Tesla could take over old H-E-B "Tesla Inc. looks to be moving into an aging shopping center in Southwest Austin. The electric car manufacturer is planning a nearly 65,000-square-foot facility at 7010 W. State Highway 71, according to a June 12 filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. That would be in the Kimco Realty Corp.-owned Center of the Hills, right next to the intersection known as "the Y," where SH 71 splits from U.S. Route 290." (Sahar Chmais, Austin Business Journal)
Texas state Supreme Court rules that ERCOT enjoys sovereign immunity "In a divided decision, the Texas State Supreme Court has ruled that ERCOT, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, cannot be sued because it is a necessary, state authorized entity. 'Sovereign immunity' stems from feudal times when a King or Queen, or agent of the sovereign, was legally immune from legal challenges." ( Ed Hirs, KVUE-ABC)
Landmark commission pushes for ‘partnership’ on Sixth Street redevelopment "Despite trepidation from developers, the Historic Landmark Commission has recommended a heftier review process for Sixth Street properties slated to be redeveloped under proposed regulations. The code amendments, which were initiated by City Council in June 2022, could raise height limits to 140 feet for buildings on Sixth Street between Neches and Sabine streets. Council’s resolution also asked the city to create design standards 'with specific guidelines for the preservation of facades on historic structures, to ensure any redevelopment is compatible with the character of the historic district.'" (Elizabeth Pagano, Austin Monitor)
Lake Travis ISD calls election for $143M bond centered on athletic upgrades "The Lake Travis ISD board of trustees approved a November election for a $143 million bond considering new athletic facilities and stadiums for each sport at High School No. 2, which will open in August 2027, as well as infrastructure at Lake Travis High School." (Brooke Miller, Community Impact)
Family-owned developer plans North Austin townhomes "Luxury townhomes could soon be coming to North Austin from a local, family-owned builder and developer.Cedar Park-based PrimeHaven Homes LLC is navigating the permitting process for its Sonora project on Kramer Lane but leaders hope to break ground at the start of 2024, said Naeem Mahesania, one a partner in the company." (Cody Baird, Austin Business Journal)
Hispanics officially make up the biggest share of Texas’ population, new census numbers show "In new figures released Thursday, the [U.S. Census] bureau confirmed Latinos have made up the largest share of the state’s population since at least July 2022. The new population figures show Hispanic Texans made up 40.2% of the state’s population last summer, barely edging out non-Hispanic white Texans, who made up 39.8%." (Alex Ura, Texas Tribune)
