Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signs bill to rein in local control, restrict cities and counties "State lawmakers have successfully asserted further authority over city and county governments after Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law a bill that preempts localities from being able regulate certain issues in their communities. Touted by Republicans as a way to bring uniformity across the state, the Texas Regulatory Consistency Act would bring piecemeal regulations in cities and counties in line with state rules and control." (Hogan Gore, Austin American-Statesman)
On East 11th Street, mixed-use community planned with focus on affordability, preservation "East Austin's Black Cultural District could soon see two largely empty lots transformed into mixed-use development in a unique project meant to honor the rich history of the area. The Austin Economic Development Corp. has been tasked by the Urban Renewal Board of the city of Austin to find a developer for the two parcels known in city planning documents as Block 16 and Block 18 — roughly two blocks east of I-35 and one block from Franklin Barbecue. AEDC will soon issue a request for proposal." (Cody Baird, Austin Business Journal)
Historic commission approves height bump for new development on Sixth Street downtown "Plans to bring buildings as tall as 10 stories or more along East Sixth Street downtown are moving along as part of Stream Realty Partners' push to breathe new life into the entertainment district." (Ben Thompson, Community Impact)
Riverside Place Could Be Austin’s Next Big Strip Mall Redevelopment "A demolition permit filed with the city earlier this month could point to a redevelopment of the Riverside Place shopping center in Southeast Austin. Located at 2410 East Riverside Drive near the intersection with South Pleasant Valley Road, the approximately 10-acre strip mall was purchased in 2019 by an LLC associated with local development firm Endeavor Real Estate Group." (James Rambin, Towers)
City advised not to assist flood victims from April 20 storm "The head of the Watershed Protection Department has advised the city against offering direct assistance to homeowners flooded during an April 20 storm, due to concerns that action could set a precedent for future natural disasters." (Austin Monitor)
