Mixed Use Meeting Tonight

Tonight kicks off the first of several inform meetings regarding the recently passed Commercial Design Standards Ordinance, and its centerpiece, the Vertical Mixed Use provision. Neighborhoods can decide to opt-in or opt-out of the zoning category, dependent on their desire to reside in a $500,000 condo above a gelato parlor. (We kid, we kid – well, kinda). Tonight's meeting is specifically geared toward neighbors of that Urban Village guinea pig, the Mueller development. That Bed Bath and Beyond they're building looks New Urban to the max!

Meeting happens tonight, Wed., Dec. 13, from 6-9pm, at the Region 13 Education Center, 5701 Springdale. Full press release copied inside.

MEDIA ADVISORY
Event: Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2006

VERTICAL MIXED USE OPT-IN/OPT-OUT PROCESS BRIEFING

AUSTIN, Texas - Dec. 12, 2006 - An informational meeting on the City of Austin's Vertical Mixed Use (VMU) Opt-in/Opt-out process will take place this Wednesday, Dec. 13 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Region XIII Education Center located at 5701 Springdale Road in East Austin.

The VMU option is part of the new City Council-approved Commercial Design Standards Ordinance crafted by a citizen task force, City of Austin staff and City consultants. A VMU overlay would allow property owners to develop non-residentially zoned property in a new way, possibly using the first floor of a building for commercial purposes and the top floor(s) for residential use, such as condominiums. All organized neighborhood groups have been asked to participate in the VMU Opt-in/Opt-out process.

This week's meeting has been organized specifically for all individuals who live, work, or own commercial or residential property in neighborhoods surrounding the Mueller development. George Adams with the City's Neighborhood Planning and Zoning Department will give a presentation and City Housing Department staff will provide information on the decisions neighborhoods will make and how those decisions will affect affordability. A question and answer period will follow the presentations. During this meeting, the University Hills/Windsor Park neighborhoods will have a special session to complete their VMU process.

WHO:
The City of Austin Neighborhood Planning and Zoning Department and individuals who live,
work, or own commercial or residential property in neighborhoods surrounding the Mueller.

WHAT:
Informational meeting on the Vertical Mixed Use Opt-in/Opt-out option that is part of the new
City Council-approved Commercial Design Standards Ordinance. More information about the
ordinance can be found at http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/development/commercial_design.htm.

WHEN:
Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2006 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

WHERE:
Region 13 Education Center, 5701 Springdale Road