HNA Letter of Support for Robertson/Stuart and Mair Local Historic District

From: mary sanger <marysanger70@gmail.com>
Date: June 17, 2019 at 3:30:44 PM CDT
To: Steve.Adler@austintexas.gov, delia.garza@austintexas.gov, leslie.pool@austintexas.gov, alison.alter@austintexas.gov, pio.renteria@austintexas.gov,
Kathie.Tovo@austintexas.gov, jimmy.flannigan@austintexas.gov, ann.kitchen@austintexas.gov, greg.casar@austintexas.gov, Paige.Ellis@austintexas.gov,
harper.madison@austintexas.gov
Subject: Support for Robertson/Stuart and Mair Local Historic District

Members of the Hancock Neighborhood Association enthusiastically supports the application for the Robertson/Stuart and Mair Local Historic District.

The new district would provide valuable recognition for a unique community in Near East Austin where long-established Latino and African American communities maintain a thriving urban neighborhood culture in the shadow of the important historic sites of the Texas State Cemetery and the French Legation.

Nearby are several churches that remain touchstones for these communities, as well as having their own histories during Austin’s Civil Rights movement. Not far from the community stands the historically black Huston-Tillotson University, one of the oldest such institutions in Texas.

In addition to being a living community of individuals, the Robertson/Stuart and Mair district is a walkable museum of working class and middle class house types from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as well as being home to some remaining commercial structures from the same period.

The area is attractive to tourists and other visitors, drawing University Interscholastic League student tours and others to the Texas State Cemetery and the French Legation. Huston Tillotson now draws students from around the country and the world, as well as serving the neighborhood.

All of these elements combine in a unique combination of a viable historic urban neighborhood with some of the deepest roots in Austin. We hope that the City of Austin will soon approve the application for this important recognition.

Respectfully Hancock Neighborhood Association Officers & Committee Members:

Mark Harkrider
Jim Rankin
Jetta Todaro
David Guarino
Coan Dillahunty
Jennifer Dillahunty
Mary Sanger
Linda Guerrero
Julie Strong
Madelyn Kidd

July 4th Celebration

Our neighbors to the west - the North University Neighborhood - have invited residents of the Hancock Neighborhood to come over and celebrate July 4th with them.

The July 4th festivities will start about 9:30 AM at West 32nd Street and Hemphill Park. The big parade is scheduled for 10:00 am, with a water slide to cool us down, snacks & games, & crafts to follow.

Please bring your own snacks & cold drinks for your family and to share. Games & crafts also would be welcomed.

The patriotic organizers will send out more more info and a sign up sheet, which I will forward to the HNA list serve.

Mary Sanger
Secretary, HNA

(The Hancock Neighborhood WILL NOT be holding its own July 4th celebration)

HNA Special Meeting, Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at Trinity Church

The Hancock Neighborhood Association will hold its regularly scheduled May meeting at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, May 29th at Trinity Church, 4001 Speedway. The meeting will be devoted to a community discussion about a Local Historic District designation for the Hancock neighborhood. All Hancock property owners will be notified about this meeting, which will be lead by the City of Austin’s Preservation Office.

Meeting Notice: Neighborhood Plan Amendment and Zoning Change for 3805 Red River ST on Weds., April 17, 2019

The City of Austin, Planning and Zoning Department, has received neighborhood plan amendment and zoning change applications for a property located within the Central Austin (Hancock) Combined Neighborhood Planning Area. You received this notice because you live or own property within 500 feet of the property, or are a member of the planning contact team or a member of a registered neighborhood organization or environmental group who requested notification for the area.

Plan Amendment case #: NPA-2019-0019.01
Zoning Case #: No case filed at this time
Property address: 3805 Red River Street

Weds., April 17, 2019
6:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Hancock Recreation Center (Room 2)
811 E. 41st Street

PURPOSE OF MEETING:
The City of Austin is sponsoring this community meeting to provide an opportunity for the applicant, neighborhood planning contact team, nearby residents/property owners and any other interested parties to discuss the proposed plan amendment and zoning change requests.

