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THE NEIGHBORP.O. Box 5722 • Austin, Texas 78763-5722 December, 2007

Organized 1973

“To preserve our neighborhoodand protect it from deterioration.”

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Gwen JewissPresident

August “Happy” Harris IIIPresident-Elect

Michael FalkTreasurer

Chris AlguireSecretary

Blake TollettAssistant Secretary

Eric CaryPast-President

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Chris AlguireMary ArnoldJoyce BascianoJoseph BennettGeorge EdwardsAnne KeeneKen PflugerSusan Pascoe

HONORARY COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Sinclair BlackHon. Lloyd DoggettHon. Will Wynn

Background Photo of Lime Kiln #PICA24140, Austin History Center, Austin Public Library

If you live on a quiet residential street withno sidewalks and no sidewalks on nearbystreets either and you build a new house youcould be required to also build a sidewalk.Such a requirement is under considerationby the Austin City Council. We at WANGsee such a sidewalk as likely to be seen as anegative by most of our neighbors and that’swhy WANG has been actively engaged withthe council in order to change all that.Instead we have urged the council to estab-lish a sidewalk fund that would use themoney that would have built the “Sidewalkto Nowhere” and combine that money withother funds to build a sidewalk where it real-ly is needed. We could use a sidewalk, forexample, on the west side of Expositionacross from O. Henry school.

Sidewalks is just one of a number of WANGactivities this fall. Others include a rezonerequest at the state school site, UT’s plan-ning for the future of the Brackenridge Tractwhich is home to the municipal golf course,monitoring of the McMansion ordinanceimplementation and the usual run of landuse issues that come up.

Unfortunately we have fallen behind on put-ting out our newsletter and are backloggedon sending out meeting minutes. This issuewill include minutes from regular meetingsin December, November, October and thosefrom August which were inadvertently leftout of an earlier newsletter. Our apologiesfor the delay.

Neighborhood WatchNEIGHBOR BEWARE:

Friends and neighbors, PLEASE BEWAREthat there seem to be two type of thievesoperating in the Tarrytown area. One groupis snatching purses from unattended cars,the other going door-to-door canvassinghomes posing as representatives from acharitable organization and returning later.

Recently, a neighbor was picking her son upfrom Good Shepherd School and walked 100feet from her car for less than 2 minutes. Inthat short time, her purse was stolen out of thefront seat. Within 20 minutes of stealing thepurse, the thieves proceeded to rack up cred-

it cards charges totaling $10,000. Theymoved very quickly and bought computersand other expensive electronics.

The employees at Guitar Center, one of thestores they bought from, were able to givedescriptions of the people and of the car theyare driving. They described a black manabout 6 feet tall and a woman with black hairabout 5 ? feet tall. They are driving a dark for-est green Jeep Cherokee, model year in the2000's.

Apparently, they are targeting places such asschools where moms will leave purses intheir cars while quickly running in to pick uptheir children. They must have been just wait-ing and watching for the right opportunity.This has been going on in our area since thissummer so PLEASE be careful to lock yourcars and ALWAYS have your purse with you.

This incident was reported to the police andthey are investigating it. If you see anyonesuspicious PLEASE call 311 and report it. Ifyou see anyone driving the car describedabove matching the description of the peo-ple, PLEASE write down the license platenumber and notify the policy immediately.The case number for the incident describedabove is # 073111181 and the detectiveassigned to the case is Detective BobbyBowers. His contact information is 974-4277or bobby.bowers@ci.austin.tx.us.

The door-to-door group has not yet beenidentified and there is no case number. If yousee anything suspicious, PLEASE call 311 andreport it.

August Meeting MinutesBy Chris Alguire

Secretary

The Executive Committee (ExComm) of theWest Austin Neighborhood Group (WANG)held its August monthly meeting onMonday, August 6, 2007 at Howson Library.President Jewiss called us to order at 7:08p.m.

ExComm members present: Alguire, Arnold,Basciano, Bennett, Cannatti, Edwards, Falk,Harris, Jewiss, Pascoe, Pfluger and TollettWest Austin Neighborhood Group

P.O. Box 5722Austin, Texas 78763-5722

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGALL ARE WELCOMEWe meet on the first Monday of the month

at 7PM at the Howson Branch Library.

Please Check Mailing Label for Renewal Date

Make checks payable to WANG and mail to:WANG

P.O. Box 5722Austin, TX 78763-5722

❏ Yes, I want to join WANG.❏ I want to renew my WANG membership.

