President’s Message

April, 2012 President’s Message
By August W. Harris III

I just said farewell to my nephews and family who live in New York City. It is always sad to see them off. Of course, I work on “persuading” them to move back to Austin every chance I get! As I have no children of my own, it is such a treat to be Uncle Hap. I often think about their experience here and as all adults, compare it to my childhood. We ran around the neighborhood, unfettered by many of the restrictions, complications and concerns faced by the community today. Of course, my Dad used to wax nostalgic about picking berries along the railroad track and one of my uncles used to take his horse into the woods to go hunting in what is now Tarrytown. We didn’t need cell phones and certainly didn’t have all the electronic gadgets that kids today obsess over. We had our regular hang outs – Holiday House being at our near the top of the list. Our good neighbor, Maudie’s, is probably the closest comparison for this generation but it is not exactly considered walkable unless you live south of Enfield. In my neck of the woods, we had the 7-11 on Jefferson, Winn’s, Baskin Robbins and a few other regular spots – also now all gone.

What strikes me is that there is a real dearth of gathering spots for the kids in West Austin and frankly for the adults unless you are a member of one of the private clubs. Texanza recently closed on Windsor though Austin Java is expected to take over their space in the Tarrytown Shopping Center. A coffee shop only gets us so far. I think we all hope and pray that Jeanne Daniels sells the Center but I am afraid that is wishful thinking given her history since inheriting it. There will come a time in the next few years that some or all of the Brackenridge Tract is redeveloped. I have no doubt that we will have some new hotspots and places to create new memories. It is always possible that we will see similar opportunities pop up around the Austin State Assisted Living Center in time as well. It strikes me that the last time the northern end of Tarrytown had any commercial enterprise of note was when there was a Utotem at Pecos and West 35^th. Now before folks get all jumpy, I am neither inferring that the Austin State Assisted Living Center is under consideration for redevelopment nor that I am advocating for it. I do think there is a scenario that would benefit the Center, its clients and employees, as well as the neighborhood. Perhaps one day we’ll have that discussion.

Red Bud Island Bonds

As I had mentioned in a prior President’s message, very little in the upcoming bond package will impact West Austin. You can get more information on the Needs Assement that is the underlying document for whatever bond package is ultimately presented to the voters. For more information go to: http://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Capital_Planning/Needs_Assessment_Projects_and_Programs_Report.pdf. Council will receive a final report and recommendation in May so your input now is critical. You may send your support, concerns and comments to bonddevelopment@austintexas.gov. We would certainly like to hear from you as well.

There is $750,000 allocated for Eilers Park presumably to move forward with the brilliant masterplan that has been idled waiting for funds. There is no assurance that this will make the final package so it is important that you let both the Bond Advisory Committee and Council know that it is important to you and to West Austin. There are two other bond initiatives that do affect West Austin and the West Austin Neighborhood Group has publically opposed both.

The first is Item 9684.003 that will fund the replacement of Emmett Shelton Bridge on Red Bud Trail at a cost of $18,630,000. It is anticipated that it will be an elevated bridge that will cross at a higher point on either end. One person compared it to the new bridge now circumventing Mansfield Dam. A new bridge will only serve to encourage the diversion of even more traffic from Loop 1 onto adjacent neighborhood streets never designed nor intended for current much less anticipated volumes of traffic. Furthermore, a less costly option may exist. Rather than reconstructing the Emmett Shelton Bridge, we suggest that the City consider reinforcing the existing structure. We recognize a study by Faulkner Engineering that stated that the Bridge has no remaining fatigue life. However, reinforcement would meet health and safety requirements and extend the life of the Bridge without encouraging the diversion of additional traffic.

While we generally support initiatives that will result in improved mobility, noting that this received a mobility score of “0,” this particular project will only serve to decrease mobility as a result of diversions, decrease safety and potentially have an adverse environmental impact. It should be noted that many folks using Red Bud Trail will be doing so to avoid not only Loop 1 but FM 2244, FM 2222 and Loop 360. In doing so, they will utilize roads like Westlake Drive, Redbud Trail etc. within the City of Westlake Hills. These roads simply are not equipped to deal with additional volume that a new bridge would generate.

In addition, we oppose specific funding for Red Bud Isle under General Park Improvements for $1,500,000. We typically would be wholeheartedly in support of park improvements but Red Bud Island is unique. The Friends of Red Bud Island under new leadership are actively seeking these funds and WANG has been clear with them about our strident opposition. Below is a photograph from 2007 looking north from the Emmett Shelton Bridge on Red Bud Trail. As you know, this is not uncommon during heavy rains. Here, Red Bud Island is being scoured by this flooding event, not one caused by creeks or streams but the raging torrents of the Colorado River. Every few years, improvements are obliterated by these recurring floods. Any investment in surface infrastructure is a waste of scarce resources.

Aside from the futility of infrastructure improvements for Red Bud Island, we oppose increased parking. We have suggested that rather than increasing parking infrastructure, existing parking spaces should be metered to encourage turnover so that more folks have access to the facility. A recently released study supporting our contention on turnover noted that the extended parking meter hours downtown had resulted in higher turnover and improved availability of existing on-street parking.

That said, it was intended per the Town Lake Comprehensive Plan that Red Bud Island be kept in its “natural” state, as much as possible and that human activity was to be limited. “It is important to keep some small areas sacrosanct to maintain reminders of the native beauty of the region.” More parking, more infrastructure and more people just don’t coincide with that objective.

MoPac Managed Lane Project & Mobility

As reported by the Austin American Statesman on April 2,”the MoPac toll lane project could get an additional $136.6 million from the Texas Department of Transportation, money that officials say would accelerate the start of the project by at least six months.” Ben Wear goes on to add that “combining the new money with $70 million in taxpayer funds that TxDOT already committed to the project would mean that the added toll lanes on each side of MoPac Boulevard (Loop 1) would be built with cash.” “CAMPO Executive Director Maureen McCoy said the CAMPO board would have to act on the MoPac proposal or an alternative by mid-June.”

At last we have an advantage in getting scare highway funding because the managed lane project and its sound walls are considered essentially “shovel ready.” Because the proposed alternative, the managed lane project, must be acted on by June, we have our best opportunity to move forward with this after decades of waiting. Final approvals should come in August. Should all this come to pass, we should have both sound walls and managed lanes in place by 2014.

In his column, Wear referred to the managed lanes as toll lanes. While there indeed is a toll, a managed lane is slightly different in its operation. The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority “plans to make toll rates fluctuate minute-by-minute, charging more as the lanes begin to see congestion. Higher tolls at those time would, in theory, discourage some potential users and thus ensure that speeds remain at 50 mph or more in the express lanes for cars and Capital Metro buses.”

We all hear about folks that are adamantly opposed to tolling. Having chaired the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce’s Transportation Committee, I have had the opportunity to listen to transportation experts at the local, state and federal level. Some would say I “drank the kool aid” but there is a practical consideration that the average person who opposes tolls doesn’t get. Roads cost an awful lot to build and an awful lot to maintain. There is not now nor will there be again in the foreseeable future federal or state funds available on the enormous scale needed to grow or even maintain our infrastructure. Neither is there the political will at any level.

