..D e Posting Language ..T itle Approve issuance of a capacity-based incentive (CBI) of $190,080 to Westminster Manor, hereinafter referred to as “the Customer” for the installation of solar electric systems on their facility located at 4300 Bull Creek Road, Austin, TX 78731, in District 10. Lead Department Austin Energy Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Prior Council Action: For More Information: Jeff Vice, Director, Local Government Issues (512) 322-6087; Richard Génecé, Vice President, Customer Energy Solutions (512) 322-6327; Tim Harvey, Solar Program Manager (512) 482-5386. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: January 10, 2022 – To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. January 18, 2022 – To be reviewed by the Resource Management Commission. Additional Backup Information: Austin Energy requests approval to issue this CBI at a rate of $1.00/Watt-DC to the Customer for the installation of solar electric system(s)*, detailed in the table below at their facility to produce renewable energy for on-site consumption. The table below provides a summary of the system sizes, costs, and proposed incentives: Westminster Manor – Carlisle Building Number of Modules Module Rating (W-DC) Total System Size (kW-DC) Total System Size (kW-AC) Annual Estimated Production (kWh) Total System Cost ($) Total Incentive ($) Percent of Cost Covered 576 330 190.80 157.766 274,014 $370,656 $190,080 51% *All solar equipment meets Austin Energy program requirements Westminster Manor, Inc, is an assisted living facility for seniors. The proposed solar system would cover 7% of the anticipated annual energy needs of this new building. According to the US Energy Information Administration, based on the state-wide electricity profile, this solar project is estimated to prevent the production of the following emissions each year: 128 US tons of Carbon Dioxide (CO2); 164 pounds of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2); and 192 pounds of Nitrogen Oxide (NOX). According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Greenhouse Gas Equivalency Calculator, these emissions reductions are equivalent to planting 1,920 trees or 142 acres of forest in Austin's parks or the removal of 291,832 vehicle miles or 25.3 cars from Austin roadways. According to the updated Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan, approved by Austin City Council in March 2020, “Austin Energy will achieve a total of 375 MW of local solar capacity by the end of 2030, of which 200 MW will be customer-sited (when including both in-front-of-meter and behind-the meter installations).” In …
..D e Posting Language ..T itle Approve issuance of a capacity-based incentive (CBI) of $231,990 to the YMCA of Austin, hereinafter referred to as “the Customer” for the installation of solar electric systems on their facility, located at 5315 Ed Bluestein, Austin, TX 78724, in District 1. Lead Department Austin Energy Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Prior Council Action: For More Information: Jeff Vice, Director, Local Government Issues (512) 322-6087; Richard Génecé, Vice President, Customer Energy Solutions (512) 322-6327; Tim Harvey, Solar Program Manager (512) 482-5386. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: January 10, 2022 – To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. January 18, 2022 – To be reviewed by the Resource Management Commission. Additional Backup Information: Austin Energy requests approval to issue this CBI at a rate of $1.00/Watt-DC to the Customer for the installation of solar electric system(s)*, detailed in the table below at their facility to produce renewable energy for on-site consumption. The table below provides a summary of the system sizes, costs, and proposed incentives: YMCA of Austin - 5315 Ed Bluestein, Austin, TX 78724 Number of Modules Module Rating (W-DC) Total System Size (kW-DC) Total System Size (kW-AC) Annual Estimated Production (kWh) Total System Cost ($) Total Incentive ($) Percent of Cost Covered 703 330 231.99 192.552 322,462 $429,182 $231,990 54% *All solar equipment meets Austin Energy program requirements The YMCA of Austin provides recreational facilities and classes. The proposed solar system would cover 64% of the historic annual energy needs of this building. According to US Energy Information Administration and based on the state-wide electricity profile, this solar project is estimated to prevent the production of the following emissions each year: 152 tons of Carbon Dioxide (CO2); 193 pounds of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2); and 226 pounds of Nitrogen Oxide (NOX). According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Greenhouse Gas Equivalency Calculator, these emissions reductions are equivalent to planting 2,280 trees or 169 acres of forest in Austin's parks or the removal of 346,550 vehicle miles or 30 cars from Austin