The Austin City Council voted 7-4 to approve the provision of water and wastewater services for a multi-family housing project located outside city limits and within a sensitive environmental zone. This decision has sparked significant debate due to its proximity to the Jollyville Plateau salamander habitat. While environmental commissioners opposed the project, city water officials favored it, highlighting a divide in priorities between development and ecological protection. Council members expressed concern over de-annexed areas receiving city benefits without adhering to its regulations.
We've heard a number of things about (the property), but one thing we didn't talk about is this is an area that was de-annexed from the city. And I don't know what the right policy is going forward, but I do think that we need to stop rewarding areas that de-annex from the city. ... There has to be some negative impact, or at least motivation, from trying to not play by our rules but then still get the benefit of being part of the city.
The Environmental Commission voted unanimously to oppose the project, while the Water and Wastewater Commission voted to support it. Likewise, city environmental staff opposed the extension, while Austin Water supported it.
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