I have enclosed:❏ $20 household membership❏ $10 student/senior membership

Date

Name

Address

Phone

Fax

Email

J o i n W A N G

Trail to increase the FAR by 25% and toincrease the side wall length before artic-ulation is required to 61 feet, an increaseof 91%. The appeal is to be heard by theCity Council on Thursday 13 December2007 at 6PM at Austin City Hall, CouncilChambers.

• Board Action: Status of appeal dis-cussed, and Blake was requested to checkwith neighbors to confirm they were noti-fied of appeal. No further action taken atthis meeting.

(4) 3200 Bowman Avenue / Reed HallDeed Restrictions Resubdivision Update

• Board Action: Blake providedupdate on status of deed restriction agree-ment with neighbors which appears to benearing completion. Motion by Cannatti(to have WANG formally pursue adminis-trative remedy on HLC demolition permitappeal procedures using offer of legal rep-resentation by Reed Family) will be circu-lated by email for consideration by Board.No further action taken at this meeting.

(5) 718 Norwalk Lane - Colley/HaysHouse Update (HLC No. C14H-07-0031)

• Board Action: Blake providedupdate on status of efforts to relocate theHays House from this property and Citylegal department’s efforts to decidewhether the 6-to-0 vote by the HLC con-stituted a “super majority” vote to over-come the owner’s objection to having theproperty designated historical. No furtheraction taken at this meeting.

(6) 3215 Exposition – Austin StateSchool Update

• Board Action: Blake providedupdate on Nov. 28 City Council decisionto approve on first reading an SF-6 zoningfor the property with a limit of 20 totalunits for the property, with a second read-ing to occur no earlier than January, 2008.Additional discussion by board and neigh-bors regarding effort to identify compara-ble properties for consideration by theCity Council, as well as discussion ofwater detention pond concerns that mayalso apply to the property. No furtheraction taken at this meeting.

(7) 3217 Funston Street (RDCC No. 07-165437, Owner: Allen Wendler 637-0862, Applicant: Scott Yore 423-8278) --Applicant is requesting a modification tothe LDC to allow a 3.5% increase in the

maximum height of the side setback planein order to construct an addition to anexisting single family residence.

• Board Action: Joyce provided exten-sive discussion of RDCC request and HLCrequest concerning this property, which islocated in the Bryker WoodsNeighborhood Association area. No fur-ther action taken at this meeting.

B. Infrastructure Committee

(1) Neighborhood Planning – Updateprovided by Board members fromNovember 14th meeting regarding trans-portation issues, and upcomingDecember 5th meeting, which will con-sider draft “Transportation Goal,” and willalso include a mapping exercise for stake-holders to address transportation issues,map different modes of connectivity, com-muter rail stop at 35th and MoPac.Discussion by various Board membersand guests regarding transportation con-cerns for neighborhood, including needfor traffic count data from City that has notbeen provided despite repeated requests;AISD bus traffic through neighborhoodsbehind O.Henry Middle School; concernsabout large suburban Transit OrientedDesign (TOD) station being located atMoPac and 35th with large parkinggarage. In addition, there was a discus-sion of possibly arranging a special trans-portation meeting for the neighborhood toallow additional information to be pre-sented and additional topics to beaddressed.

• Board Action: Cannatti will sendemail to neighborhood email listannouncing December 5 NeighborhoodPlanning meeting, and will include state-ment of transportation issues fromWANG’s earlier Neighborhood Plan.Gwen encourages Board members toattend Neighborhood Planning meeting.No further action taken at this meeting.

(2) Brackenridge Tract – Happy reportedthat the Board of Regents meet onDecember 6 to consider the BrackenridgeTask Force Recommendations. Cannattireported on a state law (HB 3622) thatrelates to the development of suburbangolf courses, but that probably does notapply to Muni golf course. Mary reportedthat Chapter 26 of the Texas Parks andWildlife Code would apply -- whichrequires that a public entity must hold apublic hearing if they are going to takeopen space, recreational area or an area

used for biological research (I think), anduse it for something else. After the publichearing, the public entity must make a"finding" that there is no "reasonable orfeasible alternative" to the "taking" of theland, and must "mitigate" for the taking.

C. Communications Committee –Gwen and Ken reported that our newslet-ter is behind schedule on being publishedthis month, that a number of minutes areready to be printed in the next newsletter,and that Gwen is finalizing the President’smessage. Ken requested that other Boardmembers assist with stamping and label-ing. Blake provided a report on the statusof our advertisements for the newsletter.

D. Liaison Committee – No report pro-vided.

E. Membership Committee – No reportprovided.

F. Transportation Committee – Kenreported on his efforts to have the CityCouncil revise the proposed SidewalkOrdinance so as to put options of buildinga sidewalk or paying a fee “in lieu” onmore equal footing, and on his efforts togive the relevant neighborhood associa-tions more control over the placementand location of sidewalks in their neigh-borhoods.