roadways. According to the updated Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan, approved by Austin City Council in March 2020, “Austin Energy will achieve a total of 375 MW of local solar capacity by the end of 2030, of which 200 MW will be customer-sited (when including both in-front-of-meter and behind-the …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Resolution on Distributed Community Solar WHEREAS, on June 17, 2020, the Resource Management Commission passed Resolution 20200617-003, supporting distributed community solar and recommending criteria for evaluating proposals; and WHEREAS, in October 2020, Austin Energy issued a request for proposals for solar energy produced on the local distribution grid; and WHEREAS, Austin Energy did not select any distributed solar proposals to execute; and WHEREAS, the majority of local rooftop solar potential in Austin is not utilized; and WHEREAS, local solar development creates good paying local jobs; and WHEREAS, community solar allows for equitable access to clean energy; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISION OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: The Resource Management Commission establishes the Distributed Community Solar Working Group. The working group will collaborate with staff and return to the full Commission with recommendations for the best path forward, next steps and a timeline for implementation. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET CASE NUMBER: TBD HLC DATE: January 24, 2022 PC DATE: APPLICANT: Historic Landmark Commission (owner-opposed) HISTORIC NAME: Charles E. Green House (El Rancho Verde) WATERSHED: Johnson Creek NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN: West Austin Neighborhood Group A.1 – 1 ADDRESS OF PROPOSED ZONING CHANGE: 1505 Forest Trail ZONING CHANGE: MF-3-NP to MF-3-H-NP COUNCIL DISTRICT: 10 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff finds that the house meets the criteria for landmark designation for its unique architecture, landscape features, and historical association with Charles E. Green, editor of the Austin American-Statesman for over 30 years. The commission may want to consider the character of Green’s writings in determining whether to recommend historic zoning. QUALIFICATIONS FOR LANDMARK DESIGNATION: Architecture, historical associations, and landscape feature HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION ACTION: PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: DEPARTMENT COMMENTS: The 2011 MoPac reconnaissance survey report lists the property as contributing to a potential historic district. Note that the Historic Landmark Commission previously conducted a public hearing for demolition of this property but did not reach a resolution. The case was initially heard on January 23, 2017 (see staff report). After multiple applicant-requested postponements, the case did not reappear on the September 25, 2017 agenda. CITY COUNCIL DATE: ORDINANCE READINGS: ACTION: ORDINANCE NUMBER: CASE MANAGER: Elizabeth Brummett PHONE: 512-974-1264 NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATIONS: Austin Independent School District, Austin Lost and Found Pets, Austin Neighborhoods Council, Central West Austin Neighborhood Plan Contact Team, Friends of Austin Neighborhoods, Neighborhood Empowerment Foundation, Preservation Austin, SELTexas, Save Barton Creek Assn., Save Historic Muny District, Sierra Club, Austin Regional Group, TNR BCP – Travis County Natural Resources, Tarrytown Alliance, Tarrytown Neighborhood Association, West Austin Neighborhood Group BASIS FOR RECOMMENDATION: Architecture: The house retains a high degree of integrity and is a unique example of its style and construction materials. It is a one-story, U-plan, brick veneer house with “weeping” mortar, corners of rubble volcanic stone, and a central stone chimney. The moderately pitched hipped roof has brackets along the eaves. Windows are 1:1 wood sash with 4:4 screens and blue wood shutters on the facade. The centrally located front entrance has a chevron-patterned wood door. The interior of the house is also remarkably intact. Rustic elements include heavy timber trusses and warm wood wall paneling and flooring in the living room. A bathroom tile depicts a cowboy smoking a cigarette. While an architect is not known, the house expresses the personality of Charles E. Green, for whom it was …
