December 2007
 LETTER FROM THE CHAIR

By Paul Seals
2007 OWANA Steering Committee Chair

 This is my last letter as Chair. My three-year tour of duty on the Steering Committee is coming to an end. It has been an interesting three years, filled with many challenges for our neighborhood. With our location and the attractiveness of our distinct neighborhood character, we enjoy both the benefits and the detriments of a predominantly residential neighborhood on the periphery of Downtown. The demand for property in and near our neighborhoods reflected in our escalating property values, which present a significant challenge to our common efforts to preserve and enhance the historic and distinct residential quality and community values of our neighborhood.

 
IN THIS ISSUE:
Our neighborhood, particularly historic Clarkesville is at risk. Our attractiveness and high property values pose a real threat to the preservation of the historic structures that define the unique character and integrity of Old West Austin. We are losing these historic structures to demolition permits for new construction. We may be approaching a tipping point in Clarkesville, which threatens the approval of the application for local historic district status, an application that has been in the City approval process for almost two years now.
As I look out my Downtown office window to the west, I see the many intense, high-rise, mixed-use projects under construction. Our neighborhood must continue to be engaged in the comprehensive planning for Downtown. As these projects move to the edges of our neighborhood, we must be willing to participate in the consideration of these projects and associated requests for increased entitlements from the City through zoning and variance requests. As we have seen in the approval of intense, mixed-use, residential-retail projects on the edges of our residential core, compromise that results in neighborhood-friendly projects consistent with the core values of our neighborhood plan is achievable with the hard work and vigilance of numerous volunteers in our neighborhood.
At December’s Annual Meeting, the OWANA general membership will elect a new Steering Committee. Please attend and participate in the process. This is our neighborhood – a neighborhood well-worth fighting for!
Although my term is up, I intend to continue to volunteer on behalf of the neighborhood. I encourage you to do what ever you can for our community.
See you at the Annual Meeting on December 4.
Paul Seals

Did You Know?
OWANA’s own Steering Committee member, Laura Morrison, is running for Austin City Council, Place 4?
If you have any interesting tidbits you’d like to share with our neighbors, please send them to lorri.michel@michellaw.com

STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBER ELECTION FOR 2008: GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING ON TUESDAY DEC. 4
Returning members from 2007:
Suzanne Doell
Dan Grappe
Larry Halford
Linda MacNeilage
Lorri Michel
Chris Schorre
New nominees for 2008 :
David Applewhite
Beverly Brooks
Randy Hankamer
Sara Kennedy
Sharon Miller
Bob Peck
Laura Porcaro
KILL-A-WATT NEIGHBORHOOD PARTY

Last Sunday, November 18, Old West Austin was treated to a free party at West Austin Park thrown by the Austin Chronicle/Austin Energy Kill-a-Watt Challenge to congratulate our neighborhood on winning the challenge. The weather was perfect and it was a great way to get out and visit with your neighbors.

The following information was provided by Nora Ankrum from the Austin Chronicle:
The Kill-a-Watt Challenge was a summer-long contest designed to encourage people to conserve electricity. Savings were measured by Austin Energy, which compared participants' electricity bills each month this summer (June through September) to their bills from last summer. Challengers who showed the most savings each month, and then those who showed the most savings for the entire four-month period, were the winners. In total, 1,152 renters, home owners, and businesses participated.

The neighborhood aspect of the challenge worked like this: Austin Energy added up the electricity usage of all the participating residential and business challengers in each neighborhood. Each month (and at the end of the summer) there were two first-place winning neighborhoods: the neighborhood with the best percentage improvement compared to last year,
and the neighborhood that saved the most total kilowatts. In total, there were 88 neighborhoods participating by the end of the summer.

Ruby's Barbecue and Austin Java served up the food; Sustainable Waves provided the solar-powered stage; the band line-up included the Hydmen, the Horsies, and Guy Forsyth. Fox 7 News was out there as a "media supporter" (not a sponsor). There were many other sponsors involved in the Kill-A-Watt challenge, for a full list, see www.austinchronicle.com/watt. In addition to the free party, the Austin Chronicle is presenting our neighborhood with a check for $800. Some of the smaller prizes donated to the challenge will be auctioned off at the General Membership meeting on Dec. 4, 7:00 pm, at Matthew Elementary, with proceeds going to the neighborhood. Thank you to everyone who participated, we hope to have even more households involved next year because the party was too good of a time and we want to see it back here next year!

