Sustainable Development

Is it possible to build high density, sustainable, mixed use developments close to Lady Bird Lake while still preserving the integrity of the landscape? That is the question facing the Austin City Council this week. The current proposed development includes a building with a maximum height of 90 feet (7 stories) exceeding the current city maximum of 60 feet.

There seems to be gray area in the interpretation of the height restrictions along the lake. The attorney for the project, Steve Drenner, was quoted in the Austin American Statesman in August saying that "the project meets or exceeds the city's requirements for planned unit development zoning, which allows more density in large, mixed use projects if developers provide certain benefits".

Some of those proposed benefits are additional roads, bike paths, and street level retail space. The developers would also donate $225,000 to the city's parks system and for a police substation nearby. The proposed project is 390 feet from the shore at its closet point, on the south side of Lakeshore Blvd., with Lakeshore Park between the development and Lady Bird Lake.

Save Town Lake and the East Riverside/Oltorf Neighborhood Planning Area groups are concerned about preserving the waterfront and staying within the City Guidelines. They are also concerned with losing affordable housing in the neighborhood, an apartment building (lower income) will be demolished if the proposal is approved, with no plans for relocation of the residents.

As I see it, this could be a win-win situation for both sides.  Currently, the 30 acre site is in shambles, and does not encourage visitors along the banks of Lady Bird Lake. The apartments are in disarray with no plans for improvement and the crime rate is high. The site is not directly adjacent to the lake, but  provides for beautification of existing and future park space.  The proposed development encourages urban renewal, uses less land space and provides for a more sustainable living environment than currently exists. A flourishing neighborhood with public shops, restaurants and parks fits into the Austin's vision of re-gentrification of the city.

While the height restrictions may be in question, there are a handful of other developments which exceed the proposed 90' maximum.  Most recently the Milago (142') and Legacy at the Lake (339'), neither of which have park land included.  The San Jacinto Bldg (324'), Four Seasons (140'), Hyatt Regency (185') and Radisson (129') all exceed the current maximum height restrictions and have improved the waterfront sites to which they are adjacent.

A well planned, flourishing, sustainable development has got to be better than the high crime, run down neighborhood that currently exists on this site. Hopefully the neighborhood associations, Save Town Lake group and the developers will find a way to work together and make this work for the entire community.

If the City Council does approve this or any other development, it will be their responsibility to monitor its' progress.  They must be sure that promises to improve the sites with park land, shops and pedestrian friendly trails are completed. 

Active input from the community has helped Austin grow while preserving its' green spaces. Please take the time to get informed. For more information about the proposed vote on Thursday: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/council/

Click on the Contact button on the bottom left side of the page to email the council members with your opinions.

FYI~Grist named Austin the 6th most sustainable city in the US in July.  http://www.grist.org/article/2009-07-16-sustainable-green-us-cities/PALL/