Elon Musk to invite 15,000 people to Austin facility's grand opening "As many as 15,000 people could get a chance to check out Tesla's $1.1 billion Austin-area manufacturing facility next month when the company hosts a grand opening party. The Travis County Commissioners Court on Tuesday approved a conditional use permit for the Tesla event, following public comment on the item." (Kara Carlson, Austin American-Statesman)
Nate Paul's Great Value Storage portfolio purchased out of bankruptcy for $588M "The 64 self-storage facilities that comprise the Great Value Storage chain — founded by Nate Paul, and considered by many to be a cornerstone of his real estate portfolio — have been purchased out of bankruptcy in a $588 million deal that closed March 22. The embattled Austin-based investor is expected to net an estimated $95 million from the deal after creditors and fees are paid, according to bankruptcy documents." (Paul Thompson, Austin Business Journal)
City loses Land Development Code lawsuit appeal "On Thursday, the Texas 14th Court of Appeals upheld a ruling by Travis County District Judge Jan Soifer invalidating two votes by Austin City Council rewriting the city’s Land Development code. Soifer ruled that the city had violated property owners’ procedural rights by failing to notify the owners of their right to protest and holding hearings at the Planning Commission before voting on a new code." (Jo Clifton, Austin Monitor)
Local health officials lift COVID-19 restrictions as infections hit record low "Health officials in Austin and Travis County announced Wednesday that they are lifting 'all COVID-19 emergency rules and orders, effective immediately.' Masking is now optional in most city facilities, except for the airport, clinical settings and jails." (Ashley Lopez, KUT-FM)
Council again pushes off decision on community court relocation into downtown Austin "Plans to relocate Austin's community court into downtown were once again put on hold March 24 while the city takes on a deeper review of the court's location and operations. Austin has been eyeing the historic municipal building at 124 W. Eighth St. as a possible new home for the Downtown Austin Community Court for months. The DACC handles cases for misdemeanors committed downtown and can provide alternative penalties and rehabilitation or other support services for defendants—many of whom are experiencing homelessness." (Ben Thompson, Community Impact)
