City manager briefs commission on Valley Vista affordable housing, airport EIR and proposed Austin Resort redevelopment

City Manager Flora updated the Planning Commission on multiple development projects Tuesday, including an 80‑unit affordable apartment project, progress on the airport redevelopment environmental review and a proposed mixed‑use redevelopment of the old Austin Resort site.

Flora said the project previously referred to as Clear Lake Apartments and now called Valley Vista Apartments is an 80‑unit affordable development near the hospital that will use modular construction with prebuilt units. "They're anticipating starting work this year, weather permitting," Flora said, and staff are coordinating use of the old airport property across Highway 53 to stage and store modular units before they are moved to the project site. Flora said the state retains ownership of portions of the airport property and that the selected developer would take a long-term ground lease.

On the airport redevelopment, Flora said most technical studies are complete and that the administrative draft of the environmental review is nearly finished, but the archeological report has been repeatedly delayed. She said the city expects the administrative draft to be finalized, followed by a public draft that will open a 45‑day review period. If schedules hold, staff hope to schedule a public hearing on the project in January.

Flora also said the city has received a revised site plan from a developer interested in redeveloping roughly eight acres across the street at the old Austin Resort. The submission shows a project that could include a roughly 110‑room hotel, restaurants, retail space, a new marina and a rooftop pool; Flora said a pre‑application meeting is scheduled and formal applications will follow.

When asked about reporting that Adventist Health would not develop clinic space at the airport property, Flora confirmed the organization terminated the earlier agreement. She said that, while Adventist Health has stepped away from the clinic agreement, the environmental review and entitlements the city has prepared allow for a range of medical or other commercial uses and do not require redoing work already completed.

Flora told commissioners staff will circulate site plans and additional materials so commissioners — particularly newer members — can review details prior to future agenda items.