Minutes from Highland Neighborhood Quarterly Meetings and Board Meetings will be available here... |
posted Feb 13, 2012 7:15 AM by Highland Webmaster
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updated Feb 13, 2012 7:20 AM
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Highland Neighborhood Association Tuesday December 5th, 20011 Quarterly Meeting @ Gateway Baptist Church ============== ============== President Howze announced that the future development north of the current Midtown Commons will be asking for "Right Turn Only" access to Morrow ST, so the neighbors in that development will be able to access Lamar ST via the Morrow stoplight. He encouraged everyone to send an Contact City Council, telling them that you want there to be "right turn" access at that location (with a wedge prohibiting a left turn). There will be a delay in the re-development of the former Home Depot northeast of the St. John's // I-35 intersection; plans have been scrapped regarding putting a municipal court there and the new plan will involve a building closer to the road and will require more time. There was an open call for someone to judge the neighborhood holiday decorating competition. =============== =============== Alan Holt, the principal planner of the Urban Design Division at the City of Austin, spoke about Imagine Austin's "Airport Boulevard Initiative". Imagine Austin is about developing a comprehensive plan for city's development over the next thirty years. In particular, Imagine Austin is focusing on how to renovate old places such as Airport BLVD. Over the past spring and summer, they've been doing assessments of the boulevard with particular focus on the stretch north of I-35 that runs into Lamar BLVD. They are considering everything in the public right of way down the boulevard, such as sidewalks, parking, and travel lanes, as well as the 80-acre Highland Mall property and Crestview Station. Over the past spring and summer, they've held stakeholder meetings, met with 120 different folks in various meetings and from various agencies (as well as individuals). They orchestrated the PhotoVoice project with 40 different individuals and had a community vision workshop on September 13th, where they did different mapping exercises and looked for the boulevard's assets and possible opportunities for improvement. Discussed what type of housing opportunities should be available. Throughout the speech, Holt utilized this powerpoint presentation.He spoke admirably with regards to the advantages of form-based code, such as reusability of buildings when there is business turnover (without major construction). He emphasized that all this planning involved no government seizures, but would merely shape the way in which redevelopments happen when they naturally happen. http://www.imagineaustin.net/http://airportboulevard.com/alan.holt@ci.austin.tx.us ============== ============== Jolinda Marshall from Cap Metro spoke next. Four years ago, the federal government gave grant to build a bike trail (Rails With Trails) or shared "bike path" along the rail that serves the redline route. They've completed a "priority of sections" and the first priority was building a trail to link the Crestview Station (Lamar & Airport) to the Highland Station (Denson & Airport). They've begun designing the path, which will be ten-foot wide striped concrete path. Right now close to the western curb of Airport is a sidewalk, which will be pulled up and moved two-to-five feet away from curb. 100 trees will be planted along both sides of the path. These trees will be small trees ("understory trees"). The path should be safe for all ages. The striped bike lane on Airport BLVD will remain. Where the ditch currently is, there will be rock walls and a slightly meandering attrctive path. They plan to break ground on April 2012 and by midsummer, the trail should be complete. Cap Metro will work with the City of Austin to integrate the trail with other designated bike paths. Also Marshall mentioned that are building secure bike parking lockers at the Kramer Station as part of a pilot project. CapMetro has received a grant for six more and one will be at the Highland Station. The lockers will be sheltered and roofed, and will have have video cameras for added protection. Neighbors then asked questions. Neighbor #1: I live on the other side of Airport BLVD. Are there plans for any safe pedestrian crossings of Airport? Marshall: The city has been updating the intersection at Lamar & Airport. Upgrading continental crossing (with bars to distinguish where the crosswalks are) at Huntland, Highland, & Denson. They will add signals to "calm traffic" and give more crossings. Neighbor #2: What is the approximate costs for the secure biking? And the concrete trail from Crestview to Highland? Marshall: The 8/10th of a mile path will cost $2 million. The bike cages cost $80,000 at each site ( which will be paid with grant funding). Neighbor #3: Any changes for train interior to accommodate more bikes? Marshall: No plans. Hoping bike cages will provide alternatives to lessen "bike" congestion during peak hours. New buses will provide three bike racks instead of just two. This should mitigate overcrowding a little. Some cities like Boston don't allow bikes during peak hours, so that could happen in Austin in the future. Neighbor #4: So no sidewalk from Morrow ST down to Crestview Station? Marshall: Can't build that with federal grant money. There will be a developer-built sidewalk (according to site plan for where Crestview Station is built). As area fills out with upcoming development, there will be a sidewalk and bike lane. ============== ============== APD District Rep Steve Gordon spoke next. He has been our district representative for a year. Been a district representative for 42 months and an officer for 9 years. His job is to handle community relations and crime prevention. There have been an increase in burglaries lately. He asked if anyone present had been burgled, and four individuals raised their hand. In response to the crime increase, APD has saturated area with many officers, including "plainclothes" officers (Regional Support Units). The Commander saw the statistics in the weekly crime reported and wanted the Regional Support Units. They've received some citizen reports of suspicious vehicles, which have comically been identifying the undercover units themselves. Nonetheless, they encourage neighbors to call in suspicious vehicles as much as they need to. If you are asking yourself "should I call it in?", then you should call 311 and give as much information as humanly possible. Too much information is better than not enough. With regards to suspicious people, pleaser give a good description of clothing, body type, anything noticeable-- be as descriptive as possible. And don't just call 911 or 311; e-mail your listserve. This is a community --- communicate with your neighbors in immediate area! Neighbor #1: Neighborhood Watch? Gordon: Highland Neighborhood is too big for a single watch area, so it'd need to be split. Gordon is happy to talk about making it happen. If someone is interested, he suggests they e-mail him (steven.gordon@austintexas.gov). They'd then have meetings and try to get more and more people involved. As District Representative, one of his jobs is to give the blueprints to help start a Neighborhood Watch and then the neighbors themselves operate it. Neighbor #2: Why are more burglaries happening? Gordon: It's the holidays probably. Also, if you see kids acting improperly, you can e-mail him and he can contact AISD police to handle it. Neighbor #3: Are kids walking through the neighborhood during school hours? Gordon: If they are middleschoolers and they're truant, you can call that in. AISD police will get to it. Neighbor #4: Are car break-ins happening? Gordon: There have been a few. Vehicles have been vandalized in driveways (perhaps failed burglaries). They have no escalated. Do not leave valuables in your car. Neighbor #5: When are burglaries happening? Gordon: Generally, they happen in the middle of the day. Often they'll knock on your door, acting like "magazine salesmen", "security people", or pretend to be legit businessmen. Neighbor #5: (to crowd) If someone suspicious knocks on your