BUMPER-STICKER DESIGN CONTEST
In order to increase awareness of OWANA and our neighborhood, we have decided to launch a bumper-sticker design contest.
Your Design should convey the absolute awesomeness of our neighborhood and OWANA, and prominently display “OWANA.ORG. If you would like to incorporate the official OWANA Logo, contact dan@superbongo.com and he will get that to you.

Prize: Dinner for 4 at Zocalo Taqueria Fresca & Dinner for 2 at Galaxy Cafe
Requirements
• Fit in a 10”x 3” rectangle.
Full Bleed: 10.5 x 3.5 in. (trimmed on sticker to 10”x 3”)
• save your high resolution 300 dpi files - If you are more of a non computer person you can create your entry on paper.
• e-mail on your entries to dan@superbongo.com One entry per person. Or send them to Dan Grappe / 707 Baylor Street/ Austin, Tx 78703
• Deadline for entry is 02/20/2008
• We’ll pick the winning design at the March 4th, 2008 by General meeting by Membership vote.
THE PEASE PROJECT  

The Austin History Center Association, a non-profit citizens support group for the Austin History Center, is in the throes of planning a project spotlighting the members of the E.M. Pease family and their contributions to Austin and Texas, as well as the Austin History Center, one of the treasures of Austin. The program is a three-month celebration in three stages, scheduled for February, March, and April of next year. Here is a bare-bones description of this undertaking:
In February, the first stage of the project, Meet the Family, is a reception at the Austin History Center to learn more about the family and their descendants. The Austin History Center will have on exhibit some of the photos, letters, wills, and many other interesting items donated to the Center by the Peases.
The second stage of the project, Portrait of a Marriage, in March, involves a dramatic reading of the letters exchanged by Gov. E. M. Pease and his wife, Lucadia, during the first five years, 1850-1857, of their marriage. As both Pease and his wife were from Connecticut, the letters offer insights into some of the hardships and pleasures of living in Texas during these years
The third stage of the project, in April, is The Clarksville Connection: The Pease Estate and the Birth of a Freedmen Community. Clarksville was once part of the plantation owned by Governor Pease. The event will begin at Sweet Home Baptist Church with a talk by Michelle Mears, archivist at North Texas University, refreshments at the Haskell Homestead, and end with tours of Woodlawn, a.k.a. the Pease Mansion

Since our neighborhood was once a part of the large Pease property, we hope OWANA residents will be interested in learning about the Pease family. Want to know more?? Contact person: Kay Hart hartjk@austin.rr.com

 
Dear Neighbors,

As some of you know, I have accepted a “job” and therefore, will not be as involved with neighborhood zoning issues for the next six months or so. Should you have zoning concerns, please contact Brooke Bailey. However, due to her school schedule, she, too, will be very limited in her ability to devote many hours to this important function of the association. Therefore, I am asking for a neighbor to step in and help with the zoning committee. If you are interested, please contact me at sjzone@sbcglobal.net as soon as possible.

Thank you,
Jean Stevens

ZONING REPORT

708 Lamar Boulevard
The owner and his agents met with Committee members and concerned neighbors to discuss a proposed office development at this site. The owner hopes to seek a variance to place a retaining wall at the west end of the property to allow the project to meet parking requirements. Neighbors presented concerns regarding, but not limited to, mechanical equipment on the roof, light pollution, streetscape, and drainage. The owner was given enough feedback to better define the project and will meet with interested parties in the near future.

1606 W. 8th Street
The owner contacted the Committee to discuss relocation plans for the historically contributing home at this address. It was suggested that he consider remodeling and adding square footage to the rear of the structure. The house is currently 925 sq. ft. and he would to expand the living space to 2,400 sq. ft. The Zoning Committee will continue to meet with the owner.

1214 W. 9th Street
The City made the determination that the building permit had been extended and therefore, the construction is legal. However, review of other permits indicated a citywide problem with misinformation made available through the newly implemented AMANDA program related to expired permits. The lawsuit against the City and the owner has been withdrawn.