The motor fuels taxes used to pay for both new construction and for maintenance. It has been some time since it was able to keep pace with new construction and now no longer is sufficient to even keep up with growing maintenance requirements. Coupled with increased vehicle fuel efficiency, we are on an unsustainable path to address our infrastructure needs. The last time the motor fuels tax was increased was 21 years ago. And while we can all rejoice every time we go to the pump to fill up, the fact of the matter is that we are deferring an enormous if not insurmountable burden, unless of course we develop Star Trek’s transporter technology. Beam me to work Scotty!

I, like each of you, certainly don’t like to pay any more in taxes than necessary. A toll is a voluntary tax as is the motor fuels tax. Essentially, you use it – you pay for it. Some might argue that taxes like these are regressive. I would argue that they are voluntary. But these mechanisms are also the only means we have to pay for the roadnet that we need to have a functioning economy and to some extent a functioning society. Roads are not free and have never been. Tolling will become increasingly common, and essential, in funding both new highway projects and adding capacity on corridors like MoPac.

Tarrytown Fourth of July Parade Update

There is page for those of you who use FaceBook that you can find by entering “Tarrytown Fourth of July Parade.” You can also email tarrytownparade@gmail.com for more information. Drew and Misty Tate have volunteered to co-chair the event. We do have some very exciting news. For the FIRST time, the Texas National Guard will be participating in the Tarrytown Fourth of July Parade. Already one of the biggest in the City, this will make our parade even more unique! In addition to a color guard, our parade will include at least 50 members of the Guard and four military vehicles. It will be an honor to have them in the parade as both neighbors and as those we should salute for their ongoing commitment to our community and our country.

Next Meeting

Our next meeting is Monday, May 7 at 7:00PM at Howson Library. We look forward to seeing you! Please join us. And speaking of joining us….

Membership

WANG has committed to more than double its membership and we need YOUR help. Please don’t forget to renew your membership and encourage your friends and neighbors to join! You may renew at www.WestAustinNG.com. For your convenience, we have enabled recurring billing that will automatically charge your credit card on an annual basis so that you don’t have to worry about your membership status. If you do have questions about your membership, please contact membership@westaustinng.com.

President’s Message
March, 2012

By August W. “Happy” Harris III

WANG has traditionally stayed out of the fray of politics and has focused on issues that affect our wonderful neighborhood. Occasionally we will foray into areas of citywide concerns where they impact us. We are always involved in a wide array of issues that affect each of you. We always keep you informed via the monthly newsletter. Another way we communicate is by holding monthly meetings. Our meetings are typically held the first Monday of the month at the Howson Library at 7:00PM. Many of you have never attended a meeting. That is a great disappointment to me and I suspect to other board members. To a great extent, these are held for the neighborhood’s benefit. And more often than not, the only folks attending are those there for a variance request or those with a program presentation or an issue.

Like so many other meetings, some of ours can be dull as heck. But there is always something on the agenda of value. After dispensing with the business of the board, we have a section called Neighbor Communications. Typically, this is when presentations are made by various organizations. For instance, this month, we had a presentation by the staff at Camp Mabry regarding an update on their forward-thinking masterplan currently underway and their upcoming American Heroes Celebration on April 21^st and 22^nd. Last month, we had a presentation by the folks at Good Shepherd regarding the completion of their negotiated site plan and a discussion with the City about the traffic calming project at Tarrytown Park. After presentations are complete, we encourage members and neighbors to bring up issues of concern. This is your chance to let us know what is on your mind so that we can more effectively address any issues.

After Neighbor Communications, we move into Zoning to address any land use cases that might be on the agenda. Blake Tollett has served as our Zoning Chair for years and is an irreplaceable asset for our neighborhood.

Most commonly, these cases are variance requests. Variances most frequently are required when planned construction exceeds the City’s Land Development Code. No case is ever identical though from time to time there are similarities, and many are quite interesting. Each case is thoughtfully reviewed and deliberated. We consider whether a hardship exists, whether the matter is precedent setting and whether there is any neighbor objection. The City’s Board of Adjustment does not consider financial hardship and thus neither do we. We often do make recommendations to the applicant, owner or builder about options to consider that would bring the project into compliance. Some have been open to our recommendations while, as you might imagine, others have not been. We then vote to oppose, not oppose, or not oppose with negotiated conditions.

It is rare when we have a zoning case. With the Neighborhood Plan in place, the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) defines zoning categories within the planning area. This provides owners with guidance on land use decisions and hopefully keeps the number of potential cases at a minimum. Most of our planning area is categorized as single family on the FLUM and most of the zoning within the FLUM category is Single Family 3 or SF-3 which allows for single family residences and duplexes. We have very little commercial property and, for the most part, existing zoning provides for most anticipated neighborhood uses so there really isn’t much of a need for up-zoning. The only cases that occasionally come forward are those that would increase the dwelling units allowed on certain tracts to facilitate denser multifamily projects. We are always careful about allowing the encroachment of either commercial or multifamily uses into existing single family areas.

Lastly we move into Committee Reports. This is where you have a chance to learn about infrastructure and park projects, Brackenridge Tract or State School updates, MoPac and other items and issues that affect West Austin. I would like to think these reports are informative.

We all have busy lives. I certainly am not chastising you for not attending our meetings. But we would love to see you at our next meeting and share with you and have you reciprocate with us. We also would invite you to be more active and engaged members of the West Austin Neighborhood Group!

City Bond Package

The City of Austin is currently considering not if but how large a bond package it will place on the November ballot. We urge you to be engaged and knowledgeable about the bond package. Please go to the City’s site http://www.austintexas.gov/department/bond-development for detailed information. For the preliminary capital requests, it is well worth reading http://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Capital_Planning/Needs_Assessment_Projects_and_Programs_Report.pdf . The numbers are staggering but it is important to recognize that this includes all asks under a needs assessment and likely will be pared down to around $400 million. There are those that suggest that the bonds ultimately submitted for voter approval in November will not be more than the current City property tax rate can service. I have said this before but we in 78703 pay about 10% of all ad valorem taxes collected by the City and there is very little of this bond money that impacts our neighborhood. However, much of it does impact the quality of life we enjoy in Austin so it is critical that you have a firm understanding of what will be at stake in November.

From February through April the Bond Election Advisory Task Force, comprised of community members, is considering the capital needs assessment project lists and taking input from the public, stakeholders, other City Boards and Commissions. There are four committees established to consider the project and program lists provided by City staff. The committees are Affordable Housing, City Facilities, Parks and Open Space and Transportation/Mobility. If there are bond issues you feel strongly about, do make sure you engage with the appropriate committee. In May, the Task Force will make final recommendations to the Austin City Council. You will then once again have the opportunity to influence the final bond package. If there are any particular bonds that affect West Austin, WANG will review them further and report to you.

