Board backs temporary use of Hancock Golf Course for Austin Water IH-35 utility work with mitigation

Austin Water requested a Chapter 26 declaration to temporarily use approximately 9,482 square feet of Hancock Golf Course to stage tunneling operations required by the IH-35 CapEx project. Paul Books, principal planner with Austin Parks and Recreation, and Mark Stanko described the need to relocate wastewater lines and the constraint of heritage trees and narrow urban streets that make this northern golf course area the least impactful staging option. "Austin Water has requested staging use of 9,482 square feet of parkland for 549 calendar days," the presentation said, adding that mitigation will be provided and the project includes tree protection and full restoration commitments.

Board members questioned tree protection, Section 106/historic review, and stakeholder outreach. Staff and Austin Water representatives said they conducted on-site meetings, mailed notices and performed block walks; they committed to transplanting small newly planted trees, installing tree protection, rerouting a trail temporarily and fully reinstating turf and paths after construction. The Parks Board voted to approve the Chapter 26 temporary use; the motion passed 9-1.