South Lamar Neighborhood Association--March-April 2002 Scoop Archive

4/30/02--Oak Wilt Workshop May 18
Jay Culver, City of Austin Forester (he just got a promotion so congratulate him if you see him), called this morning. He drew a revised Oak Wilt Map for the SLNA. It has the big zone, slightly redrawn, and a smaller pocket to the north. I transferred it to a topographic map, and Bill the webmaster has posted it to the website for your review. It is on the SLNA Resources page.

Friday night at the Taco hour, Kathryn told me she now has the Oak Wilt treatment system in hand. The workshop is coming up on Saturday, May 18th at 9am at 4016 Valley View. Kathryn, the czar of Oak Wilt, will have more info soon. Kathryn has some good ideas to present to the group.

Later,
Bryan

4/30/02--Scam Artist in our Neighborhood
From Kay Galvin on Thornton Rd.:
...I wanted to give a heads up to the community regarding the man who has been doing the scam over in Bouldin. It appears he is working his way to our neighborhood as he paid a visit to me on Sunday am around 7:15. I didn't open my door and when I asked what he wanted he said, "a favor." He left when I said NO but it did give me the creeps. The police were notified and they filled out a report on the incident.

4/24/02--Door To Door Scam
This scam alert is from over in Bouldin. Might want to keep heads up for it in SLNA
Bryan

At 12:57 am this Wednesday Morning a man banged on my front door and informed me he had a flat and needed $11.00 to get home. He then said he lived on West Milton and gave some sort of line about paying me back.

I fumbled around half asleep and almost considered being neighborly, but I came to my senses and called the APD 911. They came in force in less than 3 minutes. I do not know if this guy was captured but it was pretty creepy. He almost pulled my front door screen off.

MC

>>Greetings,
>
>>This message is to alert you to what appears to be an >>ongoing door-to-door scam targeted at South Austin >>residents. Two people living on Jewell Street, including >>myself, were recently approached at home by a tall, >>youngish (17/18 yrs.) light-skinned male driving a
>> late-model, light-blue Cadillac. He claimed to need $12 to >>fix-a-flat and/or buy fuel. He went on to say that he was in a >>hurry because his mother needed to be driven somewhere.
>
>> When I was approached by this person around 4:00 pm >>Tuesday, I refused to loan him the $12 he was seeking, but >>did offer to give him several gallons of fuel. He was not >>interested in my offer, and drove off.
>
>>Another Jewell Street resident was approached by a person >>matching the above description on Monday afternoon. She >>loaned him $12, after which point he assured her it would be >>returned the next day. Not surprisingly, the $12 has not >>been returned. Adding what is perhaps a creepier >>undercurrent to what would otherwise appear to be a petty
>>scam, the man also asked her if she could give him a ride >>to a gas station. Remember, she had already given him $12 >>for fuel. She refused to drive him anywhere, and he got >>back into his car and left.
>
>>A report has been filed with the Austin police department. >>My neighbor and I were told that if we see the man again we >>should call 9-1-1 and reference the following Suspicious >>Persons case number: 024706783.
>
>>Your Neighbor,
>
>>Monica

4/22/02--Another Lamar Storage Update
Hi gang,
I emailed Edd Haskins and offered a meeting with Jeff Jack (president of Zilker NA) and myself on Wednesday afternoon. I also informed him that most neighborhood folks would need to meet after work. I told him I was unable to meet Wednesday evening because of the Austin Neighborhood Council meeting that night. I also said we really only needed to meet when they have something new for us.

He still seems set on less than the required parking. You can interpret his message for yourself.

Lynn Rutter noticed today that there are new survey markers on the property. (And for some reason, not necessarily related, a new 30 MPH speed limit sign went up over there as well.)

I attach Edd's response below.

Bryan

Bryan,
Thanks for your email. No problem. We'll schedule something for a later date.

