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Austin Planning Commission Recommends Change for Manor Road Lot

Local residents gathering to discuss urban development concerns at an Austin Planning Commission meeting.

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News Summary

The Austin Planning Commission has unanimously recommended removing a lot on Manor Road from the Martin Luther King Jr. Transit-Oriented Development district. This decision allows for potential higher-density development amidst growing community concerns about aesthetics and infrastructure impact. With plans for an 81-unit building reaching 90 feet, local residents have voiced opposition, seeking more discussion on the matter. The City Council will review the proposal, putting the future of the site in doubt as the community advocates for adjustments to address their needs.

Austin City Planning Commission Decision

On March 11, 2023, the Austin Planning Commission cast a unanimous vote to recommend the removal of a lot located at 2967 Manor Road from the Martin Luther King Jr. Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) district. This decision follows a prior meeting on January 28, where local opposition led to a postponement of the vote to allow for additional community discussion.

Background of the Lot and Development Plans

The lot in question, currently occupied by a garage, was acquired by Austin Growth Ventures, a real estate developer, in 2022. The company proposes to construct an 81-unit development that would reach a height of 90 feet, should the removal from the TOD be approved. The TOD, which was established in 2009, aimed to foster dense, pedestrian-friendly development near the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard stop on Capital Metro’s Red Line. However, the district imposes a height limit of 60 feet for new buildings within its jurisdiction.

Community Concerns

During the recent Planning Commission meeting, over a dozen neighbors voiced strong opposition to the proposed changes. Concerns centered around issues including drainage, traffic, and the potential negative aesthetic impact associated with the increased building height. Residents, including local community members, criticized the development for failing to provide significant community benefits.

Several residents expressed their wish for another postponement of the decision to allow for further discussion regarding the project’s implications on the neighborhood.

Proposed Zoning Changes and Planning Department Support

In addition to removing the lot from the TOD, Austin Growth Ventures has also requested a rezoning to CS-DB90-NP, or General Commercial-Density Bonus 90-Neighborhood Plan. This new zoning category, introduced in 2024, encourages the development of higher-density structures and mandates the inclusion of affordable housing. Under this designation, buildings could reach heights of up to 90 feet.

The Planning Department has endorsed the removal from the TOD, characterizing the existing plans as outdated. They argue that it is more straightforward to rezone the site than to amend the TOD guidelines. The department contends that removing the lot will not create a “donut hole” since it is situated on the edge of the district. Furthermore, the Planning Department supports exempting developments under the DB90 zoning from the requirement for ground-floor commercial space, recognizing the complexities with neighboring land usage.

Planning Commission’s Recommendations

Despite the Planning Department’s support for the exemption regarding ground-floor commercial space, the Planning Commission did not endorse this aspect in their recommendation to the City Council. Commissioner Greg Anderson highlighted that no development has occurred under the existing zoning for the past 15 years, indicating a pressing need for updated zoning regulations to catalyze new projects in the area.

Future Considerations

The outcome of the Planning Commission’s recommendation is now in the hands of the City Council, which will consider the proposal alongside community feedback and the Planning Department’s insights. The future of the site remains uncertain, with neighbors advocating for further discussion and consideration of community needs in any potential development. As this situation progresses, local stakeholders continue to monitor the situation closely, hoping for a resolution that balances development ambition with community concerns.