Town Lake Condo Projects Fuel Opposition

A new group, “savetownlake.org” has been formed and has initiated legal action against the city to fight variances for a variety of condo projects on the banks of Town Lake. Essentially, they want to make sure that the city does not grant variances to allow new projects to build closer to the lake than current ordinances allow. Here is the summary from the Statesman:

An Austin citizens group has asked a judge to temporarily stop the city from granting exceptions to an ordinance that limits development along Town Lake in the latest battle over dense development in and near downtown. The outcome could have ramifications for future development along the lake, where developers have proposed more than 1 million square feet of residential projects. Some of those projects are seeking exceptions to an ordinance that restricts how close developers can build to the shore and how tall the buildings can be. SaveTownLake.org contends that a 1999 rewrite of the city’s waterfront development rules omitted key provisions, including height limits and the right of citizens to appeal when variances are granted. . . .SaveTownLake’s specific target is a proposed three-tower condominium project that CWS Capital Partners LLC plans on Riverside Drive east of Congress. The developers want a variance to build part of the project closer to the lake than the existing ordinance allows.

It’s hard to argue against protecting the banks of the lake . . . .as downtown becomes more and more dense, the urban experience will be greatly enhanced by the park-like experience of Town Lake. The issue, however, is more complex. A number of projects — especially those East of I-35 on the south shore, have proposed trading variances for extension of the hike and bike trail and permanent easements providing public access to the shore. For example, Star Riverside. This is clearly in the city’s best interest.