Posting Language
Title
Conduct a public hearing to be administered in accordance with Texas Parks and Wildlife Code Chapter 26 to consider a resolution authorizing a permanent change in use of dedicated parkland, located north of Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park and northwest of Lindell Lane and Blue Bluff Road, to allow the Transportation and Public Works Department to use approximately 7,818 square feet of parkland for right-of-way, drainage, and utility purposes in connection with the East Braker Lane extension project.
De
Lead Department
Parks and Recreation Department, Office of Real Estate Services.
Fiscal Note
This item has no fiscal impact.
Prior Council Action:
March 21, 2024 - Council set the public hearing for May 2, 2024.
For More Information:
Parks and Recreation Department, Ricardo Soliz, Division Manager, (512) 974-9452; Gregory Montes, Program Manager, (512) 974-9458
Office of Real Estate Services, Michael Gates, Officer, (512) 974-5639
Sponsoring Department - Public Works and Transportation Department, Bryan Golden, Program Manager, (512) 974-9183.
Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action:
February 26, 2024 - Recommended by the Parks and Recreation Board on a vote of 9-0, two Board Members absent. Recommendation No. 20240226-4.
Additional Backup Information:
Chapter 26 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code provides that the use of parkland for non-park purposes may be approved upon findings that there is no feasible and prudent alternative to the use of the parkland and that all reasonable planning has been undertaken to minimize harm to such land.
The Austin Strategic Mobility Plan identifies Braker Lane as a Level 3 roadway. As extended, it will bisect a recreational easement that is dedicated parkland. Accordingly, the Transportation and Public Works Department (TWPD) requests a permanent change of use of approximately 7,818 square feet of the recreational easement for right-of-way, drainage, and utility purposes in connection with the extension project. The project, currently under permitting review, will provide protected bicycle lanes, landscaped buffers, and sidewalks in addition to the eventual four-lane vehicular cross section. TPWD, in coordination with the Parks and Recreation Department, has committed to providing a safe crossing point, located as close to the easement intersection as feasible, for pedestrians and bicyclists to cross Braker Lane.
The Parks and Recreation Board reviewed the request at the February 26, 2024, meeting and provided a recommendation to City Council. This item is brought forward because there is no feasible and prudent alternative to the use of the exclusive recreational easement, and all reasonable planning has been and will be taken to minimize harm to such lands. The dates of public notification in the Austin American-Statesman were April 7, 14, and 21, 2024.