G. Historic District Committee – Noreport provided.

H. Nominating Committee – No reportprovided.

Treasurer’s Report: To be provided byemail.

New Business: There was no new busi-ness, but the Board expressed its appreci-ation to Michael Conner and his family fortheir lovely gift of poinsettia plants.

Adjournment: Upon conclusion, themeeting was adjourned at about 9:00 p.m.

The Neighbor December, 2007Pg. 7

Recorded Guests: Bill & Donna Crocker,Sara Madera, Marion Alsup, Randy Merritt,Anne Keene, Sandra Daniel, DavidKillough, Flo Ann Randle, Stephen Wolff,Kathryn Ehlert, Jeff Jack, Michael & KimConner, Brian Gaston

Speakers:

Crispin Ruiz, Mike Peatross and SteveSchrader from the Austin Clean WaterProgram (ACWP) spoke about the status ofthe Johnson Creek project. The programwas created in November 2001 to complywith the U.S. Environmental ProtectionAgency (EPA) issued Administrative Orderto eliminate sanitary sewer overflows fromthe wastewater collection system. TheJohnson Creek project is still under con-struction and involves removing the leakyline, repairing the sidewalk and stabilizingthe stream bank with limestone blocks.Roughly ? mile of 18” pipe will be upgrad-ed to 21” and the 18” section will be aban-doned in place. The upgrade is sized forthe City’s assumptions for 2020 and stormevents. Due to Texas Department ofTransportation and Mopac constraints thesewer upgrade could not be completelyremoved from the creek bed.

Though the project was delayed due to heavyrains and potential Mopac impact the engi-neers hope for completion by mid-October.As the sidewalk will not be open for theAustin City Limits Music Festival alternateroutes for pedestrian and bicycle traffic arebeing reviewed. Jewiss noted we should lookat the potential for some unobtrusive solarlighting for the dark sections of the footpath.Arnold requested a copy of the City’s growthprojections utilized to size the sewerupgrades for our area.

Zoning:

Board of Adjustment variance requests:

C15-2007-00712701 Scenic DriveOwner: Nicole CovertAgent: Jeff Jack

The applicant has requested a variance todecrease the minimum side street setbackrequirement from 15 feet to 6 feet in orderto erect a carport for an existing single-family residence in an SF-3 zoning district.

Jeff Jack, agent for the Coverts, was presentto discuss this variance request for theproperty located at the corner of RiverRoad and Scenic Drive. As one neighborwas concerned about obstructed viewsWANG asked that the owners agree to thefollowing conditions:

1) That the car port is constructed in sucha way that none of the

support columns are located in therequired side street setback area;

2) that the three open sides of the carportare to remain open;

3) that the height of the carport structurecannot exceed 10 feet

2 inches; and

4) that the covering of the carport cannotbe used as a deck space or for storage or ahabitable structure.

On a motion by Pfluger with a second byHarris WANG voted unanimously not tooppose the requested variance subject tothe above conditions.

Zoning Change requests:

C14-2007-0084Owner: Austin Elm Terrace (SteveBeuerlein)Agent: Alice Glasco Consulting (AliceGlasco)Location: 3215 Exposition BoulevardProposed Zoning Change: From: UnzonedTo: MF-1-Multifamily Residence (LimitedDensity)

There was discussion about previousefforts by WANG to maintain SF-3 zoningfor residential areas along ExpositionBlvd., north of the Enfield area. Tollettnoted concern about setting a multi-familyprecedent for the area with the future saleof the remaining Austin State School landpossible. Several area neighbors werepresent and voiced additional concernsabout the increased density, already heavytraffic along Exposition and potentialdrainage problems.

Tollett additionally noted that 20% of theproperty owners, based on square footage,within 200 feet of the subject property arerequired for a valid petition against a zon-ing change. Such a petition forces a three-fourths vote of Council rather than a sim-ple majority for approval. It is unknownwhether the State of Texas or theWestminster Presbyterian Church will par-ticipate so all opposed residents are urgedto come together if the requested zoningchange is to be defeated.

Arnold reported a prior WANG survey onthe future of the Austin State School prop-erty indicated a strong preference for sin-gle family homes on the site along

Exposition Blvd. Basciano offered to gar-ner support letters from other neighbor-hood associations against zoning changesduring the neighborhood planningprocess.

The Planning Commission is scheduled tohear this item on August 28, 2007. AsTollett will be unavailable Falk agreed tocoordinate with any neighbors in opposi-tion to the request.

Subsequent to the meeting the PlanningCommission voted 6-2 in favor of recom-mending MF-1 zoning for the propertyover the objections of area residents.

