GoldenBoot
Mar 2, 2007, 5:34 PM
CLB Tower wins final approval
By Mark Richardson
IN FACT NEWS
March 2, 2007
With negotiations going right up to the last minute, CLB Partners managed to reach an arrangement with most of the groups opposing a planned 400-foor residential tower at 7th and Rio Grande Street. Council members approved the project, along with a negotiated list of conditions, on second and third readings last night, clearing the way for the project to move forward.
Neighboring businesses and individuals in the historic district around the building’s proposed site had mounted a massive PR campaign against the project, saying it was not in character with the surrounding structures. (See CLB, Feb. 16, 2007) But several concession by the developer convinced Council members at that time that the project has enough merit to approve it on first reading.
Another round of negotiations produced another list of conditions last night.
“This project is the right project for Austin,” said Steve Drenner, attorney for the developers. “It provides density to the downtown area and will benefit the Shoal Creek Trail system and the Housing Trust Fund.”
He was referring to a $250,000 donation the developer is planning to make for repairs and improvements along the Shoal Creek Trail system, with the balance going to the city’s affordable housing programs.
New conditions accepted by the developers included:
· That 75 percent of the project be residential;
· No cocktail lounges anywhere in the building;
· No live music venues anywhere in the building;
· At least two floors of underground parking;
· All above-ground parking will be screened;
· Loading docks will accessed from the alley; and
· Sidewalks along both Seventh and Rio Grande streets will have Great Streets standards.
There were still a few individuals who spoke against the project, but the vast majority of opposition had settled with the developers before Thursday’s hearing.
One holdout was Lisa Debuke with the Cabelli School across from building. “We operate an open campus and often reward students’ hard work with free lunch periods,” she said. “We also have many students who travel to and from the campus to internship or student work programs. With the increase in traffic, we are concerned about their safety.”
Another area resident, Meryl Bertz, continued to raise concerns about the noise the project would bring to the neighborhood. Bertz, an owner in the Posada del Rey condos, said he still felt the developers should pay for soundproofing the windows in his building.
Council members voted to approve the project’s CBD-CURE-CO zoning on a 6-0 with Mayor Will Wynn recusing himself from the debate and vote.
By Mark Richardson
IN FACT NEWS
March 2, 2007
With negotiations going right up to the last minute, CLB Partners managed to reach an arrangement with most of the groups opposing a planned 400-foor residential tower at 7th and Rio Grande Street. Council members approved the project, along with a negotiated list of conditions, on second and third readings last night, clearing the way for the project to move forward.
Neighboring businesses and individuals in the historic district around the building’s proposed site had mounted a massive PR campaign against the project, saying it was not in character with the surrounding structures. (See CLB, Feb. 16, 2007) But several concession by the developer convinced Council members at that time that the project has enough merit to approve it on first reading.
Another round of negotiations produced another list of conditions last night.
“This project is the right project for Austin,” said Steve Drenner, attorney for the developers. “It provides density to the downtown area and will benefit the Shoal Creek Trail system and the Housing Trust Fund.”
He was referring to a $250,000 donation the developer is planning to make for repairs and improvements along the Shoal Creek Trail system, with the balance going to the city’s affordable housing programs.
New conditions accepted by the developers included:
· That 75 percent of the project be residential;
· No cocktail lounges anywhere in the building;
· No live music venues anywhere in the building;
· At least two floors of underground parking;
· All above-ground parking will be screened;
· Loading docks will accessed from the alley; and
· Sidewalks along both Seventh and Rio Grande streets will have Great Streets standards.
There were still a few individuals who spoke against the project, but the vast majority of opposition had settled with the developers before Thursday’s hearing.
One holdout was Lisa Debuke with the Cabelli School across from building. “We operate an open campus and often reward students’ hard work with free lunch periods,” she said. “We also have many students who travel to and from the campus to internship or student work programs. With the increase in traffic, we are concerned about their safety.”
Another area resident, Meryl Bertz, continued to raise concerns about the noise the project would bring to the neighborhood. Bertz, an owner in the Posada del Rey condos, said he still felt the developers should pay for soundproofing the windows in his building.
Council members voted to approve the project’s CBD-CURE-CO zoning on a 6-0 with Mayor Will Wynn recusing himself from the debate and vote.