One of the reasons I want to meet with the N/A's is that there is often a huge misconception about the impact of self storage on residential neighborhoods. If the N/A's oppose a project even after they know all of the facts, that's fine. But my job is to provide documented examples of how, with the cooperation of a reasonable developer, it is possible to create a facility that will be the ultimate transitional land use. Our firm specializes in identifying specific local issues and finding solutions that will address neighborhood concerns. I spent some time at the site last week, and identified a number of issues that will be addressed in our final recommendation.

A perfect example of a common misconception about self storage is the parking issue for this facility. Virtually no knowledgeable self storage expert would suggest that the
proposed facility would ever need even 1/2 of the parking spaces requested, let alone the number required by ordinance. If parking, rather than the underlying land use, is really a
concern, we will be able to resolve that issue for you straight away.

Thank you for mentioning the pedestrian boulevard. That is the very type of issue I hope to get input about. There are a number of amenities that the developer could provide for this project that might be beneficial. I hope to identify a number of similar issues that will ultimately result in a final design that the entire neighborhood will find satisfactory.

Thank you for staying in contact and for your cooperation. I'll be back in touch soon and we'll find a time to meet that is more convenient for you.

Edd

4/17/02--Latest on Lamar Storage
Latest email round from Lamar Storage.
FYI,
Bryan

Bryan,
Thank you for posting my letter. I'll let you know if I receive any inquiries from your members.

I'm a little confused as to why other NA's would have an interest in a routine parking issue outside their primary neighborhood. Do they understand that the site is zoned for the proposed use? In any case, I've been authorized to discuss land use issues, so I'll certainly welcome their input, although the preferences of the immediate neighborhood must be given the higher priority.

I visited the site today, and also met with the developer's architect. We will complete our technical analysis on the parking issue within the next week or so. Regardless of our ultimate findings related to parking, I would like to begin
discussions with your group regarding your land use concerns. I will be in Austin again on Wednesday, 4/24, and would be pleased to meet with anybody who would like to discuss land use issues, or provide input regarding exterior elevations,
aesthetics, etc. I'll reserve a meeting room nearby, and we'll get together if anyone expresses an interest. If possible, I'd like to get together with you prior to any meeting to provide an update on our findings.

Thank you for your assistance and cooperation. You can be assured that I will do everything possible to find a workable solution that will benefit all parties.

Regards,

Edd Haskins

Bryan King wrote:

> ED,
> I posted your letter to the SLNA group. I'll let you know if >anyone expresses interested in meeting with you on Tuesday. >I had coffee this morning with the president of the Zilker NA, >Jeff Jack, and appraised him of the situation also. South >Lamar is a common boundary for our associations. I believe >they also spoke against at the BOA hearing.
>
> The South Central Coalition (NA's in the 78704 zip) might >also want to see your presentation but let's start with just the >closest affected neighborhoods.
>
> Let me know when you have something you wish to present to the neighborhoods.
>
> Regards,
> Bryan King
>
> Edd Haskins wrote:
>
> Thanks for your call today. I'll keep you advised as we >complete our study.
> >
> > Edd Haskins

4/17/02--Parking Ordinance Draft
One of the items for discussion at tomorrow's meeting is the Parking Ordinance. It is being review by council this week. Now that the language and some of the policies have been established, we will need to vote on this in the future. You may read the current ordinance language at:

http://www.main.org/parking/Ordinance_Drafts/Ordinance-draft3.html

Complete info is listed at this site:

http://www.main.org/parking/

Please check this out so you will understand how it works and we can make a neighborhood decision. Because the language was a moving target before, we voted to neither support nor oppose until we saw what the actual ordinance will look like. Now that has finally happened, we will need to take a neighborhood association vote, maybe at the June meeting.
Please check it out.