Neighborhood Planning:

Jewiss noted the next meeting for ourCentral West Austin CombinedNeighborhood Planning is scheduled forThursday, August 30, 2007, 6:30-9:00 pm,Beverly Hall at the Sanctuary, 2600Exposition Boulevard. This “Mapping theNeighborhood Vision Workshop” willinclude a discussion of neighborhooddemographics and an exercise wherestakeholders will map their vision for theneighborhood.

Basciano reported the “Zoning 101” work-shop has not yet been scheduled. Cannattinoted that the “McMansion” ordinanceallows for adjustments within the neigh-borhood plan.

Transportation:

Harris reported that the Texas Departmentof Transportation is expecting a$250,000,000 rescission of funds whichmay affect the planned managed lanes onMopac.

Liaison:

Arnold reported she met with Toby Futtrellregarding the future of the Lions MunicipalGolf Course. There was no additionalnews to report but Futtrell plans to meetwith the Brackenridge Tract Task Forceabout what the City can do to preserve thefacility.

Alguire noted several recent instances inDeep Eddy of developers failing to reportprotected size trees and schedule therequired Tree Ordinance Review. She alsoreported she was invited to attend anupcoming meeting of the Codes &Ordinances Committee of the PlanningCommission where a potential review ofthe Tree Ordinance will be discussed.

Subsequent to the meeting the Codes &

The Neighbor December, 2007Pg. 2

Planning Commission meeting.

Following the meeting WANG workedwith attorney and neighbor Connie Heyerwho drafted deed restrictions to run withthe property. Restrictions include single-family, detached use for each lot, impervi-ous cover limits of 30% on lots 1-4 and25% on lot 5, no future grandfatheringclaims should the property be further sub-divided, runoff not to exceed documentedpre-development levels and the BowmanAvenue entrance to stay in place withoutadditional curb cuts. The applicantsagreed to the restrictions with the under-standing that accessory garage apartmentsare permitted but cannot be rented andthat the single Bowman Avenue entranceis subject to City approval regarding emer-gency vehicle access. Additionally, it wasagreed that the current tree ordinance willapply to all lots and that construction willbe staged from inside the property and notalong Bowman Avenue. WANG also con-tacted neighbors regarding the requestedsidewalk variance and learned the vari-ance was preferred.

Given the agreement of the applicants tothe deed restrictions WANG did notoppose the replat or the sidewalk vari-ance. We recommended that the fees inlieu be used as 'seed money' for the soonto be established sidewalk fund and thatthe landscaping, hardscaping, etc. bedone in such a way so as not to precludeor hamper the installation of sidewalks ata later date.

Board of Adjustment

C15-2007-01083206 Enfield RoadOwner: Scott T. Samson 658-8674

The applicant has requested a variance toincrease the maximum fence heightrequirement from 6 feet in height to 8 feetin height in order to maintain a solidfence.

Tollett notes that the applicant applied fora permit for an 8 foot fence and the Cityissued it in error. Once the fence was builtthe owner was subsequently reported tothe City for a code violation. Tollett statesthat due to the City’s error in granting thepermit in the first place the applicantwould likely get his variance regardless ofour concerns.

Historic Landmark Commission

C14-07-00273707 Gilbert Street-Joseph F. Renfro, Jr.House

Owner: David Hurchalla

Tollett reports that the requested historiczoning on this property was going forwardto the Planning Commission and Council.

Neighborhood Planning:

Jewiss noted the next meeting for ourCentral West Austin CombinedNeighborhood Planning is scheduled forWednesday, December 5, 2007, 6:45-9:00 pm, NEOS building at the AustinState School, 2203 W. 35th St.Subsequent to the meeting City staffchanged the agenda from Trees to a con-tinuation of the Transportation workshop.Trees have now been rescheduled to theJanuary 9th, 2008 meeting.

Infrastructure:

Harris will be speaking on WANG’s behalfat the Regent’s public comment meetingon Friday, November 9th, 2007. Alguireasked that an outline of WANG’s com-ments on the Brackenridge tract be circu-lated prior to the meeting. Harris recom-mended that WANG conduct a survey ofresident’s ideas and concerns for use inthe master planning process of the tract.

New Business:

Jewiss announced that Friends of EilersPark was having a tree planting onSaturday, November 10th and volunteersare needed. Jewiss also announced thatthe ExComm retreat was scheduled for theevening of Monday, November 26th.

Treasurer’s Report:

Falk reported that the operating accounthad a balance of $2,096.19 and the oakwilt account had a balance of $1,203.91.The Wells Fargo deposit accounts havebeen closed.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:58 p.m.

