FYI: The draft Station Area Plan for two of Austin’s future transit-oriented districts – MLK and Plaza Saltillo – is ready for a broad public vetting. The plans address redevelopment of areas surrounding two future Eastside stops on Capital Metro’s commuter rail Red Line. (A third plan for the Lamar/Justin Lane TOD will be ready by early April.) The plans promote development bonuses to help reach the city’s TOD goal of 25% affordable housing; achieving it no doubt will require subsidies and other financial strategies, as well. The two SAPs were presented to the Planning Commission March 11. Citizens are encouraged to attend the plans’ public presentation to City Council on March 20 (scheduled after 4pm). Check out the city’s TOD website to view the draft plans – here for MLK Station Area Plan info and here for Plaza Saltillo Station.
Speaking of urban development, City Hall will play host on March 19 to another work session on its draft ordinance to strengthen planned unit developments, large tracts of city land with PUD zoning. (Think of the former Concordia University campus.) Now drafted are specific public-benefit criteria and standards, required to merit the needed “superior” designation. They include open space, environment (e.g., water-quality controls), green building, public art, Great Streets Program compliance, community amenities, transportation (bike routes), building design, street uses below parking garages, and affordable housing. Request a copy from andrew.moore@ci.austin.tx.us before attending the 9-11am session.
This article appears in March 7 • 2008.