(Note: Some text in the print version is not included here. Time-sensitive information that was outdated is omitted.)
Contents:
- Neighborhood Planning Survey
- MoPac Noise Abatement Coalition
- Residential Parking Permits to Be Considered
The neighborhood planning process is moving forward. We have included the Neighborhood Planning Survey along with this issue of the OWANA newsletter. [Not included in this web version.] The survey is an important step in the process between OWANA and the City of Austin to develop a neighborhood specific plan, centered around the following issues: Neighborhood Planning Survey
By completing the enclosed survey and mailing it back to the City of Austin's Neighborhood Planning Program, you are adding the most important ingredient: your thoughts and opinions!
- Zoning and land use
- Transportation and access
- Historical preservation
- Parks and greenspace
Results of the survey will be shared at a Neighborhood Workshop, which is planned for a Saturday to announced in February 2000. Survey responses will be used to identify issues for further discussion at the workshop. At the workshop, we want to obtain additional input from neighborhood residents, so we can further develop our goals and objectives.
The finalized Neighborhood Plan will be presented to neighborhood residents for a vote in spring 2000. If approved, the Plan will then go forward for approval by the Planning Commission and City Council.
Some of the issues that the Neighborhood Planning Team has tackled are basic:
1. Can the neighborhood stay the same or do we have no choice but to change in light of the current dramatic transformation of Austin?
2. Is the neighborhood already built out or are there still opportunities for development?
3. Can we direct traffic away from the neighborhood or should we try to calm the traffic that is inevitable in our streets?
4. How do we preserve the history that exists in so many of our older homes?
5. How do we improve, or even maintain, the condition of our parks and green spaces?
Through the yeas many Old West Austin residents have put considerable time and energy into keeping and improving the special character of our neighborhood. There have been frustrations, but there have also been successes along the way, usually in small steps.
Please help us continue this effort by returning your survey and by participating in OWANA and the neighborhood planning process in any way you can.
For more information, please contact Planning Team Leader Mark Stine at 472-4113 or send email to: markclem@texas.net
A group interested in exploring options for decreasing the noise generated by MoPac Expressway is being revived. Possible approaches include coalition with other neighborhoods and exploration of relevant state-supported options. If you are interested in this initiative, contact Karen Akins at 478-7060. MoPac Noise Abatement Coalition
Residential Parking Permits to Be Considered
The issue of designated parking reserved for the residents of particular streets will be explored and voted on at the December 14 OWANA meting. Presentation and Vote at December Meeting
Several blocks are considering this option, perhaps most notably the 600-800 block of Baylor, which is impacted by both the active retail businesses on 6th and Lamar and by an allegedly illegal business on Baylor.
The City of Austin has a formal process for this approach to parking problems. It requires the attendees of the neighborhood association meeting to vote to approve it. Effected residents would pay for the permits. The North University Neighborhood Association, for one, has instituted this.
Some feel this might be a weapon in our areaÕs ongoing struggle with encroaching commercialization.
The situation on Baylor may be an example: Neighbors are pursuing getting the city to close down a commercial use of a residence on Baylor Street. Each day, eight cars are parking along the 600-800 blocks of Baylor and people with briefcases are going into a rented home. When confronted by the city zoning inspector, the tenant explained he was "training" these individuals, that they were not employees. According to the city home occupation ordinance, you are allowed to have one outside employee in your business. You are also required to have off-street parking sufficient for your employee.
Residents of Baylor, many of whom do not have any off-street parking due to the age of their homes, must now compete for parking not only with employees and spillover customers of nearby businesses, but also with employees of illegal commercial enterprises in the residential area.
The issue is complex. Please attend the December meeting and make your opinions count.
Posted 12/28/99
For questions, contact Red Wassenich (redwass@austin.cc.tx.us)