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Originally Posted by Sigaven
It's not really blighted, but it is pretty dead.
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Yes, and this project will increase pedestrian activity by 1000% in that there is no street activity currently.
The ATXN video of the hearing discusses the 3 Gatekeeper requirements the project must go through to get the additional density.
This one commissioner wants a coffee shop which will not increase street activity. The overall building will create street activation. The commissioner actually said he was against the whole project since there will be no coffee shop. His comments are comical. The street level space is for building residents work space as well as a 2000SF leasing office.
At a 15:1 FAR, most of the density already comes with the site.
The planning director at Staff level should approve the project. They want the $260,000.00 towards affordable housing. The project itself along with other Waller Creek area upgrades will activate the street. The Director will not kill this incredible project because there wont be a coffee shop.
One of the two commissoners opposing is Conor Kenny. He should open the coffee shop. This is ridiculous. Lets hold up a $50mm project and forego $260,000.00 to the city for affordable housing for a COFFEE SHOP. How irresponsible. Don't you think Austin has enough coffee shops or crappy little retail shops?
The 5 commisoners that voted yes were strongly for the project. They loved the concept of workspace on the 1st floor. The one comissioner correctly pointed out that the intent of the Urban Design Guideline is not to require each and every new project to have a coffee shop or public space component.