City of Austin Comprehensive Plan

Candidly, I don’t often report on this issue. “Imagine Austin” as it is branded has been going on for several years. Currently before the Planning Commission, it is being pushed through to conclusion and City Council would like to have it approved before the Council elections in May. The Plan does have far reaching implications for the region and will direct future capital improvement spending and help shape growth in the years to come. For better or worse, there is little that impacts West Austin other than higher taxes to pay for growth rather than forcing growth to pay for itself. One of the significant points of conflict between neighborhoods like ours and City staff is whether our individual neighborhood plans like ours completed in 2010 would be recognized and respected. We and the Bryker Woods Neighborhood Association have fought vigorously to maintain the compromises reached on Lake Austin Boulevard and on West 35^th in our neighborhood plan. Particular thanks are due to Michael Cannatti and Michael Curry, collectively the “Mikes.”

The City would have you believe that this has been a process full of public input and participation. There certainly have been and continue to be ample opportunities for each of you to weigh in – and you SHOULD! But the fact of the matter is that City planning staff are driving this and have little regard for public input. To compound the matter, staff insisted that the community focus on the “possibilities” without looking at or being provided with critical details on which to make an informed decision. It is easy to move dots around on a map. But you have to know the facts on the ground. Anyone experienced in due diligence or studied in history knows how critical such information is to avoid a flawed if not disastrous outcome. Our own Mary Arnold, with all of her experience and knowledge, has absolutely overwhelmed City staff pointing out in her eloquent way the many flaws in their draft work product.

I believe in a plan, that it should be based on facts and data, that it should encompass an understanding of the areas that it will impact, that it should be well thought out, that it should be embraced by the community and that it should be implemented. Austin Tomorrow, its predecessor was such a document –driven by the community and not staff – but few of its recommendations addressing preferred growth corridors were ever implemented despite their value thus resulting in many of the problems we face today. I understand and appreciate the need for a comprehensive plan. For a city of Austin’s size, every step we make must be strategic and thoughtful and a comprehensive plan, if well done, is a critical tool for success. What is being presented for consideration falls far short.

The upcoming schedule for hearings on the comp plan is:

March 27         Public hearing
April 2             Comp Plan Committee meeting
April 9             Comp Plan Committee meeting
April 10           Public hearing and possible vote

Next Meeting

Our next meeting is Monday, April 2 at 7:00PM at Howson Library. We look forward to seeing you!

Membership

President’s Message
February, 2012

By August W. “Happy” Harris III

It has been a remarkable “winter” and an unusual La Nina thus far. As I glance out my office window, I see the rain falling, blissfully, once again. We have been fortunate to have what I have heard described as a one in five chance of a wet La Nina winter that has benefitted Central Texas. Of course, there is absolutely no promise that this will continue into the Spring and
Summer but it certainly is welcome. I sincerely hope that this beneficial weather contributes to the recovery and reinvigoration of our invaluable urban tree canopy.

I am fond of antique and shrub roses, both of which have proven to be very durable over the last few years, and have marveled at their prolific if premature showing of color due to the rain and temperate conditions – and certainly not due to my gardening skills or lack thereof. I even saw a pair of hummingbirds the other day, a gentle reminder that it is time to clean and refill the
hummingbird feeders. By all accounts, we are due for what may be a spectacular showing of bluebonnets this year too and with any luck a good Texas peach crop to follow. As I ramble on, it becomes ever more clear that it is time to prepare those Spring “to do” lists.

One thing we often do as part of our Spring cleanup is to prune trees. This is a good time to remind all that pruning is about maintaining the long term health of our trees, not just about cosmetics. One of the greatest fears in Central Texas is the spread of Oak Wilt. It is caused by the fungus ceratocystis fagacearum and is the most destructive disease affecting live oaks and red
oaks. To see live oaks hundreds of years old ravaged by this disease is nothing short of tragic. According to www.TexasOakWilt.org:

Always paint fresh wounds on oaks, including pruning cuts and stumps, with wound dressing or latex paint immediately after pruning or live tree removal at all times of the year.

Clean all pruning tools with 10% bleach solution or Lysol™ between sites and/or trees.
If possible avoid pruning or wounding of oaks during the spring (currently defined as February1 through June 30). Reasons to prune in the spring include:
To accommodate public safety concerns such as hazardous limbs, traffic visibility or emergency utility line clearance.
To repair damaged limbs (from storms or other anomalies)
To remove limbs rubbing on a building or rubbing on other branches, and to raise low limbs over a street.
On sites where construction schedules take precedence, pruning any live tissue should only be done to accommodate required clearance.
Dead branch removal where live tissue is not exposed.
Pruning for other reasons (general tree health, non-safety related clearance or thinning, etc.) should be conducted before February 1 or after June 30.
Debris from diseased red oaks should be immediately chipped, burned or buried.

Red Bud Island

Recently WANG was asked to support increased parking for Red Bud Island. The Board believes that it is inappropriate to do so. We have suggested to the Friends of Red Bud Isle that rather than increasing parking infrastructure, existing parking spaces should be metered to encourage turnover so that more folks have access to the facility. Increasing available parking will only serve to increase traffic, congestion, decrease safety and further worsen other adverse issues. An advantage of metering is that through the City of Austin’s new Parking Benefit District Program, a portion of all parking revenues would be rebated for ongoing maintenance at the park so that users would actually be sharing the burden of their wear and tear on this jewel
and helping to maintain it for the benefit of all.

Red Bud has morphed from what had been viewed as a preserve as late as the mid 1980’s into a multiuse recreational facility and more recently an off leash dog park, and as such is ill equipped. Overuse, traffic and parking have become enormous challenges for this accidental feature in the middle of the Colorado River. Red Bud was designated as an off leash area in 2001 but is, in fact, a multiuse recreational park and preserve, not merely as a “dog park.” It is unfortunate that this connotation drives other recreational users away and has resulted in a degradation of this environmentally sensitive area.

According to Mary Arnold, when the Town Lake Comprehensive Plan was developed and adopted in the 1980’s, it very clearly stated that the upper part of Town Lake/Lady Bird Lake would be kept in its “natural” state, as much as possible – and then would more gradually change to a more “urban” open space lake front as the lake ran to downtown…

She went on to say that Page 30 of that plan describes that upper area as The Preserve…”where human activity is limited” and “near total retention of natural landscape is appropriate.” “Red Bud Isle”….. offers opportunities for “wild areas in strong contrast to the tamed urban landscape.”… “It is important to keep some small areas sacrosanct to maintain reminders of the
native beauty of the region.”

I was quoted in the Austin American Statesman on February 1, 2012 as saying “part of the problem is an island that wasn’t supposed to be there is being used in ways other than originally intended.” Continuing, “it was never intended to be a dog park. It was a park with a nature preserve. In fact, there was some discussion about whether the public should have access at all.
And now it’s an immensely popular dog park. And I’m a dog lover.”

WANG is supportive of off leash areas where appropriate for dogs to roam and play. Red Bud, with its ready access to water is a wonderful and important asset for man’s best friend. However, increasing the intensity of use is adverse to the ecological health of this unique feature. A better balance must be found between preserve, recreation and off leash uses. Constraining
parking furthers that objective.