1010 W. 10th Street
The owner plans to demolish a historically contributing building in order to build 8 townhouses on the site. The minimum square footage for each unit is 2,500 and consists of 3 bedrooms. The owner’s plans do not require any variances. The Historic Landmark Commission heard the case on 10/22/07 and voted to postpone their decision until a special called hearing in November. The Historic Landmark voted to release the demolition permit at the 11/19/07 meeting.

The Castle Project
The owners at the General Membership meeting on 9/04/07 presented new plans. The General Membership voted to allow the Steering Committee to broker an agreement that addresses the concerns of the neighborhood. A draft Restrictive Covenant and Letter of Understanding have been created and the Zoning Committee continues to work with the owners to complete the documents.

1100, 1102, 1104, 1106, & 1108 Baylor Street
The prospective owner met with Zoning Committee members to discuss potential plans of constructing 20 to 25 “Garden Style” condominiums at these sites. The prospective owner is currently under to contract to purchase 1100 and 1102 Baylor (closing in September) and is negotiating with the owners of the other structures at this time. The properties are currently zoned GO-NP and the owner would like to rezone to add MU. However, it was suggested that the properties be rezoned to MF-3 or MF-4 since the proposal is for residential use only. It was also strongly suggested that a soil-engineering test of the properties be conducted, as there are several underground springs in this area. There has been no further contact with the prospective new owner since the May meeting.

1206 Lorrain Street
Members of the Zoning Committee met with concerned neighbors about the potential demolition of this historically contributing structure. The new owner has indicated that he would like to replace the duplex with 4 units. The Historic Landmark Commission (HLC) heard this case on 7/23/07 and voted unanimously to initiate historic zoning. City Staff will present their findings to the HLC on 8/27/07. Per the owner’s request, the case has been postponed to the 10/07 HLC hearing. The owner requested and received another postponement at the 10/22/07 HLC hearing. The owner has reviewed the options and has decided to go forward with a request for a demolition permit. This case may be heard at the December HLC meeting.

1202 & 1204 Marshall
The owner met with the Zoning Committee in August to discuss plans for converting the apartments to condominiums. The majority of remodeling will occur in the interior with a few cosmetic changes to the exterior, including an extension of the roof eaves. The owner met with Steve Sadowsky to ensure that the exterior modifications will not affect the historically contributing status of the properties.

609 & 611 West Lynn Street
After many discussions, the owners determined that they would not realize the necessary financial earnings of the project due to the many compatibility issues and have placed 609 West Lynn for sale. Members of the Zoning Committee met with a prospective buyer in early November to discuss potential development of the property at 609 West Lynn.

1300 Block of Woodlawn, Adjacent to 1631 Palma Plaza
After months of negotiations, a restrictive covenant was created that, among other restrictions, limits the number of units to be built; access to the units; and retention of the historically contributing structure on Palma Plaza. A separate agreement regarding a contribution to affordable housing was reached between CCDC and the new owners. The sale of the vacated right-of-way was heard by City Council on 6/21/07 and was approved unanimously.

1701 Enfield Road
Members of the Zoning Committee met with the owner to discuss plans for demolishing the existing 4-plex and replacing it with a modern-looking 4-plex. The plans include a new curb cut off of Woodlawn (property access is currently off of Enfield).
.
903 Theresa Avenue
The house is under contract and the new owners plan to add to the rear of the structure within City Code. The owners have met with Committee members and CCDC members to discuss the incorporation of the front of the structure to retain the historic value. Plans were presented at a meeting in September that indicates the inclusion of the front 15’ of the existing structure into the design. The Historic Landmark Commission voted to approve the partial demolition at the 10/22/07 hearing. The applicants have also requested a hearing before the Residential Design and Compatibility Commission (RDCC) to allow for a 23.5% increase in the maximum height of the setback plane required by this ordinance. The RDCC will hear the case on 11/7/07. The Zoning Committee will continue to work with the owners.

905 Theresa Avenue
The new owner requested a demolition permit for this historically contributing residence. The Historic Landmark Commission originally scheduled the hearing for 5/21/07, however, the case was twice postponed and the hearing occurred on 7/23/07. During that time, members of the Zoning Committee and CCDC met with the owner to discuss the future plans for the property. With input from Karen McGraw, an architect and historic preservationist, the owner had agreed to retain the front entry of the existing structure and incorporate it into the new construction of a 2-story residence. The Historic Landmark Commission heard the case on 7/23/07 and voted to approve the partial demolition of the structure.

