Meeting 10/12/2004
J.J. Seabrook Neighborhood Association
Introductions
Old Business : Several neighbors attended a RMMA PIAC Transportation Committee meeting last week to discuss the impact of the Mueller development on our community and especially the proposed extension of Berkman Rd. to Pershing Dr/EM Franklin. Alternate or existing roads and surfaces were brought to the attention of the committee. The JJSNA representatives were asked to compile their concerns and suggestions and present an outline to the panel at the next meeting. Representatives were present from the Mueller Neighborhood Coalition, Catellus and the City.
New Business : The majority of our neighbors are complaining about cut-through traffic speeding through our streets between Manor Rd and MLK Blvd. The Mueller developers are listening to our concerns.
Question: Does the JJSNA want to submit a proposal to the City of Austin and to the Mueller Neighborhood Coalition that residents of the JJSNA have access to the perimeter greenbelt via foot access or a hike and bike trail?
Discussion
· Residents want to explore the City of Austin¹s commitment torerouting the Pershing/Berkman extension to Anchor Lane as this may only necessitate one traffic-calming device on Manorwood.
· This option would also prevent new traffic from exacerbating existing traffic flow problems on Pershing, Tillery, Greenwood, and E.M. Franklin because of traffic flow on Manor Road and MLK Boulevard.
· The City of Austin may want to explore the option of acquiring land to link the greenbelt westerly along Palo Pinto Drive between Denver Avenue and Manor Road as there is an existing creek bed (part of the Tannehill Branch Creek).
· Request the City of Austin to commit to traffic-calming devices on Tillery, E.M. Franklin, and Greenwood over the next five years.
Approved
· Residents voted to draft a position paper that outlined the following opinions of the JJSNA residents:
o Request that the City of Austin reroute the planned Berkman extension to Anchor Lane.
o Request that the City of Austin commit to creating foot access to the planned perimeter greenbelt from the existing JJ Seabrook Greenbelt.
· Draft the position paper within the next two weeks. Review by the JJSNA not required.
The meeting was adjourned by Mr. Wilborn at 8:30 pm.
Meeting 9/9/2004
J.J. Seabrook Neighborhood Association
Introductions
Old Business : The City zoning department has confirmed that the restaurant at 2037/2039 Airport Blvd is violating zoning (CS) code and an update on charges against them will be forthcoming. This bar is where County Judge Biscoe was drinking just before he was arrested recently for DUI.
A review of the Robert Mueller Municipal Airport project started with the Citizens for Airport Relocation plan in 1984, including the 1996 Task Forces redevelopment goals for this compact, mixed-use, pedestrian oriented plan;
* Fiscal Responsibility - the redevelopment must create a positive revenue stream that will fund onsite infrastructure and increase the city's overall tax base.
* Economic development - the project should create a wide range of employment opportunities for diverse groups in the community and reinforce Austin as a global marketplace.
* Revitalization - the development must promote economic development opportunities within East Austin.
*Compatibility - the project must maintain and enhance the quality of life in surrounding neighborhoods, providing complementary linkages, land uses, and transportation patterns.
* Diversity - the redevelopment must offer a wide range of housing choices to create a community of economically and ethnically diverse residents.
* Sustainability - development should be planned in a way that promotes energy efficiency, watershed protection, green space preservation and reduced auto dependency.
The ROMA Design Group (the Master Plan consultants) then created a plan to include the City of Austin's requests;
* 5 million sq ft of commercial office space
* 300,000 sq ft of shops and restaurants
* 4,000 new residences (1,250 single family, 650 row houses, 2,200 apartments )
* 160 acres of green space ( including bike/hike trails)
* an elementary school
* AFS soundstage complex
* 30 acres of playfields/park near the elementary school
*32 acres of neighborhood parks
* a central transit corridor that provides mass transit service through the heart of the community
* a town square at the heart of the town center
In 1999, the airport closed and the Mueller Neighborhood Coaltion was officially formed with representatives from each adjacent neighborhood.
