Land Development Sector
"Everyone at Goshawk has been a pleasure to work with, and we received regular updates without even having to ask. Not only did they develop a Cultural Resources Survey pro-bono, but they also prioritized our project so that we could meet our tight deadlines. Working with Goshawk kept our project from being delayed or going over budget."
-Kimberly Griffin, Grants Manager, Austin Habitat for Humanity
Austin Habitat for Humanity, Travis County, Texas
Issue: Austin Habitat for Humanity issued a request for proposals (RFP) to provide Texas Historical Commission (THC) and Housing and Urban Development (HUD) compliance services for a proposed multi-home site. The RFP stressed the need for a quick turn-around to complete the project on schedule and required THC concurrence within two months.
Action: The Goshawk team was excited to support Austin Habitat for Humanity, offered our services pro-bono, and quickly began work on the project. Goshawk scheduled a meeting with THC representatives to outline survey protocols, discuss scheduling constraints, and identify any potential pitfalls. It was determined that the project required an architectural study. Goshawk hired an architectural historian to consult on the project who was gracious enough to work on the weekend to meet the deadline.
Outcome: Due to proactive THC consultation, research on HUD requirements, team enthusiasm, and quality of the survey report, authorization to proceed was granted within 50 days (several days ahead of the deadline).
Austin Capitol Concrete, Inc., Williamson County, Texas
Issue: Austin Capitol Concrete, Inc., was expanding an existing commercial development in Leander, Texas. The project had been approved by the City of Leander several years prior; however, a portion of the project was shelved due to the economic recession. When our client began earth moving in preparation for completing the project, the city red-tagged the project and required re-submission of the development plan. The City requested US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) compliance documentation because the project entailed the realignment of a reach of the South Fork of Brushy Creek.
Action: The on-site reach of the South Fork of Brushy Creek was previously channelized in conjunction with a bridge replacement project; however, Goshawk determined that it still met the Waters of the US criteria. Goshawk prepared a Nationwide Permit 39 application and requested a waiver of the 300-linear-foot limitation based on the impacted nature of the creek. Goshawk performed an archival review and determined the site had a moderate to high probability for containing significant cultural resources based on the creek, depositional soils, and proximity to Bagdad Cemetery. Goshawk notified the client and obtained authorization to conduct a cultural resource survey. Although a few artifacts were located, they were out of context and were not deemed “significant.” When USACE later requested a cultural resources survey, Goshawk had already compiled the report and was able to quickly submit it to the Texas Historical Commission (THC) for approval.
Outcome: USACE granted Nationwide Permit authorization within four months of Goshawk’s authorization to proceed. Goshawk’s proactive coordination and open communication with the THC maintained rapport and goodwill.