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION PERMITS IN NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICTS JANUARY 24, 2022 C14H-1986-0008; HR-2021-200636 CONGRESS AVENUE HISTORIC DISTRICT 522 CONGRESS AVENUE C.7 – 1 Install a sculpture at the southwest corner of 6th St. and Congress Ave. in an existing street patio within the right-of-way. PROPOSAL PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS The proposed sculpture will be located within an existing street patio along Congress Ave. adjacent to the Scarbrough Building, a historic landmark. The sculpture is approximately 12’ tall and reads “Keep Austin Weird” depending on the angle of view. The sculpture will be located in the right-of-way for Congress Ave. The map in the historic zoning file for the Scarbrough Building indicates that only the building footprint is designated; the designation does not extend into the right-of-way. See the map on page 3 below. As such, this review does not require a Certificate of Appropriateness, and the Commission’s comments are advisory. Installation of the sculpture requires a license agreement with the City of Austin. A license agreement is for a temporary encroachment on the right-of-way, requires annual renewal, and can be revoked by the City with notice. The sculpture will be securely installed, though it is in three pieces and is ultimately moveable. DESIGN STANDARDS The City of Austin’s Historic Design Standards (March 2021) are based on the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and are used to evaluate projects within National Register districts. However, provisions for review of public art are not included in the Historic Design Standards. Standards for new streetscape elements reference compatibility of style, design, and materials with the surrounding historic district. These factors may not apply in evaluating artistic expression; sculptures may be site-specific and designed to respond to their environment or may be purposefully distinct. The Commission should focus solely on impacts to the setting of the Congress Avenue Historic District and not comment on the artistic merit of the proposed art piece. While there is not a historic precedent for public art within the Congress Avenue Historic District, multiple sculptures currently are installed within the district, and the impact of this additional piece will be minimal on the overall character of the district. Within the streetscape, the 12’ sculpture is not of a scale that competes with the substantial height of the 8-story Scarbrough tower. At the pedestrian level, while larger than human scale, the sculpture will be aligned with the street trees and …
SCARBROUGH BUILDING KEEP AUSTIN WEIRD SCULPTURE Colina West Real Estate Historical Landmark Commission Application Supporting Documents S C A R B R O U G H - P O C K E T PA R K S Before After S C A R B R O U G H - P O C K E T PA R K S Before After P O C K E T PA R K S D E S I G N P R O C E S S C O M P L E T E D P O C K E T PA R K S S C U L P T U R E L O C AT I O N 6 t h S t r e e t Congress Ave S C U L P T U R E I N S P I R AT I O N S C U L P T U R E D E S I G N P R O C E S S S C U L P T U R E D E S I G N P R O C E S S C O M P L E T E D S C U L P T U R E 8 T H & C O L O R A D O – N E O N H O R S E 8 1 6 C O N G R E S S – S T R U C T U R E 8 2 3 C O N G R E S S – T R E E G A R D E N C E S A R C H AV E Z A N D C O N G R E S S - V E R A C R U Z A L L N AT U R A L M U R A L 3 0 1 C O N G R E S S ( TA C O D E L I ) - E G Y P T L O O K I N G S C U L P T U R E S 6 T H A N D C O L O R A D O – S C U L P T U R E I N S I D E C O U RT YA R …
January 19, 2022 City of Austin Historic Landmark Commission 301 West Second Street Austin, TX 78701 Re: Support for January 24, 2022, Meeting Agenda Item B.2. 522 Congress Avenue – Scarbrough Building – Sculpture installation Members of the Historic Landmark Commission, The Downtown Austin Alliance would like to express strong support for Colina West’s request for a temporary permit for the installation of a new sculpture, titled Keep Austin Weird, at the Scarbrough Building pocket patio on the southwest corner of 6th and Congress in downtown Austin. Two of the priorities of our Roadmap to Recovery and Resilience for downtown Austin are to support the preservation and recovery of downtown’s small, locally-owned businesses and live music scene and to elevate inclusive and engaging experiences in downtown’s public spaces and activate them with art, cultural and music. We support the installation of the Keep Austin Weird sculpture as a tactical strategy that will help achieve these goals. The sculpture will provide a new, engaging, social media posting experience at 6th and Congress that will draw people to shop at the nearby retail businesses and to explore the rich culture and history of the Congress Avenue National Historic District. It will enhance and complement the design of the Scarbrough Building’s pocket patio as well as the series of pocket patios, public art installations and murals already on the Avenue. We support Colina West’s request for the temporary permit and look forward to seeing visitors and locals enjoy the sculpture once it is installed. Thank you. Sincerely, Dewitt Peart President and CEO Cc: Amber Allen, City of Austin Historic Preservation Office The Downtown Austin Alliance mission: To create, preserve and enhance the value and vitality of downtown Austin.
