A modified version of plan changes for the Plaza Saltillo development on Austin’s Eastside received approval on first reading from the Austin City Council, the Austin American-Statesman reported Thursday.
The council approved a zoning change required for the inclusion of an office building and taller residential buildings in the plan but reduced its maximum height from the 125 feet proposed by Endeavor Real Estate Group and Columbus Realty Partners, the property’s developers. Capital Metro owns the land and is negotiating with the city over a proposed 99-year lease of the property to the developers.
The vote was 8 in favor and 3 against. Council Members Alison Alter, Jimmy Flannigan, and Kathie Tovo opposed the plan.
The proposed changes would also allow the reduction of the number of affordable apartment units from the originally agreed-upon 200 to 141, with 41 available in the project’s first phase and the remaining 100 to be completed five years later.
The proposed changes met strong opposition from the East César Chavez community, where the project is located.
Members of nonprofit Friends of Austin Neighborhoods, which issued a statement supporting the proposal, spoke in favor of the proposal.
A variety of East César Chavez residents spoke on both sides of the issue.
Council will continue to discuss the matter and hear more public communication next week.
• City Council gives initial OK to Plaza Saltillo, but more talks ahead [AAS]