Government
BY BEN THOMPSON
Residents react to proposed ‘HOME’ plan Hundreds of Austinites registered to testify Oct. 26 on a city land-use proposal that, if approved, could end up bringing added housing density to neighborhoods across the city. The big picture The main topic at hand Oct. 26 was one half of the Home Options for Middle-income Empower- ment initiative drafted by council member Leslie Pool. The act’s first phase now being debated would allow up to three housing units on all single-family property in Austin. Additionally, other city rules related to two-unit projects and regulations governing the number of people allowed to live together could also be changed. Nearly 300 people signed up to share their stances as for, against or undecided on the increased unit allowances in Austin’s single-family areas.
Council taps city manager search firm Mosaic Public Partners will lead the national search for Austin’s next city manager, the appointed head of local government. The details After vetting several interested firms, a City Council subcommittee picked Mosaic to handle candidate recruitment and public engagement for a $150,000 contract. A search timeline isn’t finalized but officials previously said they hoped to install a new manager by next fall. “This is a big, big, big decision on behalf of the city, one of the biggest decisions that we will take on as a group and as a council,” Mayor Kirk Watson said. “We want to make sure we take the appropriate amount of time and we don’t limit ourselves.”
What they’re saying
Proponents of the HOME plan said it would: • Increase affordability • Maintain Austin’s diversity • Give developers more options to reach more buyers Opponents of the HOME plan said it would: • Threaten suburban lifestyles • Exacerbate existing infrastructure problems • Result in high-end multifamily units rather than single family homes
SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT
What’s next Council will discuss amendments to the plan during the Nov. 28 work session Residents can provide feedback at the Dec. 7 City Council meeting, after which council mem- bers plan to take a vote on the measure.
Child care centers allowed in more places in Austin Austinites seeking to open child or adult care centers across the city now have more options from which to choose. The breakdown
Expanding child care Some of the changes codified Oct. 19 include:
simplify options for child care development in residential areas citywide. The move is based on a proposal from council member Vanessa Fuentes. The new regulations increase the available space for commercial child care centers in Austin by about 77,000 acres—more than 250%, according to a staff report.
Creating a new zoning designation for child care centers
Expanding land-use allowances for child care centers across the city
In an attempt to streamline the process of estab- lishing child care centers and make services more accessible, City Council voted to greatly expand local land-use allowances for such facilities and
Increasing the number of enrolled members allowed at child care centers
SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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