December Meeting MinutessBy Michael Cannatti

Secretary

These are the minutes of the West AustinNeighborhood Group Board of DirectorsMeeting on Monday, December 3, 2007at the Howson Library.

Call to Order: President Jewiss called usto order (It was really close to 7:00 pm,but I wasn’t paying attention exactly).

• Board members present: Alguire,Arnold, Basciano, Cannatti, Harris, Jewiss,Keene, Pfluger and Tollett

• Guests: Michael Conner, AprilGarner, Jessica Nixon, Ruben R. Valdes,Sara Madera and Sally Schuhmacher

Approval of Minutes: Approval of theMinutes from our November meeting andBoard retreat was postponed until later.

Neighbor Communications: None

Committee Reports:

A. Zoning Committee (Blake Tollett)

(1) 2406 Bridle Path (RDCC No. 07-165766, Owner/Applicant: Jessica Nixon478-4046) -- Applicant was present toexplain request for a modification of theLDC to allow a 35% increase in the max-imum side wall length along the east wallbefore articulation is required in order toconstruct a second floor addition to anexisting single family residence.Applicant stated that they had consideredalso requesting building envelope adjust-ment, but decided not to pursue after all.

• Board Action: Based in part on adja-cent neighbor approval, Board voted 8 to0 to not oppose.

(2) 2008 Robinhood Trail (Bd. Of AdjNo. C15-2007-0121, Applicant: JohnDavid Keliehor/KELBRO, Inc. (713) 818-4745) -- Applicant was not present toexplain request for a variance from themaximum fence height of 6 feet in heightto a maximum height of 10 feet 6 inchesin order to maintain a solid fence for a sin-gle family residence. The LDC states that asolid fence constructed along a propertyline may not exceed an average height ofsix feet or a maximum height of sevenfeet. Neighbor opposition is expected,due to late notice, though owner informedBlake that there may be support from theneighbors.

• Board Action: Decision deferred forelectronic vote to allow Board members tovisit site and to allow Blake to inspect file.No further action taken at this meeting.

(3) 2006 Hopi Trail (RDCC No. 07-143970, Owner/Applicant: StevenNacamuli 917-5919) -- Applicant isappealing a RDCC decision to deny amodification request for a proposed singlefamily residence located at 2006 Hopi

The Neighbor December, 2007Pg. 6

Ordinances Committee voted on August 7,2007 to undertake a review of the TreeOrdinance.

New Business:

Harris introduced Anne Keene and askedthat she be considered for a position onthe Executive Committee. Keene reportedthat she and her husband are both original-ly from Dallas. They moved to Austin fouryears ago from Washington D.C. whereshe worked for Fannie Mae. She has beenliving in Tarrytown, withstanding all theconstruction in the Maria Anna area anddoing some freelance writing for the WestAustin News. On a motion by Pascoe –with thanks for volunteering – WANGvoted unanimously to welcome Keene tothe board.

Harris announced that the agenda forWANG’s Annual Social will include recog-nition of several long-standing and greatlymissed area businesses and Friends ofDeep Eddy, a discussion of NeighborhoodPlanning and membership updates. TheAnnual Social will be help on Saturday,October 13th, 2007 at Laguna Gloria from10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

Tollet reported that two pages of advertis-ing had already been sold. Pflugerreminded everyone that any updates ordiscussions of outstanding neighborhoodissues should be readied for the annualpublication.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:55.

Annual Meeting MinutesBy Chris Alguire

Secretary

The Executive Committee (ExComm) of theWest Austin Neighborhood Group(WANG) held its Annual Social andMeeting on Saturday, October 13, 2007 atLaguna Gloria.

ExComm members present: Alguire,Arnold, Basciano, Bennett, Cannatti, Cary,Edwards, Falk, Harris, Jewiss, Pascoe,Pfluger and Tollett

Jewiss welcomed all guests and introducedthe speakers:

Brackenridge Tract Update – Dealey Herndon

Dealey Herndon, a member of theBrackenridge Tract Task Force, gave us anupdate on their recommendations.

Mrs. Herndon stated that is was obviousthere was very little income produced bythe property; the golf course is only gener-ating approximately 5% of its estimatedmarket value. Legislative funding for theUT System is down 20% and the legislatureis encouraging the Regents to maximizeasset value. The task force was unanimousin their decision to 1) maximize incomefrom the property, 2) retain ownership ofthe property and 3) develop a master planfor the entire tract. She noted that the tractis an asset for the community as well as UTand that they were sensitive to the commu-nity impact.

Tentative plans are for the Regents to issuean RFP for a planning team within the next4-6 months and then to generate a masterplan within the next year and a half. Ms.Herndon emphasized how important itwill be for all of us to get involved. Jewissasked is she could make herself availablefor questions during our regular Novembermeeting.