CASE SUMMARIES:
NPA-2019-0019.01: The applicant proposes to change the future land use map from Single Family to Mixed Use/Office land use.

No zoning case filed at this time.

https://www.hancockna.org/www/content/npa-2019-001901flumbwpdf
https://www.hancockna.org/www/content/npa-2019-001901zng-mappdf
https://www.hancockna.org/www/content/npa-2019-001901-engspancmty-mtg-no...
https://www.hancockna.org/www/content/1554417149089blobjpg

Zoning Committee Meeting Tuesday, April 9, 2019

The HNA-Zoning committee will meet, next Tuesday the 9th of April 2019 at 3805 Red River (38th 1⁄2 and Red River) at 6:00pm. The Mtg has been requested, by a potential buyer of the property, so the HNA Zoning Committee can consider the request and present findings at the next regular HNA meeting. It is open to those wishing to attend.

HNA Zoning Committee Meeting Call to Order: 6:00pm

New Business:

1. Consider New Zoning Committee Member 2. Proposal to rezone the property at 3805 Red River

From SF-3-H-CO-NP To: GO-MU-H-CO-NP

See attached Note from Developer

Members of the Hancock Neighborhood Association-
I am reaching out to you in regards to the historic house located at 3805 Red River. The property is currently under contract and I along with a handful of historic preservation colleagues are working with the potential buyer to explore opportunities for preservation and restoration of the property. As the neighborhood has developed Red River has become a major thoroughfare, which has had a significant impact on this property. We feel the likelihood of a residential use inhabitant may be difficult to find and are exploring rezoning the property to GO-MU-H-CO-NP. This mixed use would lend itself to this particular property being utilized for both residential and professional office uses and would provide the finances necessary to support continued preservation of the property. This use also suits the layout of the historic house and would allow it to be restored to its former glory. We will work closely with the Historic Landmark Commission to ensure that the work done to the property is in keeping with their guidelines.

We understand how important neighborhood involvement is when seeking rezoning as well as when working with a historic property. We reached out to Bart Whatley and he recommended we meet with you all as a stakeholder and leaders in the neighborhood prior to presenting at the next Hancock Neighborhood Association meeting

As you may know, in order to rezone a property the Future Land Use Map must be updated from Single Family to Mixed Use - Office. To meet City deadlines we submitted our FLUM application February 28th, understanding that support from the Hancock Neighborhood Assoc. will be key to obtaining any change to the existing FLUM.

We would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you at the property to walk through our proposal and make ourselves available to answer questions you may have concerning our request.

Please feel free to contact us at the following numbers:

Norma Yancey, Sidetracked Studio
norma@sidetracked-studio.com | 512-220-6865

Richard Kooris, Pegalo Properties
rkooris@501studios.com | 512-485-3000

https://www.hancockna.org/www/content/hna-april-9thpdf

4007 Duval St. Email Thread - April 2, 2019

From: "Roig, Jose G" <Jose.Roig@austintexas.gov>
Date: April 2, 2019 at 5:13:58 PM CDT
To: Meredith Brown <meredithkbrown@icloud.com>
Cc: "Tovo, Kathie" <Kathie.Tovo@austintexas.gov>, "Dial, Michael" <Michael.Dial@austintexas.gov>, "Wilcox, Todd" <Todd.Wilcox@austintexas.gov>, "Johnson, Ralph" <Ralph.Johnson@austintexas.gov>, "Libby, Jeff" <Jeff.Libby@austintexas.gov>, "Barr, Susan" <Susan.Barr@austintexas.gov>, mark harkrider <harkrider@westcapitol.com>, mary sanger <marysanger70@gmail.com>, Barbara Epstein <bepstein@grandecom.net>, Hugh Bender <hbender@bendertx.com>, "madelyn.kidd@sbcglobal.net" <madelyn.kidd@sbcglobal.net>, "Culver, Beth" <Beth.Culver@austintexas.gov>, "Lucas, Denise" <Denise.Lucas@austintexas.gov>, "Fabian, Jasmine" <Jasmine.Fabian@austintexas.gov>, "Starke, Dawn" <Dawn.Starke@austintexas.gov>, "Garrett, Elaine" <Elaine.Garrett2@austintexas.gov>
Subject: RE: 4007 Duval St.

