S.O.S. Wins TIRZ Case, New Threats Emerge, Upholding Our Right to Speak

Victory in the Courtroom: Protecting Lady Bird Lake and Taxpayers' Dollars

We're thrilled to share the news that Honorable Judge Mangrum has ruled in our favor! As you recall, SOS argued to prevent the City of Austin from funneling $354 million in taxpayer funds into the hands of developers eyeing the south shore of Lady Bird Lake. This victory is a significant win for both Austin and for ensuring the responsible use of public funds. Read the story and related coverage in the Austin Bulldog HERE.

Our fight alongside Taxpayers Against Giveaways, former State Senator Gonzalo Barrientos, former Austin City Councilmember Ora Houston, and Faye Holland has centered on protecting public parkland, preserving Lady Bird Lake, and ensuring our tax dollars are used wisely. A big thank you to our "friends of the court," Go! Austin/Vamos! Austin (GAVA), and People Organized in Defense of Earth and Her Resources (PODER), for their unwavering support throughout this process.

While we celebrate this victory – there may be an appeal from the city. Stay tuned for updates on this ruling. Please consider a donation to support these important efforts to protect Lady Bird Lake, shorefront park land, and our tax dollars.

Continuing the Fight: Threats to Southshore Waterfront
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​While we celebrate this victory, our work is far from over. Lady Bird Lake faces imminent threats that require our attention and action. The City of Austin’s proposed zoning changes to the South Central Waterfront area and changes to the existing Waterfront Overlay, which currently protects the area around Lady Bird Lake, poses significant risks to the ecological health and public accessibility of this cherished natural resource.

Despite its importance, “Almost all of the South Central Waterfront is paved, both riparian corridors are severely constricted, and there is very little consideration given to stormwater management. As a result, the water quality and habitats around Lady Bird Lake and Bouldin Creek suffer, and the natural beauty of the district remains largely hidden.” This is a direct quote from the South Central Waterfront Vision Framework.

The Vision Framework also recognizes that the “riparian areas are vital to the overall ecological functioning of the” area, referring to these green spaces as the “the last line of defense of for [Lady Bird Lake] against pollutants.”

Unfortunately, there is very little connection between the need for additional ecological protections in the Vision Framework and the harmful zoning changes proposed in the draft Combining District and Density Bonus Program. The proposed regulations bring drastic changes to the south side of Lady Bird Lake, with the potential for the tallest towers in Austin alongside Barton Springs Road.

Included with the proposal are:
1. No Height Limits;
2. Up to 24:1 FAR (floor-to-area ratios);
3. Increased impervious cover (up to 85%); and
4. Modifications to the Waterfront Overlay setbacks.

The proposed regulations also drastically shrink the protections in Waterfront Overlay and essentially extend Downtown Austin across the river. This is particularly dismaying since the Waterfront Overlay was established both to protect Lady Bird Lake (Colorado River) and associated parkland from overdevelopment and to ensure that it remains a publicly accessible resource for the residents of Austin.

The South Shore District was intended to retain a more natural aesthetic, focusing on parks and recreational uses, so that the public could continue to enjoy the urban oasis that has defined our City for decades. Modification of the Waterfront Overlay is being taken too lightly, privatizing space that was intended to be protected, and reducing the natural buffer zones that the Waterfront Overlay was intended to protect so that the water quality and ecological systems of Lady Bird Lake would remain.

We are asking the City Council to reconsider this proposal. Here are the SOS recommendations:

1.  Require Council oversight and approval for any modifications to the hike-and-bike trail and other modifications within the Critical Water Quality Zones of Lady Bird Lake and Bouldin Creek.
2. Remove properties that were not previously included within the South Central Vision Framework.
3. Maintain all requirements of the Waterfront Overlay.
4. Scale back on the Downtown-level development intensity.
5. Increase requirements for open space and on-site parkland.
6. Rezone all properties within the district (remove the PUDs) that opt-out of the community benefits intended by the Vision Framework.

We urge you to write to the City Council and express your concerns about the proposed regulations. Together, let's ensure that Lady Bird Lake remains a vibrant urban oasis for Austinites for generations to come. ​

Write City Council

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SOS Sues Mayor and Council in Defense of Fair Public Testimony

On Friday, April 5th, Save Our Springs Alliance held our elected officials accountable by filing a lawsuit against Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and the Austin City Council. Our legal action stems from their violation of the Texas Open Meetings Act (TOMA), which mandates that members of the public be allowed to speak to the Council on any posted council items on the agenda.
Last week, we amended our lawsuit to include a claim that the Austin City Council is also violating the Austin City Charter and its own adopted procedures for allowing public input. We firmly believe that every citizen deserves the opportunity to address the council on matters that affect our community.
Our allies stand with us in this fight for justice.

"It's already difficult for every day, hardworking Austinites to access public hearings. When they leave their job, caretaking duties, or precious time off to participate in city government, they deserve their full time to speak."
Carmen D. Llanes, Executive Director Go! Austin/Vamos! Austin (GAVA)

"PODER supports the struggle for equal rights, and we believe that the SOS lawsuit against the Austin City Council’s violation of TOMA leads to the path of justice." 

Susana Almanza, People Organized in Defense of Earth and Her Resources (PODER) 
We cannot allow our elected officials to disregard the law and our voices - which are the concerns of their constituents and should be their highest priority. The actions of Mayor Watson and the City Council are not only disappointing but also a violation of our fundamental rights.

As we seek immediate relief from the Travis County District Court, we urge you to join us in this crucial fight. Your voice matters, and together, we can ensure transparency and accountability in local governance. Read the full Austin Monitor article HERE and share it with friends and family who strive to protect our right to address the issues most pressing to our communities. We will not be silenced. ​

Join us NEXT Saturday 4/27 for an incredible opportunity for a hike down the Hill of Life and a (optional) swim at Sculpture Falls with award-winning journalist and writer Ed Crowell!
Crowell is the author of Barton Creek (2019) published by Texas A&M University Press, a one-of-a-kind work that takes the reader on a quest to discover the enigmatic origins of Barton Creek. Crowell’s book begins at the "end," the iconic waters of Barton Springs Pool and journeys upstream from there. Readers are along for the ride as Crowell visits landowners and discusses the political battles and public referendums that resulted in land and water protections since the 1960s. If you love Barton Springs and Barton Creek, then don’t miss this opportunity to meet one of Austin's best contemporary cultural historians!
Only 12 spots available--Sign up today!

Purchase Eco-tour Tickets

Your involvement to preserve Austin's natural resources and vibrant communities is crucial. Thank you for standing with us to protect our waters, our wildlife, and our democracy!
In Gratitude,
SOS Alliance