In 2000, City Council created the RMMA Plan Implementation Advisory Commission. The RMMA PIAC's duties are to advise city council on the implementation of the RMMA Master Plan, the 1996 Task Force Report, and other redevelopment issues at the RMMA including:
* proposed amendments to the Master Plan
* land disposition strategy
* traffic
* urban design and zoning
* demolition of existing facilities
* make recommendations on amendments to the Master Plan
In 2002, City Council unanimously votes to approve Catellus Development Corporation as master developer and signs an Exclusive Negotiation Agreement.
The observation tower is saved as a landmark reminder of the airport's 80+ yrs of service to Austin.
To review the RMMA Master Plan, neighbors are encouraged to call city representative Pam Hefner at 974-3511 for a copy, especially Ch 6 covering Transportation. It has been promised that " the public streets in the Mueller community have been configured to provide for efficient circulation, distrubuting traffic to the various areas of the new community without overburdening the existing perimeter streets or neighborhoods."
New Business: Tonight's meeting has been dedicated exclusively to discussing transportation issues.
Every neighbor present is greatly concerned about the proposed "mass transit corridor" (Berkman extension) through the site to Manor Rd/EM Franklin/Pershing Dr and its effect on all N-S streets. We are continually requesting traffic calming assistance from the city, even before our official petition in June 2004.
Some neighbors also express concern about the density of housing and appropriateness of affordable housing locations within the dense proposal.
Neighbors present voice that they do NOT want mass transit to run through EM Franklin or Pershing.
Neighbors raise the issue of reuse of existing roads within the site, specifically the roadway that enters/exits onto Anchor Ln and the paved entrance across from Lovell. It is also mentioned that the extension of Old Manor Rd would increase accessibility to adjacent east austin neighbors.
Every person present believes that the proposed Berkman mass transit corridor will bring increased cut through automobile traffic and will overburden our neighborhood streets. Neighbors realize this will create a direct N-S route between 290 and 969, that will dangerously impact our residential streets and the atmosphere of the protected JJ Seabrook Greenbelt.
Neighbors question why the Town Center has now been moved westward and the central transit corridor no longer passes through it. This is an obvious deviation from the original plan. Opposition at public meetings against this particular route layout have been dismissed by some adjacent neighborhoods as unsupportive of the Master Plan.
Neighbors unanimously vote to request another Transportation Committee meeting so the RMMA PIAC can understand our concerns and hear our ideas and suggestions.
Neighbors want assurance that the Watershed Protection department is approving the location and size of green spaces and ponds and that the stretch of Greenbelt through our neighborhood will not be in danger due to the buildout.
Treasurer's Report
Next Meeting
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
Meeting 7/15/2004
J.J. Seabrook Neighborhood Association
Introductions
There was discussion of the neighborhood's traffic calming petition, turned over to the City in June, 2004. It was suggested that residents of each block discuss what kinds of devices would be appropriate to their own streets. Dan Daniels has received some information from city staff about traffic speed and volumes on Greenwood, EM Franklin, and Pershing (Tillery was not tested, apparently staff felt that data from an older test would suffice). It was also suggested that the neighborhood write a letter to the City Manager and Council Members, to acknowledge staff's quick action in conducting the speed/volume study, but also to press for additional action beyond the study.
Neighbor's Night Out will be August 3rd. 6:00 PM - proposed start time.
Possible speakers are discussed, numerous suggestions are made. Attending neighbors volunteer for roles at NNO including but not limited to: setup, food, drinks, paper products, cleanup
Treasurer's Report. $50 will be allotted for Neighbor's Night Out expenses.
There are no regular meetings scheduled for August, November or December.
Next Meeting
Thursday, September 9, 6:30-8:00 pm
Meeting 6/15/2004
J.J.Seabrook Neighborhood Association
Introductions
Old Business
Transportation Petition
The transportation petition which has been circulating about our streets for several weeks, was submitted to the City officials and to Catellus, the developers, and is being well received. It outlined traffic concerns related to the upcoming demolition and construction at RMMA, specifically on N-S streets, which have been used as cut-throughs before. JJSNA members voted whether to formally adopt the petition, 4 voted in favor, 1 abstained. .
