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February 2008
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 LETTER FROM THE
CHAIR
By Lorri Michel
2008 OWANA Steering
Committee Chair
I
have some pretty big shoes to fill as the new Chair and not just
because Paul Seals is over 6 feet tall and I'm barely over 5 feet
short. Paul provided steady progressive leadership for our
neighborhood as we faced many important issues. I will do my best to
continue.
I returned to the neighborhood about a year-and-a-half ago
after a twelve year hiatus when I purchased my home on West Lynn. To
be honest, I wasn't so sure how I'd like living on a busy street and
across from an elementary school. Many people offered advice. A
realtor suggested that I |
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build a big
cement wall around the front; that would increase my property
value, she said. But my property value is
just fine (actually a little too fine) and a big wall around my
house just isn't my style. Others suggested that I not purchase the
home at all and look for another home.Well, I purchased the
home and put a picket fence around the front yard so my dogs could
meet (more like annoy) everyone also. I'm so glad I did. By living
on West Lynn, and not behind a big wall, I've met so many wonderful
people. Sure, I have to plan on a little extra time for visiting
when I'm doing yard work, but the joy in meeting new people and
making new friends far outweighs any inconvenience. I don't think I
would have become involved in OWANA if not for a neighbor walking by
one morning and visiting with me. I not only joined OWANA, but am
now chairing the steering committee. As a result, I feel so much
more plugged in and aware of what's going on in our community and
our City.
And my concern
about living across the street from Mathews Elementary, I couldn't
have been more wrong. There's something reassuring in seeing small
children arriving at school in the morning, playing at recess and
journeying home in the afternoon. The circle of life continues --
parents seek the best for their kids and kids still want and need
the same things -- love, a sense of security and opportunities
to learn and grow. I swear I can hear Louie Armstrong singing What a
Wonderful World in the background when I see the kids walking to and
from school. My mom has been over at my house when school is
beginning and ending for the day. She has commented on more than one
occasion how nice that is. She tells me she remembers back when we
(me and my three siblings) were in elementary school and it warms
her heart.
As we strive to
preserve the rich historic nature of our neighborhood and stand with
our other counterparts across town to preserve the quality of life
that is unique to each neighborhood, I will be especially mindful
that what makes a neighborhood truly exceptional is its truly
exceptional neighbors.
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FIRST ANNUAL GOOD TIMES PARADE AND STREET
FAIR:
A Celebration of Life and Community in Old West Austin
Mark Your Calendars!! On Saturday,
April 5th starting at 3PM, there will be a neighborhood parade down
West Lynn followed by a block party from 4-7PM in front of Caffe
Medici and the Galaxy Café with music, barbeque and beer, dancing,
booths by local businesses, neighborhood groups and individuals, fun
for the kids, and lots, lots more.
Participate in the parade by building a float,
marching with your family, friends, co-workers and cherished pets,
by driving your vintage car or hot rod, riding your horse or your
bike, by pulling your kids in a wagon, wearing silly hats, singing
with your choral group, juggling, and so on. Be Creative and Have
Fun!!
Also, set up a booth on West Lynn to promote your
business, sell your handiwork, provide samples of your wares, or to
educate your neighbors about your organization.
Details & Costs
Float fee: $50 (No fee for
non-profit organizations)
Booth fee: $20
Walkers: No
charge
Make your tax-deductible check out to the Good Times
Parade with Austin Parks Foundation noted on the memo line. All net
proceeds from the First Annual Good Times Parade and Street Fair
will benefit parks-related projects in Old West Austin, including
Clarksville.
For float and booth registration forms contact
Melanie@dirtco-construction.com or 968-0808. Bring your completed
forms to Caffe Medici with your entry fee or mail to: Good Times
Parade, 1603 West 6th Street, #500, Austin, Texas 78703.
Registration forms and entry fees must be received by the end of the
day on Friday, March 28th.
Event Sponsors
(As of 2/15)
Caffe Medici, Canine Social Club, Cipollina,
Clarksville Community Development Corporation, Devil River Stone,
DirtCo Construction, Galaxy Café, Jeffrey's Restaurant and Bar,
Nau's Enfield Drugs, Team Moonie, Zocolo, Old West Austin
Neighborhood Association. Add your business or organization to the
list!
