SaveTownLake.Org Calls Austinites to City Hall in Support of Responsible Development
AUSTIN, Texas -- SaveTownLake.org, a citizens group formed to oppose development that violates Austin's Waterfront Overlay Ordinance (WOL) along the Town Lake Corridor, calls for Austinites to come to City Hall at 5:00pm on Tuesday, February 27. The Waterfront Overlay (WOL) was enacted in 1986 to prevent development too close to the shores of Town Lake. The ordinance was intended to maintain the scenic beauty of the area and also protect the lake's popular park and recreational space.
The event takes place immediately prior to a meeting of the City of Austin Parks Board. During that meeting the Parks Board will consider a request for a waiver of the WOL protective ordinance by CWS Development for a proposed high-rise condominium project at 222/300 East Riverside Drive.
At the same time, the City Planning Commission will be taking a FINAL vote on a request for a variance to the Waterfront Overlay Ordinance on the Star Riverside Development at 1300 East Riverside Drive that would increase that project's building area.
Together, these two projects could add substantially more than 1,000,000 square feet of high-rise residence and commercial space along Town Lake, some of it coming within 80 feet of the banks.
"If the variances are granted, the shores of Town Lake will be changed forever - less green space, taller buildings, more density," says Kenny Hilbig, SaveTownLake.org Director. "The Colorado River will begin to appear as a trickle of a river running through a concrete canyon. The very soul of Austin could be permanently altered."
More than 1,500 signatures will be presented to City officials during the meeting as part of the ongoing SaveTownLake.org support drive. "We have received overwhelming support with more than a 95% positive response to our efforts," says Thomas Cooke, STL Director. "We believe this represents only the tip of the iceberg." These citizens are a cross section of the Austin community that believe in protecting the open spaces along the hike and bike trail by preserving the current setback standards already in existence.
Organizers have launched the second phase of their media campaign, placing a prominent ad in the Austin Chronicle, as well as enlisting the help of popular musician Dale Watson to record a radio ad that is currently being aired on 107.1 KGSR, 98.1 KVET and 90.5 KUT in the days leading up to the event and vote.
The mission of SaveTownLake.org is to protect and preserve Austin's most precious resource: Town Lake and the Town Lake Corridor (TLC). STL supports responsible development while promoting public awareness of the city's highest regulatory standards. The organization advocates for strong adherence to current city code, especially the Waterfront Overlay, and operates with the goal of maintaining the integrity of the TLC for all of Austin. SaveTownLake.org is a Texas non-profit corporation.
Contacts
SaveTownLake.org, Austin
Scott Hendler, 512-658-1938
or
Kenny Hilbig, 512-751-4306
or
Tom Cooke, 512-445-2301
www.savetownlake.org
The event takes place immediately prior to a meeting of the City of Austin Parks Board. During that meeting the Parks Board will consider a request for a waiver of the WOL protective ordinance by CWS Development for a proposed high-rise condominium project at 222/300 East Riverside Drive.
At the same time, the City Planning Commission will be taking a FINAL vote on a request for a variance to the Waterfront Overlay Ordinance on the Star Riverside Development at 1300 East Riverside Drive that would increase that project's building area.
Together, these two projects could add substantially more than 1,000,000 square feet of high-rise residence and commercial space along Town Lake, some of it coming within 80 feet of the banks.
"If the variances are granted, the shores of Town Lake will be changed forever - less green space, taller buildings, more density," says Kenny Hilbig, SaveTownLake.org Director. "The Colorado River will begin to appear as a trickle of a river running through a concrete canyon. The very soul of Austin could be permanently altered."
More than 1,500 signatures will be presented to City officials during the meeting as part of the ongoing SaveTownLake.org support drive. "We have received overwhelming support with more than a 95% positive response to our efforts," says Thomas Cooke, STL Director. "We believe this represents only the tip of the iceberg." These citizens are a cross section of the Austin community that believe in protecting the open spaces along the hike and bike trail by preserving the current setback standards already in existence.
Organizers have launched the second phase of their media campaign, placing a prominent ad in the Austin Chronicle, as well as enlisting the help of popular musician Dale Watson to record a radio ad that is currently being aired on 107.1 KGSR, 98.1 KVET and 90.5 KUT in the days leading up to the event and vote.
The mission of SaveTownLake.org is to protect and preserve Austin's most precious resource: Town Lake and the Town Lake Corridor (TLC). STL supports responsible development while promoting public awareness of the city's highest regulatory standards. The organization advocates for strong adherence to current city code, especially the Waterfront Overlay, and operates with the goal of maintaining the integrity of the TLC for all of Austin. SaveTownLake.org is a Texas non-profit corporation.
Contacts
SaveTownLake.org, Austin
Scott Hendler, 512-658-1938
or
Kenny Hilbig, 512-751-4306
or
Tom Cooke, 512-445-2301
www.savetownlake.org
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