Thanks,
Bryan

4/13/02--Another City View/Lamar Storage Update
This email arrived from Lamar Storage's Dallas consultant after I talked with him today:
Bryan

It was a pleasure speaking with you today. As I indicated, my firm specializes in analyzing municipal planning issues and identifying workable solutions that will be beneficial both to the developer and nearby residents. Lamar Self Storage has retained me to review their project and make recommendations that will mitigate the concerns of nearby residents and your association.

I’m sorry you will be unable to meet with me on Tuesday. However, should you or any of your members wish to discuss any issue or concern with me, please do not hesitate to call. You mentioned that there were several individual residents who had specific objections to the project as proposed. Please let me know how to contact these individuals, so as to bring them into the process early on. As I indicated, my role is to receive input from as many sources as possible, then offer informed recommendations. I’d like to speak personally with anyone who has concerns about the project.

Many of the concerns you expressed were related to land use compatibility. Although the site is presently zoned for the proposed use, the developers have authorized me to work with your association on any issue of concern. I hope your association will actively participate in this process. Our firm has extensive experience in this area, and close working relationships with many Austin neighborhood associations. If all parties will participate in a spirit of cooperation, it will be possible to make informed decisions that will benefit the entire area.

As we discussed, I will be in Austin on Tuesday, April 16, 2002. I will spend most of the day in the neighborhood gathering data and input. If you know of anyone who might like to meet with me during my initial site visit, please have them contact me. Otherwise, I’ll contact you again just as soon as we’ve completed our initial analysis to determine how to next proceed.

I look forward to working with you and the South Lamar Neighborhood Association.

4/13/02--Latest on City View Storage (Lamar Storage)
For those following the City View Storage (aka Lamar Storage) facilities on Kinney Road :

As you know, after I visited with the City, they rejected the off site parking scheme the developer proposed. The Board of Adjustment said they had to have all of the parking, and the site plan people said it had to be on site.

So, the developer has hired a sharp shooter from Dallas named Ed Haskins to try to make this thing work. I just spent 30 minutes on the phone with him...on a Saturday afternoon. He is confident that he can somehow make it work. I gave him our concerns, and suggested that he view the site and then set up a meeting to offer any solutions that he produces.

He claims to have made these things work out in the nicest
neighborhoods. He will be here on Tuesday to look at the site first hand and see all of the things unique to that property. I'll let everyone know when they may want to take the next step. I suggested a meeting with all of the SLNA folks that are interested when they have something to present.

I mentioned to him that many don't feel this to be a neighbor-hood friendly business, meaning it is not an amenity that most residents would use. He contends that statistically 80% of the users of this facility will be within a one mile range, meaning it would be a neighborhood facility. Hmm?

I am curious. Do any of you now use a climate controlled warehouse for your personal use? Just wondering?

More as it develops,
Bryan

4/10/02--Help the ANC Guide the City Budget
Here's your chance to guide City Hall in providing services to our neighborhood. Please send me any feedback you have and I'll forward it to Bob or Jim at ANC, or you may send your comments directly to Bob or Jim if you like.
Bryan

We need your help!
Because of decreased revenues, city purse strings are likely to be tightened during the next fiscal year. The ANC city budget working group is charged with developing a set of city-services priorities important to neighborhoods that will be communicated to the City of Austin prior to important budget-preparation decisions. We need input from your associations in this vital area.
Our current working list of priorities for the city includes the following:

Pedestrian safety and infrastructure
Police
Neighborhood planning
Libraries
Neighborhood ombudsman/advocate position
Code enforcement
Environmental protection
Parks

Please communicate this list of priorities to your neighborhood associations and give us relevant feedback. Also, identify any other priorities your associations think should be on this list.
Please email this information to bshrader@swbell.net with a copy to Jim Walker, jhwalker@austin.cc.tx.us.
Thanks in advance.
Bob Shrader
City Budget Working Group Chair

4/8/02--Almost Time to Meet...and Eat!
Hi all,
Just an early reminder to clear your calendar for the regular SLNA meeting coming up on April 18th, 7pm, Unity Church on Del Curto. We've got a great program lined up!

