D-2 C15-2021-0101 LATE BACKUP-OPPOSITION — original pdf

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From: To: Subject: Date: TONY ALONZI Ramirez, Elaine C15-2021-0101 Sunday, December 05, 2021 12:21:56 PM *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** 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. Sent from my iPhone D-2/1-LATE BACKUPFrom: To: Subject: Date: Zach Reich Ramirez, Elaine C15-2021-0101 - Variance I OPPOSE (Both A and B) Monday, December 06, 2021 9:28:36 AM *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** I am completely opposed to this variance for this property. This is the property listed in the case number I put in the subject line. This change will dramatically raise the heights of this development and I think will be a big detractor in the neighborhood. Higher buildings mean more people which means more traffic and more potential parking spaces getting taken not to mention the size will be over bearing. 40 feet is already high enough but the fact they want to raise it to 60 feet is not acceptable in my opinion. I am completely opposed to this variance and I will be returning the form to the city and I will also make my best efforts to attend the variance hearings. In a nutshell I oppose this variance request. If you have any additional follow-up questions please feel free to contact me. Elaine, Regards, Zach R. 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. D-2/2-LATE BACKUPD-2/3-LATE BACKUPFrom: To: Subject: Date: Amelia Hinds Ramirez, Elaine BOA12/13 Comments for Koenig SECO ventures height variance Monday, December 13, 2021 8:12:46 AM *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Hello Ms. Ramirez, Please include this written comment opposing the height variance for Koenig Hangar/Tx Gas Service on Koenig/Ave F. This variance would be extremely out of place, and create a huge increase in an already congested area surrounded by single family homes. The traffic light at this corner is already a dangerous mess. The property is surrounded by single family homes that have been there since the 50s. I have been here since the 80s, and have relied on city code to protect my quality of life when it comes to greedy development investors. I am disappointed that our neighborhood in SkyView could not be more organized to prepare our unified opposition but there are a good many of us who do not support this variance. Unfortunately, we only found out about this recently. I hope that the BOA keeps in mind that this is a very busy time of year, and people to not have the bandwidth to fight these variances. It is up to the BOA to maintain the city code and uphold these restrictions for those of us who can not be there in person to defend our quality of life. They are not adding hardly any affordable units, and there is no reason to support this variance. Thank you. Amelia Hinds Sent from my iPhone 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. D-2/4-LATE BACKUPFrom: To: Subject: Date: Greg Graml Ramirez, Elaine Variance request for Case No. C15-2021-0101 Monday, December 13, 2021 8:52:01 AM *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Members of the Board of Adjustment, I own a property directly across E. 56th Street from the proposed development (403 & 201 E. Koenig Lane and 5613 Avenue F, Case No. C15-2021-0101). I previously submitted comments generally supporting the project as it was configured when being evaluated by the parks department. However, I now have significant concerns with the updated configuration and variance request that, as written, would allow for a 60-foot-tall building with 5 stories located as close to 50 feet from a single-family property. From a functional standpoint, I propose a narrowly-tailored alternative to the request made by the developer. Specifically, for the portion of the structure within 100 feet of SFR properties, I propose that a variance only apply if the structure is at least 70 feet from the SFR property (which is the distance reflected on page D-2/23 of the advance packet) and that the variance would increase the allowable height from 40 to 50 feet (rather than 40 to 60 feet as the developer requested). With this change, the portion of the structure facing 56th street could be four stories. Without the any variance, it would be three stories, and with the developer's proposed variance it could be five stories. That is the only change I request as compared to the developer's proposed variance. (For the portion of the structure fronting E. Koenig, the developer's proposed variance applicable based on allowing a 60-foot height would be separated from SFR properties by 100 feet and a four-lane road with a median, a much more substantial buffer than exists along 56th street.) I applaud the efforts of the developer with the neighborhood association to work towards a more neighborhood-friendly configuration and a more substantial park space. However, the five-story building wall across 56th street looms too large, staring down into yards and homes. (See pages D-2/22 and 23 of the advance packet.) I understand my proposal may reduce the number of units at the project as compared to the developer's requested variance. However, as compared to the Land Development Code, the variance would continue to allow for a significant increase to the vertical element, and very likely represents an increase in total units as compared to what strict adherence to the Land Development Code would allow. (A comparison to the number of units in the plan that the parks department opposed is not an appropriate comparison because that plan ultimate did not get approval.) D-2/5-LATE BACKUPThe specific language for the variance would be: A variance to 25-2-1063(C)(2) for the portion of a structure that is at least 70 feet from property described in (a) or (b) to increase the height limit from three stories and 40 feet to four stories and 50 feet. I am not opposed to the variance from 25-2-1063(C)(3) as proposed by the developer. Thank you for your consideration, Greg Graml, Owner 5516 Avenue G Austin, Texas 78751 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. D-2/6-LATE BACKUPFrom: To: Subject: Date: Aaron Robertson Ramirez, Elaine BOA comment Koenig 12/13 Monday, December 13, 2021 9:18:49 AM *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Hello Board, I am writing to express my disappointment that the North Loop neighbors would support an incredible disparate height variance from