The Austin Planning Commission voted to recommend a DB‑90 (Downtown Bonus 90) rezoning for 5210 Bruning Avenue, a roughly 0.35‑acre triangular parcel near Airport Boulevard and the North Loop neighborhood. The staff recommendation to grant GR‑MU‑V‑C ODB90‑NP (a commercial mixed‑use zoning with DB‑90 density bonus) passed by a recorded vote of 10 yes, 1 no, 1 abstention.

Cynthia Hadry of the Planning Department described the site as approximately 0.35 acres, partially developed with a vacant single‑family house, with access to East 53rd Street (level 2) and Bruning Avenue (level 1). Staff recommended DB‑90 to allow a unified development and to increase residential density near transit and the Airport Boulevard corridor; the staff report said the rezoning would allow a unified development with up to 139 dwelling units across related parcels.

The applicant’s representative, Tamaria Davis, told commissioners the site is suited to mixed‑use housing near transit and that the proposed DB‑90 request will preserve ground‑floor commercial and add residential units close to frequent bus routes. Leah Bojo, who said she was joining virtually to answer questions, offered to follow up with staff on code‑violation concerns.

Neighbors and nearby residents spoke in opposition. Adnan Percic and Brooklyn Stephens described a history of alleged property neglect by the owner, including prior code‑enforcement issues and a boarded, vacant structure. Percic said the property owner “kicked out the residents” and left the house boarded rather than addressing violations; he asked the commission not to grant “additional entitlements” to an owner the neighborhood distrusts. Rachel Forster asked that the commission postpone action until the neighborhood planning contact team could meet on Feb. 12.

Commissioners debated neighborhood outreach and whether DB‑90 is appropriate for a small, irregularly shaped parcel. Staff and the applicant said redevelopment could resolve existing nuisance conditions and that proximity to transit and neighborhood plan objectives support the request. Staff clarified DB‑90 includes affordability requirements in the density‑bonus rules (for rental and ownership scenarios the ordinance requires different minimums or fee‑in‑lieu options depending on the chosen affordability level).

Vice Chair Czar moved the staff recommendation; Commissioner Haney seconded. The motion passed with a vote of 10 in favor, 1 opposed (Commissioner Cox), and 1 abstention (Commissioner Phillips). The commission also briefly reopened the earlier consent vote at a commissioner’s request before proceeding to committee reports.

Why it matters: DB‑90 rezoning carries a requirement to provide workforce/affordable units (or pay fees in lieu) under the density bonus rules and can allow significantly greater residential capacity near transit corridors. Neighbors say the parcel owner’s past property‑management record undermines trust; staff and the applicant say redevelopment can remediate longstanding conditions and add housing close to transit.

What happens next: the case will be scheduled for City Council consideration. The applicant said it will continue neighborhood outreach and investigate past code‑enforcement issues before council review.