A Transportation Committee created by the RMMA Planning Implementation Advisory Committee, is meeting regularly and the JJSNA is being represented by Roger Taylor. Many of our northern neighbors show concern about the IH35/51st /Cameron Rd intersection. Neighbors from Manorwood recall major airport car rental traffic when the airport was active. A representative of Pascal’s catering mentions that the light pole, at the curve in front of their business, has been severely damaged numerous times by wreck less vehicles speeding on Anchor Ln/38 ½.
Non-profit status
We discussed JJSNA pursuing official non-profit status, as a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. No members present could provide compelling reasons to pursue it. Perhaps if the association had more expenses/purchases or income, it would be necessary. We are open to more input on this topic.
We are researching opening a savings account, and recognize the need for an elected Treasurer.
New Business
National Night Out
Tuesday, August 3rd is National Night Out, and JJSNA will once again hold a picnic at the Red Cross facility. This is a chance for neighbors to spend time together and socialize in a relaxed atmosphere. Volunteers are needed to contribute time and resources, please see a Block Leader or come to the July meeting for more information. We plan to invite a representative from City Watershed Protection as guest speaker. Neighbors of the JJSNA would like to invite the Manorwood and Tower View area residents to attend the NNO event in August.
Several neighbors are interested in a neighborhood picnic in the JJ Seabrook Greenbelt in the Spring.
Association Expansion
Members of the JJSNA are interested in expanding boundaries to include the neighbors in the Manorwood and Tower View area. It will require outreach to those neighbors, with a phone/address list, and a couple of representatives to volunteer to be contacts. There are many common issues we all share: the RMMA redevelopment, traffic issues, and zoning/code compliance issues.
Greenbelt
Neighborhood Watch ALERT - A neighbor was assaulted while walking along a dimly lit area of Palo Pinto near the Greenbelt last week by some teens with a weapon. Please be aware and report all suspicious behaviors to the Police immediately. Remember when calling the Police, to say the incident is “in progress” and that you are a member of JJSNA. The need for adequate street lighting and sidewalks was also discussed.
Be encouraged to attend the APD Commander’s Forum, which is a monthly public meeting where we can listen and be heard.
Next Meeting
Thurs., July 15th, 6:30-8:00 pm, at the Red Cross
Meeting 5/13/2004
J.J. Seabrook Neighborhood Association
Old business begins with traffic updates in the area. Considering the RMMA development and the effect on traffic flow to the surrounding streets, an informal petition has begun circulation around the neighborhood. This petition will be reviewed for adoption by the JJSNA as an official petition at the next meeting. The petition will appear on the reverse side of the June agenda.
Generous thanks are extended to all of the residents in the neighborhood who gathered signatures for the petition.
Neighbor on EM Franklin mentions concern about the increased heavy machinery and construction traffic through our streets and on EM Franklin in particular. For updated information regarding future RMMA traffic, please consult the Traffic Hotline 512 473-9963 or consult the web site www.rmma.net.
The proposed Constitution changes (see May agenda for more details) were reviewed by Steve Barney, open for discussion, and then adopted by a 100% favorable vote.
Neighbor on Greenwood suggests the deed restrictions/restrictive covenants of all the housing additions included within the JJSNA boundaries be collected and compiled for easy future reference.
New business begins with input from neighbors who would like to gather old photographs of this neighborhood for historical collection.
Membership dues are collected and the Treasurer’s Report given.
It is suggested we begin an aggressive outreach to our northern neighbors, namely Towerview Ct and Manorwood Rd, to be included within the Neighborhood Association.
The need to become a nonprofit organization was also mentioned again. We will discuss this status change as well as opening a savings account at the next meeting.
Meeting 3/5/2004
J.J. Seabrook Neighborhood Association
Roger Taylor was recognized for his past leadership on neighborhood matters. Steve Barney presented Mr. Taylor with a plaque in appreciation of his 20+ years of service.
Mr. Taylor called for greater organization & mobilization in the neighborhood, especially in light of Mueller redevelopment and related traffic issues. He also noted the necessity of posting information from various community organizations in the monthly agenda flyers.
