Austin bars could soon be free of minimum parking requirements "Bars in Austin soon may no longer be required to provide parking spaces onsite under a new proposal from Austin City Council designed to both discourage drunk driving and assist local businesses." (Ben Thompson, Community Impact)
More Than 2,000 Homes Could Replace This Massive East Austin Industrial Site "An approximately 71-acre industrial site east of Highway 183 near the Colorado River could redevelop as a mixed-use project with 2,219 new residences, according to a rezoning application filed with the city this week by law firm Armbrust & Brown on behalf of the land’s owners at Texas Materials Group, which currently operates concrete and asphalt manufacturing plants on the property." (James Rambin, Towers)
As Southeast Austin growth explodes, a new golf course is in the works "A new members-only project called Austin Beach Club is in the early stages of launching on 63 acres along the Colorado River. ... The property at 9521 Hergotz Lane, which is valued at $1.3 million according to the Travis Central Appraisal District, was originally a homestead and ranch owned by the Hergotz family, which has longtime roots in the area. " (Lori Hawkins, Austin American-Statesman)
On Thursday, the Texas House passed a $12 billion proposal aimed at providing property tax relief to property owners across the state "House Bill 2, authored by State Rep. Morgan Meyer and backed by House Speaker Dade Phelan, passed the full House in an overwhelming 140-9 vote. It still needs to pass a final vote in the chamber before going to the Senate for approval – or disapproval." (Natalie Haddad, KVUE-ABC)
Planning Commission moves to create new zoning category to allow more housing "The new zoning category, called Town Zoning (TZ), would let developers choose regulations like building height, compatibility setbacks and parking requirements for a property, and then ask for city approval." (Jonathan Lee, Austin Monitor)
Austin-Round Rock has the best housing market for growth and stability, new study says "In SmartAsset’s report, Austin-Round Rock earned its best housing market title due to its eye-watering 354 percent home price increase since 1998, which is vastly greater than any other area in the country." (Amber Heckler, CultureMap Austin)
Broken Spoke dance hall gets the Texas stamp of approval: a historical marker "The marker is precisely that — a marker. While it doesn’t give the Broken Spoke any additional financial or material perks, it does signal the state's recognition of the venue's historical significance." (KUT 90.5)
Chinese laser company that works with Samsung may set up major factory in Manor "A limited liability company tied to a multibillion-dollar Chinese industrial laser business has purchased 262 acres in Manor, where it could build a large manufacturing facility that employs hundreds." (Justin Sayers and Cody Baird , Austin Business Journal)