02.02 Draft Recommendation - NLTC and SCTC Vision Plan — original pdf

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BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation Number: 20250506-002: North Lamar Transit Center and South Congress Transit Center Vision Plans WHEREAS, the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan aims to quadruple the number of Austinites commuting via public transit from 4% in 2017 to 16% in 2039, and identifies increasing ‘the number of people living and working within a ½ mile of the Transit Priority Network” as a key indicator of success; and WHEREAS, the North Lamar Transit Center and South Congress Transit Center are important community hubs which: serve as crucial transit hubs for the City, providing vital services to transit-dependent individuals; integrate into long range transit planning, including long range plans within Project Connect for Austin Light Rail extensions; and present unique opportunities to create community-driven development on Capitol Metro-owned land, including deeply affordable housing; and WHEREAS, the North Lamar Transit Center and South Congress Transit Center station areas also present challenges insofar as they are both divided by freeways, and urgently need rehabilitative planning to increase safety and walkability for all modes: walking, biking and rolling, and to ensure that safe access to crucial transit hubs is increased and enhanced; and WHEREAS, in Recommendation 20240402-004, the Urban Transportation Commission recommended approval of the Equitable Transit Oriented Development (ETOD) Phase 1 Overlay and urged City Council to consider applying ETOD principles to additional parcels near transit, to ensure robust and growing ridership for Austin Light Rail and our continuing bus services, and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Urban Transportation Commission recommends approval of the North Lamar Transit Center and South Congress Transit Center Vision Plans, and the related Future Land Use Map amendments, with the inclusion of additional recommendations as amended by the Planning Commission. Date of Approval: 5/6/2025 Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)