Austin Carshare is a new non-profit organization that launched last fall with vehicles currently available downtown and in West Campus. More locations will be added based on membership enrollment and business partnerships, and it looks likely that the next pair of vehicles will be added in 78703 at Whole Foods Market and near Whole Earth Provisions on North Lamar. Austin is the 20th North American city to have a carsharing program, and of course, the first in Texas.

Key reasons that many people consider carsharing are to cut their monthly transportation expenses, to reduce their environmental footprint, to avoid the hassles associated with car maintenance, and to have access to more than one type of vehicle. "Carsharing in other cities has demonstrated that participants drive less, use transit more, bike more and are more likely to get rid of at least one vehicle," explains ACS Chair Brandi Clark (See Image).

For a fraction of the cost of owning and maintaining a car, Austin CarShare members get 24-hour access to all of their vehicles (currently 3 Scion xA hatchbacks and a Toyota Tacoma pick-up truck) with EVERYTHING INCLUDED - insurance (you do not have to carry your own), gas, maintenance, 24-hour roadside assistance, designated parking spots, and free parking at City of Austin meters. The average monthly bill and membership fee for a carshare member is around $55/month and provides access to a variety of later-model vehicles. Compare that to the average cost of $650 per month that people spend to purchase, finance, insure, fuel and maintain just one vehicle.

To join, pay a one-time fee of $25 to get your driving record checked, a $300 refundable security deposit (with the option of making this a tax-deductible contribution), and then attend an orientation where you get your Austin CarShare manual and electronic member key. Members can choose from two plans - The Limited Plan (for very occasional, less than monthly use) and the more popular Freedom Plan. The Freedom Plan comes with a $10 monthly fee and the low rates of $4/hour and 44 cents/mile.

If you are a member you can reserve vehicles online or by phone up to a year in advance or as little as 15 minutes before you need it. At the time of your reservation you go to the reserved vehicle, unlock the car with your electronic member key, and go. An on-board computer tracks your time of use and mileage. When you are done return the car, lock it, and walk away without having to fill out any paperwork or stand in lines. Monthly bills are processed electronically.

Carsharing complements other transportation options and repositions the automobile as one choice among many instead of the default method for getting around. All CarShare parking spots are purposely located on bus routes, and all ACS cars are equipped with bike racks donated by the Bicycle Sports Shop. ACS members who need a car for longer trips can take advantage of discounted rates and preferred member status with Hertz and Avis.

ACS's Executive Director Elliott McFadden explains, "Carsharing can work for families who don't always need that second or third car, and some households are finding it possible to go car-free. In the past many have been reluctant to take transit or ride their bike to work because they might need a car for a business meeting, errand or emergency. Carsharing adds that final-leg flexibility that gives people the sense of freedom to choose other forms of transit."

For more information about Austin Carshare, call 448-4477 or visit www.austincarshare.org.

HOST A FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT!

We're looking for a few good homes interested in hosting a foreign exchange student for the school year of 2007-2008!! Being a host family is the closest that you can come to actually experiencing a different culture without traveling. Besides enabling an amazing experience for the student, you are truly contributing to increasing understanding and tolerance on an international level.
We currently have student applicants from Brazil, Cambodia, Colombia, Denmark, Germany, Hong Kong, Mexico, Moldova, Norway, Thailand, Ukraine and Vietnam. Some of these students have specifically requested placement in the southern United States - and how lucky are the students placed in the great city of Austin!
You must be able to provide room and board for the students, but all other costs are covered by their families (including a monthly stipend to cover any incidentals).
I am the International Coordinator (IC) for the Austin area - if you know of a family who would be interested in this opportunity or if you are, please contact me at luemoonbay90@hotmail.com or (512) 466-0535.
Thanks very much!
Dara Shifrer

While it may seem to be a lesson in futility many times and on many levels, the character of our neighborhood is better protected when the City hears from a larger percentage of the area's residents rather than just "the same old people" who choose to represent the area. On that note, I ask that you participate in the future of our neighborhood by attending the hearings and voice your opinions on the matters that concern you.

Jean Stevens
Zoning and Land Use Committee Chairperson

1214 W. 9th Street
There is concern regarding the legality of the reconstruction of the home. Both the demo permit and the reconstruction permits were issued in 2004, however, neighbors had observed that work did not commence on the property until 2006. According to the City, building permits expire after 6 months if work is not initiated. After contacting the City, a Stop Work Order was placed on the property. A neighbor noticed workers on the property on 11/1/06 so a call was made to 3-1-1 and a Stop Work order was placed on the project, again. Subsequently, the City informed the Zoning Committee that the property owners supplied the City with documentation that construction had commenced within the allotted time frame and that the owners have met the code requirement that regulates the permit continuance issues. A letter requesting information under the Texas Open Records Act was delivered to the City on 1/5/07. The requested information was received and reviewed by members of the Zoning Committee and it was determined that there was a 6-month lapse in activity. In February, the Steering Committee approved a request for funds to hire an attorney to represent OWANA's concerns related to this issue.

1111 West 11th Street (The Castle)
It has been confirmed that the Castle and adjacent properties are under new ownership. City Council staff recently toured the properties. The owner's agent stated that no plans have been developed and she has been encouraged to contact OWANA before plans are developed to discuss a shared vision.

