Rezoning for East Austin's Springdale Green PUD plan passes in unanimous City Council vote

A rezoning request to establish the Springdale Green Planned Unit Development, or PUD, passed Austin City Council in a unanimous vote June 10, clearing the way for a project that could bring new 90-foot office towers to the East Austin skyline.

The Springdale Green PUD plan generated extensive public feedback and council discussion ahead of its approval this spring, including a protest at the site the day before council's final rezoning vote. At issue for many residents of the communities surrounding the site at Springdale Road and Airport Boulevard is the 93-foot height limit approved for site's redevelopment, envisioned as a dual office tower and environmental restoration project. Some concerns shared among community members who spoke at hearings and events related to the PUD rezoning included a potential shift in neighborhood character and resident displacement that could occur with a new development of the PUD's scale, and the size of its attached community benefits package.

Representatives with Jay Paul Co., the property's owner, have said the project's scope will allow for the provision of millions of dollars for local housing and environmental initiatives in addition to the revival of the property itself, the former home of a petrochemical "tank farm" at 1011-1017 Springdale Road.

After passing the site rezoning request on its second reading on June 3, City Council approved the PUD plan on its third and final reading in a 10-0 vote June 10 with District 6 Council Member Mackenzie Kelly off the dais. Council members voting on its first and second readings as well as the environmental commission had also unanimously passed the PUD rezoning this year, and it passed the planning commission March 23 in a 7-4 vote.

“This site has had a challenging history—but it is a challenge we are ready to take on. We’re proud of all the work that everyone has put in to help move the Springdale Green vision forward, including the neighbors, city staff, the environmental commission, the planning commission, and, especially, City Council. By approving this rezoning, council has led the way on charting a new future for this site. I appreciate the vote of confidence and look forward to bringing the Springdale Green vision to life," said Janette D’Elia, Jay Paul's chief operating officer, in a June 11 statement.