The Zoning Committee learned that the structure had been completely demolished as of 10/01/07. An e-mail has been sent to Steve Sadowsky, Leon Barba, and Jerry Rusthoven regarding this situation. Mr. Sadowsky responded that he had released the demolition permit due to the condition of the house. He stated that he is confident that the owner will construct the front of the home to reflect the previous home’s streetscape.

The issue of the full demolition permit being issued without a vote by the HLC or notification to the neighborhood organizations was presented at the 10/22/07 HLC hearing. The HLC Chairperson has requested that Staff present a report at the next HLC hearing in November.


 
THANKS TO OWANA BUSINESS MEMBERS
Alite Laser, 1412 West 6th Street, 328-1555
Anthony’s Laundry/Dry Cleaning, 1113 West Lynn Street,
472-1616
Art on 5th Fine Art Gallery, 1501 West 5th Street, 481-1111
Avenue One -- Lisa Katz, 901 WEST 9TH, Suite 110, 917-5912
Bella Salon & Spa, 1221 West 6th Street, 474-5999
Ben's Workshop, 410 Pressler Ave, 472-5555
Brava House Bed & Breakfast, 1108 Blanco St., 478-5034
By George, 524 North Lamar, 472-5951
Cafe Josie, 1200-B West 6th, 322-9226
Capital City Partners, 1717 West 6th Suite 390, 481-9669
Cipollina Italian Bistro, 1213 West Lynn Street, 477-5211
Coby Neal, The Flower Studio, 1406 West 6th St., 236-0916
Cowgirls & Flowers, 508 Walsh St, 478-4626
Creekside Whole Health Center, 1209 Parkway, 322-9649
Wilson & Goldrick -- K.C. Kitchen, Realtor, 1210 Baylor, 786-2784
Dakota's Vintage Clothing, 1126 1/2 W. 6th St., 477-2022
Dick Clark Architecture, 472-4980
Dynamic Reprographics Inc, 1002 West 12th Street, 474-8842
Edward Jones - Matthew Brown, 1211 W 6th St. STE 200, 480-8003
El Interior, 1009 West Lynn Street, 474-8680
Evan Williams, 524 N. Lamar
f8 Fine Art Gallery, 1202-A West 6th St, 480-0242
Fresh Plus, 1221 West Lynn, 477-5574
Griffith Properties, 1206 West 6th St., 474-7784
Haven Gallery & Fine Gifts, 1122 West 6th St., 477-2700
J.Pinnelli Company, 1507 W. 6th St., 478-5958
Jackson Ruiz Salon, 524 North Lamar, 478-7744
Jeffrey’s Restaurant and Bar, 1204 West Lynn Street, 477-5584
Land Rover Austin, 1515 West 5th Street, 236-0000
Leslie Fossler Interiors, 404 Baylor, 474-0768
Linda ASAF, 1117 West 5th St., 619-3303
Michel Law Firm, 1601 Rio Grande
Positive Images Art & Unique Gifts, 1118 West 6th Street, 472-1831
Razor's Edge Salon, 1501-C West 5th St., 448-1800
REI - Austin Downtown, 601B North Lamar
Robert Leeper Landscapes, 1501D West 9th Street, 542-0070
Sage Land Company Inc., 1717 W. 6th St., Suite 390, 478-1234
Salon Muse, 1013 West Lynn, 474-5545
Seattle's Best Coffee, 500 North Lamar, 481-0296
Sophie's Nest, 1126 1/2 West 6th St., 477-2022
Superbongo.com, 707 Baylor St., 203-4077
Sweetish Hill Bakery, 1120 West 6th Street, 472-7370
Texas Rowing Center, 1541 W. Cesar Chavez St., 467-7799
Tipler's Lamp Shop, 1204 West 5th St., 472-5007
West Lynn Veterinary Clinic, 709 West Lynn St., 482-8600
Westside Group, 1616 West 6th Street #10, 499-8013
Whole Earth Provision Company, 1010 West 11th Street, 476-4811
Whole Foods Market, 525 North Lamar Blvd, 476-1414
Wink Restaurant, 1014 North Lamar Blvd, 482-8868
Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill, 1110 West 6th Street, 478-5355

OWANA thanks local businesses for their support.
We encourage you to patronize them.  


