Big Changes Coming to North Austin: Planning Commission Delays Rezoning of Anderson Square
North Austin is buzzing with excitement and a hint of tension as the Planning Commission has decided to postpone a request for rezoning an area near the bustling intersection of North Lamar Boulevard and U.S. Highway 183. This space, currently home to familiar faces like Hobby Lobby, Planet Fitness, and a community bingo hall, is set to undergo some exciting transformations if all goes according to plan.
An Ambitious Proposal
Anderson Square, a hefty 16-acre retail center, is under consideration for a major redevelopment project. The property owner, Anderson Square Investments LLC, wants to change the zoning to allow for a mix of residential and commercial spaces. The idea is to transition the existing commercial properties into a vibrant, multi-use development that includes residential housing.
However, in a twist, the property owner is seeking an amendment to the application to increase the maximum height limit from 120 feet to an ambitious 250 feet. In her presentation, Alice Glasco, the applicant’s agent, explained that discussions with local Council Member Chito Vela, the Wooten Neighborhood Association, and the Wooten Neighborhood Plan Contact Team led to a community benefits agreement that could bring about significant transformations in the area.
Community Collaboration
“When we met with staff, they informed us that support for the 250-foot height was unlikely without attached community benefits,” Glasco mentioned. However, after productive discussions with Council Member Vela, we believe we can gain that support.
The development plan includes some enticing community benefits like a commitment to providing affordable housing, making room for both rental units and homeownership opportunities. Plus, the developer has pledged $100,000 for enhancements to Wooten Neighborhood Park and another $100,000 for improvements on Redline Parkway. On top of that, a car-free paseo, or walkway, is set to be incorporated into the design—perfect for those who love a good stroll or bike ride!
Walking Towards Sustainability
Ryan Nill, chair of the Wooten Neighborhood Plan Contact Team, shared the vision from the neighborhood’s perspective: “We aim to create a walkable, bikeable, and environmentally sustainable destination that is easily accessible for everyone.” The proposed development could double the number of residences in the entire neighborhood, which clearly indicates that surrounding infrastructure will need to be up to snuff.
As such, Nill highlighted that the necessary improvements to support this substantial development would benefit the entire community and agreed that a solid agreement on community benefits is key to the project’s success.
A Wait-and-See Approach
Despite the collaborative spirit and willingness to make positive changes, the Planning Commission had to take a cautious approach. Even though a deal between the property owner and the local community was reached regarding a revised height limit of 250 feet, the application presented still stated the original max height of 120 feet. This led to some confusion during the Planning Commission meeting.
Sherri Sirwaitis, a representative from the Planning Department, clarified that any decision had to be made based on the current application, which had not yet reflected the recent agreements. Because of this oversight, the Planning Commission unanimously decided to postpone the matter until their next meeting on November 19th.
Looking Ahead
Commissioner Ryan Johnson emphasized the importance of clarity, stating, “The applicant and neighborhood representatives have found common ground on community benefits, so we would prefer to vote on this next week once the application has been revised.”
As North Austin residents watch this story unfold, there’s a palpable sense of interest and anticipation in the air. Will the bold vision for Anderson Square become a reality? With community voices heard and collective efforts being made, the future looks promising. Only time will tell!