door, you should take a picture of them with your cellphone. Then post the photo on the listsesrv and forward it to Officer Gordon. Neighbor #6: Are home alarms effective? Gordon: Alarms that are monitored. You need to have an alarm permit through the city of Austin, so APD can track 'em. Alarms are deterrent, but they'll steal your stuff. A good deterrent is to get a big dog. There also a lil' spy shop at [9513 Burnet Road], where you can buy speakers that bark. But best deterrent is to call 311/APD and talk to your neighbors. Be aware of stuff like vans that are backed into a neighbor's house. A neighbor suggested a good crime deterrent is to have a remote control for your car (and if you hear something, push the alarm button). Gordon announced that he'd put in for a transfer for an instructor position at the Austin Police Academy. If he receives the position, he'll introduce the District Representative replacement at the next meeting. ============== ============== The annual elections were held. All positions had one candidate with no opposition and all were elected unanimously. Secretary/Webmaster: Matt Moon Historian: Dorothy Johns Newsletter: Kitty Traylor Treasurer: Joann Rees VP North Sector: Fitz Meshbane VP Central Sector: Collette Kuemmel VP South Sector: Phil Knisley VP West Sector: Damon Howze President: Damon Howze ============== ============== Rosie Weaver from Lisa ST spoke last. Her and her husband, Dan, have become interested in the idea of "playborhoods", which is the idea of giving spaces for kids to play that aren't necessarily parks. They went to a charity auction regarding the Bastrop Fires and bought a playhouse for the front yard. They had it installed, but were unaware about a "setback restriction". Someone called code enforcement anonymously and then code enforcement was called again the next day to report their carport and their neighbor's carport. Next door neighbors removed their carport in response. Rosie and Dan are applying for variances to keep the carport and play structure. Rosie wanted to talk about the play structure tonight, because she feels more strongly about it. She was hoping to get signatures of support from neighbors with regards to the variance request. Also they would like to request a letter of support from the Highland Neighborhood Association. Neighbor #1: What happens if you get a variance? Rosie: If we get it, we get to keep [the playstructure]. Neighbor #2: I would ask my insurance company about liability. Rosie: We have homeowner insurance and liability insurance. I will take your advice. We're not looking for an all-hours playground. People see us out there in the front yard, bring their kids... old-fashioned front yard, not a major attraction. President Howze: I would be concerned about the liability of next-door neighbor, as it would encourage children to play in their front yard. Rosie: It's on the "front yard" setback, not in the "side yard" setback. Our an entire front yard is considered part of that setback. Howze: In the neighborhood plan, we actually allowed for front porches to be built in the setback. You still need to apply for a permit. Rosie: We were under the impression that since it was under 200-square feet, we didn't need a permit. [Former HNA Webmaster]: We could put the petition on the website. We've done that before for neighbors. Neighbor: Could you donate [the play structure] to the Dorothy John's Triangle? Rosie: I work for the Austin Parks Association; it's made out of wood, so it wouldn't be allowed to be used in other parks. A vote was proposed to have the HNA officially support their variance request regarding the play structure. It was seconded. President Howze announced the rules (only dues-paying members can vote and only one vote per household). Howze announced that he would not be supporting the request, because he felt it set a bad precedent having the HNA support people building on the setback without getting a permit first. The vote was held. 9 votes "Yea"; 10 votes "Nay". Proposal denied. Howze suggested Rosie get in touch with the Contact from the Neighborhood Plan. ============== ============== The meeting concluded with a call to replace an email listserv moderator who was stepping down. ### |
posted Dec 8, 2011 10:32 PM by Highland Webmaster
Highland Neighborhood Association
Quarterly Meeting Minutes
Tuesday 6 September 2011
@ Gateway Baptist Church
(by HNA Secretary Matt Moon)
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HNA President Damon Howze called meeting to order. Council Member Bill Spelman (Place 5) spoke first.
Spellman painted the scene of City Politics in 1951: five council seats, all elected "at large", all white males. The mayorship passed back and forth between representatives of the lumber companies and banks. There were segregated schools back then, areas of town having their interests advanced by city council and other areas of town being ignored. There were certain areas of town, where no city council member has ever lived.
Today, elections for City Council take place in May. The less affluent are less likely to vote in May than they are in November. Most people who vote in May come from the square mile area around downtown, where the more affluent live. Thus, certain neighborhoods, under our current "at large" election system, have a disporportiant amount of power in City Council.
The City Council has voted to hire a commission, who'll develop -- with community input -- a possible plan for a "single-member districts" election system to replace the current "at large system". Spellman said that all of the people on the commission are fair-minded and want to hear your point of view. Spellman wants all northern neighborhoods to get a fair shake in city hall. He doesn't want anyone to show up to city council and feel like no one represents them. He then opened up the floor to questions.
[all questions/answers are paraphrased and are by no means verbatim]
Neighbor #1: Won't single-member districts encourage backroom deals between district representatives, a.k.a. vote trading?
Spellman: Currently, due to Open Meetings Act violations last year, City Council cannot meet about issues except at Board meetings. Stringent rules like that can put a damper on the ability to make backroom deals, although there are their setbacks such as extremely long Council meetings (due to inability to talk beforehand).
Neighbor #2: Currently, all City Council Members are upper middle class. Obviously the ability to be financially capable to run a campaign is important for getting elected.
Spellman: If you have to run a city-wide campaign (as one currently does under the "at large" system), you call rich people rather than your friends. If we only ran in our neighborhood (under a "single-member district" system), I could knock on everybody's door and talk to people one-on-one. Currently, you have to waste cash on TV ads and have friends with money.
Neighbor #3: Former Council Member Randi Shade seemed to think it would cost the same amount of money to run a campaign.
Spellman: TV ads are what drive up the cost of a campaign. Takes $200,000 to get elected currently. Under a single-member district system, I estimate I could run on $50,000. Hopefully TV ads would stop and elections would be more about people power and less about money. Hopefully, it would empower environmentalists and neighborhood associations.
Neighbor #4: I hear there was possibly a "hybrid" option to this debate?
Spellman: Currently, the default idea is we'd increase the City Council by two seats (going from 7 to 9) and it'd be six district representatives, two "at large" representatives, and one "at large" mayor. I like this idea because, a voter isn't stopped by a district representative who may be against your interest. There are least three other council members you can see. If the mayor is the only "at large" council member, he can claim he "speaks for the whole city" and that can make him too strong. Thus, hybrid solution is ideal to me. In Los Angeles, they have fifteen districts, which has sometimes caused a culture of every grant moneys given to the city being split up fifteen-different ways. Too many single-member district representatives and not enough "at large" representatives could be a bad balance.