Mr. Barney reminded us that amending the JJSNA Constitution requires fifteen (15) days notice and two-thirds (2/3) majority member vote. The proposed Amendments were distributed to members present.
Mr. Wilborn suggested the possibility of improved continuity by having one and half (1 1/2) year terms for JJSNA President, and a "President Elect" who would be in a training period before taking on the position of President.
Mr. Taylor noted the Austin Neighborhood Council can provide JJSNA guidance with Constitution or leadership issues.
Dan Daniels suggested benefits of having first, second, and third Vice Presidents rather than co-presidents.
Mr. Taylor called attention to the RMMA's ever changing maps as well as traffic problems brought about by RMMA development.
( see www.rmma.net for more information )
Meeting 1/27/2004
J.J. Seabrook Neighborhood Association
We thank Mario Renteria and Dwayne Jones, our APD Community Liaisons, who were informative and inspiring to all in attendance. Thank you to everyone for their input and especially those who brought refreshments.
Be advised our District #6 APD Representative is Carlos Casas, 974-5917
Meeting 8/19/2003
J.J. Seabrook Neighborhood Association
In brief, we thank Jim Walker, of the MNC, who was guest speaker and updated the neighbors on issues related to the Mueller property development.
[[We continue to meet regularly but have no volunteers to maintain this site. If you are a resident of the area and would like to contribute your time/skills to this effort, please let us know at the next meeting]]
Meeting 7/15/2003
J.J. Seabrook Neighborhood Association
- Keep Informed and Get Involved
Meet your neighbors - National Night Out at the Red Cross - Tues, August 5th ...
Meeting 6/17/2003
J.J. Seabrook Neighborhood Association
- Keep Informed and Get Involved
* Austin Police Department Commander's Forum: Meet with area commanders,
police officers, district representatives and your neighbors.
Meets every FIRST MONDAY OF THE MONTH
from 6:30p.m.-8:30p.m.
at the Recruiting Office at 2785 East 7th Street
in the shopping center on Pleasant Valley/East 7th Street.
(Next meeting is July 7th)
* People's Forum: Voice your concerns about your neighborhood.
Meets every THIRD SATURDAY OF THE MONTH
from 10:15a.m.- 12:15p.m.
at 3401 Webberville Road on the Austin Community College Eastview Campus
(Next meeting is June 21st)
* Contact the Central East District at 512/974.5919
to receive direct notifications/agendas of these Forums. *
*** Robert Mueller Airport Re-Development Project (RMMA) ***
* Robert Mueller Municipal Airport Plan Implementation Advisory Commission
(RMMAPIAC)
Met 10-June-2003;
Sent letter to Mayor and City Council;
supports Seton Hospital at Mueller.
Will host community discussion/workshop on Sale versus Lease Issue (TBA)
* Mueller Neighborhoods Coalition (MNC) consists of 15 surrounding
neighborhood associations:
( 1) Blackland
( 2) Cherrywood
( 3) Clifford/Sanchez
( 4) Delwood II
( 5) Hancock
( 6) Hyde Park
( 7) J.J. Seabrook
( 8) McKinley Heights
( 9) MLK/Airport Boulevard
(10) North University
(11) Ridgetop/Morningside
(12) Pecan Springs/Springdale
(13) Swede Hill
(14) Wilshire Woods
(15) Windsor Park
* MNC ListServ: mueller-neighborhoods@lists.greenbuilder.com
For weekly MNC updates contact Jim Walker at jwalk@greenbuilder.com
(512/974.0526 or 512/499.0526 ext. 2)
* Austin's Official Website:
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/mueller
Pamela Hefner, ASLA; Principal Planner, City of Austin
vox: 512/974.3511
fax: 512/974.7825
Long-Range Planning Division (TPSD)
One Texas Center
Austin TX 78767
(at South First and Barton Springs Road on the 9th floor)
City of Austin Hotline: 512/974.RMMA (512/974.7662) - for information
about the redevelopment process and to leave comments and/or questions.
*** Mark Your Calendars for JJSNA Upcoming Meetings ***
* Tuesday Meetings: July 15th, August 19th and September 16th
* Meet Your Neighbors - National Night Out - August 5th
