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The modified version of the planned development unit will now be submitted to the Austin Planning Commission for review. (Reprinted with permission from the Austin Environment Commission)
The city of Austin has taken a step closer to redeveloping land near the Austin American Statesman Building, an area where many Austinites see the bats flying on South Congress Avenue, after a single planned unit development (PUD) was approved.
The applicant, Richard Suttle, proposes a 18.86 acre PUD on S. Congress Ave. 305, Austin, on the corner of South Congress and Lady Bird Lake, near the Austin American Statesman Building. The PUD will add walking trails, lawns, a pier, and boardwalk area near the shore of Lady Bird Lake.
Austin Watershed Protection Department officials did not recommend approval of the original PUD, citing several environmental concerns. The Austin Environment Commission has approved an amended version of the PUD that addresses several environmental requirements and addresses these concerns. The PUD is now transferring to the Austin Planning Commission.
A PUD is a type of zoning that changes code requirements in exchange for other building options. PUDs are required to preserve the natural environment, provide high quality development and innovative design, and ensure adequate public facilities and services, said environmental program manager Atha Phillips.
A debate sparked between Phillips and Suttle led to the revised version of the PUD. Phillips said the PUD’s originally proposed lawns would add and remove certain vegetation, which would create additional erosion.
“The proposed restoration seems like a great idea and we would normally be 100% fine with it,” said Phillips. “The drainage control personnel want the path to be relocated at least 25 feet from the crest of the slope away from the coast, and the areas between the path and the ridge to be landscaped and protected with a split railing fence.”
Certain aspects of the PUD, such as a water filter pond and boardwalk area, would disrupt the immediate area, Phillips said. The proposed boardwalk area would remove seven trees and destabilize the shoreline due to the construction of a bulkhead, Phillips said. There are ways to save the trees by narrowing the boardwalk and relocating it 15 meters west of the planned area.
Another problem with the original PUD is that it blocks the only connection from South Congress Avenue to the walking and bike path, Phillips said.
“The parks and recreation division is looking for a path that is fair and provides a space for all Austinites to feel comfortable when they reach and walk the trail and bike path,” said Phillips.
However, if the trail is 25 feet away from its proposed location, as Phillips suggests, development may not save as many trees, Suttle said.
“We analyzed that we would end up with up to 68% tree protection because a number of trees would become atomic bombs,” said Suttle. “We protect 100% of the old trees and we save 75% of the protected trees. The path should stay where it is and we should improve where it is. “
The pier and boardwalk should stay where they are, too, Suttle said. The PUD places the pier and promenade where bat protection is important, under the South Congress Bridge.
“As Atha wanted, she wants our pier and deck to be next to the bridge,” said Suttle. “I tell you it would not be a very pleasant experience if the bats go in and out or hang around there because bats do what bats do under the bridge or near the bridge. the [bat conservationists] told us to stay away from this bridge. “
Individuals can see the full discussion of the PUD here.
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https://communityimpact.com/austin/central-austin/development/2021/10/13/austin-environmental-commission-oks-updated-version-of-development-plan-near-lady-bird-lake/