Neighbor #5: The two "at large" members and the "at large" mayor could live in [Spellman's] district.
Spellman: The two "at large" members could be split into a "north of the river" representative and "south of the river" representative. Or another possible way, which has never been done, is we could divide Austin into a donut --- with the inner circle being one representative and and outer edges of Austin being the other representative.
Neighbor #6/7/8: Even under a single-member district system, can you not have ads and be elected? Is there a social-network bypass? A candidate could get my vote if they sent me a mailer saying that they were coming to my neighborhood on [such-and-such date] to talk.
Spellman: In a single-member district system, it makes more sense for a candidate to come to meetings such as the quarterly meeting of the Highland Neighborhood Association. In a city-wide "at large" system, it is less desirable for a candidate.
Neighbor #9: To win an election, one must utilize all the best tools, which are expensive and time intensive. I don't think it matters what system it is, it'll still require wealth.
Neighbor #10: One of the four proposals has Highland Neighborhood in a same district that runs all the way down to Stasney (south of the river).
Spellman: I am not sure how one could pound pavement in that whole district.
#10: Travis Heights would control that district.
Spellman: How many people are in Highland Neighborhood?
#10: 1,900 homes, so about 6,000 in Highland. Under the single-member district plan, there'd be 150,000 people in a district (Highland is 4% of that number).
Neighbor #11: Looking at the four proposals of how the districts could be split up, I'm having trouble seeing the rhyme and reason.
Spellman: Ryan Regon, the city demographer, has not drawn any of this, he merely supplied the data. The guy who drew the maps is Sid Faulk ,a hired consultant who has done this in other parts of Texas. The primary thing he was initially concerned about, when drawing the districts, was making sure it could get through the US Department of Justice. So he first drew a "Hispanic Majority" district and a "Black Opportunistic" district (the black population is dispersed throughout Austin; no district with over 50% of the black population). These are Districts #1 and Districts #2 which are anchored in the same place on all four maps. Sid Faulk wasn't drawing these maps with any concept of "political possibility" other than being approved by the US DoJ.
Neighbor #12: So, how does this whole process roll out in the future?
Spellman: The Commission represents many points of view. They'll get citizen feedback about what is acceptable; try to come up with something that works. And then they'll shop that idea around to groups, publicize it in the newspapers, get surveys mailed, and other ways. Then they'll determine a final proposal, which they will submit to city council, who'll vote on it. If it passes the council vote, it'll go on the ballot in November 2012.
Neighbor #13: Historically, this idea has gone to ballot before (and been voted down every time). Why would it be different this time?
Spellman: In the past, these votes have taken place in May. May elections are dominated by those West of Mo-Pac because a small number of citizens vote in May. Bigger voter turnout in November from those folks who aren't West of Mo-Pac. Currently, if Tarrytown (a neighborhood west of Mo-Pac) feels strongly about something, Tarrytown gets it, because very localized interests get heard in the currently "at large" system and some people have more access politically and those people are on the west end of town. Hopefully under the single-member district system, we can bring more of the power to the other parts of Austin.
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HNA President Damon Howze announced that D.R. Horton Homes is on contract to purchase 32 acres of property west of Crestview Station . Currently they are having a study for safety (area used to house a chemical plant in the 1950s). Assuming that it's safe, construction will begin in January on 105 single-family homes and 210 town homes. The specific area to be developed will be north of the current Crestview Station apartments, east of the the water retention pond, south of Morrow ST, and west of Lamar.
Since Crestview Neighborhood Association doesn't want this new development to have direct driving access to Morrow ST, President Damon Howze held a vote to have the HNA support putting in a second spotlight on Lamar @ Crestland, so residents in the new development would have two roads to exit their neighborhood (the other one is the St. John's // Lamar stoplight). The attendees voted in favor of supporting the installation of a new stoplight on Lamar @ Crestland.
It was reiterated that Morrow ST @ the Lamar intersection in the coming years will open up to west-bound traffic. A sidewalk will be built on the north side of Morrow ST from Lamar BLVD to the railroad tracks, and the money for the sidewalk is expected to be paid for by an upcoming bond in 2012.
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The next speaker was APD District Representative Steve Gordon, who has (since January) been in charge of the Region I Ida Sector 3 (which includes the Highland, Skyview, and Northfield neighborhoods, but not the Highland Mall itself). The purpose of the district representative is to be the "eyes and ears to the community" for any situations such as trend crimes or burglaries. It is the District Representative Officer's job to contact citizens to help police do their job better. They educate on crime trends and crime prevention and basically help citizens be better witnesses and avoid victimhood. They are liaisons for the neighborhood.
President Damon Howze asked Steve Gordon about problems regarding 2 Amigos Auto Sales (5906 Airport BLVD). Gordon said that as soon as complaints were called about illegal parking, they were given a week to comply. After a week, they were issued parking tickets and code enforcement saw that they didn't have a site plan and didn't have expanded parking. They were parking on railroad property and other property that was not theirs. They received a hefty warning by code enforcement and the owners made assurances that they'll get a site plan and extend the parking lot in a legal fashion.
A neighbor brought up a neighborhood autobody shop (which she didn't want to name publicly), which parks their cars on the side of the curb during the day. Is that legal? Officer Gordon didn't think it was and he asked for the neighbor to give him the address in private so he could forward it to code enforcement.
Another neighbor asked about break-ins in the neighborhood. Officer Gordon answered that there has been a slowdown in burglaries, but no progress in catching anyone in the most recent robberies. Gordon is working with the southern portion of Highland neighborhood in developing a neighborhood watch there. He encouraged neighbors to use the HNA listserv to alert one another about dangers or suspicious activity in the neighborhood; he encouraged everyone to talk with their neighbors and know their immediate neighbors. You can e-mail him if you want more crime prevention information (Steven.Gordon@ci.austin.tx.us).
A neighbor asked if DPS had permission to run a forklift on sidewalks on Denson across the street from Reily Elementary. Gordon didn't immediately know off hand if they did, but noted that they are allowed to ferry equipment across the street between the two properties. Gordon noted that Austin Regional [over 3 counties] Intelligence Center opened there, which tripled the number of people at the site.
Same neighbor asked if he noticed speeding problems on Denson by Reilly Elementary. Gordon said the APD has watched Denson a lot and it's better than at other schools where they have roads running along both the front and back of the schools (Reilly has only Denson to the north and Guadalupe to the west).
President Damon Howze gave concerns about young females from Webb Middle School having to walk past day laborers congregated along I-35 @ St. John's. Officer Gordon said APD is working with day laborer site counselors, who are meeting with the day laborers, trying to redirect them to those locations. APD does drive through and tell people to leave properties, but they are allowed to be on public sidewalks, as long as they're not congesting. The situation is better than it was back in January, said Gordon.