1007 and 1009 Baylor Street
Both homes have been removed and a "For Sale" sign has been placed on the properties. The owner has been in negotiations with a prospective buyer/developer and will continue to communicate with the Zoning Committee regarding future plans for the lots.

1205 Elm Street (Brownstone Arms Condominiums)
After 1 � years of negotiations, a final meeting was held with the owner's agent and concerned neighbors regarding the requested site plan waivers. An agreement was reached which allows for a decrease to setbacks of 18.5 feet to the north; 16 feet to the east; and, 5 feet to the south. Along with other issues, it was also agreed that the height of the 2-story north structure will not exceed 27 feet measured from the natural grade to the mid-line of the peak. A copy of the agreement was provided to the Planning Commission who voted to approve the plans with the agreement on 1/30/07. The owner_s agent recently contacted the Zoning Committee, asking that a letter of support be sent to the Board of Adjustment regarding the development of the south end of the lot. The plans indicate two three-story structures which will require a variance for height. The Zoning Committee has issued a letter of "no position" to the BOA.

1300 Block of Woodlawn, Adjacent to 1631 Palma Plaza
Neighbors within 300 ft. of this property were notified that the City is reconsidering the vacation of the right-of-way as the current owners are negotiating with developers who wish to purchase the property and build a non-specific multi-residential project on this site. Members of the Zoning Committee, CCDC, and concerned neighbors met with the owners and agents on 1/23/07 to discuss the issues related to this proposal. Because consensus regarding the Letter of Understanding was not reached, the neighborhood requested and received a postponement at the 1/30/07 Planning Commission hearing. After meeting again on 2/6/07, the involved parties were still unable to agree on issues related to density and height and it was decided that the developers would request a two-week postponement at the 2/13/07 Planning Commission hearing so that further discussions can take place.

1621 Enfield Road
Notice of filing of application for administrative approval of a site plan was recently received for the construction of condominiums at this site. The owner originally contacted the Zoning Committee in October 2005, to discuss plans for the vacant lot. A recent phone call to the owner's agent regarding the proposed project confirmed that the current plans indicate that the structure will be built within code and that no variances will be required. The Zoning Committee will continue to monitor this project.

1515 Enfield and 1510 Palma Plaza
Members of the Zoning Committee, Old Enfield Homeowners Association, and concerned neighbors met with the owner/architect and his agent on 1/20/07 to discuss the demolition of 3 structures (2 are contributing to the Old West Austin NRHD) and the construction of 8 townhouses at the site. These plans will require several variances which were presented to the Board of Adjustments on 11/13/06. The BOA recommended that the owner postpone the issue and reconsider his plans at that time because there was no apparent hardship. The owner's agent requested a postponement at the 2/12/07 BOA hearing and the case is rescheduled to be heard in March. It is a general consensus among the neighbors that the project is not in character with the neighborhood. However, more research will need to be done prior to the hearing.

Mean-Eyed Cat
A meeting was held on 1/31/07 to discuss the current use of the facility. The business has operated as a "bar" for approximately 2 � years but is zoned for "restaurant" which means the sales receipts for food must meet or exceed 51% of total sales The owner has not met the 51% criteria and, due to space limitations, does not feel confident that he will meet that threshold in the future. Therefore, agents representing the developer and the owner have requested that an up-zoning to allow "cocktail use" allowed for this building. However, this subject was discussed at a past OWANA General Membership meeting. The General Membership was opposed to the rezoning of the property to permit "cocktail lounge" use for the property. Future meetings will take place related to this issue. This issue will be revisited at the 3/6/07 General Membership meeting.

1200 Windsor Oaks ("The Windsor Oaks Apartments") and
1510 West Lynn ("The Villa Marquis Apartments")
Both complexes have been purchased by the same company who has been converting the apartments into condominiums without the benefit of permits. Calls to the City were been made and "Stop Work Orders" issued at both sites. Subsequently, permit applications were filed and approved.

5th and Pressler
A letter of agreement was executed related to apartment density, design elements and affordable housing in April 2006. The owners are now concerned about OWANA's intentions to opt-in/opt-out of certain portions of the new Vertical Mixed Use (VMU) Ordinance and requested a decision as to what action we would take. Having worked in good faith with the developers, the Steering Committee determined that the original agreement supersedes any allowances offered under the VMU Ordinance. The General Membership discussed the 4/10/06 agreement in June 2006. The decision to "not opt-out" under the VMU Ordinance will be made by the General Membership, in partnership with CCDC and WEAA as part of the neighborhood recommendation to Council on VMU.

1717 W. 6th Street (Third Base)
After a somewhat contentious hearing before the Planning Commission on 11/28/06, the Planning Commission postponed the hearing until 12/12/06, asking that the owners and OWANA/immediate neighbors meet to resolve issues related to the late-hours alcohol permit for restaurant use. The parties met on 12/9/06 and came to a tentative agreement, which seemed agreeable to all parties. A final letter of agreement was signed early in the evening of 12/12/06. Of the many issues discussed and agreed upon, the owners have agreed to no outside sound amplification and no outside televised sports on the patio. The neighbors have agreed that service may continue on the patio until 10:00 p.m. Based on this agreement, the Planning Commission voted to approve the late-hours alcohol permit with the inclusion of the terms of the neighborhood agreement.

New Memberships begin 30 days after receipt of payment. Members whose dues are less than six months late may rejoin immediately.