After worst financial quarter in years, Amazon puts plans for large distribution center in Round Rock on hold "After acknowledging that it has excess capacity in its nationwide distribution and transportation network, Seattle-based e-commerce giant Amazon.com Inc. is at least temporarily abandoning plans for a large warehouse in Round Rock. Amazon — which earlier this month posted its worst financial quarter in seven years — has put on hold the $250 million project that would have resulted in a large distribution center on a 193-acre piece of Robinson Ranch." (Justin Sayers, Austin Business Journal)
Fully driverless cars are now tooling about on Austin roads "Truly driverless cars — this time with no human drivers ready to take over in case of emergency— are now cruising around Austin. Pittsburgh-based technology company Argo AI says it has begun operating its autonomous test vehicles without human safety drivers in Austin. The company is also testing the driverless vehicles in Miami." (Kara Carlson, Austin American-Statesman)
Nonprofit Foundation Communities to build 8 affordable housing complexes for low-income Austinites "Local nonprofit Foundation Communities is asking for the public's help to raise $30 million to fund its latest effort to build eight affordable housing communities over the next three years for low-income Austinites. The organization has received about 90% of the total $272 million needed for the new communities. Funding comes from the city, the county, local foundations, and private and corporate partners, making this initiative one of the largest affordable housing expansions in Austin’s history. The eight communities are located throughout Northwest, Central and Southeast Austin." (Kaitlyn Wilkes, Community Impact)
Tesoros Trading Company closing on South Congress "South Congress Avenue is losing Tesoros Trading Company, seller of folk arts and crafts from around the world. The 33-year-old business, which moved to its current space 14 years ago, is owned by Jonathan Williams and Kisla Jimenez. They have lined up another local tenant, although the identity of the business was not disclosed." (Sahar Chmais, Austin Business Journal)
As lake levels drop, Austin tightens water restrictions for first time in years "Residents have to reduce their use of automatic irrigation systems, such as sprinklers set to turn on at scheduled times, as the City of Austin enters the first phase of its drought plan. These types of restrictions, which go into effect June 6, are triggered when the city’s water supply falls below a certain level. It's been at least three years since the city has had to enact these rules." (Audrey McGlinchy, KUT 90.5)
Downtown Commission proposes stricter regulation of Austin’s scooter onslaught "Calls for firmer regulation of the dockless scooters, mopeds and e-bikes scattered about the city may hit the desks of City Council in coming months, as a recommendation from the Downtown Commission makes its way to the agenda. The recommendation proposes stricter requirements for providers to remove devices blocking sidewalks, crosswalks and other rights of way and increase fees for subsequently impounded vehicles. The proposal also calls for implementing a ticketing system for riders who violate municipal traffic code or state law." (Kali Bramble, Austin Monitor)
Even without firm plans, Samsung seeks new incentive deals for Austin, Taylor sites "Tech giant Samsung isn't promising additional expansion at its two Central Texas sites — but it is asking two local school districts to set up tax break deals that it could use if it does, in fact, add to its Austin-area facilities in the future. Samsung already operates a multibillion-dollar facility in Austin, and less than a year ago it announced it will build a $17 billion chip-making facility in Taylor. The South Korea-based company has already received tax breaks worth millions from the Manor and Taylor school districts for those projects."(Kara Carlson, Austin American-Statesman)
100-unit supportive housing project clears Austin Planning Commission over Hancock neighbors' opposition "Plans for a 100-unit apartment complex in the Hancock neighborhood that would house people experiencing homelessness are heading to City Council. In a unanimous vote, the planning commission supported a rezoning request from SGI Ventures Inc. for the project. Cady Lofts is envisioned as a three- and four-story apartment building with 100 studio units housing residents referred through the local continuum of care program managed by the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition." (Ben Thompson, Community Impact)
