Posting Language
Title
Set a public hearing to be conducted in accordance with Texas Parks and Wildlife Code Chapter 26 to consider a resolution authorizing a change in use of dedicated parkland, known as Pioneer Crossing Neighborhood Park, to enable the Austin Transportation Department to construct and use approximately 9,574 sq. ft. of permanent drainage easements as part of the East Braker Lane extension project. (Suggested date: March 9, 2023, Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second Street, Austin, TX).
De
Lead Department
Parks and Recreation Department.
For More Information:
Lead Department - Parks and Recreation Department, Ricardo Soliz, Division Manager, (512) 974-9452; Gregory Montes, Program Manager, (512) 974-9458
Lead Department - Office of Real Estate Services, Michael Gates, Interim Officer, (512) 974-5639
Sponsoring Department - Austin Transportation Department, Fernando Cantero, Supervising Engineer, (512) 974-7240
Managing Department - Public Works Department, Matt Harold, Project Manager, (512) 974-2964.
Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action:
November 28, 2022 - Recommended by the Parks and Recreation Board on a vote of 9-0 with Board Member Di Carlo absent and one vacancy. Recommendation No. 20221128-3.
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.
Austin Transportation Department (ATD), in accordance with the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan, proposes to construct an extension of East Braker Ln from its current terminus at Dawes Place to Samsung Blvd, as well as to extend Taebaek Dr to connect with the Braker extension. The new roadway will include bicycle and pedestrian facilities and will allow for improved neighborhood connectivity and access to Pioneer Crossing Neighborhood Park.
As part of the construction, 9,574 sq. ft. of parkland will be used for two permanent drainage easements. Upon approval of this item, the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) will collect $146,840 as temporary mitigation for the permanent use of parkland. ATD is in the process of acquiring approximately 32,977 sq. ft. of abutting private property which will be transferred to PARD and added to the existing park as permanent mitigation. When this transaction is complete, the temporary mitigation amount will be returned to ATD.
The Parks and Recreation Board recommended the project at the November 28, 2022, 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 dedicated parkland, 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 are February 12, 19 and 26, 2023.
Strategic Outcome(s):
Health and Environment, Government that Works for All, Mobility.