As a reminder, City rules require that:

Dogs must be within sight and sound control of Owners/handlers at all times
Dogs in heat are not allowed in off-leash areas
Rabies vaccinations are required for all dogs as required by State Law
Owners/handlers must clean up after their dogs and deposit waste into a trash can
Aggressive dogs must be removed from public spaces immediately
When not in these specified areas, the Austin leash ordinance requires dogs to be on a leash no
longer than 6 feet on all City land. The maximum fine for not following this ordinance is $500.

Brackenridge Tract

All has been quiet on the Brackenridge Tract front. It has been exactly a year since the Board of Regents announced the University’s intent not to renew the Lions Municipal Golf Course lease when it expires in 2019. I have often said that one of the most significant points of leverage we have is time in regard to Muny and WAYA. The closer we get to 2019, the less leverage we
will have. While there are a number of conversations going on, it is critical that we understand what you as West Austinites hope and expect in the coming years from the Brackenridge Tract redevelopment. We will be launching a survey in the next month and hope that each of you will participate.

Tarrytown Fourth of July Parade

From my good friend and passionate West Austin Neighbor Jennifer,

The 2011 (Tarrytown Fourth of July Parade) Committee managed to pull together at the last minute and got the parade organized, permitted, and completed in 10 business days. We didn’t want the 20+ year tradition to lapse. So, who knows what one can do with more notice!!

Membership

Our next meeting is Monday, March 5 at 7:00PM at Howson Library. We look forward to seeing you!

President’s Message
December, 2011

By August W. “Happy” Harris III

Merry Christmas and a very happy and prosperous 2012 to each and every one of you from the Board of the West Austin Neighborhood Group. A quick drive through the neighborhood let’s everyone know that we truly love this holiday. Every year it is such a delight to see the latest decorations. Let us hope the joy of the season carries us all into the New Year. I recently saw this quote and thought it appropriate: “how we spend our days, of course, is how we spend our lives.” Together, let’s continue to spend our days making West Austin the wonderful neighborhood and community it is.

Camp Mabry

The master planning process for Camp Mabry has begun. The public was invited to attend the first of many future public sessions. Board members attended both of the public briefings held recently. The stated purpose of the planning effort is to “improve the appearance” and raise awareness of the facility to the community because “it’s time to open back up” after the 9/11 lockdown. The Texas National Guard and their planning team from H. W. Lochner, Inc. are looking for ideas to promote beautification, pedestrian safety, better use of existing structures, expansion of “park” feel at the western edge, more community use of existing facilities, improved traffic flow at the current entrance by Pecos, improvements on the exterior fencing/walls, etc. They were asked on more than one occasion about the future and redevelopment of the tract. They said that there is no plan afoot to sell all or part of the facility. The mission of Camp Mabry may fluctuate but it will continue to be a Texas National Guard facility for decades to come

The planning process seems quite similar to the neighborhood planning effort we recently completed. The plan will address all 365 acres of the property, excluding the Reserve Center at the northwest corner, which is Federal property. H.W. Lochner, Inc. will lead the planning process which started with a “data collection” phase this past October, and will proceed through a draft plan presentation (Summer 2012), Revised Plan (September 2012), and Final Plan (Sept. 2012). The project lead is Scott Wetzel. He, Joe Beerens in the Adjutant General’s Department, and base command staff wanted everyone to know that this will be an inclusive process and urged our participation. I had a much better feeling about this than I did either the Brackenridge Tract process or the Central West Austin Combined Neighborhood Planning process. As for the presentation, it was very nice and efficient and “structured” presentation.

The materials distributed at the meeting included a listing of “Draft Goals” for an initial framework for the plan, as well as “Draft Policies” which may be refined and supplemented. They intend to include examinations of efficiency, sustainability, historical significance, natural features, in completing this comprehensive study, They gave participants an opportunity to provide comments and input, including the proverbial colored-sticker-on-map exercise. Many suggestions were made by participants including removing the LED scrolling display sign on MoPac, return the main entrance to its original location, realigning the Pecos exit to actually align with Pecos to improve the efficiency and safety of that interchange and to make sure that there is a fire plan in place given the density of brush and its proximity to residences. For further information about this and the National Guard, please go to www.txmf.us. We, of course, will continue to be active participants in this process. You may always direct your thoughts and concerns to us.

Flight of Christmas Decorations

In years past, Christmas decorations have disappeared from houses and yards, in many cases to be found adorning buildings belonging to certain University of Texas organizations and student abodes. I am just trying to be inclusive here. The folks in Pemberton and Bryker Woods have fallen victim to bad elves more so than Tarrytown as they tend to be closer in proximity to the culprits. We were asked to convey to the Austin Police Department and to University officials that certain neighbors had enough of this naughty behavior and that there would be consequences. I am pleased to say that having discussed the issue with both, we had the full support of both and I have yet to hear of missing Santas and sleighs. While you might not want to mark every colored light bulb, it probably would not be a bad idea to mark those distinctive decorative items in the event that they do find hooves and take flight. In the event that decorations do disappear, both the police and University officials have asked that we provide as much proof as is available. May the bad elves’ stockings be empty in the finest traditions of bah humbug.

Holiday Pounds

For those of you who like me are overindulging perhaps a tad during the Holidays and have gained a pound or two or ten, our friends and neighbors at Save Muny have just the cure for you! The Save Muny Run for the Green, a 5k. Run ON Lions Municipal Golf Course, will be held on Sunday morning, February 5, from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. You can get more information through RunTex http://site.runtex.com/ and at www.savemuny.com.

On Sunday, February 19th, you will have another opportunity to purge your system of holiday goodness at the Livestrong Marathon and Half Marathon. For more information, go to http://www.active.com/running/austin-tx/livestrong-austin-marathon-and-half-marathon-2012. We continue to work with Livestrong and other race promoters to insure that the impact of these events has as minimal an impact as possible. I can assure you that over the last few years, coordination between the City of Austin and race promoters has improved significantly. We will continue to have the rolling barricades that will free up intersections much faster. This has proved successful. We have asked that a race representative be placed at major intersections with police officers to assure the highest level of communication between all.

Membership

WANG is continuing to work on and improve its communications with you. We are in process of enhancing the website. We are also looking at changing the way newsletters arrive to those of you who choose to receive them electronically. Currently they come as Adobe PDF files but we anticipate that these will be converted to HTML format shortly. Please don’t forget to renew your membership! You may renew at www.WestAustinNG.com. For your convenience, we have enabled recurring billing that will automatically charge your credit card on an annual basis so that you don’t have to worry about your membership status. If you do have questions about your membership, please contact membership@westaustinng.com.

Our next meeting is Monday, January 9 at 7:00PM at Howson Library. One discussion item will be Good Shepherd Episcopal Church’s review of its current masterplan for those interested. We look forward to seeing you! Have a wonderful and safe holiday season! Cheers!

