The council's 6-1 vote came after several hours of public comment and council debate. Council limited speakers to three minutes each as well as the head count inside its chambers, but set up viewing screens in another room and outside.
Under the agreement approved Thursday, Stratus may develop 750,000 sf of office space, 250,000 sf of retail space, 830 single-family homes and 900 multifamily units on 1,235 acres. That is significantly less than what Stratus says it can build under state law in effect when the project was first proposed in the 1980s. The deal still faces two more council votes and probably more hearings before it is finalized.
Those protesting the deal say it would harm the Edwards Aquifer and Barton Springs. They encourage the city to take Stratus to court to challenge the company's right to develop the property rather than negotiate.
Proponents say the deal limits development to an extent it will not cause environmental harm. To fight the deal would be a waste of time and money for an uncertain outcome.
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