Struggles & Victories
Over the last 30 years, PODER has worked on legislation and hundreds of campaigns, zoning cases, community projects, and more. Highlighted below, you'll find some of our defining struggles and victories, along with their respective documentaries at the bottom of this page. To learn more about PODER's work, you can visit the Austin History Center Archive in person and online.
Tank Farm (1992)
For more than 35 years, East Austin residents had lived next to several bulk fuel storage tank facilities (“Tank Farm”) that devastated the land and surrounding community. This 52-acre site with above-ground fuel storage tanks was located in a predominantly Latino and African American neighborhood, where millions of gallons of petroleum products were stored. It was owned by 6 major oil companies: Exxon, Mobil, Chevron, Star Enterprises (Texaco), CITGO and Coastal States. In 1992, PODER discovered that the companies had violated air emissions and contaminated the groundwater. Through research and a series of health surveys within the community, health issues related to the pollutants were discovered. PODER and EAST (East Austin Strategy Team, a group of neighborhood associations formed by Black East Austin residents) sponsored a “Toxic Tour” of the area on February 10, 1992. Elected officials from the city, county and state level, as well as neighborhood association representatives and school leaders participated. As a result of the support of several elected officials, community involvement, and continued queries by PODER and EAST, soil and groundwater contamination at the site were brought to light. In 1993, through PODER’s community organizing, the Tank Farm relocated out of the community and the companies agreed to remediation. Later, the properties were rezoned to less intense use, and the neighborhood is currently in the process of creating a redevelopment plan for the area.
Browning Ferris Industries AKA BFI (1996)
BFI, a multi-national waste management company, was contracted by the City of Austin to collect recyclables such as plastics, glass, cans and newspapers, for over 350,000 households. The site was located in an East Austin community, and became a '“mini” landfill - causing an infestation of rats and other pests, and processing hazardous wastes - which alarmed residents’ public health concerns. The neighborhoods called for a relocation plan, and in 1996 the City bought the property, relocated BFI and rezoned it to neighborhood office.
Pure Casting (1998)
The Pure Castings industrial metal foundry was located at 2110 E. 4th Street, across from Zavala Elementary School and found within a residential area. Pure Casting uses numerous toxic metals - leading PODER to work with City Council members, health officials and other regulatory agencies to protect the health of the children and surrounding community. PODER, alongside community, demanded the relocation of the facility. In 1998, PODER was successful in relocating the facility.
GOVALLE/JOHNSTON TERRACE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN (2003)
This community plan was approved by City Council in March 2003, making history by re-zoning over 600 properties from industrial to less intense uses and more compatible with residential areas. Included in this rezoning were properties that were zoned industrial but the actual use was residential. While numerous properties have been re-zoned, many facilities which store hazardous chemicals are still located next to schools and in residential areas. PODER will continue to organize for relocation.
Holly Power Plant (2007)
The Holly Power Plant had noise levels that exceeded the Housing, Urban, and Development (HUD) federal standards for residential areas, as well as elevated EMF (electro magnetic fields). It was the largest stationary source of nitrogen oxide, which contributes to ozone, and found directly within an East Austin community. Several fires at the site raised additional public health and safety concerns - leading PODER to step in. In the process of raising awareness, PODER’s Young Scholars for Justice helped conduct community health surveys, and participated in press conferences to voice community concerns. Persistent community pressure led the City Council to finally close the Holly Power Plant on September 30, 2007.
Young Scholars for Justice
To name a few of our youth program's successes, PODER’s YSJ has successfully advocated for and changed procedures and policies within the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Centers. Gender equity issues were raised, highlighting the need for an increase in the number of programs for young girls by identifying a lack of female directors. YSJ further addressed the economic hardship that unaffordable swimming class fees would pose, and also successfully organized several youth forums addressing juvenile justice and police brutality issues within the school system. PODER's YSJ program continues to educate and engage youth in relevant local, state, national, and even global issues.
Our Land Development Code
On March 18th, 2020, Judge Jan Soifer, 345th District Court, ruled in favor of Austin residents in a suit against the City of Austin & the Austin City Council.
The Court found:
1. Defendants (City of Austin & Austin City Council) violated Sections 211.006 & 211.007 of the Texas Local Government Code in their attempt to adopt a comprehensive revised Land Development Code by (a) failing to provide statutorily-required notice of the Planning Commission’s public hearing to Plaintiffs (residents filing suit) as to the changes in zoning of Plaintiffs’ property & nearby property in the City of Austin & (b) failing to recognize Plaintiffs’ protest rights.
2. Defendants’ actions described above constitute ultra vires acts that contravene state law, entitling Plaintiffs to relief against Defendants.
In simple words, these findings demonstrate that residents have the right to protest zoning changes - even if the City dictates it as a comprehensive plan.