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SINGLE-MEMBER COUNCIL DISTRICTS
Paul
Seals, OWANA ANC Representative
The City
Council is considering whether to call a referendum on a
single-member district plan for the election of council members. The
proposal would do away with the current at-large council elections
and provide geographic representation. The change will require an
amendment to the city charter. City Council must decide when to call
a referendum and write ballot language prior to a vote by the
citizens of Austin.
Last year, a
charter revision committee, which had been established by the City
Council, held a number of public meetings on the establishment of
single-member districts. The committee voted in December to
recommend that the Council put some form single-member districts on
the May ballot. Based on the level of public participation in the
committee hearings, supporters of the proposition are concerned
about the lack of public awareness of the issue. They believe that
significant community outreach and education will be necessary for
public approval of the proposal. Their concern is justified given
that six previous attempts to establish single-member districts have
been defeated by Austin voters.
Up until
February 19, there was a sense of urgency regarding this issue
because of the charter revision initiative associated with the
Domain subsidies. A referendum petition has been submitted for
inclusion on the May ballot, however, the City Attorney has recently
determined that no referendum may be placed on the May ballot. The
November election is the earliest that a city charter revision
referendum could be placed on the ballot. The Domain charter
amendment would prohibit the City from giving tax incentives to
retail projects such as the Domain. If the Domain referendum is
placed on the ballot and passes, as anticipated, the City could not
hold another charter referendum for two years; therefore, the
single-member district issue must also be considered on the same
ballot.
Supporters
of the proposal point out that under the current system each council
member represents approximately 650,000 residents and must run
expensive at-large campaigns, preventing qualified neighborhood
representatives from running less-expensive, grass-roots campaigns.
With smaller, geographic districts, the district council member
would be better informed and better represent neighborhood concerns
and encourage greater voter turnout. The current, unwritten
"Gentlemen's Agreement", which for three decades reserved a council
position for an African-American and Hispanic representative, is not
only archaic and insulting but results in the election of candidates
supported by the higher voter turnout areas west of Interstate 35.
Minority voters have been denied "an equal opportunity to elect
candidates of their choice" in city council elections. The extension
of time from the May to November election will allow supporters a
greater opportunity for community outreach to develop a consensus
and support for the plan.
Opponents of
the proposal point out that the issue has been defeated six times in
the past and there does not appear to be a groundswell of support
for single-member districts. The current system is working and there
is no reason to change. Council candidates must earn the support of
the entire community in order to be elected. Single-member districts
will promote ward politics and balkanization of the city. In order
to establish geographic districts that result in opportunity for
minorities to be competitive, the size of the council would have to
be expanded, resulting in significant increase in costs to the city.
If the issue is put the voters, the referendum should include
specifics on the number of council and the boundaries of the
single-member districts. With the extension of time for an election
on the issue, opponents believe that the proximity to the 2010
Census should further delay the referendum so that the more-current
census information may be used in establishing the geographic
districts.
The Austin Neighborhoods Council voted at its
January meeting to support the restructuring of the City Council, to
include at-large and district representation with the majority of
the Council made up of district representatives.
The City Council
is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the proposal at 6 p.m.,
February 28, at City Hall; however, with the determination of the
City Attoreny regarding the May ballot, this public hearing may be
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MATHEWS
ELEMENTARY
On Friday,
January 25th, Mathews Elementary held it's annual Prospective
Students Open House. Parents and children were treated to breakfast
foods, a short guided tour by current parents and a question and
answer session with principal Amy Kinkade and these parents.
Prospective families are always welcome to visit Mathews; contact
Ruthann Rushing, Community Liaison, at 841-1516 to set up tours,
appointments with Amy and classroom visits. Reminder: Kindergarten
Round Up is scheduled for Tuesday, May 6th at 8
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MARK YOUR
CALENDAR!
Thursday, May 1st at Z
Tejas beginning at 5:30
Neighborhood Party and
Silent Auction
A Celebration of Spring
and our Neighborhood! |
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| OWANA 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.
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 like to expand the living space to 2,400 sq. ft. The Zoning
Committee will continue to meet with the owner.
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 Restrictive Covenant and Letter of
Understanding have been created and the site plan is on file with
the City.
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. After several mutual postponements, the Historic Landmark
Commission (HLC) heard this case on 7/23/07 and voted unanimously to
initiate historic zoning. The Planning Commission (PC) heard this
case on 1/29/08 and voted to recommend the zoning change to City
Council. City Council was scheduled to hear the case on 1/31/08 but
OWANA requested a postponement to 2/14/08 in order to better
prepare. The owner has now requested a postponement to the 3/27/08.