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Monday, January 24, 2022 5:30 p.m. – Adjournment City of Austin Permitting & Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Room 1406 Austin TX 78752 CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: Sareta Davis, Chair Isabel Casas, Vice Chair Malenie Areche Jared Breckenridge Kimberly Brienzi Garry Brown Jamarr Brown Kristian Caballero Idona Griffith Maram Museitif Alicia Weigel CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA Citizens signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed three minutes to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. a. Consider approval of the minutes from the Human Rights Commission’s November 22, 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2021 Regular Meeting. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Presentation by Edna Yang, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways, followed by discussion and possible action regarding an update on the successes of the American Gateways program serving the low income immigrant community and request for support in making immigration legal services a continued priority in the city’s budget for next year. (Davis/Casas) b. Discussion and possible action on a recommendation to City Council and the City Manager to strengthen policies regarding investigative authority for the City of Austin Office of Police Oversight. (Brown, G./Davis) c. Discussion and possible action regarding commissioner nominations to the Joint Inclusion Committee. (Davis/Casas) 3. OLD BUSINESS a. Commissioners will report on and discuss the status of the Commission’s key priority areas of concern for 2021-2022, including plans and strategies for meeting those key priority areas of concern: i. Institutional Equity ii. Environment & Land Use iii. Health Access & Nutrition iv. Autonomy & Human Rights ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Jonathan Babiak, Office of Civil Rights, at (512) 974-3203 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Human Rights Commission, please contact Jonathan Babiak at (512) 974-3203 or visit http://www.austintexas.gov/hrc.
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION MONDAY, January 24, 2022– 6:00 PM MEETING WILL BE HELD IN PERSON AT CITY HALL Council Chambers 301 W. 2nd Street Austin, TX 78701 Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live. COMMISSION MEMBERS: Terri Myers, Chair Ben Heimsath, Vice Chair Anissa Castillo Witt Featherston Kevin Koch Carl Larosche Kelly Little Trey McWhorter Blake Tollett Beth Valenzuela Caroline Wright AGENDA CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first (10) speakers who register to speak prior to the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. December 17, 2021 – Offered for consent approval 2. PRESENTATIONS, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION A. Consider nomination of Bradford Patterson for a three-year term on the Austin Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) board 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Discussion and Possible Action on Applications for Historic Zoning, Discussion and Action on Applications for Historic District Zoning, and Requests to Consider Initiation of Historic Zoning Cases 1 A.1. PR-2021-137925 – 1505 Forest Trl. – Discussion Council District 10 Proposal: Commission-initiated historic zoning. Owner’s Representative: Carolina Escamilla City Staff: Elizabeth Brummett, Historic Preservation Office, 512-974-1264 Staff Recommendation: The house meets the criteria for landmark designation for its unique architecture, landscape features, and historical association with Charles E. Green, editor of the Austin American-Statesman for over 30 years; the commission may want to consider the character of Green’s writings in determining whether to recommend historic zoning. B. Discussion and Possible Action on Applications for Certificates of Appropriateness B.1. HR-2021-202819 – 2402 San Gabriel St. – Consent postponement to February 28, 2022 Rev. Jacob Fontaine Gold Dollar Building Council District 9 Proposal: Remove second-story balcony enclosure and roof. Applicant: Natalia Lopez City Staff: Elizabeth Brummett, Historic Preservation Office, 512-974-1264 Staff Recommendation: Postpone the case to February 28, 2022. B.2. Not used. C. Discussion and Possible Action on Applications for Permits within National Register Districts C.1. HR-2021-180207 – 906 E. 14th St. – Consent (postponed December 17, 2021) Swedish Hill National Register District Council District 1 Proposal: Addition/remodel. Applicant: Oliver Shuttlesworth City Staff: Kalan Contreras, Historic Preservation Office, 512-974-2727 Committee Feedback: Reduce plate height, consider rotating addition, reconsider cladding material, reconsider window configuration. Staff Recommendation: Comment on and release the plans. C.2. HR-2021-193614 – 1808 W. 6th St. – Consent (postponed December 17, 2021) …
Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Friday, January 21, 2022 11:10 AM PAZ Preservation Permit application # HR22-001198 This message is from Catherine Sims. I live at 803 Avondale Road, Austin, TX 78704. I recently received a notice of public hearing for case # HR 22‐001198, Ryan Rodenberg, 804 Rutherford Place. The permit requested is for a demolition permit for the property. I support this permit being approved. I am in favor of Mr. Rodenberg's petition. I do not want to attend a public hearing because I am over 70 years old. Doing so is not advisable for my age group, or health status, due to Covid protocols. I do want to register my support, however. Thank you, Catherine Sims 803 Avondale Road Austin, TX 78704 1
Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Thomas Blank Friday, January 21, 2022 7:23 AM PAZ Preservation Case GF 22-001167 - 512 E Monroe St *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** I am in favor of approving Ms. Allen’s demolition permit application at 512 E Monroe. This property belongs to her and she should be able to do with it as she pleases. Thank you, Tom Blank 1205 Bickler Rd, Austin, TX 78704 CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1
1700 Lavaca Item D.13 Historic Landmark Commission January 24, 2022 1700 Overview • Collectively 0.0317 acres, or approximately 1,380 SF • DMU (Downtown Mixed Use) Lot Size: Building Size: • Approx. 1,126 SF Zoning: Built: • Circa 1883 Current Use: • Restaurant Historic Use: • Grocery, Cleaners Photo Landmark Designation Criteria A property must meet at least two of the below criteria: i. Architecture ii. Historical Associations iii. Archeology iv. Community Value v. Landscape Feature i. Architecture × Embodies the distinguishing characteristics of a recognized architectural style, type, or method of construction; × Exemplifies technological innovation in design or construction; displays high artistic value in representing ethnic or folk art, architecture, or construction; × Represents a rare example of an architectural style in the city; × Serves as an outstanding example of the work of an architect, builder, or artisan who significantly contributed to the development of the city, state, or nation; × Possesses cultural, historical, or architectural value as a particularly fine or unique example of a utilitarian or vernacular structure; or × Represents an architectural curiosity or one-of-a-kind building. i. Architecture Missing original features: • Original porch with overhead metal awning • Metal cornices • Cobbler structure • 1900-1910 additions to grocer and cleaner’s structures • Associated frame residential dwelling • Doors and windows on back of structure may have been modified/reconstructed 1894 Sanborn ii. Historical Associations groups, institutions, The property has long-standing significant associations with events persons, of historic importance which contributed significantly to the history of the city, state, or nation; or represents a significant portrayal of the cultural practices or the way of life of a definable group of people in a historic time. businesses, or ii. Historical Associations Long standing historic association: - Avid bowler - Active PTA and Capital Study Guild - Member of St. Martin Lutheran Church - One of several Cash Stores in Austin during the time Landmark Designation Criteria iii. Archeology iv. Community Value v. Landscape Feature The property has, or is expected to yield, significant data concerning the human history or prehistory of the region; The property has a unique location, physical characteristic, or significant feature that contributes to the character, image, or cultural identity of the city, a neighborhood, or a particular group. The property is a significant natural or designed landscape or landscape feature with artistic, aesthetic, cultural, or historical value to the city. Request request the …
Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Molly White Friday, January 21, 2022 11:25 AM PAZ Preservation 1208 S 5 ST *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Dear Amber Allen, I own 1206 S. 5th and received the Demolition application for PR‐2021‐193617 GF 21‐205522. The previous owner, Harriet Venable had lived in the house her entire life and inherited it from her parents when they died. Harriet was disabled, and I see on TCAD that she had a DP Disability exemption as well as a Homestead exemption. Both were correct. Harriet sold and moved in October 2021. TCAD shows the new owner as Joe L Velasco with a California address. TCAD's 2022 record for the property also shows the homestead and disability exemptions continuing to apply. It does not seem appropriate for Harriet Venable's disability exemption to carry over to a new owner. Please investigate the situation. Also, much as I dislike housing to be destroyed, I do not have any evidence of historic significance to 1208 S. 5th. I appreciate your attention to my question. Molly White CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1
Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Tony Beckwith Friday, January 21, 2022 11:32 AM PAZ Preservation Case Number: GF 22-001028 - 607 E 38th St *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** I object to the demolition of the above listed property. The plan is to replace it with a 4000 sq ft duplex and detached garage. This structure is too large for the lot and does not maintain the neighborhood integrity. Thank you, Lillian Beckwith 602 Carolyn Ave. 78705 CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1
Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: David Guarino Friday, January 21, 2022 12:52 PM PAZ Preservation nancy lynch 2021 202292 PR *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Attention Amber Allen: I am the property owner at 605 East 38th Street, where I have resided with my wife, Nancy A. Lynch, for the past 36 years. I would like to offer comments concerning the proposed demolition permit for the property at 607 East 38th Street. While my wife and I are not taking a position in favor of or against the proposed demolition permit, we would like to share the following information: The property at 607 East 38th Street is a duplex, and both units are currently occupied, and have been for some time. I don't know how the current eviction moratorium affects the proposed application for a demolition permit, but it may be a consideration. We have good neighbors in both units, and would hate to lose them, and hate to see them have to seek alternative affordable housing in this market. To the best of my knowledge, the current renters have not been informed by the city of the proposed demolition permit, and we would like to see them have that opportunity. The current property represents one of a dwindling number of affordable rental units in Central Austin. The duplex at 607 East 38th Street is a fairly typical craftsman style structure dating from the 1920s or 1930s. To the best of my knowledge, it is largely intact and unchanged. As such, it may be a contributing structure to a future application for a Historic District designation. It was formerly owned for many years by Texas Regionalist Artist and University of Texas Art Professor Michael Frary. Continuously occupied by renters throughout its history, the property is something of a "living museum" to the University of Texas community and the surrounding Hancock neighborhood, one of the city's oldest. Tenants have typically been from the university and creative communities, and have been likely to pay the rent out of the tip jar. Because the rent has always been relatively affordable, the property has attracted renters with more talent and education than money, a living reflection of the old Austin. Over the years, our neighbors have included musicians, writers, chefs and waitstaff, at least one craft brewer and at least one commercial artist. Demolition of the property will likely put …
Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Barbara Epstein Friday, January 21, 2022 12:48 PM PAZ Preservation HNA; e Case No. GF 22-001028 607 E. 38th St. *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** This email serves as my protest to the demolition permit application for Case No. GF 22-001028 607 E. 38th St. I live within 500 feet of the property. Although this 1935 duplex is not a grand structure, it is representative of the modest multi-family housing built in the area at the time that continues to provide (badly needed) relatively affordable housing in our city core. When I looked online to search for photos (since I had never been inside), I was surprised to see what looks like remarkably well-preserved living space--- https://www.apartments.com/607-e-38th-st-austin-tx-unit-a/dv3k8rj/ The current owner is in San Antonio and according to his website https://habitathaus.com builds modern homes. When I spoke to the owner, Mr. Jorge Alzaga, he refused to commit in writing that any new structure he builds would blend in with the neighborhood’s