Gordon noted that the old Home Depot site (northeast of the I-35 // St. John's intersection) will become a Municipal Court once the city has the funds allocated. He noted that the city of Austin was growing and thus the police budget shouldn't be cut. [This seemed to be a reference to recent discussion about Police Budgeting on the City Council.] He said that if cuts were made, the District Representative program would be dropped and he would have to return to street-work on the force.
A neighbor asked if there was a way to find out details about an arrest he personally witnessed. Gordon said he didn't think that you could get much on the specifics, but he directed everyone to the APD website, which has a link on the right side of the page titled "Crime Information" where you can get all the crime statistics/information about what's happening in your neighborhood. He noted that it actually archives the past ten years.
A neighbor mentioned that they live near an apartment complex where people hang out and have loud, possibly abusive conversations at night and asked for advice.
Officer Gordon said if you hear violent-esque yelling, you can call 911. If it's a suspicious noise, you can call 311 (if it already happened and no one is hurt) or 911 (happening now). If you think "should I call 911?", you should probably call 911. On both 311 and 911, you can be anonymous. If they ask for your name, you can simply say "I'd rather not tell you; I'd rather be anonymous" and they won't divulge your information.
A neighbor asked what they should do if they see a suspected drug sale at a bus stop. Gordon said to call 911 and explained what the cops would do to investigate. And you can always e-mail Officer Gordon about any concerns such as that.
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HNA President Damon Howze reminded everyone about the annual elections at the next quarterly meeting (in December). There are two vice presidential positions that need to be filled (in South sector and the Crestview Station sector). Howze, himself, will not be present at the meeting because he has been accepted into the Austin City Works Academy, where the city will lead him and 39 other applicants on Tuesday nights to different departments of the city to learn about the departments and learn how to best interact with the departments (as an advocate for Highland Neighborhood). Although he won't be there in-person, President Howze will be running for reelection at the upcoming quarterly meeting in December.
The meeting closed with Chris Linder, a resident on Hammock, inviting attendees (with flyers) to attend an upcoming social soiree on September 13 regarding the oncoming renovation of Airport BLVD (from I-35 to where it dead ends into Lamar). His stepfather, Larry Sunder is a board member on the Airport Development Board. The project is supported by all relevant neighborhood associations (Highland, Ridgetop, and Northfield).
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posted Jun 20, 2011 7:14 AM by Highland Officers
Highland Neighborhood Association Meeting Tuesday June 14, 2011 @ 7pm @ Gateway Baptist Church (Minutes by HNA Secretary Matt Moon) === ADDED BY Ryan Rutan (NOT DISCUSSED AT MEETING) ===
- 4th of July may turn into a volunteer work day as well...but state of the park will not be complete (possibly not even started by then).
- May need volunteers before the 4th to do prep work....be on the look out on the list-serv. May be able to meet most of our match early on by doing grass maintenance.
- I've contact Austin PARD to ask that the triangle be mowed prior to the 4th, haven't heard back yet.
- Check the website for final plans of the proposed Birdhouse...it's going to be massive!
- Water fountains and Street Lighting will be left out of Phase 1 due to excessive cost; however, will revisit as part of Phase 2,3,...
- City of Austin is working to open up opportunities, such as tree trimming, for us to meet our match .... please take names of anyone interested. (Lola there?)
- General Sentiment: City is almost ready to rock and roll...need to iron out the Memo of Understanding ... to identify how we will meet our match over the next 12 months.
Random Notes General Notes:
- Pay your dues online with Paypal, Credit Cards accepted ...
- Service Provider recommendations for our neighborhood...have someone who has done an awesome job at your house. Share their information, just send an email to the webmaster. Or see the current list of recommended service providers on highlandneighborhood.com, on the left-side ..."Service Providers"
=== END Commentary Added by Ryan Rutan ================== The meeting opened with HNA President Damon Howze greeting the crowd, before he introduced representatives from Austin Community College (ACC) and Redleaf Properties LLC, who would be talking about the future of the "Highland Mall" (6001 Airport Boulevard). Howze also noted that attendees included individuals from the Ridgetop Neighborhood and Northfield Neighborhood, both of which are near Highland Mall. Council member Chris Riley was also in attendance. Representatives from ACC included: William S. Mullane (Executive Director, Facilities & Construction [lead architect]) Brette Lea (Executive Director, Public Information & College Marketing) Neil Vickers (AVP, Finance and Budget) Representative from Redleaf Properties LLC: Matt Whelan (Principal) By August 2011, ACC is under contract to close on the purchase of the former JC Penny’s Department Store, which will make ACC the sole owners of all of the land at Highland Mall. They will own all the large buildings that have hosted the large "anchor" stores, but they do NOT own the middle structure of the mall which is still operated by loan-service provider Jones Lang LaSalle (although ACC owns the land underneath that building). Brette Lea spoke about how ACC needs to expand due to a growing student population, citing ACC's new Round Rock campus, which opened at near capacity. Currently ACC has 45,056 credit students, 12,000 noncredit students, and 4,500 faculty/staff. They have 8 full-service campuses and estimate that campuses at Elgin and north Hays county will open in 2013. The Highland Mall site is ideal for ACC, due to its size and location across the street from a Metro Rail stop and connecting bus lines (which goes along with ACC's commitment to "green sustainable environmentalism"). Bill Mullane, who was the lead architect for ACC's newest campus in Round Rock, spoke about the plans for the Highland Mall site. In the immediate future, they will begin work transforming two of the "anchor department stores" into an instructional space (i.e. classrooms) and another will be used as a consolidated administration building (currently they are scattered across several campuses). The Dillards/Macys/JCPenny sites should be renovated in the next three years with an estimated opening of initial facilities in 2014. Over the long future, they hope the Highland Mall site will include a continuing education center, a convocation center, a space for nonprofit affiliates, a conference center, and a wellness & professional development center. Brette Lea said ACC is going to open up a webpage (with forums, RSS feeds, etc.) to engage the community as long-term plans develop. Over the long-term, the plan is to develop parts of the mall parking lot along the roads (such as Airport Boulevard) into mixed-use properties. This development will be lead by Matt Whelan, the principal of Redleaf Properties LLC, who was behind the renovation of the old airport into the "Mueller Development". However, there are complications with this plan as ACC does not own the middle structure of the mall and there exists an "operating agreement" until 2020 where the current mall tenants have rights to the parking lot. Thus, they cannot begin ripping up the parking lot and begin development until Redleaf/ACC reaches an agreement with the owners of the middle structures or the contract ends in 2020. Questions were asked and comments made by attendees of the meeting. President