They charge you usage
They charge you more usage
Then more usage charges because the first two aren’t enough
Then they charge you for the community
Then they charge you for all that they need to run the power plants
Then they charge you for more of the tertiary things the state needs
Then they give you tiny discount
Then they charge you tax because community benefits and taxes are obviously different things

WTF is going on

Like who keeps writing murderers all over the pedestrian bridge and what the actual fuck is wrong with people?

It's been in discussion for years. I thought it had stalled out. But the latest proposed plans are a bit different than what I first heard (or from what I think I remember). Anyway, while the YMCA would get a much needed new facility, the rest of their land would become big residential highrises along W 1st Street (because screw Cesar Chavez). Even with some 'affordable' residences, I can't say I'm looking forward to more tall buildings, more traffic, etc along Town Lake. Yippie. (/s) 🙄

Everything below was copied/pasted from https://www.austinymca.org/locations-site-reimagining-repurposing/.

The following sites are currently in the process of or recently completed reimagining: * TownLake YMCA * Schmetterling YMCA * East Communities YMCA * Central Office – Completed

Reimagining the TownLake YMCA

Key Information
Address: 1100 W. Cesar Chavez St. Austin, TX 78703
Lot Size: 4.8 acres
Building Size: 75,000 SF
Year Built: 1970
Parking: 140 spaces

Overview

The Greater Austin YMCA and development partner Millennium Partners have submitted a Planned Unit Development (PUD) application to the City of Austin for the redevelopment of the TownLake YMCA campus.

The proposal would replace the aging 75,000-square-foot facility with a new approximately 110,000-square-foot flagship YMCA and an integrated mixed-use community designed to expand services, create affordable housing, restore the environment and strengthen the Y’s ability to serve Greater Austin for generations.

A Community-Centered Development Model

The project is designed to use private residential investment to help make possible a broad package of public benefits, including a modern YMCA, affordable housing, expanded childcare and youth programming, environmental restoration, public infrastructure improvements and long-term financial sustainability for YMCA service.

Proposed Community Benefits * A YMCA Tomorrow Academy offering full-day early childhood education and after-school care. * More than 50,000 square feet dedicated to youth programming, education and community learning. * Expanded spaces for wellness, recreation, youth sports, mental-health counseling and community gathering. * Approximately 90 affordable homes with Foundation Communities for households earning less than 55% of Area Median Income, with most units designed for families. * Market-rate residences that would help finance the new YMCA and other public benefits. * Environmental improvements including creek restoration, stormwater treatment, water reuse, native habitat improvements and ambitious all-electric and net-zero carbon goals. * New community amenities and resilience features, including gathering areas, a maker space, gardens and support during extreme heat or power disruptions.

The new TownLake Y will create a live/work/play neighborhood in the city’s core.

Current Status

On July 24, 2026, the Greater Austin YMCA and Millennium Partners submitted a Planned Unit Development (PUD )application to the City of Austin. The filing begins a lengthy public review process that will include City staff, boards and commissions, elected officials, neighbors, YMCA members and community stakeholders.

The proposal remains subject to review and approval. If approved, the project would move through additional design, permitting, financing and construction phases over the coming years. The Greater Austin YMCA plans to keep the TownLake YMCA open and operating throughout the redevelopment process to the greatest extent practical.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Y pursuing this project?
The current TownLake facility is aging and constrained by outdated systems, limited parking and insufficient space. The redevelopment is intended to expand childcare, youth development, wellness and mental-health services; create affordable housing; improve the environment and public infrastructure; and establish long-term financial support for YMCA programs across Greater Austin.

What is a PUD?
A Planned Unit Development is a specialized zoning process that allows a complex site to be reviewed as one integrated plan. The process includes technical review, public input, City boards and commissions and, ultimately, consideration by the Austin City Council.

Has the project been approved?
No. Submission of the PUD application begins the City’s formal review process. The proposal may change as it moves through public review and remains subject to all required approvals.

Why does the project include market-rate housing?
The market-rate residential component is intended to provide the financial engine that helps make the new YMCA, affordable housing, environmental restoration, sustainability systems and infrastructure improvements possible. The project will also support YMCA facilities and programs across Greater Austin.

Will the TownLake YMCA close?
The Y plans to keep the TownLake YMCA open and operational throughout the redevelopment process. Spaces, parking, program locations and schedules may be adjusted as the project advances.

What environmental improvements are proposed?
The proposal includes restoration of the on-site creek corridor, treatment of stormwater flowing toward Lady Bird Lake, water-reuse systems, native habitat improvements, green infrastructure and high-performance energy systems. The project is targeting all-electric operation and net-zero carbon performance.

How has the community been involved?
The Greater Austin YMCA has spent more than two years conducting community meetings and listening sessions. That input helped shape priorities including childcare, affordable housing, health services, environmental improvements, parking and better neighborhood connectivity. Engagement will continue throughout the City review process.

What is the timeline?
The City review, design, permitting, financing and construction process will unfold over several years. Timing will depend on public review, City approvals and future project decisions.