Disaster Preparedness – Laura Morrison

Laura Morrison, President of the AustinNeighborhoods Council, spoke about dis-aster preparedness. In an emergency bothfood and water supplies could be disrupt-ed. Schools and child care services mightclose to limit the spread of any disease andmany of us would likely be encouraged tostay away from work. Telecommutingwould become an especially importanttool.

The City staff recognizes the central roleneighborhood associations might play incoping with emergencies. They would liketo maintain a few disaster contacts in eachneighborhood which would allow them toforward information to us and then outinto the neighborhood via our contact list.WANG’s contacts could be used to com-municate with neighbors via email andphone, distribute both citywide and areainformation, help 311 callers that can’t bereached and to organize City distributedsupplies and volunteers.

Neighborhood Planning

Jewiss introduced themembers of theExecutive Committeeand talked about thechanges she’s seen in thelast ten years. She spokeabout the potential fordevelopment of both theBrackenridge Tract andthe Austin State Schoolproperty. She also

emphasized the importance of gettinginvolved with the Neighborhood Planningprocess. Even though it has seemed slowand tedious thus far we are beginning tofocus on specific areas. Additional trans-portation discussions, including Mopac,are on the agenda for Wednesday,November 14th.

It is important to participate often if possi-ble. You can review the progress to dateand find scheduled meetings at Howsonlibrary or on the web at:www.ci.austin.tx.us/zoning/central_west_austin.htm

We had our kickoff meeting this summerand went through a few visioning sessionsin August. This fall we began refining ourgoals. Cannatti noted that the City gener-ally starts off with non-contentious issueslike parks and transportation improve-ments before arriving at the most problem-atic items, land use and zoning, near theend of the process.

Special Recognition

Happy Harris, president-elect, spoke ofour legacy businesses and their importconstributions to the character of ourneighborhood. He recalled all the back-room birthday parties at Holiday House,the old-fashioned service at BroaddusChevron and all the flowers from R. A.Lewis which marked the significant occa-sions in our lives. Mrs. Lewis was presentto reminisce about marrying her AustinHigh School sweetheart who later droppedout of law school to open up the floristshop. While trying to get $500 in startupfinancing the bank even told them they’dnever make it in Tarrytown.

Harris also recognized the significant con-tribution of Friends of Deep Eddy whichraised over $1 million for the restorationof the bathhouse at Deep Eddy pool.

Harris also encouraged everyone to viewthe Laguna Gloria restoration efforts and tocome out for La Dolce Vita which raises

The Neighbor December, 2007Pg. 3

Tollett noted that the surrounding neigh-bors have been very active in organizingopposition to the multifamily zoning. Theyare reported to be seeking SF zoning witha density limit of 6 units per acre for thedevelopment.

At the October 18, 2007 Council meetingBetty Dunkerley recommended postpon-ing the case and asking the parties toattempt to reach an agreement throughmediation.

New Business:

Representatives of RunTex and the GazelleFoundation were present to announce arace to be held in the neighborhood onSunday, November 11th. The race isscheduled to start at 7:30 a.m. and shouldbe done by 10:00 a.m. The EAS Run forthe Water 10-Miler will begin downtownand enter the neighborhood from the southbefore going north up Pecos St. all the wayto Scenic Dr. and then looping back downto Lake Austin Blvd. The planners state theonly roads they anticipate closing are thenarrow stretches of Scenic Dr. Proceedsfrom the race will benefit the GazelleFoundation which is funding potable waterinitiatives in Burundi, original home ofAustin’s Gilbert Tuhabonye.

Harris reminded everyone that WANG’sAnnual Social will be help on Saturday,October 13th, 2007 at Laguna Gloria from10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Bennettannounced that the sale of donated AustinCity Limits Festival tickets generated$1,325. He also noted he had receivedsome feedback from Deep Eddy residentson parking problems and would be meet-ing with ACL organizers to discuss futureremedies.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:54.

November Meeting MinutesBy Chris Alguire

Secretary

The Executive Committee (ExComm) of theWest Austin Neighborhood Group(WANG) held its November monthlymeeting on Monday, November 5, 2007 atthe Howson Library. President Jewisscalled us to order at 7:08 p.m.