Howze brought up a creek (Tannehill Branch), which was paved over when the mall initially was developed. He stated that the three neighboring neighborhoods (Highland, Ridgetop, and Northfield) as well as watercreek protection want to bring the creek back to the surface. Also Howze would prefer that development occur more "vertically" so as to open up walkable/bikeable surfaces along the re-emerged creek. Attendee: My house is just south of the mall and due to the impermeability of the giant parking lot, the rainfall runoff from the mall floods a lot of the neighbors in the south. Any plans on fixing that? ACC: The original development of the Highland Mall preceded the current drainage regulations (thus the existence of the problem). They, in league with the city, plan on improving the water control at the site, but due to the current "operating agreement" regarding the parking lot, they are limited in what they can immediately do. Attendee: Is there any interest in ACC acquiring the middle structure which they don't own? ACC/Redleaf: Currently, they are busy closing the sale of the final department store (contractually expected to happen in August). But perhaps in the future. Attendee: How long until the redevelopment is totally complete? ACC/Redleaf: Total development (including mix-use buildings) will take many years. But now that the acquisitions are complete of all the land and all the "anchor department" buildings, they can move forward somewhat. Expected opening date of administration building and educational/classrooms building is 2014. Attendee: The new ACC location could affect the Metro Rail and force it to need more train cars. Attendee: Does ACC charge for parking? Will students end up parking in my neighborhood? ACC: We plan building structural parking (i.e. a garage) at the site. ACC charges $15 annually for parking. Attendee: I am concerned about keeping the trees that are there, because Purple Martins nest in them. Also, when Redleaf did the Mueller development, it ended up requiring an energy plant from Austin Energy due to the development requiring more energy than previously expected. President Howze: Austin Energy expressed interest in making Highland Mall into a "more smart grid" than Mueller Airport development. ACC: ACC values sustainability (utilizes funds and student fees for such purposes). ACC has policies such as giving students free passes for the buses/train that encourage "green" action. The rail being at Highland Mall makes it a great site. Anything renovated will be "elite" certified with regards to water/energy/gas usage. Attendee: What is the timeline for the mixed use development aspect? Redleaf: It depends on two elements: (#1) discussions with current owners of the middle structure of the mall and the operating agreement with regards to the parking lot and (#2) what the market conditions will be when mixed-use development can happen. Attendee: Is there a commitment for "local businesses" over national-chain "big boxes" with regards to the mixed-use development? Redleaf: I don't think it would be appropriate for it to be a "big box center", but there could be some national-chains present. Attendee: How was it determined by ACC that Redleaf Properties LLC would be in charge of the mixed-use development aspect? ACC/Redleaf: Redleaf Properties LLC initially purchased the mall tracts and then sold them to ACC with a contractual clause that gives them the right to buy back parts at a pre-determined price for mixed-use development. By partnering with Redleaf, ACC was able to garner a better price than they could have done alone, since the purchasing of the mall has been a complicated affair (due to multiple owners). Redleaf probably will end up developing the parts at the edge of the parking lot along the roads which ACC doesn't need. Attendee: What else has Redleaf Properties LLC developed in the past? Redleaf: Redleaf Properties LLC has only existed for 18 months, but Matt Whelan was senior executive of company that redeveloped Mueller Airport, a large mixed-use development by the name of Spanish Oaks, and other developments. President Damon Howze informed that HNA will be having a Fourth of July celebration at the site of the future Dorothy John's Triangle Park (at W Crestland DR & Meadowview LN). It will take place at 11am to 1:30pm on Monday July 4th. He also asked attendees to be on the lookout for a bus that has been parking illegally at St John's & Lamar. It is a bus that goes to Mexico. In the past it has parked illegally at the Highland Village shopping center. If you see the bus parked illegally, President Howze asked everyone to take a picture of the bus because the police/city are having trouble getting proof that it is parking illegally. |
posted May 4, 2011 7:02 PM by Highland Officers
[
updated Jan 12, 2012 2:42 PM by Highland Webmaster
]
Ryan Rutan spoke about the progress
of the Dorothy Johns Triangle Park project, which is being developed
with the Neighborhood Share program. He alerted attendees to a drafted
plan that is viewable on the HNA website. Plan includes water fountains,
picnic tables, benches, and a walk trail around the triangle with handicap
access. Planners are working on making electrical lights face inward
and maintaining an open space for throwing frisbees, ball-play, dogs,
et cetra. The current bill proposed will require some high-level funds
(HNA has $2,000 earmarked), so HNA will need to organize volunteers
to contribute labor to the DJTP project in order to mitigate costs for
the HNA. Highland Neighborhood is the first neighborhood to utilize
the Neighborhood Share program to do a project such as this.
Ryan also asked attendees to contribute
to a "service provider" list that is being compiled on the
HNA website. If anyone regularly utilizes an electrician/plumber/gardener/babysitter/etc...,
please contact Ryan Rutan through the website so HNA can build a recommendation
list for the neighborhood. This list is for all services and hopefully
by doing this, residents of Highland Neighborhood could receive discounts.
Go to the website and click the "service providers" link on
the left side of the screen for more information.
=======
Lola Amador spoke next. On Saturday
April 9th from 9 AM to 11 AM, volunteers will be meeting at University
Hills Optimist Ball Field (7112 Northcrest BLVD) to clean up at Waller
Creek as part of a city-wide "Clean Sweep Project" orchestrated
by Keep Austin Beautiful. After the cleanup, there will be a volunteer
party at Waterloo Park (403 E 15th ST) from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Looking
for 7 to 12 volunteers. All supplies will be provided by Lola (gloves
and devices for picking up debris) at the meeting site. E-mail request
for volunteers will be on the listserv in coming days.
=======
Highland Neighborhood has a new district
representative from the Austin Police Department by the name of Steven
Gordon, who spoke next. He is an 8-year veteran and is in his third
year as a district representative. The purpose of the district representative
is to be the "eyes and ears to the community" for any situations
such as trend crimes or burglaries. It is the District Representative
Officer's job to contact citizens to help police do their job better.
They educate on crime trends and crime prevention and basically help
citizens be better witnesses and avoid victimhood. They are basically
liaisons for the neighborhood.
Officer Gordon spoke about a recent
string of daytime burglaries in the neighborhood. In response, the APD
flooded the area with officers during the daytime. With assistance of
regional support teams, the APD made several arrests around the area.
Officer Gordon expressed interest in helping develop a comprehensive
neighborhood watch program.
Officer Gordon announced he will
soon be following the HNA e-mail listserv.
Officer Gordon said one of the most
important things is that when you see something suspicious, talk to
your neighbors and call 311 (Austin's non-emergency number) and it will
get to his desk and other detectives.