The Save Our Springs Alliance is thrilled to give their multimedia presentation to the SLNA. The presentation uses photos, text, maps, and graphs to illustrate everything Austinites need to know about Barton Springs and the Edwards Aquifer. The presentation answers the questions:
How does the Aquifer work? How is Barton Springs being polluted? and What can we do to save the Springs? Both long-time Austinites and folks new to town will learn valuable information about our most precious natural resource, the 4th largest spring in the state of Texas, Barton Springs!

Will also have some surveys for you to take about what you would like at the new ACC campus going in at Manchaca and Stassney.

Plus Russell's Bakery will be supplying tasty treats for the meeting! (Russell's will soon open a location at the SE corner of South Lamar & Bluebonnet.)

We'll be giving a review of the Sidewalk Workshop that was done in March, and we'll be supplying more information on the upcoming Oak Wilt Treatment Workshop in May.

Please plan to make this meeting...

Thanks,
Bryan

PS Did I mention FREE FOOD from Russell's .... just in case you missed it the first time!

PSS We are going to press on the SLNA newsletter in just a day or so. If you know anyone that wants to advertise in the newly expanded (4 page) newsletter... contact Account Executive Marci Roberts at marci@meodesign.com ASAP for details...

4/3/02--Forum on Draft of New City Noise Ordinance
Anybody getting too loud for you???
FYI,
Bryan

In November of 2001 the Austin Police Department began reviewing the City Noise Ordinance, Department Standardized Operating Procedures and General Orders. The consequences of this review is a draft of a new City Noise Ordinance. Residents are invited to attend an open forum to discuss and
review this draft. The forum will begin at 7:00pm April 17th 2002 at the Waller Creek Building on 625 E. 10th street room 105.

Desiree J. Small #3111
Senior Police Officer
Downtown District Representative
(512)974-5345 or Pager (512)802-5168

4/3/02--Acc South Austin Campus Survey
SLNA Neighbors! If you've got a few minutes, please read the attached letter from Jim Walker of the Austin Neighborhood Council and then go to the noted web site and take the survey. Your user ID for the survey is south austin. The survey takes less than five minutes. This is your chance to give some input! Thanks, Bryan *********************** ACC has purchased the old Albertson's at the intersection of Stassney Lane and Manchaca Rd. and intends to renovate it into a full service campus. The ACC Board of Trustees has created and appointed a South Austin Community Advisory Committee (SACAC) to help plan for and support the establishment of this campus. The SACAC meets the first and third Wednesdays at 6:30 pm in the Crockett High School Library. The SACAC is gathering information about the educational needs and interests of South Austin residents and how Austin Community College (ACC) might address those needs with a new campus in South Austin. Your input on this survey will greatly assist the South Austin Community Advisory Committee's efforts and recommendations to the ACC Board of Trustees. Please go to our website - http://www2.austin.cc.tx.us/sacac/ - and complete the on-line survey. If you would like more information, please call 223-7601 or email sacac@austin.cc.tx.us.

4/2/02--Where'd We Go???
Problems beyond our control took southlamar.org out of service for several days, but we are now back and ready to ROCK YOUR WORLD!!! (At least, your world within the SLNA boundaries...)

4/2/02--Seaholm District Masterplan Presentation

Since this does impact our area, I thought some of you
might be interested......Bryan

Dear Friends of the Pfluger Bridge, Lance Armstrong
Bikeway, and all of those interested in a bike-friendly Austin:

You are invited to a presentation on the Seaholm District Masterplan at 7:00 PM, Wednesday, April 3rd at One Texas Center, South First Street and Barton Springs Road, in the 8th floor conference room.

Greg Kiloh, Urban Designer, City of Austin Transportation, Planning and Sustainability Department will conduct the Presentation.

The Austin Cycling Association, Austin Metro Trails and Greenways, Downtown Austin Neighborhoods Association, Bouldin Creek Neighborhood Association, and Friends of Lance Armstrong Bikeway will co-host this event.

