Our 10 most popular stories from 2016
These stories generated the most clicks from readers this year.
10. El Niño weather pattern gives way to La Niña
Long-term weather forecast points to Central Texas winter dry spell | Posted May 25, 2016
In January, El Nino was very strong, but [Bob Rose, chief meteorologist for the Lower Colorado River Authority,] said the Pacific Ocean will begin to trend cooler during the next few months, giving way to a La Nina weather pattern this fall.
9. State agency weighs options for aging mental health facility
Replacing Austin State Hospital under state evaluation | Posted Sept. 9, 2016
Austin State Hospital could be relocated from its 4110 Guadalupe St. campus near Hyde Park, a move that could clear the way for the sale and redevelopment of the site—depending on which option state lawmakers proceed with.
8. Mueller receives environmental distinction
This Austin neighborhood is one of the greenest in the world | Posted Nov. 17, 2016
Mueller, the 700-acre development located at the site of the former Austin airport, has been named the largest neighborhood in the world to achieve LEED gold certification, according to a Wednesday announcement.
7. City unveils plan for redeveloping area south of Lady Bird Lake, downtown
Austin adopts vision for South Central Waterfront | Posted June 22, 2016
Lady Bird Lake’s southern shore is one step closer to becoming the vibrant, walkable professional and recreational hub envisioned by city planners for more than 30 years after City Council adopted the South Central Waterfront vision framework plan June 16.
6. Baby Greens prepares new Anderson Lane location
Healthy fast food restaurant breaks ground in North Austin | Posted May 26, 2016
Restaurateur Sharon Mays broke ground on Baby Greens—a drive-thru and walk-up restaurant with healthy fast food options—on May 26 and plans to open in July.
5. Austin's geographic City Council districts face unique challenges, according to report
4 interesting Austin population trends revealed in city auditor's new data | Posted Dec. 14, 2016
Austin is going to continue growing over the next five years, with its population projected to reach 943,555 by 2020, according to a city of Austin report obtained Wednesday by Community Impact Newspaper.
4. Agency releases details on possible interstate highway project
5 things to know about TxDOT’s massive Central7 plan to fix I-35 | Posted Sept. 21, 2016
Among the improvements planned as part of the approximately $550 million-to-$850 million project spanning I-35 from Riverside Drive to US 183 are adding express lanes, one in each direction; lower or raising the main lanes of I-35 through downtown Austin; and bicycle and pedestrian enhancements.
3. Crowdfunding for live music spots
Mayor announces plan to protect Austin music venues through $10M fund | Posted Sept. 22
Iconic Austin music venues will be purchased and preserved through a private trust, which Mayor Steve Adler’s office announced today has been made possible after the city won a national contest.
2. Austin Community College election
Meet the candidates for ACC board of trustees, Place 6 | Posted Sept. 27
Meet the candidates for Place 6, and see how they answered Community Impact Newspaper
's questions.
1. Feds release list of local dining establishments that did not pay workers properly
Here is a list of Austin-area restaurants that violated federal fair wage law | Posted Oct. 5
The US Department of Labor’s Wage and Labor Division has been collecting back wages and issuing civil monetary penalties to more than 60 Austin restaurants that have not paid workers proper wages during the last fiscal year.