitted by the Travis Audubon Society The Travis Audubon Society requested this report on bird safe buildings for presentation to the City of Austin and general dissemination within the Central Texas community. It has been prepared by Heidi Trudell, a bird collision prevention researcher and consultant, who in March 2024 was hired as a technical advisor by Guardian Glass. Passing directly over Austin, North America’s Central Flyway serves as the primary migration corridor1 during spring and fall for hundreds of species of birds. Due to this geographic funneling, Texas is home to three of the top ten most deadly cities for birds2 (Houston, Dallas, San Antonio), making it especially critical to proactively preserve biodiversity. Travis County alone has documented 4273 species of birds, which is more than fourteen states4 have recorded. With bird populations in steep decline,5 and 621 million to 2 billion6 birds dying at windows in the US annually, it is critical now more than ever that municipal leaders, especially in ecologically significant areas like Austin, step forward to reverse the trend. Initial steps have already been taken; Austin’s dedication to bird conservation has already been established by committing to meet the standards of a Bird City.7 This includes a pledge to reduce nonessential lighting during migration8 that comes as part of a statewide initiative9 to address the detrimental impact that artificial light at night has on migrating birds. As Austinites are well aware, however, it’s not just birds that need dark skies to thrive; even outside of bird migration, bats are especially sensitive to lighting.10 1allaboutbirds.org/news/heres-how-to-use-the-new-migration-forecast-tools-from-birdcast/# 2news.cornell.edu/stories/2019/04/chicago-tops-list-most-dangerous-cities-migrating-birds 3ebird.org/region/US-TX-453?yr=all 4ebird.org/region/US/regions 53billionbirds.org 6meridian.allenpress.com/wjo/article-abstract/doi/10.1676/23-00045/498924/Evidence-consequences-and-angle-of-strike-of-bird 7austintexas.gov/news/austin-now-designated-bird-city-working-protect-habitats-and-promote-bird-friendly-practices 8traviscountytx.gov/news/2021/2113-lights-out-for-migrating-birds 9tx.audubon.org/urbanconservation/lights-out-texas 10batcon.org/new-paper-suggests-light-pollution-limits-bat-habitat/ The next step is to address the built environment directly. Glass is a dynamic material; it can reflect habitat or be entirely transparent. As a result, birds are unable to see glass11 unless it is modified. Poorly designed buildings dramatically increase the risk of collision. One way to significantly improve the odds of survival for birds living in or migrating through Central Texas is to ensure that buildings meet bird safe standards.12 Every building that is made bird safe - as new construction or a retrofit - will save dozens to hundreds of birds13 per building, per year. Best practices in bird safe building standards align with Austin’s values14 of …
1. SOUTH-CENTRAL WATERFRONT ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MARCH 18, 2024, AT 7:00PM The South Central Waterfront Advisory Board convened the Regular Meeting at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752 in a hybrid format. BOARD MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE: Jim Stephenson, Chair David Sullivan DeWitt Peart, Ex-Officio BOARD MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY: Julia Woods Felicity Maxwell, Vice Chair Isaac Cohen Stephanie Bazan Ryan Puzycki Conner Ladner Hopie Martinez, Ex-Officio Absent Matiur Rahman, Ex-Officio Rebecca Edwards, Ex-Officio CALL TO ORDER Chair J. Stephenson called the Meeting to order at 7:01 pm. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the South-Central Waterfront Advisory Board (SCWAB) Regular Meeting of the February 22, 2024 The motion to approve the minutes was made by Board Member D. Sullivan, seconded by Vice Chair F. Maxwell and approved by a vote of (8-0). DISCUSSION 2. Discussion on a presentation on redevelopment plans for 500 South Congress in a Planned Unit Development (PUD) application by Michael Iannacone of The Related Companies, L.P. Michael Iannacone, Executive Vice President, and Dawood Rouben, Vice President, of The Related Companies, L.P. briefed the Board on redevelopment plans for 500 South Congress through a powerpoint presentation and video. No action was taken 3. Discussion on the proposed South Central Waterfront Combining District with a Density Bonus Program. Public speaker Maureen Powers from Texas Audubon Society requested SCWAB consider including in their recommendation “bird safe design” and other elements that support biodiversity in SCW District. No action was taken. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Special called meeting on April 1, 2024 for Board action on Combining District and Density Bonus Program from City Planning Department staff (Chair Stephenson, Vice Chair Maxwell) Updates from Working Groups (Chair Stephenson, Vice Chair Maxwell) ADJOURNMENT Chair J. Stephenson adjourned the meeting at 8:13 pm. The minutes were approved at the April 1, 2024 Special Called Meeting on a motion from Board Member D. Sullivan and seconded by Vice Chair F. Maxwell on a 6-0 vote. (Absent: Board Member S. Bazan and Board Member C. Ladner)