historic architecture—or to put anything in writing at all before the demolition permit hearing. But anyone who looks at and purchases property in this neighborhood would see that it is predominately made up of historic architecture, so they either are interested in preserving it or only interested in making the most profit no matter what. If this demolition permit is granted, it will create a clear precedent to build much larger, incompatible housing to the lot line without adequate parking. (Mr. Alzaga has a permit on file to build a 4,004 sq. ft. two-story duplex, while the current one-story duplex is listed as having 1,582 sq. ft.) I am unaware of any duplex like the ones on the owner’s company website that have been proposed or built in this vicinity. This demolition permit would have a domino effect because the pressures are too great now to raze entire historic neighborhoods in the name of densification, while at the same time, our city has made it almost impossible for a homeowner to legally increase density by creating an affordable ADU in an existing detached structure.. (For example, by ordinance, [25-2-1463 (2)(b)] a detached garage cannot qualify as an ADU unless it is a second story unit, and is allowed only the one current driveway curb cut, even though an ADU requires an additional paved parking space.) This neighborhood is at a tipping …
Director’s Report January 2022 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS HIghlights __________________________________________________________________ 3 Facilities Services ____________________________________________________________ 5 FY2018 Bond Program Summary ___________________________________________________________ 5 FY2012 Bond Program Summary ___________________________________________________________ 7 Austin History Center ________________________________________________________ 10 Library Priorities ____________________________________________________________ 11 Literacy Advancement ___________________________________________________________________ 11 Digital Inclusion & STEM _________________________________________________________________ 11 Equity, Diversity & Inclusion _______________________________________________________________ 11 Civic and Community Engagement _________________________________________________________ 12 Staff Development ______________________________________________________________________ 12 Workforce and Economic Development ______________________________________________________ 12 APL By the Numbers ________________________________________________________ 13 Collections Circulation December __________________________________________________________ 13 HIGHLIGHTS 3 Austin Public Library Statement on Book Banning and Library Censorship The Austin Public Library stands with the entire library community in defense of the freedom to speak and the freedom to read, and opposed to censorship of any library materials. We remain committed to providing the entire Austin community with access to books, ideas, and knowledge, and to fostering a Library for All. “Freedom to read is a right that must be protected in our schools and public libraries, and we must not give in to the vocal few that want to speak for the many,” stated Austin Public Library Director Roosevelt Weeks. In October 2021, the Texas Library Association (TLA) noted a “substantial increase in censorship activity” in Texas libraries. In a statement from October 26, the TLA stated: “The Texas Library Association (TLA) holds that the freedom to read is a human right, protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. TLA believes that individuals have the right to free inquiry and the equally important right to form their own opinions. Freedom in selecting materials is a necessary safeguard to the freedom to read and shall be protected against irresponsible attempts by self-appointed censors to abridge it. Therefore, TLA opposes efforts that restrict the freedom to read through banning, removing, or other forms of restricting access to books or other materials.” In November 2021, the American Library Association’s (ALA) Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) reported an “unprecedented volume” in challenges to books in the Fall of 2021. In a joint statement from the ALA’s Executive Board and the Boards of Directors for all of ALA’s eight divisions, the ALA said: “In recent months, a few organizations have advanced the proposition that the voices of the marginalized have no place on library shelves. To this end, they have launched campaigns demanding the censorship of books and resources that mirror the lives of those who are gay, …