President’s Message
November, 2011

By August W. “Happy” Harris III

From the Board of the West Austin Neighborhood Group, we wish each of you a grand and a happy Thanksgiving. We are indeed truly blessed to live in a great neighborhood in the heart of a wonderful community. One has but to glance at the New York Times or one of the many news outlets to truly appreciate the enormous economic, social, political and environmental struggles faced by people throughout the world, in much of this country and even in Texas. While we may complain about our many trials and tribulations, and heavens knows I do, few reach the magnitude faced by others and for that alone we can be most grateful. May your travels be safe, your company delightful and your plates filled with deliciousness!

A special thanks goes to Mike Cannatti, whose zeal and energy were boundless in organizing WANG’s Annual Social held on Bowman next to the Howson Library. We departed from our typical presentation defined format to more of a purely social event that seemed to be very attractive to all. Celebrating memories of our beloved and long lost Holiday House, it was a cathartic event for many as neighbors recounted their fondest recollections of what was our community gathering spot, an egalitarian place for all generations to mingle. PTerry’s served so many burgers that they had to have their team bring more and actually ran out of French fries. They smelled so good – darn diet!

We had one of our largest turnouts in history and I am pleased to report that WANG had a wave of new members and renewals. Could this be the magic formula? My one disappointment was that Howson Library was not open. It is such a rich treasure for our neighborhood. I do hope you have the opportunity to visit the Library from time to time. As always, we would like to hear from you about how we could make the Annual Social better.

Brackenridge Tract

There has been some press about the Brackenridge Tract at last. According to the Austin American Statesman, The University of Texas System is considering the feasibility of constructing a four to five story building on the portion of the Brackenridge Tract adjacent to Red Bud Trail. This would bring an estimated 500 employees to the area and at least perhaps 1,000 extra car trips per day into the neighborhood. If the System were to make lease payments to the University of Texas, who owns the land, then under the premises set forward by the Board of Regents, it would benefit the University as intended. Absent rent and without some level of transparency regarding the agreement, it is difficult to see how this development might meet the terms of Colonel Brackenridge’s gift that has so often been referred to. That said, perhaps this institutional use, from a neighborhood perspective, is not all bad.

Discussions around the formation of a more concrete medical school in Austin led by Senator Kirk Watson are welcome. This has the potential to become a significant economic driver for both Austin and the region. The medical school, while working in collaboration with various UT colleges and departments, will actually be under the University of Texas System umbrella and not under UT Austin. The ideal location, for a variety of reasons, is proximate to campus and to both Level I trauma centers, Brackenridge and Dell Children’s Hospitals. The Brackenridge Tract, while close to campus, is not as well situated as land that UT owns and could redevelop in the Waller Creek corridor. Nonetheless, it does make one ponder the thought that the managing agent of the Brackenridge Tract would relocate its offices to overlook the area.

This is a gentle reminder that the Lions Municipal Golf Course and WAYA leases expire in 2019, barely 7 years from now. The closer we get to that date, the less leverage we will have. However, it is imperative that you never believe something is inevitable and that we as a neighborhood can’t effect change.

Neighborhood Safety & Crime

If you aren’t a member of when of the neighborhood Yahoo groups like Tarrytown West or Deep Eddy, I would encourage you to join. WANG has been asked on a number of occasions to set up a neighborhood wide one. It is something that we have considered and taken under advisement. In the meantime, these two offer the opportunity for you to keep up with it seems primarily criminal issues in the neighborhood. We are seeing an ongoing pattern of break-ins, attempted home invasions and car burglaries – even during daylight hours. There have been furtive efforts at organizing neighborhood watches but it takes the time and commitment of neighbors and sadly, there aren’t a whole lot of folks willing to step up. Absent an organized neighborhood watch, I would encourage you to be vigilant and report anything suspicious.

I have been asked by folks in Pemberton and Bryker Woods, for which WANG serves as an umbrella organization, to address the issue of stolen decorations, particularly Christmas and Halloween, with the University of Texas and its student organizations. Student organizations have been identified virtually on an annual basis with at least a portion of the theft. In some cases, decorations have been recovered and in other cases, treasured ones have been severely damaged or destroyed. Folks in these neighborhoods are fed up and have threatened civil and criminal action against the perpetrators. The ability to identify the specific criminals or to assess civil damages certainly presents a real challenge but their anger and frustration is certainly understandable. In the coming weeks, I will be meeting with University officials and representatives of the student organizations along with the Austin Police Department. Hopefully we will be able to affect a change for this holiday season and perhaps create a punitive mechanism that will raise awareness at the organizational and student level – because Santa really does know if you’ve been naughty or nice…..

President’s Message
October, 2011

By August W. “Happy” Harris III

Year in Review

I am pleased to report that 2011 has been a relatively quiet year in terms of critical issues facing West Austin. The things neighbors have been most concerned about are traffic congestion, ongoing criminal activity and the effects of our historic drought and concurrent heat wave. While the economy has lessened development pressure on the neighborhood as a whole, it is good to see the construction trades busily working on repairs, improvements and remodels as we revitalize our existing housing stock. Capital markets and perhaps other factors have slowed any redevelopment of the Brackenridge Tract. The State School and for that matter Camp Mabry were spared in the most recent legislative session – though the State continues to look at public private partnerships to leverage all its assets.

All that being said, there are a number of citywide issues that may ultimately impact us and are things that you as an active community should be very aware of, notably the Comprehensive Plan and various mobility initiatives. Also pending are the more highly politically charged issues like election schedules, single member districts and short term rentals or STR’s.

In addition to serving as President of the West Austin Neighborhood Group, I am pleased to be active in organizations such as the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, the Heritage Society of Austin and Leadership Austin. My various roles have enabled me to meet folks throughout the region who are dealing with many of the same issues we are as well as other quite diverse challenges. It is so easy to focus on what is immediately in front of us or what directly affects us, whether that is our neighborhood, our places of worship, our children’s schools, our relationships or our businesses. But we are part of a rapidly growing, and at least for now, a vibrant region. We as a community and a region are not just competing against Houston and Dallas for jobs but against peer cities such as Charlotte, San Diego and the Silicon Valley, Portland, Minneapolis, and Denver et al. We are also in a fight with far flung countries for economic opportunity.

What Austin has is unique. It has a vibe that attracts some of the best and brightest from all over the US and the world for that matter. And that is what has made Austin the success it is. But that je ne sais quoi can be ephemeral and fleeting. If we are not good stewards of our natural and built environment, that vibe will be lost and Austin’s future will be much less certain.

Austin is a gem because of its outdoor culture and its love of recreational and native greenscape. Town Lake Trail and the Barton Creek Greebelt are perhaps victims of their own success with teaming throngs of walkers, runners, hikers and bikers. Our pools and recreation centers are loved and well used – when they are open. Our immensely popular parks throughout the City have been woefully underfunded as our first responders have taken an ever larger share of total City revenue. More and more, our parks are dependent on public private partnerships and private fundraising efforts to be sustained and improved. We are so fortunate to have groups like Friends of Eilers, Reed, Tarrytown and Mayfield Parks, the Austin Parks Foundation and the Town Lake Trail Foundation. Absent your support and the work of groups like these – and other similar organizations throughout Austin, these gems that are the very heart of our community would be in shambles because of City budget priorities.