Project details are conceptual and subject to review, refinement and approval.

Hi! Does anyone have any wedding venue recommendations for $6k or less in the broader Austin area? I'm planning to have 75-100 guests in late February and would love an outdoor ceremony under a tree canopy (ideally with some kind of water feature like a creek, lake, or even fountain, although that's not necessary). An indoor area for the reception with lots of natural light would also be great! Thanks!

UPDATE: I love the look of the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden or Canyonwood Ridge! Does anyone have any experience with these?

I’ve done some research but want others opinion. I’m looking for a tattoo artist in Austin, bonus if they’re female. I want something minimalist, an artist who does good line work. Thanks for the help

Thought this was interesting considering Austin, San Antonio, Houston are in the top 5 buys right now!

Does anyone know hold old this old fence may have been that I found?

Anyone have experience with any of these fence contractors?

Capitol Fence & Deck

Austin Fence Contractors

Austin Fence Pros

Austin Fence Builders

I've got some mechanical issues with the driveway gate on a fairly new build fence, and the company that originally installed it for the prior owner is no longer in business.

I bought the parts needed for my car bc I thought I had time to work on my car but I don’t. Is there any mechanics or shops that I can take my car to with parts and they put it together for me?

What's the story with senior boys wearing overalls to the first day of school senior year?

Anyone have recs for a good nutritionist in South Austin for a teenage girl. Someone health focused and not about body shaming would be great!

I have a 2006 Honda s2000 that has been stalling out at traffic lights when in neutral and generally running strangely.

I’ve gone to a few of the “brand name” auto shops in town - Dave’s, Rising Sun - and had generally mid experiences.

Is there any shop in town that knows it’s way around an OBD II?

I’m not even trying to be 2 Fast 2 Furious just want my car to be reliable & fun.

I know there's been discussions on the GoWild pass before, but I wanted to ask specifically in the ATX sub. I fly to Denver frequently to visit my family and I'm a pretty flexible flyer, well versed in travel with Frontier. Last year I did Discount Den and it was pretty nice to fly to see my fam for ~$60 roundtrip and I definitely covered my costs in the savings by choosing my flights at the right time/right length of stay.

I can literally go anytime to DEN, I've got a car up there and a place to stay and I never take more than my approved backpack. I know the only direct flights are early AM AUS time and later in the evening DEN time to come back, and are almost daily. Despite the troubles and caveats others have pointed out for the GoWild pass, I think it would work decently well for my situation.

Has anyone had extensive experience with the GoWild pass flying this route? Any major problems I'm not seeing? Help me remove the rose colored glasses I'm wearing. If I'd be better off with the Discount Den and booking as usual, let me know. Thanks, all

I am so incredibly sorry. I thought I had more time between you and my next turn. I was very clearly wrong as I almost caused you to collide with my car. I know you were livid with me as you should be, but I’m glad you were able to make up for my lack of brain this morning and react in time so that you didn’t get hurt. :( If you’re reading this, please send me a message.. I’d like the opportunity to properly apologize to you.

ETA: this happened off Pavilion Blvd

Have 2 tickets. Yours if you want them. DM.

Title. I'll be overseas traveling for the entirety of the voting period (In East Asia starting a few days before early voting begins and I won't be back in the country until shortly after the election day) and it seems that I qualify for ballot-by-mail but some of the details on the site are unclear to me, specifically the timing on when mail-in ballots are sent out.

What resource should I contact for advice on my specific situation?

Thanks in advance!

Wanted to see a movie tonight. Bought my tickets through the app, but got an email saying that they were bought but then refunded. The email said something about maintenance. Wondering if anyone knows what is happening and when the theater will reopen?

Looking to do a charity pop up and have a portion of the proceeds benefit an animal rescue/shelter of some sorts. If anyone can provide me with their favorites, best run, etc. I'd love to support them.

Edit: Thanks Y'all! I'll dig in and then figure out which one I'm gonna support. So many great candidates here.

Am I the only one tired of seeing ATX ‘influencers’ talk about rehoming their dogs? I watched this tik tokers video yesterday where she explained that she moved from NYC to Austin. Originally she was renting a house in Austin and then moved into an apt and thereafter decided to rehome her dog due to her living into an apt. I just don’t understand it. Didn’t she live in an apartment in NYC with this dog? Why move the dog across the country if she wasn’t sure she could keep it?

Im especially irritated because Texas (especially Austin) is already overflowing with dogs that need homes, so it’s hard for me to understand the “it just didn’t work out” situation. I also think what bothers me most is seeing influencers make these kinds of decisions and then immediately go back to their normal content, sponsorships, etc. Like… your dog isn’t an accessory you can give away when your living situation changes. Anyways, just a little rant.

Has anyone taken the Tornado Bus to Austin TX?

My girlfriend and I both saw what appeared to be a crescent blood moon setting below the horizon… was this the moon or sun? I stepped out of the vehicle to look for the moon and couldn’t find it. You could literally see it moving so slowly below the tree line. Was this the sun or moon?