Austin's Northwest Development Plan Debated
- A special public meeting was held to gather input on a proposed growth plan for Austin's rapidly developing northwest region.
- Discussions centered on managing rapid growth, controlling development density and impervious cover, and environmental concerns, particularly protecting Lake Travis and addressing hazardous waste.
- Numerous community members, neighborhood groups, developers, environmental advocates, and business representatives provided extensive testimony, expressing a range of views from strong support to requests for further research and collaborative planning.
- The public hearing concluded after widespread input, with city officials underscoring the immediate necessity of this northwest plan as a precursor to a broader city-wide growth strategy.
Full Transcript
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 CITY OF A FOUNDED 183. Austin City Council MINUTES For - NOVEMBER 9, 1984 4:00 Ρ.Μ. SPECIAL CALLED MEETING Council Chambers, 307 West Second Street, Austin, Texas Memorandum To: Mayor Mullen called to order the Special Called Meeting of the Council, noting the absence of Councilmember Shipman. Mayor Mullen stated the purpose of the meeting is to discuss the proposed growth plan in the northwest. Jay Powell told Council to be extremely careful of impervious cover and density. Christina Little, League of Women Voters, said they have their own plan. David Armbrust, representing developers, said a plan is needed but they want to help develop the plan. Palmer Wright said the plan accents Austin's dangerously rapid growth and thinks only retailers should be allowed as businesses. Terry Bray, representing Schlumberger, wants to work with staff on specifics of the plan. Jim Turpin, 620 Oaks Neighborhood Association, is afraid of hazardous waste. John Street, president, Austin Association of Builders, said a growth ordinance is needed. Barbara Hankin, West Austin Neighborhood Group, is delighted with the plan. Joe Beal, Espey-Huston, said the plan is needed. Dennis Dean, vice-president, Kantz Assn., said he represents the small builders in the area and asked for time for research. Council Memo 2 11/9/84 John K. Strickland, who lives in the area, and is founder of the Protect Lake Travis, congratulated the Council on their plan and said he approves and wants development control by professional people and not land speculators. Jeannette Klotz, North Growth Corridor, supports the plan. McClure Bently, president of a building company, supports the plan but wants to make sure it is the right one. Tom Watt wants to know more about the plan. Millie Douglas, We Care Austin, commends everyone on the plan. Charles Mitchell said what an employer pays his employees is what counts. John Henry Faulk said it is an exciting plan. Smoot-Carl Mitchell said the people should put input in the plan. John Hrncir, Austin Sierra Club, wants to start the plan now. Neal Graham, has concern with the plan and environment. Michael Curry, Brykerwoods, thanked Council for the plan. Frank Cooksey, supports the plan but doubts are expressed about the industrial area. Alfred Stanley wants the plan passed now. Shudde Fath votes for the plan. Ari Wright supports the plan. Roger Baker, Austin Neighborhood Association, spoke about it. Josephine Huntly said Austin should keep its high standards. Motion The Council, on Mayor Pro Tem Trevino's motion, Councilmember Rose's second, closed the public hearing. (6-0 Vote, Councilmember Spaeth absent) Mayor Mullen pointed out that the ultimate idea is to plan for the whole City, but because of what is happening in the northwest area, it had to be first. ADJOURNMENT Council adjourned its meeting at 5:40 p.m.