I was recently in Charlotte, a leading global financial center and certainly a competitor of Austin’s, and I was struck by the fact that it lacked much historic fabric. There are folks in Charlotte that publically recognize that the loss of Charlotte’s built history is a blemish on their city. Urban Charlotte is largely no more than 20 years old. While I thought it had some wonderful commercial architecture, I also felt that it was lacking character and a sense of place and thus seemed very sterile. I have noticed this in other cities that failed to protect their history.

As a footnote, until 1974 Austin did an absolutely abysmal job of protecting its built heritage. With the enactment of the Landmark Ordinance in 1974 and then when it was incentivized in 1978, we began the process of protecting what historic fabric we had left, and for the most part, we have been successful. Many of our peer cities used local historic districts, which would serve to offer some protection, to protect broader swaths of their respective communities. In 2004, we added local historic districts as a tool for preservation. Now with more preservation tools available, we may be able to protect more of what is uniquely Austin.

I address historic preservation precisely because, much like our parks and open space, our historic fabric gives Austin some of its uniqueness and its sense of place. As we recruit businesses and workers, particularly those in the creative class, they are drawn to places like Austin that have preserved its heritage. Tourists also flock to cities that have retained their character. Heritage tourism is an enormous economic driver for both Austin and the region. There is both a cultural and an economic benefit to historic preservation.

Our environment is also what has contributed to our success. Long considered an oasis in Texas, with a wealth of trees, water, clean air and open space, sprawl and inappropriate development have and continue to threaten our long term viability. While a few, but certainly not all, in the development community bristle at regulation, were it not for hard fought restrictions, the damage that we have done to our environment would have been far worse. Sadly, we seemingly have to fight some of these same battles over and over again as some try to weaken regulation that, in aggregate, protects us. This is not to say that development is not good. In fact it is essential for our community’s prosperity. We need to focus development intelligently maximizing transportation infrastructure, respecting open space and our green assets, and integrating in such a way as to not diminish our stable urban neighborhoods.

Water has long been one of our greatest assets. Now that Lake Travis is at less than 39% of capacity and with the likelihood of any significant rain dim for perhaps the next 6 months (or 20 years), it has become one of our increasingly scarce resources, particularly with rampant growth in the region. City leadership wisely secured contractual rights to water supplies that will more than adequately provide water for the City, but rights don’t matter much if there isn’t any water!

The drought has devastated agriculture and horticulture alike. It may seem a bit trivial in the bigger scheme of things but yards are struggling, to say the least, and our irreplaceable urban tree canopy is in peril. Many of us, even those who irrigate regularly, are incurring thousands of dollars if not tens of thousands of dollars in landscaping losses. The drought has also created an economic debacle in the region. Falling property values around Lake Travis and shuttered or struggling businesses that depend on the “lake” economy may ultimately affect the entire City, if nothing else because of perception. The New York Times and other publications have written of our region’s drought in the news regularly. One of the themes has been about the migration of desertification to the east. This, frankly, is terrifying.

My last point in this line of thought is our air quality. Weather patterns, increasing traffic congestion and other environmental factors are edging Central Texas ever closer to non-attainment, meaning that we don’t meet minimum air quality standards. Non-attainment would be very costly to all of us. The simplistic answer, and one that certain politicians espouse, is just to alter the threshold. This fails to address the problem, which is what the current standard was intended to force. There are a host of things that we can do to reduce carbon dioxide emissions – and you are all well aware of what many of those options are. Improved regional mobility is high on the list, both environmentally and economically. This includes an array of transportation options from rail to bus to managed lanes.

So what does all of this have to do with West Austin?

Transportation

I used air quality to segue into transportation as they are very much intertwined. TxDOT, the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority and their consultants have just completed several years worth of studies of the MoPac Corridor. The final package submitted to the Federal Highway Administration will include managed lanes that are intended to move traffic at dependable rates of speed on Loop 1. That is achieved by using variable rate pricing based on traffic volumes and peak times. Central Austin won’t access the managed lanes. However, I hope that it will improve drivers’ perceptions so that they use MoPac rather than Hartford/Jefferson/Harris and Exposition/Pecos – and yes, we now include Pecos as a bypass to MoPac sadly to move north and south.

In conjunction with the managed lane project and as a result of the addition of lane capacity, sound walls are at last to be built, barring further changes in Washington. Votes were taken on the sound walls. Only those property owners immediately adjacent were entitled to vote. Walls were approved for all of Tarrytown extending from West 35^th all the way south of Enfield. The southern most section of Deep Eddy will not have sound walls because studies showed that they were too far from the noise source. Similarly, Bryker Woods and Pemberton will have sound walls installed but votes were split for three sections in Old West Austin. You can learn more about the process and the vote at http://www.mopacexpress.com/environmental/sound-walls.php. It is hoped that the project will be completed by 2013 provided it receives approval from the Federal Highway Administration.

Because of the congestion on Loop 1, Deep Eddy has experienced increasing levels of cut-through traffic. We have asked the City Transportation Department to undertake a traffic study in that part of the neighborhood. With significant levels of cut-through traffic, all options need to be examined. That study is not yet underway. However, I am pleased to tell you that City Transportation staff has completed a study of the Balcones/Pecos/35^th intersection. It has become increasingly problematic over the last few years as more and more cars have sought to bypass both Loop 1 and now even Exposition Boulevard. During peak hours, City staff found that there were more than 4,000 cars passing through that intersection. Engineers are reviewing the possibility for either all-way stop signs or traffic lights. Each has different technical thresholds. But the good news is that changes are imminent late this fall that will enhance both the safety of the Balcones/Pecos/35^th intersection and will improve mobility for the neighborhood.

City of Austin Budget

The Austin City Council recently passed its 2012 budget. The budget includes significant increases in taxes and fees. If you have followed my comments on this subject before, I am firmly of the opinion that growth should pay for itself rather than being subsidized by stable urban neighborhoods. That said, the total budget is $2.8 billion, a staggering amount. The property tax rate will increase to 48.11 cents per $100 property evaluation.

The approved budget includes funding for an additional 49 police officers and 18 Emergency Medical Services paramedics. It is worth noting again that the Austin Police Department alone drains the City of every single dollar of ad valorem taxes paid in Austin. I think that we all appreciate the fine work of our first responders and respect the challenges they face but we are curtailing other necessary and desirable City services because of the percentage of revenues they extract. Since 78703 pays roughly 10% of all ad valorem taxes, with the addition of these officers, we certainly will press for additional officers to be assigned to our neighborhood to combat ongoing petty crime.

