City to hold 3 meetings on plans for south side of Lady Bird Lake

AUSTIN (KXAN) – The City of Austin will hold three community meetings for the public to learn and talk about the city’s plan for development on the south side of Lady Bird Lake.

The city released a draft of rules for developing what it calls a combining district and density bonus program for the 118-acre South Central Waterfront District.

The city said the triangle-shaped area stretches west to east from South First Street to East Bouldin Creek and north to south from the lake to East Riverside Drive.

Location of South Central Waterfront (Map courtesy City of Austin)
Location of South Central Waterfront (Map courtesy City of Austin)

According to the city, combining districts would group multiple parcels. The city said those districts would allow the parcels to benefit from development regulations that are different from the base zoning code in the area.

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The city said a density bonus program incentivizes development outcomes beneficial to the community in exchange for allowing developers added density.

“The South Central Waterfront District represents a unique chance to build a destination in Central Austin that reflects the community at its best,” said Lauren Middleton-Pratt, director of the Planning Department, in the city announcement. “It will tie into the city’s culture, with connections to Lady Bird Lake and the Hike-and-Bike Trail, views of Downtown, and proximity to South Congress and Auditorium Shores.”

The city said staff members will discuss the new Combining District & Density Bonus Program at three public meetings.

Meeting 1: Online

Wednesday, Feb. 28, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Register for Zoom

Meeting 2: In-Person

Monday, March 18, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Austin Public Library, 710 W Cesar Chavez St., 78701

Register for meeting

Meeting 3: Online

Wednesday, March 20, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Register for Zoom

Whether they live near the District, the city said people can learn more about the draft regulations, share their opinions, answer a survey, and ask questions online.

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