Old West Austin Neighborhood Association
OWANA Steering Committee Minutes
9/13/99 Mathews ElementaryMembers present:
Barbara, Sasha, David S., Thom, Red, Steve, MarkS., Paul, Charles, Margaret. (Jay arrived after the vote.)Agenda Item:
David Smith opened the meeting at 6:45 to address a zoning issue at 1006 Eason, Sasha presented the situation. The property is zoned half commercial (west lynn side) and half residential (eason side). The purchaser is planning to open a hair salon in the house that is positioned on the eason side of the property. All the directly impacted eason neighbors are opposed and have approached the inhabitants explaining that a complaint has been filed and about illegal usage of property. A motion was made by charles and seconded by mark requesting that Jim Cousar draft a letter stating that the plans for the property are illegal under current zoning and that OWANA steering committee would oppose any request for zoning change on the residential side of the property. The vote was one opposed and 9 in favor. The request was made to discuss it at the general meeting as well and solicit input from the members at large.
OWANA General Membership Meeting
9/13/99 Mathews Elementary
David Smith opened the meeting at 7pm.1. Steven F. discussed the traffic-calming project and explained that no additional meetings would be held until after the city conducted the traffic studies. The purpose of the studies is to confirm that the street prioritized in the survey results warrant attention. One member requested that Theresa Street be added to the study. Steven explained that the city had already chosen the streets but it would be an additional request by the committee.
2. Jim Cousar addressed ongoing zoning issues and updated the group on the Flower Hill property; the Tips Iron and Steel; and the Pressler property. The request to change the Flower Hill lots and exclude the historical zoning passed the Historic Commission in August, is being heard at this time by the Planning Commission and will be next on the City Council agenda. Since the neighbors have filed a valid petition the city council will require a 6-1 or 7-0 approval. The neighbors and the Heritage Society are still negotiating and there is a possibility of a compromise on SF2 but no agreement has been reached as yet. No vote on a position. It was explained that the Steering committee chose to take no position since there were neighbors in opposition and the standing practice is to vote in agreement with the neighbors or vote to not take a position. The Tips Iron and Steel Property is still under discussion..ownership is not finalized but the current perspective buyer JPI is planning to ask for zoning change from Industrial to MF and build a complex with the density of 350 units. Jim felt that at some point appropriate density for this space and property would have to be addressed by the city and by OWANA. Since no specific issue is before OWANA no vote was taken but general discussion was entertained. Comments/Concerns expressed were: too much density; traffic increases on narrow streets; the desire for family tenants that might be attracted to Mathews Elementary; desire to have multi-family denser projects that would vitalize downtown. A question was asked about the project at 9th and Lamar and the understanding from the owner is that it is still in the planning stage. The Eason property addressed in the Steering Committee meeting was revisited and a motion made to modify the letter to include the whole membership in addition to the steering committee supports the position that OWANA would not support illegal usage or a change in zoning to commercial. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Jim agreed to look into a structure that has appeared at 1402 Pressler with no notice.
3. Pauline Brown and Chip Orr presented information about the survey of the historic Clarksville area, the oldest Freedman town this side of the Mississippi. A property was purchased at 1822 West 10th with a plan for demolition; the demolition is on hold as the zoning request for historic is being considered. The property is a historic Clarksville bungalow that at one time housed the founder of the Clarksville area. The Clarksville neighbors are attempting to get the entire area confirmed as a historic district as there are at least 28 homes built between the mid 1870s and 1920s. The Federal Register lists the area and in 1979 there were 43 homes identified, nine of those homes have been destroyed. There is a strong desire to maintain the single family nature of the community; support lower income homes to allow the descendent of the original owners to return; as well as preserve the Black history of the area. When the group is ready to make a specific request, they will as for a formal motion and letter of support from OWANA….this will most likely be requested at the December general meeting.
4. Mark S. gave an update on the neighborhood plan. Mark provided handouts and asked for comments on the document. Steve Barney the city staff support for the work echoed the need for input from the entire neighborhood. The meetings are held every two weeks and are considered major or minor meetings…there are four committee that are addressing specific components of the plan: Zoning/land use; Transportation/traffic; Historic preservation/green space; and, Quality of life. The process will include a survey to the entire area then workshops and a final plan. There will be an open house before a final neighborhood vote. Approval rate must be 60% of all voting. The plan is to have the plan to the planning commission and city council by spring 2000. Major meetings remaining are: 10/18; 11/15and 12/13 at the Infant Parent Training Center at 1717 West 10th from 5:30 to 7. Minor meetings remaining are: 10/4; 11/1; and 11/29 at Naus from 5:30-7.
5. Red discussed communications Improvements. He reminded members of the newsletter 4 times a year, the website and soon to be notices at Fresh Plus. Red welcomed ideas on how to increase awareness of OWANA. Terre O’Connell who keeps the database current offered to add emails to expedite messages between meetings and newsletters. She has a total of 47 addresses in a distribution list at this time.
6. Margaret reminded all that there was a vacancy on the steering committee and invited volunteers. Mrs. Brown was approached as a possibility and she agreed to consider the nomination.
7. David Smith adjourned the meeting at 8:30
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