=======
Officer Gordon fielded questions
from the attendees.
(Regarding trying to move day laborers
to one location); must talk to Mexican consulate, businesses at I-35
area, and will be a long-term project.
The HNA president wants enforcement
of front yard and side yard city ordinance. Officer Gordon says ordinance
is complaint-driven. Biggest task a representative can do is educate
"everybody" (The Yard Parking Ban is not a citywide ordinance
--- it's sectional). In both English and Spanish, they'll go door-to-door
to educate residents and after a reasonable amount of time, they will
issue citations.
Burglars in the daytime will pose
as a salesman, or clipboard-carrying seemingly reputable persons. Lookout
man may be at car while another is knocking on door (common scheme).
If you see something suspicious, write down vehicle information (make/model/color/distrinct
damage/color license plates; description of vehicle's driver, the more
info the better).
23 burgularies in the highland sector
--- half of 'em entered through unlocked door or window. Simple solution:
lock the doors and windows.
(regarding animal ordinances):
Roosters, if causing sustained amount of noise, goes under loud animal
clause. Roosters are banned in city of Austin. Chickens you can have
in a chicken coop. Must be 50 feet from a residential house. That would
fall under code enforcement. Report those things to 311.
++++++++++++
Austin City Councilmember Randi Shade
spoke next:
She tries to keep up with neighborhood
assocations. Learns a lot about neighborhoods in zoning situations (such
a recent issue regarding Morrow Street westward traffic). She tries
to visit all neighborhood associations as much as possible. There's
no reason to not contact a councilmember if you desire to comment/questions.
What's going on at City Hall? Stress
over investigations (Open Meetings Act), record requests, and taking
tons of time to be responsive. She was elected in 2008. She was last
here in 2009. Councilmember Shade was late to HNA meeting because school
district issues (her most important issue). Just met with demographer
and president of school board and they took school closures off the
table for now. Land use issues, and feeling pressure regarding the budget.
Wants efficiency and not raising taxes. How can we share costs on afterschool
programming or funding district. She's sorry there's a crisis eliciting
discussion on school issues, but happy we're talking about it. We have
a healthcare district in the city that's new. She wants to get Austin's
hotel tax to help pay for art education. 70/80% of austin school population
is AISD --- but she is also concerned about round rock and del valley
districts. Every survey shows that people want to be in close proximity
of good schools.
Q: Austin Airport Advisory Commission
recently voted unanimously to keep scanners out of Airport. She
voted against banning them.
A: It is a TSA matter. It is not
her #1 concerned about her daughter. She obviously not in favor of inappropiateness.
She has concerns about radiation --- but TSA employees have similar
concerns. This is a federal security issue, not really up to city. The
resolution didn't do anything and seemed pointless. This isn't her big
concern. She has 4 1/2 and 2 1/2 year old children. She came to UT from
Dallas in 1984 as freshman. Worked at P&G went to Harvard business
school, governor richards worked as Americorp, stayed on as Bush got
elected, Texas got more money than any other state (americorp). Started
business, sold business, Ann Richards was her mentor up until she passed
away; she encouraged Shade to enroll in a class on how to apply private
sector learnings to public service --- became local councilmember in
2008. Got active at park and couldn't get handicap swing installed in
park due to city bureacracy and --- she has served on non-profit boards
and for-profit boards and public sector boards. Job is hard due to wide
array of issues and overwhelming amount of work required. She tries
to stay focused to the bread and butter. The City is a 2.8 billion dollar
operation with an airport, convention center, water/electric utility,
park system, water system, and enforce public safety. Homeland security.
A lot of work. She wishes she hadn't made an e-mail situation.
Q: What is the "sanctuary city"?
He views it as an assault against people like a particular undocumented
college freshman.
A: The term gets used a lot
about Austin. There has been an huge deportation since ICE has been
in the local jails. We have a growing hispanic population, many whom
are legal, and it's a real challenge. She doesn't know a lot about this
legislation. Last time it was open to get documented was the 80s. It
is not certain that if you marry an illegal immigrant, they'll automatically
get citizenship. I don't know the answer -- outside of city control.
Very concerned with regards to domestic violence or how it affects people's
health, such as children being unable to get services. Resolution regarding
Arizona legislation ---- got tons of angry e-mail for a resolution that
didn't really do a lot. Help organziations that we help people who are
here with Gateway programs and school programs.
Q: How do you deal with Mexican consulate?
A: Other than socially and knowing
where she's located, Shade is not involved. Mexican Consulate is by
Baylor and 6th ST. It is very expensive to go through Mexican consulate
process.
Q: Highland is unique to Austin,
because we desire pro-growth and pro-density. I hope you can encourage
the redevelopment of Highland Mall // Airport makeover. Wanting to make
it a walkable neighborhood.
A: I'd support those efforts. it
is exciting to do it different with. It is wonky to be presented with
different scenarios and plans ------ how will this effect people, what
will it feel like to live in this neighborhood?
Q: Form-based code is to encourage
pedestrian traffic and looks uniform. Does look uniform, mean looking
strip mall?
HNA President Damon answered that
form-based code applies to all of Airport BLVD, all of north side is
zoned to handle six-story buildings from Lamar to 290 but that's not
happening. It's hard to get a loan for development. Form-based code
helps you get loan for redevelopment, question is "what's on either
side?". To make sure properties on both sides will redeveloped
in the same form and same standard as to not bring property values down.
Airport BLVD should look like South Congress (which is not strip mall,
obviously). Heights can vary. Wide sidewalks, parking behind buildings,
less traffic on airport and slower speeds with a median featuring trees
and bicycle lanes and Airport BLVD be a neighborhood street rather than
a highway that goes nowhere. Concept is to bring it back to being a
neighborhood street --- form based code will make it easier for people
to get money to redevelop.
A: Current zoning is about "use"
of building, rather than "form". So formed-mased code would
allow a store to be next to a living space next to a work space, rather
than all uniform "uses". More about the aesthetic "form"
of buildings. Obviously, this is a very bad economic time. Councilmember
Shade loves that in Austin, we have not seen a lot of funding for new
buildings, thus mobile food venders are flourishing. "Form-based
code" will help get funding, but obviously it doesn't mean automatically
the loans will be flowing.
Q: Please talk about Morrow Street.
WE are thankful that westward traffic is being scheduled to help ----
but will there be enough money for the change?
A: I think things take longer than
expected. But it's on track and the plan is moving forward. Will take
time for sidewalk money, not pessimistic that it'll take forever. Maybe
I'm a bit optomistic. We didn't have transportation department until
two years ago. Should be funded and fine.
