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Austin Apartments Face Wastewater Fight

Wednesday, August 10, 1983 special called
  • Stassney Lane Development Faces Wastewater Controversy:

    A significant public hearing revolved around a proposed 288-unit apartment complex on East Stassney Lane, which was seeking housing bond financing.
  • Environmental Concerns Dominate Debate:

    Council members and residents strongly debated the project, raising serious alarms about the Williamson Creek Wastewater Plant's existing overload, persistent odor issues, and ongoing litigation. They questioned the wisdom of approving new development that would exacerbate these problems.
  • Developer Maintains Project Viability:

    The developer stated that the apartment complex would still be built even without bond funding, albeit at a lower quality, and affirmed compliance with current planning guidelines.
  • Minor Renovation Hearing Quiet:

    A separate public hearing for the renovation of a 99-unit apartment project concluded without any public comment.

Full Transcript

il City Council Ron Mullen Mayor John Treviño, Jr. Mayor Pro Tem Council Members Mark Rose Roger Duncan Sally Shipman Mark E. Spaeth Charles E. Urdy Jorge Carrasco City Manager Elden Aldridge City Clerk FOUNDED 1889 Austin City Council MINUTES For SPECIAL CALLED MEETING August 10, 1983 5:15 Ρ.Μ. Council Chambers, 307 West Second Street, Austin, Texas Memorandum To: Mayor Mullen called to order the Special Meeting of the Council scheduled for 5:15 P.M. for a public hearing on a 288 unit multi-family Housing Bond financed project proposed by Condel Investments, Inc., to be constructed at 1800 East Stassney Lane; and to for a public hearing to consider the renovation of a 99-unit mulit-family Housing Bond financed project proposed by Interregional Joint Venture Apartments. Mayor Mullen noted the absence of Mayor Pro Tem Trevino. Stassney Lane Housing Project Phil Scheps, Director of Finance, asks that Steve Ladeson describe the property of the Stassney Lane multi-family housing project. Steve Ladeson of Condel Properties, stated, "we intend to constuct an apartment complex on the northeast corner of Stassney Lane and IH-35, consisting of 288 units on approximately 10 and one half acres of land." "They will consist of one and two bedroom units, four different plans, laundry facilities and two swimming pools, and a jaccuzi at the large clubhouse area." The special permit has already been approved by the Planning Commission. Councilmember Shipman wanted to know how this will accommodate with the Williamson Creek Wastewater Plan. Ladeson stated that the problem was brought up at the special permit hearing, but we had done everything that we had to do and everything that the planning department asked us to do. Councilmember Shipman said, "my concern is that the Williamson Creek Plant is overloaded and we are under litigation by the people who live in that area because of the odors from the plant." Council Memo -2- August 10, 1984 Steve Ladeson mentioned that he had spent some time with the Neighborhood : i Associations, He presented the project that he intended to build down here are they were in favor of the project. However, they did voice their concern with the Williamson Creek Treatment Plant problem, Councilmember Duncan agree with Councilmember Shipman about the Williamson Creek Plant problem, Ladeson said, "the project will still happen even if the bonds are not passed." "They will just be lower quality due to more expense." Phil Scheps said that staff had no problems with the project or the special permit process. Mayor Mullen stated, "I think that it should be stopped until the law is changed." Motion The Council, on Councilmember Rose's motion and Mayor Mullen's second, closed the public hearing on the Stassney Lane Housing Project. Interregional Joint Venture Mayor Mullen opened the public hearing on the Interregional Joint Venture. No one appeared to speak. Motion 1 The Council, on Councilmember Rose's motion and Councilmember Spaeth's second, closed the public hearing on the Interregional Joint Venture. ADJOURNMENT The Council adjourned the meeting.