Of particular interest is the proposal for a "new" North-east "Bike Flyover" Pfluger Bridge extension option, reservation of a future North-west bridge extension, and immediate at-grade North-east connection alongside Seaholm between the Pfluger Bridge and Ullrich Bridge. These are referenced in the "Staff Technical Team Recommendation(s) on Pedestrian and Bicycle Connections in the Seaholm District"
(see attached) and detailed ("Bike Flyover Option Plan") on page 26 of the Seaholm District Masterplan:

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/planning/seaholmdraft.htm

The resolution of "bike/pedestrian connections" in the Seaholm District will perhaps begin to define a more bike/pedestrian friendly Austin, including making the completion of the Pfluger Bridge the first priority in the ongoing implementation of a Seaholm District Masterplan.

Please join us on April 3rd, announce to your membership, and send a representative.

Thanks so for your interest and support!

Eric Anderson <bikeeric@yahoo.com
Friends of Lance Armstrong Bikeway, (512) 476-7304

Hey folks. The proposal for single member districts for City Council is moving forward fast. The election (this is Proposition 3) is on the City Council election ballot for May 4. From the city website:

"On the May 4 ballot, voters will consider whether to increase the number of Austin City Council Members and the way in which they are elected. Currently, the City has an at-large system where everyone votes for all seven members. If approved, Proposition 3 would increase the number of Council Members from seven to 11, with eight elected through single-member districts, and the Mayor and two members still elected at-large."

City Council Public Hearing and POSSIBLE ACTION, Hancock Building, Lower Colorado River Authority, 3700 Lake Austin Boulevard, 6 p.m.

More info on single member districts proposal on the City site: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/news/02/election_meetings.htm

All city charter amendment proposals for May 4 election: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/news/02/elec_charter.htm

Click this link to download the a pdf file of the district maps: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/news/02/downloads/smd8_opt_a.pdf

Interestingly, we would NOT be in the same district with Zilker, Barton Hills, Travis Heights, or Bouldin neighborhoods. We'd be grouped with Galindo and St. Edwards areas, continuing east to include Riverside, Montopolis out to Bergstrom, and north of the river on the eastside to include Holly St. area up to around 7th St.-Govalle area.

Please check it out and voice your opinion. And if you know someone who needs to register to vote: http://www.texasonline.state.tx.us/travisco/voter/home.htm or call 854-9473.

3/29/02--Developments in the 'Hood
Hi gang, Some updating on various projects. Lamar Storage, now called "City View Storage" has applied for an administrative approval of their site plan. This plan still has only 24 on site parking spaces. With this plan they need 54. The end around they are using is to provide "off site" parking within 500'. The 35 off site parking spaces are reported to be around by and behind Gold Creations. 35 cars there? Go figure. I spoke with the city and gave them our concerns again. Kinney & Ravey: I ran into developer Mike Mchone at the Austin Neighborhood Council meeting on Wednesday. (He is the developer's agent for the high density Villas at Guadalupe you have seen so much press on) He told me that the project at the old Mary Lee project was back on. Cutting it into 7 SF-3 lots of 7000' (making them duplex size lots). Thornton: The property that is behind Carol Evans house, and I think belongs to her uncle, went on the market for $400K and has a contract pending on it in less than a couple of weeks. I talked to someone that unsuccessfully bid on it and she told me there we several buyers lined up. I have a call into the realtor at this time. More info as it becomes available. Bryan

3/20/02--Update on Lamar Storage (Noah's Ark)
I spoke with Sue Welch, Watershed Protection/DRID, 974-3294 this afternoon. It appears that Lamar Storage is trying to do what they always wanted to do... that is build the multi story storage block with only 23 parking spaces instead of the required 61 spaces. They are trying to do a deal with the property north of them for "shared parking". She said this was the area used by some retail and Gold Creations. I ask it it was going to be connected to the property and she said no... so in other words, they are wiggling around the requirements by in essence renting some parking around the corner.