The change comes from different pockets
(sidewalk money and road change). But no reason to think it won't happen.
(President gave details of how Morrow
Street process went down --- took four years to get put on waiting list).
Damon says Councilmember Shade has had an open-door to the neighborhood
whenever a meeting desired.
Damon said HNA has never been able
to get a meeting with Councilmember Martinez.
Q: What do you think about single-member
district?
A: She was in favor of the hybrid
system during campaigning. They had a discussion the other day with
Dallas people (where they have single-member districts) ------ she is
getting cold feet about changing. She doesn't believe her issues are
determined by her geographic location. Some of the most meaningful things
she's done has been in opposition of someone in her neighborhood area.
All other cities were court-ordered to do single-districts. Austin is
the largest city where council members are elected at large. She is
not sure. In Dallas it's all single-member district, except mayor (elected
at large). They have same form of government (strong city management
rather than strong mayor form). In Dallas, if you go to your person
and they're not interested --- you're stuck. And then you have to go
to the mayor. So, it takes away representation (in Austin you can speak
with any councilmember, rather than being "stuck" with the
representative in your single-district).
The hybrid solution is 6 single-district
members, and three at-large members (including mayor). Campaigning costs
wouldn't go down, she claims. This all has been voted down in Austin
six times. The Austin Chronicle has a great series of articles about
this issue in past week. School district board members has a hybrid
system, but it hasn't increased voter turnout.
City government touches everything
you do (driving on the road, or turning on electricity, et cetra). Wishes
city council's actions would appear more relevant in people's lives
to have more of the city population vote in city council elections.
Drawing up districts for a single-member
district City Council system is a problem in itself. (downfalls possible).
Could need more councilmembers (having 9 instead of 7, perhaps).
Currently there is a "gentleman's
agreement" to ensure ethnic mix in city council at-large elections
right now. Did it without court-ordered. Claims ethnic mix in Austin
is different than other cities. Currently Asian-American population
is eclipsing the African-American population). There is no "gay
district" in Austin. Very unusual to have a council with three
women (out of 7). There could be a situation with single-districts,
where there'd be no women instead.
She is the gay Jewish women. She
is first openly gay councilmember. She wants to be more than just "the
gay councilmember". She doesn't want anyone to feel un-represented.
+++++++++++++
Capital Metro Rail Train will begin
running on the weekends this month.
+++++++++++++
### |
posted Dec 13, 2010 7:15 AM by Highland Officers
[
updated Dec 13, 2010 7:17 AM
]
Call to Order at 7:03 by Damon Howse.
Teri Green from Texas Gas Service—discussion on TGS’s conservation programs. Natural Gas is a clean, relatively low-carbon fuel source. Good source of power for appliances in your home. Hot water, wash clothes, cook food. Information distributed about various rebate programs, such as tankless (on-demand) water heaters, Super-high-efficiency water heater, thermal solar water heater, weatherization, duct sealing, front-load washers, natural gas dryers and natural gas vehicles. Some programs are available retroactively. See www.TexasGasService.com for details and more information.
Katrina Daniel from Airport Blvd’s redevelopment. Councilmember Chris Riley has recently promoted this
project. Airport would benefit from improved code that to promote bicycle and pedestrian friendly development—form-based codes that enable the city to better regulate development that is more neighborhood-friendly. Airport Redevelopment Advisory Committee members included several small businesses as well as Travis County and ACC. COA has put out an RFP and a contract was awarded to a group on planners who will begin by focusing on intersections at Lamar, Hwy 290 and IH-35.
Master Plan is expected to be completed by Fall 2011, with expected code revisions before City Council by Summer 2012. Opportunities for public input will be engaged throughout the process. See the HNA email list for details along the way.
An email/powerpoint will be forthcoming from Ms. Daniel with more details.
Juan Wah from Capital Metro…. Capital Metro expects to be increasing service to include hourly service, including nights and weekends. Rail safety continues to be a concern with populations unfamiliar with tracks and future increases in service, with special consideration for the students of Reilly Elementary students.
Debbie Wahrmund on progress of Reilly Pocket Park…. Fundraiser with Reilly Elementary PTA raised $38 and made connections with the Parks Dept, Watershed Management and Reilly Elementary’s Administration. Property is co-owned by the school and the Parks Department. Safety of the school-children is one consideration. Watershed workers will be cleaning up the area this winter, removing invasive plants and rebuilding the dam. Hopes are to end up with a water impoundment pond similar to what is currently found at Cental Park near 38th St. including crushed granite walkways. Rosie Weaver with the Austin Parks Foundation can sponsor us on It’s My Park Day on March 5; grant moneys may be available from APF as well.
Damon Howse, HNA President, shared with the group about plans for the former Home Depot. Impervious cover will be reduced from 72% to 68%, including a reduction in building size. Facilities will include public meeting space and Municipal Court. Increased service from Capital Metro will be part of the larger plan. Mr. Howse has been invited to the St. Johns Neighborhood Association’s planning meetings to help coordinate.
Lola Amador was recently trained by Keep Austin Beautiful. She is willing to facilitate a Clean Sweep project. A Clean Sweep project would get together volunteers to clean up a particular area such as Waller Creek, Morrow St. Look for a survey on the website regarding potential clean-up sites.
Motion to change the HNA by-laws to add a 4th Vice-President position to the HNA. Approved.
Fitz Meshbane is elected to the newly-created VP-West position.
Officer Giles is happy to report that the number of arrests in the neighborhood has decreased, although, anecdotally, the crime reports may be increasing.
It is reported that the Big Lots at Airport and Lamar will be closing. Hopefully a grocery store will be coming to the area in the near future.
President’s report: North Austin Optimist will be receiving a notice to vacate the park at St. Johns and Northcrest. Watershed Management will be using the land to improve the area’s drainage while hopefully establishing a neighborhood park in years to come.
Elections: moderated by Damon Howse
· Secretary—Matthew Moon from O’Dell
· Vice-President North—Rick Weller is re-elected
· Vice-President Central—Collete Kuemmel is re-elected
· Vice-President South—Jill Csekitz is re-elected
· Treasurer—Joann Rees is re-elected
· Newsletter Editor, Web-site Admininstrators and Historians are voluntary positions. Thanks to Kitty Traylor, Ryan Rutan and Dorothy Johns, respectively, for their continued service.
· President—Damon Howse is re-elected.
|
posted Sep 7, 2010 6:05 PM by Highland Officers
City of Austin Project
Project: WasteWater Line Replacement along Northcrest / Anderson
Jennifer Lebaron - City of Austin Contact
Demira Wyatt - Project Manager
- Deteriorating Asbestos/Concrete Lines currently causing overflows, considered a Priority Level 2 Project
- Current Impact should be just South of the Frost Mobile Bank
- Lane Closures expected; however, no roads will are expected to be closed.