Good afternoon Ms. Brown,

I just want to take this opportunity to acknowledge receipt of your communication, and thanks for bringing this to our attention. Please allow me to review the case and the communication on this matter. I will provide you with a response as soon as possible, which will include the steps taken to this date and future steps to obtain compliance with the code and approved plans.

Sincerely,

José G. Roig, CBO Assistant Director
Austin Code Department
p: 512.974.1605
w: www.austintexas.gov/code
e: jose.roig@austintexas.gov
Follow us:

> From: Lucas, Denise
> Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 4:30 PM
> To: Meredith Brown <meredithkbrown@icloud.com>; Culver, Beth <Beth.Culver@austintexas.gov>; Roig, Jose G <Jose.Roig@austintexas.gov>
> Cc: Tovo, Kathie <Kathie.Tovo@austintexas.gov>; Dial, Michael <Michael.Dial@austintexas.gov>; Wilcox, Todd <Todd.Wilcox@austintexas.gov>; Johnson, Ralph <Ralph.Johnson@austintexas.gov>; Libby, Jeff <Jeff.Libby@austintexas.gov>; Barr, Susan <Susan.Barr@austintexas.gov>; Roig, Jose G <Jose.Roig@austintexas.gov>; mark harkrider <harkrider@westcapitol.com>; mary sanger <marysanger70@gmail.com>; Barbara Epstein <bepstein@grandecom.net>; Hugh Bender <hbender@bendertx.com>; madelyn.kidd@sbcglobal.net
> Subject: Re: 4007 Duval St.
>
> Ms. Brown,
>
> Thank you for bringing this concern to my attention. I am requesting that Jose Roig, Assistant Director at Code and Beth Culver, Acing Assistant Director and Building Official at DSD to look into this matter and to reply to this email with the next steps.
>
> Regards,
> Denise Lucas
> Interim Director, DSD
>
> > From: Meredith Brown <meredithkbrown@icloud.com>
> > Sent: Tuesday, April 2, 2019 2:27:03 PM
> > To: Lucas, Denise
> > Cc: Tovo, Kathie; Dial, Michael; Wilcox, Todd; Johnson, Ralph; Libby, Jeff; Barr, Susan; Roig, Jose G; mark harkrider; mary sanger; Barbara Epstein; Hugh Bender; madelyn.kidd@sbcglobal.net
> > Subject: 4007 Duval St.
> >
> > Ms. Lucas,
> >
> > In Sept. of 2018 I noticed construction at 4007 Duval on a shed at the end of a short driveway. The main house at 4007 is a 2 bedroom/1 bath yearly rental, and currently there are 4 tenants living there.
> >
> > My concern was that the shed was being converted into an ADU for future rental, so I began to inquire if this was legal by contacting city officials and the Hancock neighborhood association, of which I am a member.
> >
> > I learned that the original plans called for a kitchen sink but that was amended by the city because the lot is too small for an ADU. Doc.#1 attached.
> >
> > Document #2, page 8 dated 4/16/18 specifically says no plumbing permitted in the kitchen wall as well as no kitchen sink allowed.
> >
> > We received a letter from Todd Wilcox (see attached) that this unit is classified as an accessory building and not a dwelling unit.
> >
> > The Hancock Neighborhood Association sent a letter to the homeowner clarifying the STR issue (see attached).
> >
> > In late February I notified code enforcement (case 71663) that a sink had been installed in the kitchen in the unit shortly after the homeowner was issued a temporary certificate of occupancy. Ralph Johnson from code enforcement came out and was informed by one of the tenants in the main house that they were told by the landlord that the owner planned to rent out the structure in question. Mr. Johnson cited 3 violations: the kitchen sink, and the side and rear setback (CV 19-013520). The homeowner was sent a violation letter on 3/4/19 and to date this is still an open case.
> >
> > I placed a call to Michael Dial, code supervisor, to educate myself on what happens next. I was told that this matter is now in the hands of the Development Services Department. He also said the city cannot make the homeowner remove the sink. What is the purpose of having a code/ regulation if there is no way to enforce it? My hope is that the owner will be required to remove the sink and kitchen plumbing, as he was never given a permit to add these to the dwelling.
> >
> > I wanted to bring this matter to your attention in the hope that if need be, my neighbors and I will have your support to ensure that our building codes are taken seriously by homeowners and not flagrantly ignored, as is the case here. At the very least I would hope the temporary certificate of occupancy would be revoked until the violations are resolved.
> >
> > I look forward to hearing from you.
> >
> > Regards,
> >
> > Meredith Brown
> > (860) 307-3404