Austin Energy is anticipating its first rate increase in 17 years, and it won’t be insignificant. The projected 13% increase is under review but the effect on the average residential electric bill will be approximately $10 to $20. I suspect most of you aren’t average residential customers. Austin Energy is leveling the rate between residential customers and businesses, the latter of which have subsidized consumer rates for some time. I would point out that compared to peer cities, our rates are comparable nonetheless. There may be some movement at the Legislature during the next session that would attempt to deregulate the City of Austin’s monopoly. This could be devastating for the City since utility transfers support many of the City’s programs that we depend on. The result would be an even greater burden of taxes shifted to property owners. And deregulation hardly guarantees better rates. For more information, please go to: http://www.austinenergy.com/About%20Us/Newsroom/Press%20Releases/2011/rateProposalRelease.html As if electric rate increases weren’t enough, beginning Nov. 1, Austin Water Utility retail customers will pay a revenue stability fee that is based on meter size. The average residential customer will pay an additional $7.79 per month which includes all water fee increases. This is clearly being created to pay for growth. Whether you agreed or disagreed with Water Treatment Plant No. 4, you are paying for it.

The Brackenridge Tract

As I mentioned before, there has been no activity on the Brackenridge Tract. Board of Regents Chairman Powell sent a letter within the last year to Mayor Leffingwell offering to enter into discussions to terminate the Lions Municipal Golf Course lease before its 2019 termination date. As many of you know, the University of Texas has advised the City that it does not intend to renew the lease in 2019. We have urged Council not to have those discussions with the University and at this point, they have respected our request. Future Councils may not feel the same way. Many of you have not been involved in the Save Muny efforts over the years for whatever reason. You need to make yourself aware of the issues if you are not. You will find ample information at our website, www.WestAustinNG.com. We are always more than happy to answer any questions that you might have.

It is a quiet period but that can always change and we must be prepared for thoughtful, deliberate conversations. The University has expressed an interest to monetize the land sooner and we have the desire to minimize the adverse impact that development will bring to the neighborhood. Many want to keep this vital urban green space open either as a golf course, open space, or mixed recreational space. Others might want to see some limited redevelopment of the course that is sensitive to the neighborhood. I believe that with creative thought and engagement by all and a commitment from the community, anything is possible. We will be posting a series of surveys in the coming months and your participation will provide us with guidance as we move forward with strategic planning on this issue.

Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan

The Comprehensive Plan is in the news quite often these days. It is a critical for long term planning of Austin and the region. However, it has been poorly conceived and poorly executed by the City. We identified several concerns unique to the integration of our Central West Austin Combined Neighborhood Plan completed just last Fall with the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan (“Plan”), which have not been addressed to our satisfaction by staff, and concurrent with our belief and that of countless other citizens and stakeholders that the Plan process itself has been flawed from its inception.

The West Austin Neighborhood Group strongly believes that a plan is critical to the long term economic and environmental viability of our region. However, without stakeholder buy-in, the Plan will serve as a focal point of mistrust rather than as an instrument of intelligent guidance. We and the rest of the Austin community want the Plan to be an extraordinary document that will shepherd us in the years and decades to come while respecting the integrity of our neighborhoods and enabling our citizens to thrive. The current draft is far from that.

At this point, and given the enormous consequences for our region’s future, wisdom urges us to pause and consider carefully the product being brought forward and the very process that has driven it. As critical stakeholders, you must be engaged with this process because it will affect you.

Conclusion

I have had the privileged of serving on the Board of the West Austin Neighborhood Group for a number of years now and the last three years as President. I am my fellow Board Members work countless hours on behalf of the neighborhood on many different issues. I want to thank them for their time, commitment and often thankless service. Some of you may not always agree with the positions we take on various matters, and we understand that. However, we have worked hard to protect West Austin’s quality of life. Our mission statement is “to preserve our neighborhood and protect it from deterioration.” There are many voices and many conflicting interests in our neighborhood and it is constantly a delicate balance but I think that we have done a good job as a voice of moderation and reason. Please join us by going to www.WestAustinNG.com. Thank you

President’s Message
August, 2011

By August W. “Happy” Harris III

As I began to write this month’s President’s Message, I happened to open one I had written almost 2 years ago today. I was struck as I read through and noted that history indeed repeats itself. Frankly I don’t have a lot of news worth noting this month.

On August 5th, 2009, the Austin City Council approved changes to our Local Historic District Ordinance. Contextually, landmarks work to preserve particular properties while local historic districts preserve the context of an area that can be as small as one block or far larger. I also noted that the perceived adverse impact on tax revenue for the City, County and school district as a result of the tax incentives tied to historic preservation were negligible. In fact, both local historic districts and individual landmarks benefit the City by lending stability to neighborhoods and property values as well as by driving tourism. There are studies that support this assertion.

A year later, the City would initiate a sweeping review of the historic landmark program and the incentive structure. On Thursday, August 4, Council approved two resolutions that will make substantive changes to the administration of the landmark program and to the incentive structure. The City’s contribution to the historic incentive will be capped for all residential, owner occupied landmarks at $2,500 for all new designations and for existing landmarks as ownership changes. This gives the City, current owners and future owners certainty going forward. The incentive structure for commercial landmarks will not change. While there are other significant changes in the Council resolution, the final language will make it through staff and various boards and commissions before adoption. We’ll report to you further as the language is codified. This is a positive outcome for the community.

A second issue that I addressed in August of 2009 was the weather. I noted the hope of the approach of the fall season, and with any luck, an end to the hottest, driest summer on record. Well, who knew that THIS would be the hottest driest, most miserable summer most of us have ever experienced. As I drive around the City, I see even the best maintained yards suffering. In fact, I even saw trees IN Shoal Creek turning brown.

I want to reiterate that it is so important to protect your trees. A drive through West Austin reveals that many trees have died. Many of the rest are stressed. If you have ever lost a tree that shaded your house from the summer sun, you have seen your utility bills increase. Or your landscape has wilted with the unexpected change in light patterns. Hopefully the stressed trees will recover. In the meantime, remember to keep your trees watered. Not only will it keep them alive but it might help to minimize their current brittle state. The City arborist recommends watering one gallon per inch in trunk diameter every two weeks after the last significant rainfall.

This winter, you may want to consider replacing some lost tree stock. We encourage you to diversify the types of trees in the neighborhood. Bryker Woods and Pemberton tend to have magnificent pecans and red oaks. Tarrytown is shaded by a preponderance of elms. Many of these trees, throughout our neighborhood, are reaching the end of their lifespan and need to be replaced for the benefit of future generations. As sad as it is to see the loss of part of our urban canopy, let’s look upon this as an opportunity to reforest our neighborhood.

We are in the planning stages for the Annual Meeting and Social on Saturday, October 22. We have big plans so stay tuned! Cathy Kyle and Mike Cannatti are hard at work as we speak.

Look at the date on your mailing label to see if your membership is current. While doing so, don’t forget to pass along your preferred email address to us! A growing percentage of WANG members now receive the newsletter via email. We certainly would encourage you to shift from a hard copy of this newsletter to an electronic edition. Don’t forget that your continuing support of WANG is never more critical than now. In addition to paying your dues by check, you can always renew your membership online at www.WestAustinNG.com.As I began to write this month’s President’s Message, I happened to open one I had written almost 2 years ago today. I was struck as I read through and noted that history indeed repeats itself. Frankly I don’t have a lot of news worth noting this month.

