Residents urge Austin Council to support small area plan for RM 2222 Corridor

Concerns over rapid development and inadequate infrastructure took center stage at the Austin Zoning and Platting Commission meeting on June 17, 2025. Residents from the RM 2222 Corridor voiced urgent calls for a comprehensive small area plan to address the challenges posed by unchecked growth in Northwest Austin.

Linda Bailey, a representative for local neighbors, highlighted the pressing need for a strategic vision as the area faces lot-by-lot rezoning without a cohesive framework. "We have no public library, no bus transit, and a serious park deficit, yet new development keeps coming," she stated, emphasizing the strain on local infrastructure and public safety. The corridor, a critical gateway into Austin, is experiencing rapid growth, leading to traffic congestion and heightened wildfire risks.

Marissa Lipscher, another local resident, echoed these sentiments, recalling a contentious rezoning process that underscored the absence of a clear planning strategy. "This isn't about opposing development; it's about ensuring thoughtful community-driven planning that benefits everyone," she asserted, urging the commission to support the creation of a small area plan.

The commission discussed the distinction between a small area plan and a regulatory plan, with city planning staff clarifying that while the former provides a vision, the latter involves actual regulatory changes to land development codes. The conversation also touched on ongoing planning initiatives across the city, indicating a broader commitment to addressing growth challenges.

As the meeting concluded, the urgency for a structured approach to development in the RM 2222 Corridor was clear. Residents and officials alike recognized that without a comprehensive plan, the area risks losing its character and safety amidst the pressures of rapid urbanization. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential recommendations to the city council, as the community seeks to secure a sustainable future for this vital region.