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October 2003 News Update on MLK and West The following events have recently transpired on behalf of the JHNA. In an effort to keep our membership fully informed, this information is being disseminated through e-mail, posted on our web-site and hand distributed to members who do not have access to electronic media. On September 30th, a quorum of the JHNA membership voted to negotiate with the developer of the property at the corner of Martin Luther King and West avenue, based on the following criteria that were compiled by a committee chaired by Gayle Brown:
Since the September 30th meeting of JHNA, the officers of the JHNA have attempted to negotiate the above in good faith with the developer and have not been able to reach a position that satisfied both parties. At this time, the developer has communicated an intent to seek zoning changes that do not meet the above expressed goals of JHNA and will be taking steps to gain necessary zoning variances and endorsements to move forward with some of his original designs, height and density goals. Our President will send additional communications to the membership as updates are warranted. Your support of this process has been greatly appreciated and it is the goal of our association to keep you as informed as possible about the issues that impact our neighborhood. September 2003 News Info Packet on MLK & West Ave Condos (pdf - 563KB)
Fall 2002 News Download the Fall 2002 Newsletter (pdf)
News Items JHNA
Meeting Set for October 14th 2002 JHNA Meeting Set for October 14th 2002 The next meeting of the JHNA general membership will be on October 14th, 7 PM at the home Jeff Harper and Mark Seeger located at 805 West 16th Street. Also known as the Granger House, the architecturally significant Mid-Century Modern structure was designed by Charles Granger as his private residence starting with the Perch built on the back of the property 1945) and completed with the main house (built in 1952). The Heritage Society of Austin recognized Jeff and Mark for their rehabilitation of the Granger House at their annual awards banquet in 2000 and it has been featured in two Austin American Statesman articles. We hope you can make plans to join us at this general membership meeting. If you haven’t already, please help us by registering your e-mail address with the web-site administrator so that you can receive e-mail updates of issues impacting the JHNA, as well as meeting notices, and copies of meeting minutes and proposed agendas. To receive electronic mail updates please e-mail info@judgeshill.org. Fall Picnic - October 27, 3:30 PM 2002 JHNA is hosting its second fall picnic on the front lawn of Sheryl Michel’s lovely home. Graced with one of the most majestic oak trees that Austin has to offer, Sheryl’s front garden promises to be a wonderful setting for our annual fall picnic. Children will be able to enjoy the creative play area including a castle and horseshoes for teenagers. We ask that your family bring a favorite entrée and a side dish to share (BBQ grills will not be part of this year’s picnic in order to simpli fy). Limited seating will be available on the front lawn, however, we encourage members to bring lawn chairs and tables in order to ensure adequate seating / dining facilities. Last year’s event at Bill and Pat Monroe’s historic home was a tremendous success as we celebrated the victory of last year’s zoning issues before the Austin City Council. We hope that everyone can join us at this year’s event as we celebrate together the things that make our neighborhood unique. President Bill Monroe
has challenged each of the JHNA officers to review our current bylaws
and compile a list of recommended changes for membership consideration
and vote. We are hopeful that at one of the early 2003 general membership
meetings, we will be able to share the existing bylaws, as well as a summary
of recommended changes. All suggestions are welcome at any stage in the
process. The Original City Neighborhood Association has officially changed its name to the Judges Hill Neighborhood Association through a general membership vote. Our new name has been filed with and approved by the City of Austin. Along with the new name has come for the first time a logo for our association to help develop brand image and identity among members of our neighborhood, members of the press, and public officials who have an impact issues in our community. The logo was developed through an in-kind contribution from Marcotte-Wagner, a privately owned advertising agency in Virginia. Our appreciation goes to Jeanne Wagner, the designer, who so generously contributed of her time and expertise. Initially, our logo
will be placed on the Judge’s Hill Web Site and on note cards to
help support our officers, committee chairs and members as they conduct
official business with the City of Austin and other parties who have a
direct impact on our association. The officers envision being able to
use the logo in a variety of media to increase public awareness of the
historic nature of our community, as well as represent the diverse fabric
from which our membership is comprised. We hope to make color decals available
to all dues paying members. Our membership may be interested in knowing what types of expense items are covered through the dues and contributions collected through the association. Typical items include web site hosting and support, media purchases, printing and duplication services, and routine ongoing expenses of running any type of organization. Our largest expense of recent years has been attorney’s fees associated with the successful zoning hearings that occurred in late 2001. The majority of our funds were depleted to support this effort. JHNA would like to
thank the membership for their various monetary and in-kind contributions
of hours of e-mailing, meetings an phoning, bus rentals, balloons, posters,
paint, and enthusiasm, that have reduced the expense burden upon our association.
Your efforts have gone a long way to both increase the viability and visibility
of our association, which furthers all of our causes. A dues amount and
optional giving levels will be proposed to the members in the near future
for everyone’s consideration. Historic Designation for Your Property The Heritage Society of Austin recognizes and promotes the preservation of historic properties in and around the Austin-Travis County area. Our Historic and Planning Committee chair, Mike Ward, is this year’s HSA president. Congratulations and kudos for accepting two big jobs this year. Let’s give Mike lots of support. He is glad to accept any written summary of your home’s pedigree. For additional information contact The Heritage Society of Austin or call 474-5198. The Texas Historical Commission designates Texas Historic Landmarks and is the State Agency for Historic Preservation. This agency can also assist you with information on how to nominate properties to the National Register of Historic Places or obtaining State Historic Designation. For additional information e-mail history@thc.state.tx.us or call 463-6100. The Travis County Historical Commission is the County organization for Historic Preservation. For additional information you can contact the Travis County Historical Commision or call 451-4802. The City of Austin Historic Landmark Commission recommends nominated historic properties for consideration of tax abatement. For additional information on the process and requirements to obtain historic zoning for your JHNA property contact Barbara Stocklin, Historic Preservation Officer, at 974-2414. We hope to have Barbara speak at a meeting in the near future. Martin Luther King
Jr. Blvd. is undergoing several changes. At this time, City officials
indicate that the street will not be widened. However, sidewalks will
be installed and portions of the street will be re-paved. Officers of
the JHNA continue to monitor the situation to ensure that our membership’s
issues and desires are fully addressed with city planners. The City will
hold meetings with us early next year. The soonest any work is contemplated
is next summer. |
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