Duplex Development on Furness Drive
Case Number: C8-96-0159.01


To:
David Wahlgren <David.Wahlgren@ci.austin.tx.us>
Development Services Process Coordinator
City of Austin Watershed Protection & Development Review Department
P.O. Box 1088
Austin, Texas 78704

From:___________________

Dear Mr. Wahlgren:

I live on Danville Drive, only one street away from the proposed
duplex development in the Heritage Hills-Woodbridge neighborhood.  I
am emailing you to *object* to the proposed plans for the duplex
development on Furness Drive.

I have lived in this neighborhood since 2001 and have enjoyed the
convenience, safety, peace and quite, and friendliness of this
neighborhood.  I believe this neighborhood has such characteristics
not only because of its location and elementary school but also its
constituent residents (and many children).  Over 95% of the residents
are long-term homeowners (not renters) of single-family houses that
are spaced fairly close to each other.
The duplex development proposes to build 2-story dual-family
buildings, where each duplex unit will have a 1- or 2-car garage.
Additionally, the proposed platting is smaller than the existing
platting on the other side of Furness Drive, so that the land
originally partitioned for 12 plats of single family homes is
converted to 19 plats for 38 residences!
These two characteristics alone will increase the population density
of this neighborhood.  Duplexes attract renters (not long-term
homeowners).  Increased population density and renters will degrade
the safety and value of this neighborhood (not to mention the
elementary school).

I would prefer a more reasonable plan with plat sizes similar to
currrent plat sizes and with parkland that is consistent with the
existing approved plat.  Quoting another neighbor, "We are not
anti-development. We are proactive and desire the absolute best for
our neighborhood.  We acknowledge that the current approved plat
allows for 12 lots and quite a bit of PROPOSED PARKLAND (see the
current plat). While we don't appreciate the density of 21 duplexes
and feel it is totally wrong for our neighborhood, we acknowledge that
the current plat was approved by the city and should stand as is.
Taking park land and turning it into lots does not sound like it's
very 'Austin' to me."

Thank you for considering my objection to the duplex development.

With regard,

____________