https://www.hancockna.org/www/content/4007-duval-st-email-thread-190402doc
https://www.hancockna.org/www/content/4007-duval-st-email-thread-190402pdf

607 Texas Ave. Landmark Commission Hearing Summary March 25

Summary of March 25, 2019 Historic Landmark Commission Meeting regarding the request by owners for partial demolition of 607 Texas Avenue.

Due to interest in the above, here’s a summary.

607 Texas Avenue
The home at 607 Texas Avenue was built in 1930. The current owner bought the house 2009. and has lived in it since purchase. Per City staff the house does not qualify for an individual landmark, though it would be considered a contributing structure to any future local historic district in the neighborhood. (A contributing structure “adds to the historical integrity or architectural qualities that make a historic district.”)

Summary of Historic Landmark Commission Hearing on Application for partial Demolition of 607 Texas Avenue.

Hancock Neighborhood attendees: Natalie Axe, Coan Dillahunty, Merianne Gaston, Mary Sanger

Steve Sadowsky, the City’s Landmark Historic Preservation Officer, presented the case and staff recommendation

As posted by the Landmark Commission:

“PROPOSAL FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION
The applicant proposes an addition to the first floor and the addition of a second floor to the house. The proposed addition will add 296 square feet to the first floor, 1,175 square feet to the second story, and 240 square feet of habitable attic space to the 1,218 square foot existing house. The proposed second story addition will be offset to the left of the house, and will contain a front-facing gable with paired 6:6 fenestration and a shed-dormer to the east (left). The area of the second story addition with the habitable space in the attic will be set further back and will be front-have a front-facing gable.

The materials proposed for the addition are brick, hardi-plank, and stucco. Some of the windows removed from the existing house will be re-used in the addition, particularly in the front-facing sections with brick veneer. Additional fenestration will be Marvin Integrity fiberglass windows divided lite casement and picture windows. The roof will have dimensional asphalt shingle.

STAFF COMMENTS
Staff has evaluated this house for designation as a historic landmark and has determined that the house does not meet the criteria for landmark designation as set forth in City Code:

STAFF RECOMMENDATION
The proposed addition is large and has the potential to overwhelm the original house. Staff recognizes that the house does not qualify as a historic landmark, but is completely intact now, and would definitely be contributing to a potential historic district in the neighborhood. Staff recommends scaling back the addition from the front, so that the existing house retains a much higher degree of articulation in the proposed configuration, but release of the permit upon completion of a City of Austin Documentation Package, consisting of photographs of all elevations, a dimensioned sketch plan, and a narrative history, for archiving at the Austin History Center.“

In Favor, Object
The owners stated that they had done their best to preserve the architectural aspects of the house, including reuse of original materials and maintaining the full facade. They also stated they had met with some neighbors over the weekend about their plan in advance of the hearing and listened to their concerns. The owners said they were supportive of a local historic district and had design standards been in place, they would have followed them, but since no standards existed, they did their best.