- Currently evaluating contractors, will then request approval from City Council
- Early November 8th (Notice to Proceed, expected), estimated 120 calendar days to complete
- Hours of construction to be dictated by traffic demands for individual streets
- Once contractor is selected another meeting will be scheduled to allow neighbors to meet contractor and help coordinate best times
- List passed around at HNA Meeting
Project Hotline : (512)-684-3232
========
Neighbor of the Month - Call for Nominations
Looking for nominations from all sectors
========
DJT -
Public Works department currently gathering estimates
Proposal - Earmark $2000 for DJT Neighborhood Share Program - Majority Passes (14 of 15 Votes)
========
Update for Morrow Street with Crestview
Waiting to hear from City since consensus between the Neighborhoods could not be reached
Traffic Sub-Committee is the next gate, then potentially the Planning Commission.
Estimated Cost of $30k to open up Morrow
To compare, Shoal Creek - $75k to put in speed bumps
========
South Sector
On Guadalupe, we want to clean up one of the traffic triangles.
Recently mowed the triangle, asking HNA for $30 for materials - Majority Passes (14 of 15 Votes)
========
Constable Giles - Patrols HNA, Thank you for your Service
- Crime is Down year over year in our area, this is great news
========
Donations to Reilly + T.A. Brown - Last Night for the $250 match
- Minimum $250 per school
|
posted Jun 1, 2010 8:04 PM by Highland Webmaster
[
updated Jun 2, 2010 6:44 AM
]
- New Meeting Attendee Introduction(s)
- Morrow Street Opening Up Sub-Committee
- Directed staff to have another meeting between Crestland and Crestview to try and find a compromise
- Difficult to see what compromises are available
- Head of the Traffic Committee - Peter Marsh, stated that opening up the traffic would make the traffic-levels up to nominal levels
- Crestview is suggesting that we use St. Johns, Airport, and Justin to get to Morrow, this is unacceptable
- Destinations on Morrow, Optimists Recreational Fields
- Andy Deck - Secretary for the past many years, is moving, we need to get permanent replacement
- Responsibilities, taking notes at Executive Meetings and During the HNA Meetings
- Keeping records for historical reference
- Ryan Rutan will take over through the end of the year, at which point we will look for a full-time replacement
- Highland Village owner is currently courting a "New Flower" a.k.a. "Sunflower" Grocer to take residence in the complex
- Vote to approve letter from HNA to "New Flower" welcoming them to the area, approved unanimous
- ACC has bought the 4-story Highland Mall - Dillards facility
- Planning a mixed-use of this plot, this is ~17 acres (of the 81 we think) and includes much of the parking lot
- The 1st step will be repurpose the existing infrastructure; however, plans to add internal streets and get eat up more.
- Plans from ACC for this complex
- Larger plans to revamp the entire area
- Administrative Headquarters in Highland Towers, consolidate these offices
- Extended/Continuing and Adult Education Courses
- HNA has been working with Austin Energy to try and create the 1st actual Smart Power Grid in Austin, TX, we are hoping this is related.
- Fourth of July Parade
- Dorothy Johns is heading this up
- 9:00am, walk down Meadowview to T.A. Brown
- Bring your dogs, kids, and noise making devices
- Dorothy Johns Triangle Playground Updates - View Updates
- Neighborhood share program, the city is excited about this project…very succinct and high-impact as originally intended
- We are the largest community in Austin to not have a park
- Capital Metro - John Michael Cortez
- Rails with Trails Project => Metro-Trails
- Background, 2004 …. trying to provide more transit service "All Systems Go" plan. (20 year plan) to provide more choices
- Regional Commuter Rail Service to San Antonio, we are participants
- Urban Rail (Street car) - City of Austin has picked up this portion
- Cyclists asked, where it's feasible, could you allow bike/pedestrian trails in the track right-of-way. (2004)
- Consultant hired to evaluate feasibility of all right-of-way from Leander to Downtown, knowing that we'll need more tracks in the future for growth
- Deliverable: Where can you put in right-of-way, get more land
- Downtown and central corridor, there is not much room…outside 183 and even farther from Parmer…there is much more land and opportunity
- CapMetro applied for Federal grant, money was repurposed by federal government towards overall bridge repair
- Note: Most CapMetro $$$ comes from Sales Tax, directly impacted by recession.
- New stimulus money, <~$2 million dollars carved out for this program
- They will spend where it makes the most sense, will try to focus on high-value expenditures
- Evaluating how to connect various segments, discussed specifically our area between Airport and Burnet along the Red-Line
- Midtown Commons area, there is not enough land. Talking with Trammell Crowe and Optimists to find additional land
- If new land doesn't work, bikes would work through Midtown Commons private roads, connect to Morrow on Bike (would try to improve experience)
- Tisdale to Wooten, passing many schools, trying to double as a safe way for kids to bike to school
- Difficult to find a continuous solution, as easements appear and disappear with various residential and commercial properties
- Would like to extend this trail further south on Airport…this is expensive…and tight, but if it will work they are open to it.
- Metro-Rapid program
- Buses every 10 minutes, "next bus" => Tech Ridge down Lamar to South Park Metro (sometime in 2011-2012)
- Volunteers for the Contact Team are still needed.
|
posted May 13, 2010 6:38 AM by Highland Officers
[
updated May 13, 2010 6:40 AM
]
Highland Neighborhood Association Meeting March 2, 2010
Sheryl Cole (City Council Member) spoke to us.
• We have a crisis situation with the homeless in Austin
o She traveled to San Antonio and Miami to see what they have done in recent years
o She would like to see Austin do some similar things to house homeless
o City Council will be discussing in the coming months
o If you feel that this is an important topic, then please contact council members to let them know
A Census representative spoke to us.
• They are recruiting in our neighborhood
• Forms will be sent on 3/15 and need to be returned by 4/1
Damon spoke to group.
• Morrow Street Discussion
o Results of the traffic study will be presented to the city council sub-committee
o Go to the HNA website to send an email to city council members expressing your thoughts on opening up morrow to west bound traffic
• 6801 Airport
o Their plan for opening pool hall was defeated in planning commission
o They are now trying to open a restaurant
• We need nominations for neighbor of the month
• Please come and help with the park beautification project at Dorothy Johns triangle April 10
• Re-striping of St Johns with bicycle lanes should happen in 2010
|
posted Jan 2, 2010 2:24 AM by Highland Officers
Please see attachment for Meeting Notes |
posted Jan 2, 2010 2:23 AM by Highland Officers
Please see attachment for Meeting Notes |
|
