Austin City Council approved the rezoning for a new multifamily housing development located on the west side of Loop 360 on Oct. 8.

The rezoning will allow for a denser, mixed-use development with potential for both commercial and residential space, yet residents from the nearby Lost Creek neighborhood expressed concerns surrounding traffic dangers.

The background: The proposed development would include 475 multifamily units, with an affordable housing component and potential for ground-level retail and commercial uses.

The issue: Several community members from the Lost Creek neighborhood expressed concerns surrounding the increase in traffic the proposed development may bring to Loop 360.

The entrances to the new development and the Lost Creek neighborhood are both along Loop 360.

The city previously stated that a traffic impact analysis was not required as the traffic expected from the proposal did not exceed the thresholds that trigger a traffic impact analysis under the city’s Land Development Code.

What else: The rezoning request passed with council member Marc Duchen voting in opposition.

OriGen Biomedical recently opened a new Austin headquarters and manufacturing facility on Grand Avenue Parkway.

The overview: Founded in Austin, OriGen Biomedical makes a variety of products for cryopreservation and cell culture. The company makes a variety of freezing bags used to cool and store biological materials, as well as bags used to protect and store cells and tissues.

The 82,000-square-foot facility more than doubles the company’s previous footprint, according to a news release. The space features 6,600 square feet of cleanroom space, a sterile fill suite, modern manufacturing infrastructure, and expanded office and collaboration areas.

• Opened Oct. 18

• 2215 Grand Avenue Parkway, Austin

Travelers this October, especially those for Formula 1, should prepare for long lines at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

The details: Airport officials expect possible record-breaking busy days at the airport Oct. 22 through Oct. 27. The busiest day is anticipated to be Oct. 26, the day after the United States Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas on Oct. 25.

Going forward

Airport officials recommend the following tips to travelers:

• Arrive 2.5 hours before departure for domestic flights and 3 hours before departure for international flights

• Allow extra time for checking luggage, returning rental cars or parking before joining the security line

• Use either the upper level for departures or the lower level for arrivals when dropping off passengers

There are four security checkpoints leading to all gates. The first checkpoints open at 3 a.m..

The background: ABIA recorded its busiest month ever for passenger traffic in June, servicing 2,102,853 departing and arriving passengers. The second busiest month was recorded in July, with 2,102,655 departing and arriving passengers, according to previous Community Impact reporting.

Six events are happening in the Austin area from Oct. 23-25. These events include:

• The 34th Annual Clay Festival in New Braunfels on Oct. 24-25, featuring work from over 80 Texas artists.
• The 40th AIA Austin Homes Tour on Oct. 24-25, which is a self-guided tour showcasing the work of nine local architects.
• A Día de los Muertos celebration in downtown Georgetown on Oct. 24, featuring cultural performances, live music and artisan vendors.
• The 6th annual Common Ground Arts Festival in Bee Cave on Oct. 24, hosted by the nonprofit art gallery Contracommon.
• The 43rd annual Viva la Vida Festival & Parade in downtown Austin on Oct. 24, celebrating Día de los Muertos with a Grand Procession, traditional foods and live performances.
• The 21st annual Fall Fest in Bastrop on Oct. 25, a family festival featuring train rides, a petting zoo, a bounce house and a silent auction.