The homeowners’ architect pointed out how the original materials were to be re-used in the remodel, the window style were being preserved and the exterior finishes would match the historic style. He added that the addition would be "doing a favor to the neighborhood" by being a tasteful and well considered addition.

The neighbors then spoke in opposition to the request for partial demolition requesting a postponement in order for the owners to voluntarily meet with the Commission’s Committee on Certificate of Appropriateness.

Natalie Axe spoke first, indicating that an LHD was in the process of being considered and that the house was an intact building from 1930 and would be a contributing structure* as it now stands and would be non-contributing after the partial demolition and proposed addition. She also presented the Commission with nine letters

from immediate neighbors, and one letter from a neighbor not within 500 ft, but greatly interested, all requesting the Commission to postpone the partial demolition to give the owners time to meet on April 8th with the Commission’s Review Committee on Appropriateness which could help the owners address staff recommendations as well as provide design changes that would allow the home to remain a contributing structure.

Coan Dillahunty stated he was a member of the Hancock Neighborhood LHD committee, he provided a quick overview on the committee's work to date and made the same points as Natalie, ultimately requesting that the case decision be deferred until it could be reviewed by the Landmark Commission's Appropriateness committee.

At some point during the back & forth between the Commissioners and Sadowsky, the latter pointed out Department of Interior standards are used when local standards have not been adopted.

In the hearing discussion, Sadowsky said he understood the Hancock Neighborhood was currently in the process of researching a Local

Historic District designation and he was very supportive of that effort in that Hancock is one of the most intact historical neighborhoods. At the same time, however, this should not be the basis for the decision about the current case.

Commissioner Heismath pointed out this case is a prime example of why we need historic districts, explaining the Review Committee of Appropriateness had no jurisdiction in that the home is not considered a historic landmark and is not located in a local historic district.

There was a discussion among the Commissioners about whether the renovation would make this home a non-contributing structure . Commissioner Meyer explained that the height of the renovation and the front roof plane would not convey the home’s history. Director Sadowsky, Commissioners Koch and Commissioner Emily Hibbs agreed. Moreover, Commissioner Kevin Koch, who is also the architect of the Capitol Preservation Board, told the owners he thought a few tweaks to their plan would allow the home to remain a contributing structure. It was also explained that as a contributing property in a local historic district one is available for a tax abatement for seven years with certain conditions. (For more information see tax exemption for local historic districts at AustinTexas.Gov)

Since no LHD is in place and the property is not eligible for landmark status, the Commissioners didn't think they had the authority to postpone the partial demolition request and require appearance before the Appropriateness Committee. Commissioner Koch made a motion approving the partial demolition based on the completion of the City's standard information packet. Importantly, the motion also recommended that the owners appear voluntarily before the Appropriateness Committee to get guidance on how the addition could be made in a way that wouldn't make the building necessarily non-contributing, but that was only a non-binding recommendation. The motion passed.
Commissioner Meyer once again encouraged the owners to come voluntarily to the Certificate of Appropriateness Review Committee.

Notification timing
The neighbors within 500 feet of 607 Texas A venue received the mailed notice for a partial demolition on March 14th The staff posted the renovation plan & its recommendation on March 21st, the hearing took place the following Monday, the 25th. The owners requested an expedited hearing which possibly compressed the notification process. There is no requirement that an owner confer with the Neighborhood Association.

At the time of this writing, there is no information on whether the owners of 607 Texas Avenue have changed their renovation plans.

A recording of the hearing can be found by going to the March 25 meeting of the Austin Landmark Commission, You can skip directly to the 607 Texas Avenue case.

Summary prepared by Mary Sanger and a committee of editors. 3.29.2019

https://www.hancockna.org/www/content/607-texas-ave-landmark-commission-...
https://www.hancockna.org/www/content/607-texas-ave-landmark-commission-...

