Planning commission approves Strandman Cove rezoning with stepped heights and on-site affordability

The Austin Planning Commission on Aug. 12 approved a rezoning and plan amendment for the 5.34-acre Strandman Cove site, adopting the applicant’s stepped-height proposal, an on-site affordable housing commitment and two one-time contributions to local organizations.

Staff from the Planning Department recommended rezoning the property to LI-PDA-NP (Limited Industrial — Planned Development Area — Neighborhood Plan) with a conditional overlay. After public comment and a round of questions from commissioners, the commission voted to approve the applicant’s step-back height plan and related commitments.

The applicant’s representative, Alice Glasgow, said the project would be “multifamily development for approximately 945 units” and that “10% will be affordable on-site.” Glasgow told the commission the development team will make a $250,000 contribution to the Guadalupe Neighborhood Development Corporation and a $50,000 contribution to the Colorado River Conservancy after the project receives a certificate of occupancy.

Neighborhood members who spoke opposed the requested maximum heights and said the project as proposed would be incompatible with…