The owner's agent has recently stated that they are investigating
the feasibility of keeping the main structure in tact and
demolishing the garage in order to build one additional
unit.
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 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 and again in February to discuss potential
development of the property at 609 West Lynn. This person has since
withdrawn from the purchase contract and the land remains listed for
sale.
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. The
site plan is now on file at the City.
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 RDCC heard
the case on 11/7/07 and voted to approve the request with a
contingency that the addition would not affect the historic value of
the structure. 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 was 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.
1104
Blanco
Members of the OWANA Zoning Committee met with Christopher
Swanson, the owner, to discuss his plans for an addition to 1104
Blanco. A request for a waiver was made to the Residential Design
and Compatibility Commission for an increase in the sidewall
articulation. After reviewing the plans and request, OWANA offered a
position of non-opposition. The case was heard and approved by the
Residential Design and Compatibility Commission.
616
Pressler
Members of the OWANA Zoning Committee met with Mr. and
Mrs. Lynn, owners of 616 Pressler, to discuss plans for a new home
on the site of a house that had been demolished. Suggestions
concerning the design were taken into consideration by the Lynn's.
The house plans will be reviewed by the Historic Landmark Commission
and OWANA has offered a position of non-opposition.
1307 W. 10th
St.
Members of the OWANA Zoning Committee met with Bob Atkins,
one of the owners, about the possibility of an accessory apartment
where the carport is currently located. The proposal would require 3
variances regarding setbacks and lot size. The owner has already
presented his plans to the neighbors who have all given their
approval to the project. The proposal was presented to the OWANA
Steering Committee in February, who voted not to oppose the
variances as presented on the condition the final drawings were to
be presented to the OWANA Zoning Committee for approval and that
there were no major changes to the size and height of the structure.
Laura Porcaro is
the new OWANA Zoning Chair. She has lived in the neighborhood since
2005 and lives with her partner Marc who has lived here since 1991.
Laura is retired from her 25 year career in Sales and Project
Management. She sits on the council for an environmental foundation
and recently started a health and wellness business. Laura can be
reached at lauraporcaro@mac.com and is asking neighbors to please
get involved with zoning issues, so we can expand the Zoning
Committee and get some help with the workload.
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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
Calendar Girls, 613
Blanco St, 366-8154
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
Michel Law Firm, 1601
Rio Grande
Namaste
Balanced Fitness, 1004 Elm St., 917-8879
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.
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OWANA thanks ART on 5th for the creation and distribution of
this newsletter. |
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MARCH GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Due to the Texas Primary the Membership Meeting
is taking place on Wednesday, March 5th rather than its regularly
scheduled day of Tuesday.
WEDNESDAY, March 5, 2007, 6:45 PM - 9:00
PM | Matthews School Cafeteria (906 West Lynn @ West
9th) |
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AGENDA
Registration and Social Gathering: 6:45 - 7:00
PM
I. Call to Order - Lorri Michel 7:00 PM
II. Approve
Minutes - Bob Peck 7:02 PM
III. Austin Neighborhoods Council
Report - Paul Seals, including update on single member
districts for election of City Council Members 7:02-7:25 PM
IV.
Special Committee Reports 7:25 - 8:20 PM
A. Zoning &
Land Use Committee, including update on Town Lake Animal Shelter
Litigation - Lorri Michel and Third Base zoning
compliance - Paul Seals
B. Membership &
Fundraising - Chris Schorre/ Bob Peck & Linda
MacNeilage
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C. Public Safety
& Transportation Committee - Richard McCown
D. Historic
Preservation Committee - Linda MacNeilage
V. Administrative
& Organizational Issues 8:20-8:30 PM
A. Treasurer's
Report - David Applewhite
B. Other Administrative and
Organizational business
VI. Update on
Signage - Chris Schorre 8:30-8:35 PM
VII. OWA Neighborhood
Plan Contact Team Report - Jean Stevens 8:35 - 8:40
PM
VIII.
WEAA Meeting Report - 8:40-8:45 PM
IX. Adjourn 8:45
PM
Note:
Votes may be taken on any scheduled agenda
items. |
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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
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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 |
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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 Saralyn
Stewart, Chair of Business Memberships | 471-4378 |
stewart@physics.utexas.edu
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