HNA Local Historic District Meeting Minutes for March 7, 2019

Minutes, HNA/Local Historic District Meeting, March 7, 2019, 7 p.m., Hyde Park Presbyterian Church Parish Hall

After closure of the HNA meeting on Mar 7, 2019, the Local Historic District (LHD) Special meeting of the Hancock Neighborhood Association was called to order. The purpose of the meeting was to provide information from the City about LHDs in general and to update HNA members and residents of the Hancock area on progress made on the LHD initiative. Jetta Todaro, member of the LHD Subcommittee, facilitated the meeting.

Ms Todaro welcomed attendees, introduced LHD Subcommittee members, and reminded attendees of the purpose of the initiative: to explore the feasibility of an historic district within the neighborhood; and to gauge interest in an LHD among residents and property owners. Ms. Todaro reviewed activities of the subcommittee over the last year since the subcommittee's formation:

A letter from Mark Harkrider, HNA president, about the LHD initiative was mailed to all property owners within the boundaries of the Hancock neighborhood in early 2018 informing them about the initiative. Those boundaries are Duval St on the west to frontage road of IH 35 on the east; E. 45th St on the north to E. 32nd St on the south.
A website devoted to the initiative and relevant information was created last year by volunteers.
A reconnaissance survey combined with a windshield survey have been ongoing by volunteers under the supervision of a qualified preservation specialist since last summer. Such initial survey work serves to identify concentrations of historic buildings within a neighborhood and gather information about periods of development of the neighborhood and the range of architectural styles present in the area.
Ms Todaro invited attendees to fill out Interest Cards placed on chairs to volunteer for the proposed LHD initiative, she reminded all to watch the LHD website and she called attention to the website section for photographs and house histories, urging attendees to add the stories of their homes to the growing list.

Ms Todaro recognized Jen and Coan Dillahunty, members of the subcommittee, for creating the LHD website, Terri Myers, member of the subcommittee, for heading up the initial survey work, and volunteers for performing it.

Ms Todaro introduced speakers for the program:

Cara Bertron, Deputy Preservation Officer of the COA and Terri Myers, Hancock resident, member of the LHD subcommittee and of the COA Historic Landmark Commission.

Cara Bertron gave a 15-minute presentation via Power Point. Readers are encouraged to view the program at www.hancocklhd.com

Cara concluded her presentation stating that the City is working with a group of citizens to create citywide design standards for future LHDs in Austin. She added that the City also will hire a consultant to perform a survey of several areas in Austin including the Hancock area. The survey is called the North Loop-Hancock-Upper Boggy Creek Survey Area. Completion date of the survey is currently unknown but the City will keep us informed of progress.

Terri Myers then presented preliminary findings of the reconnaissance and windshield surveys.

The team looked at age (50 years or older?) of the main buildings (or bridges, landscape elements, sites) and some secondary resources (garage apartments) visible from the right-of-way. The team also looked at architectural integrity for each resource. The National Park Service identifies seven aspects of integrity that should be present for a resource (bridge landscape element or site) to be considered "contributing" to a district. The seven are:
Integrity of location: is the resource in its original or historic-period location or has it been moved to the site since 1969?
Of setting: does the resource lie in a setting similar to that of the historic period? Still in the same neighborhood? Has the original neighborhood been redeveloped as a commercial or industrial zone?
Of design: does it retain all or most of its original design and character-defining features (roof form and pitch, porch, window and door patterns, etc)?
Of materials: does it retain all or most of its original materials, whether wood, brick, stucco, etc., or have they been replaced with modern materials?
Of workmanship: does it retain its original or historic level of quality of workmanship?
Of association: does it still convey its residential character?
Of feeling: does it still convey a good sense of history?
Preliminary survey results:

Ms Myers said that results show the neighborhood is overwhelmingly residential in character and has much historic fabric dating from multiple decades of the 20th century. Commercial redevelopment is occurring along some boundaries of the neighborhood. The neighborhood exhibits a variety of architectural styles and likely could meet the required 51% contributing houses to qualify for application as a local historic district. She also pointed out several areas within the neighborhood where concentrations of historic buildings exist. There is much history here, she concluded, also emphasizing that the survey results are preliminary.