ExComm members present: Alguire,Arnold, Cannatti, Cary, Edwards, Falk,Harris, Jewiss, Keene and Tollett

Guests: James Hudson, Sara Madera,Steve Baker, Richard Suttle

Speakers:

Council Member Jennifer Kim spoke to usabout the City’s response to the proposedBrackenridge Tract development. Shethought the Field Lab’s recent biodiversityproposal had merit and she would lookinto it. She also thought there might be aneed for a regional detention system asLady Bird Lake already receives substantialrunoff from the area which would onlyworsen with increased impervious cover.Kim said she planned to speak at theRegent’s meeting on Friday, November 9th.She noted that the state did not work withthe City when beginning to develop the tri-angle area and that it was unusual for themto seek public comment. She also report-ed that Chairman Huffines had called themayor and stated that the Regents intend-ed to work with the City and the stake-holders on the planning.

Kim thought it was too soon for specificsuggestions regarding the master plan andwants to focus on requesting that the plan-ning process is open and inclusive.

Particular items she is currently working oninclude:

1. Brackenridge tract development

2. Affordable housing

3. Planned Unit Developments (PUDs)

4. Supporting local, independent busi-nesses

5. Aiding expansion of locally ownedbusinesses beyond single sites

A resident of the graduate and married stu-dent housing on the Brackenridge Tractstressed the importance of the housing in pro-viding a close-knit community for studentswith children and affordable housing for fam-ilies with few other options near campus.Additionally, over one-third of the students atMathews Elementary reside in the universityhousing and its loss would have a drasticeffect on the school. Kim noted that CityManager Toby Futtrell’s letter to the Regentsasked that affordable housing should remainin place on the site.

Jewiss asked about the City’s plans toaddress the traffic impact of any futureBrackenridge Tract development and notedthat the City has still not provided request-ed traffic data for use with neighborhoodplanning. Kim said she would speak toAssistant City Manager Laura Huffmanabout traffic expertise and traffic impactanalyses but noted that the department is

overwhelmed at the moment due to recentemployee turnover. Kim stressed the City’scommitment to encouraging developmentthat allows citizens to work, live and playclose to home and stated mixed-use devel-opment and improved pedestrian safetywould also reduce the traffic impact. Shediscussed the importance of long-termplanning for affordable housing and futureschool locations.

Land Issues:

ResubdivisionC8-2007-0085.0A - Monte Vista Blk D, Lot4-6, 11, 19 & Tanglewood Place Section 1,Lot 2, Resub (AKA Tarry Hill)

3200 Bowman Ave, Taylor Slough SouthWatershed

Owner/Applicant: Richard & AnneSmalling

Agent: Armbrust & Brown (Richard Suttle)

Applicants request approval of the MonteVista Resubdivision, (aka Tarry Hill), aresubdivision of 5 lots and portions of 2lots into 5 lots. The applicants also requesta variance to not install sidewalks onPecos Street and Bowman Ave.

Neighbor Steve Baker reported he hadspoken with the applicants and waspleased that they plan to reside on theproperty after development. He alsoreported they were amenable to stagingconstruction off Bowman Avenue. Hispreference is to grant the sidewalk vari-ance along Bowman and keep the existingfaçade intact.

Tollett reported that WANG had requesteda postponement of the action in order tospeak with the applicants about theirgrandfathering claims and the City’saccommodations. He also noted he wasagainst the sidewalk variance because itwas along a street leading to both thelibrary and Tarrytown Shopping Center.Richard Suttle, agent for the applicants,was present to discuss the above items.He reported that the grandfatheringrequests had been made to speed up thedevelopment process regarding drainageand retention pond issues. He stated thatthe applicants were agreeable to restrict-ing runoff to pre-development levels andthat Loomis would be doing the drainagestudy. He also stated that they would haveno problem working with adjacent neigh-bors to alleviate any additional concerns.

WANG agreed work with the neigh-bors as quickly as possible and to notifySuttle of our actions before the upcoming

The Neighbor December, 2007Pg. 5

money for the Austin Museum of Art. Healso noted the Art School is planning toopen a café near the main gate.

October Meeting MinutesBy Chris Alguire

Secretary

The Executive Committee (ExComm) of theWest Austin Neighborhood Group(WANG) held its October monthly meet-ing on Monday, October 1, 2007 at theHowson Library. President Jewiss calledus to order at 7:10 p.m.

ExComm members present: Alguire,Arnold, Basciano, Bennett, Cannatti,Edwards, Falk, Harris, Jewiss, Keene,Pfluger and Tollett

Guests: Richard Viktorin, Bob Wagner, S.Taborsky

On a motion by Harris the minutes of theprevious meeting were unanimouslyapproved.

