grandfather clause n. 1. A clause in the constitutions of several Southern states prior to 1915 meant to disfranchise black citizens by exempting from strict voting requirements all descendants of persons registered to vote before 1867. 2. A clause in some laws creating exemption because of conditions existing before enactment of the legislation.

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SOS Alliance Files Suit Over 2002’s Stratus Deal

On Monday, January 13, 2003, the Save Our Springs Alliance filed a lawsuit challenging the Austin City Council's sweetheart development deal with Stratus Properties. In its suit, SOS claims that the City zoned Stratus' land through contract--which is illegal under state law. SOS also claims that the City violated the Texas Open Meetings Act. Citizens wishing to speak at the Stratus hearings were given three minutes to speak on fifteen zoning cases and the 200+ page "settlement agreement," and some citizens were not allowed to sign up to speak after the council abruptly cut off the sign-in for those wishing to speak.

SOS is asking the court to declare the zoning and the $16 million subsidy package null and void, which would put Stratus' development project back at square one and delay construction--and pollution. At stake are 1253 acres scattered along South MoPac, Slaughter Lane, and State Highway 45. All of the land is in the Barton Springs watershed. SOS will keep you updated as this case progresses.

Last summer, before the City Council approved the Stratus deal, SOS filed a lawsuit asking the court to declare the Save Our Springs Ordinance exempt from state grandfathering law. This case will have its first hearing Wednesday, January 22nd, at 2 pm at the Travis County courthouse on 11th and Guadalupe streets.