JOIN OWANA
See below

OWANA thanks ART on 5th for the creation and distribution of this newsletter.

DECEMBER GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Tuesday, December 4, 2007, 6:45 PM – 9:00 PM | Matthews School Cafeteria (906 West Lynn @ West 9th)
Agenda
Registration and Social Gathering 6:45 PM – 7:00 PM
I. Call to Order - Paul Seals 7:00 PM
II. Approval of Minutes – David Art 7:02 PM
III. The Austin History Center Association presentation on The Pease Project and request for funding – Kay Hart 7:05 - 7:20 PM
IV. Proposed Signage for Neighborhood and request for funding – Chris Schorre 7:20 – 7:35 PM
V. Austin Community Trees Report David Art 7:35 - 7:40 PM
VI. OWA Neighborhood Plan Contact Team Report, and election of new OWANA contact team member – Laura Morrison 7:40 – 7:50 PM
VII. WEAA Meeting Report – Laura Morrison 7:50 – 7:55 PM
VIII. Austin Neighborhoods Council Report – Linda MacNeilage 7:55 – 8:00 PM
IX. Special Committee Reports 8:00 - 8:40 PM

A. Zoning and Land Use Committee, including update on Town Lake Animal Shelter litigation – Jean Stevens and Lorri Michel

 Note: Only zoning case changes and updates of the OWL report are discussed
B. Membership and Fund-raising Committee – Chris Schorre
C. Public Safety & Transportation Committee – Richard McCown
E. Historic Preservation Committee – Brooke Bailey
X. Administrative and Organization Issues 8:40 – 8:45 PM
A. Treasure’s Report – Dan Grappe
B. Other Administrative and Organizational Business
XI. Nominating Committee Report and Steering Committee Election – Linda MacNeilage – 8:45 – 9:00PM
XII. Other Business and Announcements 9:00 – 9:05 PM
XIII. Adjourn 9:05 PM
Note: Votes may be taken on any scheduled agenda items.
Note: The new Steering Committee will meet immediately after the Annual Meeting to elect officers for the new year.
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Animal Pickup (DOA) 530-2242
Animal Pickup (stray/injured) 972-6060
Austin Utility Emergency (Water) 972-1000
Barking Dogs, Noise 3-1-1
Cars, Abandoned 280-0075
Child Abuse Unit 834-3890
City of Austin Switchboard 974-2000
City Clerk 974-2210
Code & Ordinance Research 974-2210
Garbage Collection 494-9400
Landfill 243-1200
Litter/Dumping in a Lot/Yard 494-9400
Parks Maintenance 440-5150
 Sidewalks/Right of Way Blockage 974-2217
Street Signs 457-4850
Solid Waste Services 494-9400
Streetlight Problems 505-7617
Street Signs 457-4850
Traffic Markings 457-4889
Traffic Signals 974-7129
Tree Branches in Road 440-5150
Turn Signal Neglect 414-0000
Weed and Litter Control 494-9400
Water Waste 974-2199
Zoning Code Enforcement 974-6576
JOIN OWANA
INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIPS

OWANA is open to all with an interest in the OWA area. All members receive the neighborhood-renown quarterly newsletter, the OWANA OWL.

Individual membership dues are $20/year. Memberships of residents within the OWANA area bring voting rights to 2 household individuals.

Simply complete this Individual Membership form.

Mail it to OWANA / PO Box 2724 / Austin TX 78768-2724

Questions?
Contact Chris Schorre, Chair for Individual Memberships | 731-1520 | chris.schorre@gmail.com

BUSINESS MEMBERSHIPS

Becoming an OWANA Business Member shows support for preserving the vitality and character of the neighborhood that is shared by individual OWANA members, and can benefit your business with advertising in the OWANA OWL Newsletter.

Learn about Business Membership Benefits

Learn about Business Membership Levels and ad rates for the OWANA Owl newsletter

 Simply complete this Business Membership form.

Questions?

Contact Chris Schorre, Chair of Business Memberships - Chris.Schorre@gmail.com