Like you, we mourn with those grieving the loss of loved ones in the July 4th floods and, our hearts go out to all those whose lives have been upended.   The magnitude of this disaster has left deep wounds that will take time and community support to heal.

We are awed by the actions of those who risked their lives to save others and who are still toiling under hazardous conditions to aid in the recovery.  This tragedy reminds us of nature’s force and our shared duty to protect each other through forward-looking policy and preparedness.

Many organizations are stepping up to help those in need. One list of resources can be found through Communities Foundation of Texas.

Closer to home, the City Council will soon consider two floodplain variances at its July 24 meeting. A floodplain variance request seeks to build in an area prone to flooding.

One request (Item 130) is for an extension of an expired floodplain variance, which was granted over the objection of the city’s floodplain administrator, for a proposed tower at 506 West Avenue.

Testimony from COA floodplain administrator at the July 18,2024 initial  meeting:

“[T]his entire lot is within the 25 year and 100 year city of Austin floodplain. The parking garage has a ramp that goes down adjacent to the right of way, and that’s how residents would leave the building. … And for a 25 year floodplain, the flood depth is approximately six feet. And for the 100 year flood, the depth of that location is approximately nine feet. A flood depth of nine feet is significant, and that’s a lot of water. That’s not the amount of water that anybody can drive through that it it presents a very dangerous situation for the occupants of the building that might be getting out, as well as for first responders that can’t get into the building. The distance to go from the building itself to an area that’s out of the out of the floodplain is about 300ft, not a short distance to get out of flood waters and out of harm’s way.

“Staff believes that this proposed use a very dense residential use is not appropriate. “

Disregarding the warning of the City’s floodplain engineer who carefully explained the safety hazards posed by development at this location, the council on Zo Qadri’s motion nonetheless approved the variance, with only Alison Alter voting against.   Those on the current council who approved this variance were Mayor Kirk Watson, Natasha Harper-Madison, Vanesa Fuentes, José Velásquez, José “Chito” Vela, Paige Ellis, Ryan Alter and Zo Qadri.

See Austin American Statesman  video of the Memorial Day flooding in 2015 at this site.

The second (Item 131) is to convert a garage into living space within the 25 and 100 year floodplain without raising the building 2 feet above the 100 year floodplain.

Write Council and tell them that public safety should rule on floodplain variances, not developers.  Say “no” to Agenda Items 130 and 131.