Land Issues:

2410 Bridle PathOwner: Casa Partners Ltd.

ExComm Pfluger and the builder, BobWagner, were present to discuss theirplans for the site. Neighbors had previous-ly communicated their concerns to WANGabout the proximity of the house to thestreet and questioned whether or not it wasin violation of the 75’ front setback notedin the deed restrictions. The home isdesigned to come up to the minimum Cityallowed SF-3 front building setback of 25’.Pfluger stated their legal representationinformed them that the deed restrictionshad previously been litigated and weredeemed unenforceable. He also statedthere were examples of other homes builtwithin the 75’ line on the street though hedid acknowledge most were further backthan 25’. Pfluger said the designs weredrawn up to save as many trees as possi-ble, avoid a front facing garage and reducethe impact of the new construction on theadjoining properties.

Pfluger stated he had originally purchasedthis lot, next door to his home, in order toprevent a McMansion from being built.He had plans drawn up by FABArchitecture to build a 3,900 ft2 customhome which results in an FAR of 0.25,under the maximum 0.4 FAR allowedunder the McMansion rules. Imperviouscover will be 31%, also under the maxi-

mum 45% allowed in SF-3. Additionally,Pfluger reports that a drainage easementreduces the width of the site.

The project was delayed and later sold toBob Wagner with Casa Builders so that theplanned home would be built rather than aMcMansion. There is an agreement inplace between Pfluger and Bob Wagnerwhereby Pfluger will share in some of theproceeds in exchange for favorable financ-ing. Pfluger reported that the permit wasvalid for one year as it had been granted asix month extension available uponrequest. He notes construction beganbefore the expiration of the permit.

Pfluger says he is in communication withthe neighbors and he thinks the smallersize, custom architecture and good land-scaping should mitigate their concerns. Asno zoning, variances or code enforcementitems are pending WANG took no actionother than to ask Pfluger and the builder tomake themselves available to answerquestions about the project.

RDCC Case No. 07-1504363502 Cherry LaneOwner/applicant: Kelly Tormaschy

The applicant has requested a modifica-tion to allow a 5% increase in the FARratio of square footage of gross floor areafrom the maximum permitted in the LDCin order to construct a new single-familyresidence.

The applicant has requested a modifica-tion to allow a 13.5% increase in the max-imum side wall length before articulationis required in the LDC in order to constructa new single-family residence.

Kelly Tormaschy was present and stated hebought the property in October 2004 tolive in and planned to add on or rebuild.He says he was informed by a City review-er that gross floor area is calculated to theoutside of the framing. After his architec-tural plans were completed he was thentold that the original information wasincorrect and that the calculations mustalso include the area from the framing tothe exterior of the brick veneer. This addi-tional square footage was enough to puthim over the maximum 0.4 FAR. Movingall of the exterior walls inward six incheswould be difficult and result in designproblems. Mr. Tormaschy doesn’t believethe additional 140 ft2 would greatly affectthe bulk and mass of the structure. He alsostated he had the support of the neighborson either side, across the street and anoth-er nearby. Cannatti noted that designingright up to the maximum allowable has its

risks. Tollett asked whether additionalvariance requests were anticipated andTormaschy assured WANG that the errorcorrections were the only problem and noBoard of Adjustment variances were need-ed.

On a motion by Edwards with a second byAlguire WANG voted not to oppose theserequests. Jewiss opposed and Harris andBasciano abstained.

Following the meeting the RDCC grantedthe applicant’s request.

RDCC Case No. 07-1439702006 Hopi TrailOwner: Marie Coleman/Steven NacamuliThe applicant has requested a modifica-tion to allow a 25% increase in the maxi-mum floor-to-area ratio or maximumsquare footage of gross floor area to allowfor the construction of a new single-familyresidence.

The applicant has requested a modifica-tion to allow a 91% increase in the maxi-mum side wall length before articulation isrequired to construct a new single-familyresidence.

The RDCC postponed this case inSeptember while the applicants gatheredevidence of the FARs in homes surround-ing the subject property. WANG previous-ly opposed this request and was notified ofoverwhelming neighbor opposition to thiscase. One neighbor’s research indicatedthat only four out of thirty-eight homeswithin a 300’ radius exceeded 0.4 FARprior to any downward adjustments forunconditioned garage space. The remain-ing 34 homes were primarily in the 0.2-0.3FAR range. WANG continued its opposi-tion.

Subsequent to the meeting the RDCCdenied both modification requests.

WANG has since been notified that theapplicants plan to appeal their RDCC lossto Council. It is tentatively scheduled forDecember 13, 2007.

Zoning Case No. C14-2007-0084

Owner: Austin Elm Terrace (SteveBeuerlein)

Agent: Alice Glasco Consulting (AliceGlasco)Location: 3215 Exposition BoulevardProposed Zoning Change: From: UnzonedTo: MF-1-Multifamily Residence (LimitedDensity)

The Neighbor December, 2007Pg. 4