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June 1
District 3
1,400-Unit Mixed-use | Approved
Development Data: Organizations against residential
District 1
220-Unit Multifamily | Approved
330-Unit Multifamily | Approved
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DISTRICT: 3
Borden Tract
Govalle | 21.4 Acres | 1400 Units | Reading: ① - ② - ③ | Approved
If you’re developing residential assets in District 3, you’ll likely hear from one influential organization: PODER (People Organized in Defense of Earth and Her Resources). Key figures, such as Susana Almanza and Daniel Llanes, prominently shape discourse, often voicing opposition to various projects in this area. Our report will delve deeper into the specific types of projects they target and the common arguments they present in our Development Data section.
Borden Tract, with its 1,400 units slated for an old dairy processing plant site and a mere 70 feet from the Colorado River, is set apart by its existing industrial zoning and adjacency to highways—factors complicating its rezoning rejection. Nonetheless, Endeavor, the project's developer, faces substantial opposition from the neighborhood contact team, citing potential infrastructure strain due to 21,000 daily trips, a proposed 120-foot height limit, and 95% impervious cover, leading to a standoff regarding the structure's height.
A notable intricacy is the recusal of Council Member for District 3, José Velásquez. His participation on the East Austin Conservancy board a year ago precipitated this recusal. Almanza views this action as an attempt to stifle their representative and mute their voice.
Expressing clear intention to challenge this development in court, Almanza deems the decision as undemocratic, favoring the developer over the community's concerns. Almanza argues that when their representative is unable to voice the community's apprehensions, they are left unheard. This court challenge, therefore, is viewed as a vital step to rectify the situation.
This sentiment resonates among other neighborhood representatives, as well.
“We gotta make sure that the neighborhood is getting something back in return because it's always take take take and no give.
Borden Tract represents a pioneering instance of a project that falls outside the waterfront overlay. The proposal has sparked a debate about development rights, affordability, environmental protection, and the prospect of housing near major freeways, notably during their Planning Commission meeting. To read the full report on the planning meeting, use the link here. As this Council meeting served only as an initial review, it piques our curiosity about what the second and third readings might reveal.
Developer: Endeavor
Neighborhood Organizations Against: PODER, Colorado River Conservancy, Daniel Llanes
Attorney: Armbrust & Brown, Richard Suttle
