Use of 11,760-square-foot parcel of land sparks debate among advocates

As Rainey Street continues to develop after a zoning change in 2005, city officials, developers and community activists continue to struggle to find a consensus about the street's future.

George Adams, assistant director with the City of Austin's Planning and Development Review Department, said the rezoning of Rainey Street in 2005 allowed for the street to develop but did not prescribe the end result for the road.

"Beyond that, there was not a whole lot of definition to the vision," Adams said. "That was going to set the stage but didn't set up the long-term vision."

The area was rezoned from residential use to a central business district and has seen an increase in development since that change, including a number of bars and restaurants.

Adams said there was recognition by officials that the rezoning would lead to the area's redevelopment over time.

One contentious issue on the street came during the possible development of an 11,760-square-foot tract of land at 64 Rainey St. near the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center located at 600 River St.

Laura Esparza, division manager with the Parks and Recreation Department, History, Arts and Nature Division, said the parcel was going before Austin City Council to be sold in 2012 to be incorporated into adjacent parcels slated for condominium development. In October, the council voted to forgo selling the land and directed the city manager to develop a range of options that would address the needs of the MACC.

Juan Oyervides, chairman of the MACC advisory board, spoke to the council at an October meeting, urging council members to keep the land with the city and to investigate how it could be used to address the MACC's transportation needs.

"I think it's time that we get re-energized and reacquainted with the master plan for the [MACC], and I'd like to encourage all of us to start talking about that project," Oyervides said during the meeting.

The MACC board voted in December for the parcel to be a multiuse site, possibly including amenities such as public art and benches. The council is expected to consider the proposal in February.

Other changes city officials are contemplating for the roadway include turning it into a one-way street, putting in sidewalks or installing parking meters.