The Austin City Council heard a briefing April 26 on a long-term initiative that will shape the future of Austin through its 200th anniversary in 2039.
The city initiated Imagine Austin, a comprehensive plan to direct the city's growth and redevelopment over the next 30 years. Austin's population is estimated to double to 1.5 million in that time.
Since 2009, a citizens task force and planning commission have met with various stakeholders, including representatives from neighborhoods throughout Austin, to draft a formal document that would dictate future land use, desired zoning changes and aesthetic guidelines.
The plan has been revised since September, when it was revealed to the public. Garner Stoll, assistant director of the city's planning and development review department, said approximately 1,000 comments were submitted, resulting in several changes.
"I think the plan is a lot more attractive," Stoll said.
Greg Guernsey, the city's director of planning and development, said one key change is to include more planned use of green infrastructure to protect environmentally sensitive areas and integrate nature into the city.
City staff spoke against the planning commission's removal of SH 45 SW from the growth concept map. The highway would be extended from MoPac to RM 1626 connecting Hays and Travis counties. Several affected residents say it would provide traffic relief, while environmentalists say it would damage environmentally sensitive areas.
Councilman Chris Riley asked for clarification on city staff's position. Specifically, whether they support the construction of SH 45 SW or believe more discussion should be done to determine the best option.
"We don't think it should be removed from plan—it still needs to be part of our dialogue." Guernsey said. "It still needs to be fleshed out before we just remove it."
In addition, staff recommended amending language added by the planning commission related to previous planning efforts and possible future revisions to the land development code. Guernsey said city staff understands respecting the past and the character of neighborhoods, but there may be improvements that could be made.
Mayor Lee Leffingwell said he supports the plan, but recommended changing language in the draft that says the plan will "guide" zoning to "advise" zoning, as that could be a point of controversy.
"It is an advisory tool, but does "not guide" or dictate zoning," he said.
The mayor also suggested major changes in the land development code, including getting rid of any outdated, unnecessary language.
In addition to revisions, another focus of the briefing was the concept of "complete communities," which are areas that provide amenities, transportation, services and opportunities intended to fulfill all resident needs. In part, these communities would improve affordability because it would eliminate the need to drive.
Councilwoman Kathie Tovo said she is optimistic about the plan, especially the effort toward communities where people can live closer to where they work, shop and play.
"I think we have a good path forward with what's with us today," she said.
Council needs to act on Imagine Austin within the next two months, making a vote likely in June. A public hearing is scheduled for May 24 at 4 p.m. at City Hall, 301 W. Second St.
