Overview

In September 2024, the CNA Steering Committee sent a letter to Austin City Council highlighting three primary concerns: tenant protections, future affordability, and design. You may read the letter by clicking here.

Neighborhood dialogue on this case began in September 2023 and is described in past Flea newsletters. There are four parcels grouped in a rezoning request on E. 38 1/2 St (case C14-2023-0110 for anyone who wants to research on their own on the City’s website. The parcels total almost 4.5 acres and include the Alma Apts (formerly Delwood Station Apts), the Westbank Cleaners (large cinder block warehouse), Cherrywood Coffeehouse, Monarch Convenience Store, and G&C Cleaners.

The rezoning is specifically to remove the current height restriction of 40’ put in place in 2002 after the adoption of the Upper Boggy Creek Neighborhood Plan. The developer added the new zoning category for a Density-Bonus to 90 feet in height (DB90) back in the spring of this year.

The case passed the Planning Commission in June at which time the developer and neighborhood were praised for the negotiations that had happened up to that point. However, negotiations have not moved significantly since then. Unless the developer voluntarily commits to the future affordability and restau- rant-ready space for the return of Cherrywood Coffeehouse, then we will oppose this rezoning request at City Council. Everyone should also be aware that denial of this rezoning request does not mean these parcels will remain as they are forever, these parcels will continue to be part of the larger planning conversation about the Hancock and Fiesta area (see other article in this newsletter).

If you want to know how to express your own opinion on this case to City Council on Nov 21, or to support the neighborhood association position, please email steering@cherrywood.org

CNA Priorities

The CNA Steering Committee has had several priorities in trying to nego- tiate restrictive covenants with the developer:

  • To ensure tenant protections for current and future residents of the Alma Apart- ments (we have been collaborating with BASTA (https://bastaaustin.org/), that includes right-to-return

  • At least 1:1 replacement of the naturally occurring affordable units at the Alma Apts in any future redevelopment, meaning at least 74 units, which is more than what the current City regulations would require.

  • Right-to-return for local businesses, specifically a restaurant-ready commercial space for the Cherrywood Coffeehouse to re-occupy

  • Site design issues such as right-of-way for a future Red Line Parkway extension and limited height on the easternmost parcel that is closed to residential and the Maplewood Elementary

While the developer has been responsive to meetings and has agreed to most requests, such as the tenant protections and Red Line Parkway, we have not yet found a mutually agreeable position on the future affordability.

Last Updated: November 8, 2024