This does nothing for many of our original objections regarding Kinney road traffic, trucks, the obtuse angle of traffic turning onto Kinney, etc.

I have appraised Ms Welch of the Board of Adjustment determination back a year ago. She is checking with the transportation department and will get back with me.

Any of you that have concerns... please contact her at the above number, reference file # SP-02-0104. They are using a new Engineering firm and they are trying for "Administrative Approval of a Site Plan" so there may not be any hearing of any kind... I am not sure.

FYI
Bryan

3/18/01--Update on Ogden Restaurant Supply
For all of you that enjoy Ogden Restaurant dump grounds on Thornton... I spoke with Mr. Lopez in code enforcement today. He informed me that it is set to go to the "docket hearing" on Wednesday. I think that is where they plead and then set for trial if necessary...etc.
Just an FYI
Bryan

3/14/02--Meet the Deadline!
We need to get the newsletter to the press in about 2 weeks. If you have something to add, please send it to either Jo Dee Myatt <jdmyatt@yahoo.com> or me ASAP! We want to have it on doorsteps a week or two before the meeting on April 18th.

Thanks
BK

3/14/02--Update on Yard Ordinance
The yard car ordinance made it to the Planning Commission last night....at about 10pm. Long night and lots of testimony! Short version: They sent it to a subcommittee.

The latest version may be found here. In a nut shell, any neighborhood that sent a letter to Thomas' office in favor would be included. Others would be excluded but could decide to
be added later if they want. I don't know where this will wind up...just keeping you posted.

Bryan

3/5/02--Pedestrian Safety/Walkability Tour
The South Lamar Neighborhood has a serious problem! We are completely lacking of sidewalks on our major pedestrian thoroughfares and although we have a designated bike path through the neighborhood, it is almost unrideable due to safety issues.

You may be surprised to learn that over 75 students from Zilker School reside in our neighborhood and have to cross South Lamar to get to school.

The SLNA in association with the Trans Texas Alliance has scheduled a special Pedestrian Safety/Walkability Tour on Saturday, March 23 from 12 to 4PM. It will be held at the Unity Church Annex unless otherwise notified. This is the tour that was announced as being March 9. Please note the change.

The Workshop is led by Charlie Gandy, a nationally recognized pedestrian and bicycle consultant.

The purpose of the workshop is to build consensus among key stakeholders about how to create a more walkable community.

It’s objectives are: Improved safety in our neighborhood, increased pedestrian access, and to promote the health benefits of walking.

The workshop will feature a presentation of solutions cities in Texas and elsewhere have embraced, and includes a walk-about of the neighborhood.

It will bring neighborhood, business and civic leaders together with transportation planners and other public officials for four hours to discuss how to overcome barriers to safe walking in our neighborhood.

Please come and urge your neighbors to come with you. Also, if any of you have connections with any civic leaders, city council members, transportation planners, Angels, or any other folks or deities that might be of help, please feel free to ask them.

Honey in the Heart,

Patricia Fiske
SLNA Sidewalk Chairperson

3/5/02--South Austin Culture Club
From our friends at the Bouldin Creek NA:

Yup, the South Austin
Culture Club is At It Again!
More Culture, South Austin style, coming your way.

The South Austin Culture Club's next event is scheduled for April 23rd in a local B&B. The luncheon, catered by local Tex-Mex restaurants (hence the the theme name), will celebrate South Austin's lively and unique commerce. The Whole Enchilada and Bard's Bash will not only celebrate 133 1/3 years of local commerce in South Austin, it will also commemorate William Shakespeare's birthday (which happens to fall on the same day). Talk about your culture!

City Councilmember Jackie Goodman will be a featured speaker, and a South Austin fashion show is included among planned festivities. (Just think of the possibilities!)

That's all the excuse any of us needs for the best free $10 lunch and entertainment in town.