Joggers winding along Richard Suttle trail. Credit: Photo by John Anderson

In an argument that’s gone on so long the lake has changed its name, the city moved closer to rejecting plans to allow development closer to the shores of Lady Bird Lake. Last night, the Planning Commission voted unanimously against agenda items 4 and 5, the two easement variants sought by CWS Capital Partners LLC. This would have allowed them to move their secondary setback line from the river forward 50 ft, and 130ft on East Bouldin Creek, pushing their proposed developments at 222 and 300 East Riverside much closer to the waterfront.

Unsurprisingly, local activists Save Town Lake (will they become Save Lady Bird Lake soon?) are treating this as a major victory. It still has to be taken up by the council, but with vocal opposition from Mike Martinez, Jennifer Kim, Sheryl Cole and Lee Leffingwell, it seems likely that CWS will withdraw to lick their wounds and come up with another plan.

This article appears in October 5 • 2007.

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The Chronicle's first Culture Desk editor, Richard has reported on Austin's growing film production and appreciation scene for over a decade. A graduate of the universities of York, Stirling, and UT-Austin, a Rotten Tomatoes certified critic, and eight-time Best of Austin winner, he's currently at work on two books and a play.