SOUTH-CENTRAL WATERFRONT ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 18, 2024, AT 6:00PM The South Central Waterfront Advisory Board convened the Regular Meeting at the Permitting and Development Center Room 1401, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752 in a hybrid format. BOARD MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE: Jim Stephenson, Chair David Sullivan BOARD MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY: Conners Ladner Julia Woods Felicity Maxwell, Vice Chair Isaac Cohen Rebecca Edwards, Ex-Officio Housing Hopie Martinez, Ex-Officio Financial Services-Real Estate CALL TO ORDER Chair J. Stephenson called the Meeting to order at 6:05 pm. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the South-Central Waterfront Advisory Board (SCWAB) Regular Meeting of the November 20, 2023 The motion to approve the minutes was made by Board Member D. Sullivan, seconded by Vice Chair F. Maxwell and approved by a vote of (5-0). Board Member C. Ladner was not present. BRIEFINGS 2. Staff presentation on the South Central Waterfront Combining District with a Density Bonus Program by April Geruso, Tyler Tripp, and Chad Sharrard of the City of Austin Planning Department. April Geruso, Tyler Tripp and Chad Sharrard of the City of Austin Planning Department briefed the Board on status of the South Central Waterfront (SCW) Combining District and Density Bonus Program. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES Update from the Community Benefits, Infrastructure and Regulating Plan Working Group 3. Chair Stephenson provided the update that the Working Group met on Tuesday, January 16, 2023, with Planning Department staff to review SCW Combining District and Density Bonus Program. Update from Active Projects Working Group. 4. Chair J. Stephenson, Vice Chair F. Maxwell and Board Member D. Sullivan volunteered to serve on the Active Projects Working Group, established in 2019. The Working Group plans to convene a meeting with the developer of 500 South Congress to review and discuss their redevelopment plans. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Combining District and Density Bonus Program update from City Planning Department staff (Chair Stephenson); Updates from Working Groups (Chair Stephenson) ADJOURNMENT Chair J. Stephenson adjourned the meeting at 7:32 pm.
1. REGULAR MEETING of the SOUTH-CENTRAL WATERFRONT ADVISORY BOARD THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024 AT 6:00PM Permitting and Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the BOARD/COMMISSION may be participating by videoconference. 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 or to listen in on the meeting, call or email Margaret Shaw at (512)-974-6497 or margaret.shaw@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Jim Stephenson, Chair Felicity Maxwell, Vice Chair Conners Ladner, Board Member David Sullivan, Board Member Julia Woods, Board Member Stephanie Bazan, Board Member Isaac Cohen, Board Member Ryan Puzycki, Board Member Vacant , South River City Neighborhood Association Rebecca Edwards, Ex Officio (Housing) Dewitt Peart, Ex Officio(Downtown Austin Alliance) Matiur Rahman, Ex Officio (Transportation) Hopie Martinez, Ex Officio (Financial Services - Real Estate) 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 Approve the minutes of the South-Central Waterfront Advisory Board (SCWAB) Regular Meeting of January 18, 2024. DISCUSSION Discussion on staff presentation on the South Central Waterfront Combining District with a Density Bonus Program by April Geruso of the City of Austin Planning Department. 3. Discussion on FY2024-25 City of Austin Budget Recommendations. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES Update from Active Projects Working Group on meeting of January 24, 2024 with developer of 500 South Congress. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Note: City Code requires two board members sponsor an item to be included on an agenda. This section of the agenda provides members an opportunity to request items for future agendas. Staff should assume that if there is no objection from other members expressed at the meeting, the members’ silence indicates approval for staff to include on the next agenda. 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 …