Questions following the presentations:

Question: Could the Hancock Golf Course be part of a local historic district if it has historic components (like the recreation center)?
Answer: Yes. It would be counted as a contributing property and can be included in a district. When it comes to voting whether to support the district, Per City Code, the "amount of property to be calculated as supporting (a local historic district) shall not exceed one-third of 51% of land in the proposed district." Any area within the neighborhood applying for district status must be adjacent to the golf course in order to claim it as part of its district.

Question: If surveys do not find that 51% of buildings are considered contributing, can an application for district status later be appealed?
Answer: The City does not accept an application that lacks 51% contributing houses.

Question: How does one decide whether to go for smaller sections of an area for district status, or for larger sections?
Answer: The decision is neighborhood-driven. From the professional perspective, some recommend a small-parcel approach while others recommend a larger-parcel approach. For this neighborhood, a case could be made for tackling a larger area. The decision comes down to property owners' desires.

Question: What about non-resident property owners?
Answer: Non-resident property owners must be contacted about a potential district. There may be concern on their part about an LHD which is why it is important to provide information and education about the impact of a district. The LHD design standards will make it very difficult to demolish contributing buildings in a district. And, in general ways, the Standards will impact design for new construction. (ADUs can still be constructed in LHDs, as under current code, but, the Standards, for example, would require placement at back or rear-back of contributing properties, back from the street view of the house.)

Question: If 51% sign on in favor of a district, do others in same area have to be included?
Answer: Yes. A historic district must be contiguous with no “donut hole” cutouts. There will be public hearings for any district application after the application is accepted by the City with multiple opportunities to make one's voice heard at the Historic Landmark Commission, Planning Commission, and Council. Notification by the City is required to all property owners before each hearing.

Question: Can non-contributing property owners vote FOR a local historic district?
Answer: Yes, and many have done so in other Austin LHDs.

Question: A lot of historical research must be done for the local historic district application. Who does this?
Answer: A consultant can be hired to do it. Volunteers can do it, or the two can collaborate on the research.

Question: What next?
Answer: The LHD Committee is developing a plan of action.
We will continue to assess interest in the neighborhood and to talk to neighbors. Considerations:
• how to approach design standards relative to the City's effort to create citywide standards;
• determine whether and, if so, how to mesh with the City's plan to hire a consultant to survey the North-Loop-Hancock-Upper Boggy Creek Survey Area;
• determine whether to start with a small area and expand to others if there is interest;
• decide what communication materials to prepare to make residents and non-resident property owners aware of the effort and what opportunities to provide for participation.

These and additional questions will be added to the HNA developing FAQ.

Submitted by the Hancock Local Historic District Committee. 3.18.2019

https://www.hancockna.org/www/content/hna-local-historic-district-meetin...
https://www.hancockna.org/www/content/hna-local-historic-district-meetin...

Reminder: Special Hancock Neighborhood Meeting, Thursday, March 7, 2019

LOCAL HISTORIC DISTRICTS - HANCOCK NEIGHBORHOOD SPECIAL MEETING

NOTE: This Special Meeting on Local Historic Districts on March 7th will take the place of
Hancock Association’s regularly scheduled March meeting.

Hancock Neighbors,

A year ago, a committee of the Hancock Neighborhood Association formed to gauge interest and determine the feasibility of pursuing City of Austin designation for one or more Local Historic Districts (LHD) within
the HNA boundaries.

Please join us for a Local Historic District overview and Q&A session about LHDs. Our guest speaker will be Cara Bertron, the city’s Deputy Historic Preservation Officer. Her topics will include:

  • Why neighborhoods typically pursue LHD designation;
  • What it means to be in an LHD in terms of design standards and the City of Austin process;
  • Examples of recently approved projects; and
  • The nuts and bolts of designation requirements and application process.

You can participate by attending this informational meeting on Local Historic Districts:

**Note: New Venue

HYDE PARK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Parish Hall
3913 Avenue B (small church on corner of Ave. B and 40thSt. opposite Baker School
Thursday, March 7th, 7:00 p.m.

