Welcome to Ultraground. We navigate zoning for you.

This is a free look at one of our premium reports that we send 7-8 times per month. That means by not being on Ultraground One, you're missing 87.5% of the rezoning activity in Austin.

https://www.atx.ultraground.com/upgrade

January 24

Alright folks, Pyrethrum Capital is proposing a project that'll bring some major changes to the area. Pyrethrum is looking to rezone and add VMU while maintaining the CO in the vegetative buffer, and switching up the neighborhood plan from commercial to mixed-use. The project includes 23 units, and they're setting aside 10% for residents earning 60% MFI.

Pyrethrum and their agent Drenner Group, represented by Leah Bojo, have been working closely with the community over the past few months and they've come to some solid agreements. The developer has agreed to construct an eight-foot masonry wall along the eastern property line and to prohibit vehicular access to Glen Hill Road.

Now, there were some skeptics out there. Neighbor Rob Hoverson was worried about traffic and pedestrian safety and Ann Grimes was concerned about preserving heritage trees.

But Bojo reminded us, this proposal aligns with the goals outlined in the Neighborhood Plan:

Ms. Grimes raised concerns about the eastern half of the property, which is home to two heritage live oak trees and other mature trees, and is part of the Buttermilk Creek watershed. She suggested that an additional vegetative border be added along the eastern half of the lot or a larger conditional overlay to protect the forested area.

When asked about the trees, Bojo said they haven't made a final decision yet, but have no intention of removing any heritage trees.

However, in light of some of these concerns, the commission added an additional requirement of a 25-foot wide vegetative buffer and grade separation along the frontage of the property with Cameron Road. And, the motion passed with 8 in favor, 1 against, and 1 abstention. So, let's hope they make this happen.

The Holly Mixed Use project, led by Arc Capital Partners, a minority-owned commercial real estate firm and mixed-use development specialist, is an intriguing NPA for the area of Holly. The neighborhood plan amendment request aims to change the land use from single-family to mixed-use, a move that has been supported by staff due to the properties' proximity to existing mixed-use developments. Extending this land use north to East 2nd Street is a strategic move.

Arc Capital Partners has worked closely with the neighborhood, even including some of the local residents in the application process. The project has faced opposition from some, including concerns of gentrification and displacement.

It is important to note that some speakers at the public hearing raised concerns about the abuse and misuse of power by developers and the impact on vulnerable communities.

However, the area is already highly commercialized, making this neighborhood plan change a new and creative approach.

The East Austin Tank Farm, rezoned in 1998 from LI to GR-MU-CO-NP and RR-NP, offers the potential for growth and expansion. The applicant is requesting to remove two COs attached to the 1990 zoning and increase the zoning from Gr and RR to CS, a move that has been supported by staff. However, it's important to note that the mixed-use designation or any other residential zoning class will not be supported unless the properties are further remediated.

The Tank Farm was cleaned up to commercial industrial standards back in 1992 and a TCEQ letter has stated that a response action may allow for the closure of the site to residential standards. This project is a prime opportunity for developers to take advantage of this prime real estate and capitalize on its potential.

Govalle | 1.43 Acres

The proposed development plan for the site, previously zoned as LI-CO-NP, aims to modernize and revitalize the area by increasing two key elements: the FAR ratio from 1:1 to 3:1 and the maximum building height from 60 to 75 feet on a portion of the site.

This strategic move will allow for the redevelopment of the site from limited warehousing and distribution use to a multi-story office building

Leading the charge for this development is William M. “Matt” Harriss, the Chief Financial Officer for Butler Family Interests. He oversees the financial and administrative team for Capitol Wright Distributing, one of the largest wholesale beverage distributorship in the United States, and handles a diverse portfolio of real estate investments across Central Texas on behalf of the Butler family.

In an alcohol distribution debate, Charlie Dorsanio, a land use attorney with the Drenner Group, explained that a letter agreement is enforceable between the parties, but does not run with the land, while a restrictive covenant does.

Thank you for being a part of Ultraground.