We are in the planning stages for the Annual Meeting and Social on Saturday, October 22. We have big plans so stay tuned! Cathy Kyle and Mike Cannatti are hard at work as we speak. Our next regular meeting is Monday, September 12 at 7:00PM at the Howson Library so please mark your calendars.

President’s Message
July, 2011

By August W. “Happy” Harris III

OK, the cat is now out of the bag. It is hot, it is sizzling, it is bone dry. Oh, that isn’t the cat that you want me to chat about. Could it be the Brackenridge Tract? Smooth segue….thank you. Cooper Robertson & Partner’s (“CR&P”) offerings were much like the weather, miserable. I, for one, was absolutely appalled though I can’t say that I was entirely shocked.

For those of you who have not heard, CR&P came out with two suggested master plans that would result in between 12 million and 15 million square feet of development, including as many as 8,700 apartment units or nearly 30 times the size of the new Gables on Caesar Chavez and Lamar, 650,000 to 850,000 square feet of retail space and over 2 million square feet of commercial and office space, the latter the equivalent of nearly 4 Frost Bank Towers. All in the middle of a residential neighborhood in an ecologically sensitive area with severe traffic limitations.

I have been asked time and again whether there is any hope. Sparing all the hyperbole, I do, firmly and adamantly, believe that there is hope. The master plans presented for adoption by the Regents, are in the opinion of a number of us, worst case scenarios. They are not feasible, sustainable or desirous. That being said, the road ahead is not going to be absent of enormous challenges. WANG has worked and will continue to work with, not against, the University, City and others. It is advantageous for all of us to work in cooperation, since we are all inextricably linked. The University would not be what it is without Austin, and Austin would not be what it is without the University. Alumni, faculty, donors, benefactors and students — not to mention Regents and Chancellors — live in West Austin. All are Austinites. Of course, many West Austinites are not associated with the University but obviously have a vested stake in what happens on the Brackenridge Tract. Finally, the Brackenridge Tract would not be the unique property it is without the value provided by our neighborhood.

To date, neither in print nor in the hundreds of conversations I have had since, has there been one word, not one word, of support for these horrendous master plans. Time and again, I have heard that CR&P and it local team failed to learn from or listen to what we (and that would include an array of stakeholders) had to say. In my opinion, their work product evidences their failure to utilize invaluable input from the community.

Consequently, WANG has called upon the University of Texas System Board of Regents to reject both master plans submitted by (CR&P). We are pleased that Chairman Huffines has expressed an earnest desire to continue dialogue on this sensitive matter. Of course, we are grateful that he stated resolutely that the leases to the City of Austin for Lions Municipal Golf Course and to the West Austin Youth Association for its youth sports and educational complex as well as the 1989 Brackenridge Tract agreement will be honored until their expiration in 2019.

Neither the “Village Plan” nor the “Park Plan” propose truly sustainable redevelopment of the Brackenridge Tract in a manner that will benefit all while retaining and protecting the existing character of the surrounding core suburban community and its invaluable open space. Instead, it proposes residential densities as much as four (4) times that of the award winning Mueller Redevelopment. There are folks that don’t like the way Mueller was planned – but it did get national recognition – and it is just an example. Mueller is recovered industrial land or “brownfield” adjacent to two (2) major arterials, not parkland, “greenfield,” and lower density residential, retail, and academic tracts located in a residential neighborhood served by three (3) neighborhood collectors. The overall size, scale and thrust of the CR&P master plans are entirely inappropriate in proposing an incredibly massive mixed use, residential and commercial project.

CR&P fails to address the overwhelming traffic problems that would be created by either Plan. Their traffic consultant said that there are lots of modes of transportation that can effectively move people within the redevelopment but they have no answer to moving people in and out of the area. I have said it before (and it bears repeating), their fixes don’t even address congestion now much less the thousands of car trips that would follow any development. Every single road in West Austin and every intersection will be gridlocked. Increasing capacity and shifting Stratford/Westlake traffic to Enfield is not a long term answer either. (The Old Enfield Neighborhood should be very concerned.) One of their consultants told me that things would work themselves out over time. That is NOT an answer. Any project that would involve MoPac would have to go through CAMPO, likely in the 2040 plan. It would have to be prioritized for funding and the funding then would have to be available. It could be many years or even decades before a true fix was financed and completed. That is not sustainable.

Only CR&P’s planning staff can tell us how formulaic their process was in arriving at these plans. However the mantra of New Urbanism is touted by firms such as CR&P (and our neighborhood planning staff). Interestingly, one of New Urbanism’s precepts is that “development or redevelopment should respect historical patterns, precedents and boundaries.” There is absolutely nothing to suggest that CR&P heeded that precept in any shape, form or fashion. They falsely rationalize that this is a natural progression of the urban core. It is not! The Tract lies within a core suburban neighborhood. New Urbanism suggests that “infill development is intended to reclaim marginal and abandoned areas.” One could argue that this might apply at some level to the Colorado and Brackenridge Apartment tracts but it certainly doesn’t apply to the rest of the tract. “One underpinning of New Urbanism is the compatibility of building types with the same relative mass, height and architectural style, regardless of their uses, which may change over time.” It is challenging for me to see how masses of six story apartment complexes and a development with tens (?) of thousands of people is even remotely compatible in a built residential neighborhood.

If one of the primary intents of New Urbanism is to conserve our natural environment, it is incomprehensible to me that an intensive redevelopment that would swallow all but 20% of the tract, much of which is now greenspace, to transform it into impervious cover in a critical and environmentally sensitive watershed, not to mention resulting in the removal of countless heritage trees, could even remotely be considered environmental stewardship. The Brackenridge Tract might lend itself to Green Urbanism, which encourages open space of more than 60%. It is clear that didn’t cross CR&P’s mind. And that is a shame.

As we broil under these awful summer conditions, it is worth considering what a massive redevelopment will do to the West Austin environment. No matter how efficient the project might be, significantly higher levels of pollution can be expected, with all of the liabilities that ensue. With the prospective loss of greenspace and tree canopies and subsequent replacement replete with concrete, stucco and asphalt, the heat island effect will only be magnified. The Environmental Protection Agency says that the top solutions to mitigate the heat island effect are trees and vegetation – exactly what would be lost. It is more evident than ever that cities such as Austin are 1 to 10 degrees hotter than surrounding suburban areas. That is not sustainable.

The net is that both plans lack compatibility with the adjacent core suburban neighborhood, are devoid of significant open space, lack deference to the distinguished history of the Tract, and are absent consideration of public sentiment. Both plans also fail to address the detrimental effect that the project would have on the reputation of The University of Texas at Austin.

STAY TUNED FOR A BOLD NEW VISION!

Now, more than ever, in the history of West Austin and WANG, is it critical that you renew your membership and encourage friends and neighbors to join WANG. If what I have underscored above isn’t enough to get you to call on your friends and write a meager $20 check ($10 for students and seniors) for dues, then West Austin may well be lost. Please go to our NEW website, www.WestaustinNG.com.

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