DIRECTIONS

PARISH HALL is directly behind (and attached to) the church building on the corner of 40th St. and Avenue B.

PARKING: There is plenty of parking on Avenue B (both sides of the street) and on 40th St., and there are a few spaces in the Church parking lot off the alley behind the church.
Enter the Parish Hall from church parking lot off the alley. We will have someone at the corner of the Parish Hall to direct you to the entrance door..

You can also:

  • Update your interest and questions by sending an email to hnahistoric@gmail.com;
  • Visit hancocklhd.com to stay informed;
  • Visit Hancock Neighborhood Association website where ongoing information will be Posted at www.hancockna.org.

The work of the LHD committee has included:

  • creating a website at hancocklhd.com to update HNA owners and residents about the effort;
  • researching steps and methods used successfully to designate LHDs in Austin neighborhoods;
  • training volunteers to do a street-by-street survey of HNA historic buildings and sites with volunteers having completed about half of the surveying;
  • conducting research to give property owners facts – instead of fiction – about LHDs.

Please join us on THURSDAY, MARCH 7TH at 7:00 p.m., and bring your questions!
Thank you,

HNA Local Historic District Committee

Febuary 25, 2019 Letter from HNA President to City Council Re. Red River Realignment

From: mark harkrider <apache@austintexas.gov>
Reply-To: mark harkrider <harkrider@westcapitol.com>
Date: Monday, February 25, 2019 11:36 AM
To: "steve.adler@austintexas.gov" <steve.adler@austintexas.gov>, "district1@austintexas.gov" <district1@austintexas.gov>, "district2@austintexas.gov" <district2@austintexas.gov>, "sabino.renteria@austintexas.gov" <sabino.renteria@austintexas.gov>, "district4@austintexas.gov" <district4@austintexas.gov>, "district5@austintexas.gov" <district5@austintexas.gov>, "district6@austintexas.gov" <district6@austintexas.gov>, "district7@austintexas.gov" <district7@austintexas.gov>, "district8@austintexas.gov" <district8@austintexas.gov>, "kathie.tovo@austintexas.gov" <kathie.tovo@austintexas.gov>, "district10@austintexas.gov" <district10@austintexas.gov>
Cc: mark harkrider <harkrider@westcapitol.com>
Subject: Red River Realignment

Dear Mayor Adler, Mayor Pro Tem Garza, Austin City Council Members, and City Manager Cronk:

On behalf of the residents of the Hancock Neighborhood, I am writing with concerns and questions about the proposed Red River realignment Hancock Neighborhood residents as well as many many others use Red River, the only north-south thoroughfare from 55th street to Caesar Chavez between IH 35 and Lamar. Users of Red River, particularly residents of neighborhoods which adjoin it, are concerned that one portion of the new Red River will be Robert Dedman Drive, which currently goes through the UT campus and is only two lanes wide. We foresee a future that will allow the University of Texas to close Robert Dedman Drive during football games and other events on UT campus.

With this as a major concern,

1. We ask that there be a firm agreement with the University of Texas that the new realignment will not restrict public use and specifically car use.

2. We ask that the Red realignment have four lanes, and include bike lanes and pedestrian sidewalks.

3. We would like to know if there has been any study showing the traffic impacts of the new realignment on 38th street from IH 35 to Guadalupe, from 32nd Street to Duval, from Harris Avenue to Duval,

or any other streets which might be affected by the realignment.

4. We would like to know the dates for when the realignment will start and the completion date.

5.We request a representative from the Hancock Neighborhood be included in any stakeholder meeting which is convened.

6. We request the City Manager or his designated person, keep me informed of all activities and major dates regarding the realignment.

Thank you.

Best regards,

Mark Harkrider, President, Hancock Neighborhood Association; Street address: 703 E 38TH ST, AUSTIN, TX, 78705 Council District: 9

https://www.hancockna.org/www/content/red-river-letter-22519docx
https://www.hancockna.org/www/content/red-river-letter-22519pdf

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