the maximum that the code permits. I reside in the Skyview neighborhood on the north side of the project where we do not have a coalesced association but I know many of neighbors who oppose this height variance. The property is surrounded by single family homes, and would greatly intrude on the view from their residences, as well as contribute to the heat island becoming more prevalent along Koenig Rd. This specific area is so dense already and the traffic at the street light is ever increasing. We hear weekly motor vehicle wrecks at the light of Avenue F/Koenig. We have a neighbor who was severely disabled at this traffic light. Making this area more dense is not in keeping with the neighborhood surrounding this plot of land. Please record my opposition to the support of this variance. Thank you, Aaron Robertson 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. D-2/7-LATE BACKUPFrom: To: Subject: Date: Patty Quinzi Ramirez, Elaine Case # C15-2021-0101 Koenig/Ave F Variance request Monday, December 13, 2021 9:30:21 AM *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** I attended a Zoom meeting with the developer and very much disagree with the lack of planning and community input involved in this development. I’ve lived in this neighborhood for 25 years. -the lack of low-income housing available is this development is simply unacceptable. 10 units of low-income housing in a large development shows the profit motive and lack of concern for community members like teachers who serve our community and who need affordable housing to live where they work. -Alarmingly, the developer plans to use a pedestrian walkway to slow down traffic between the highway and Ave. F. I’ve seen how fast cars come from that direction and have narrowly avoided several disasters by being extra cautious in this area. It’s inconceivable to use pedestrians to slow down traffic in the form of human speed bumps. -Parking is a concern because the developer wants pedestrians to easily access the neighborhood streets north of Koenig. This leads me to believe the developer anticipates people parking on our streets, which are already crowded with parked cars. -The increase of cars due to residents in the new development will exacerbate an already bad traffic problem. When we had the meeting with the developer, people asked if they had requested a traffic study from the city, which they had not. Traffic is already very bad and many who live in the neighborhood avoid the Koenig/Ave. F intersection because of the high number of cars that run the red light there. We’ve seen countless accidents there and the developer does not seem at all concerned as it seemed to be an afterthought to seek a traffic study. -The lack of green space and the amount of impervious cover over the land is concerning regarding water containment and flooding. -lastly, our neighborhood is called Skyview, and this construction and the height variance will eliminate part of the view itself! Overall, the developers seem to be particularly profit-driven, and in a big rush to cash in without much concern for the community, the neighborhood, and the people. Please DENY this variance request. Patty Quinzi CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. D-2/8-LATE BACKUPFrom: To: Subject: Date: Patty Quinzi Ramirez, Elaine Case # C15-2021-0101 Koenig/Ave F Variance request Monday, December 13, 2021 9:30:21 AM *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** I attended a Zoom meeting with the developer and very much disagree with the lack of planning and community input involved in this development. I’ve lived in this neighborhood for 25 years. -the lack of low-income housing available is this development is simply unacceptable. 10 units of low-income housing in a large development shows the profit motive and lack of concern for community members like teachers who serve our community and who need affordable housing to live where they work. -Alarmingly, the developer plans to use a pedestrian walkway to slow down traffic between the highway and Ave. F. I’ve seen how fast cars come from that direction and have narrowly avoided several disasters by being extra cautious in this area. It’s inconceivable to use pedestrians to slow down traffic in the form of human speed bumps. -Parking is a concern because the developer wants pedestrians to easily access the neighborhood streets north of Koenig. This leads me to believe the developer anticipates people parking on our streets, which are already crowded with parked cars. -The increase of cars due to residents in the new development will exacerbate an already bad traffic problem. When we had the meeting with the developer, people asked if they had requested a traffic study from the city, which they had not. Traffic is already very bad and many who live in the neighborhood avoid the Koenig/Ave. F intersection because of the high number of cars that run the red light there. We’ve seen countless accidents there and the developer does not seem at all concerned as it seemed to be an afterthought to seek a traffic study. -The lack of green space and the amount of impervious cover over the land is concerning regarding water containment and flooding. -lastly, our neighborhood is called Skyview, and this construction and the height variance will eliminate part of the view itself! Overall, the developers seem to be particularly profit-driven, and in a big rush to cash in without much concern for the community, the neighborhood, and the people. Please DENY this variance request. Patty Quinzi CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. D-2/9-LATE BACKUPFrom: To: Subject: Date: Attachments: Ramirez, Elaine [Transcribed] Voice Message From: 1 Monday, December 13, 2021 8:24:13 AM Hi, this is Michael Rochelle at 5803 Avenue. G just calling to see if my opposition to the zoning variance. I do not want a higher taller building at the Texas gas service building with the new development. I don't think that would be good for the area. It's already extremely congested there and I do not want the Tower building in my neighborhood again. I'm at 1503 Avenue G Michael Walsh, L W O R C H P M thank you. D-2/10-LATE BACKUPRamirez, Elaine Oppose zoning variance at Texas Gas Monday, December 13, 2021 8:24:43 AM *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** From: To: Subject: Date: Hello, Thank you, Michael Worchel 512-917-5935 I am writing to express my opposition to the height variance for the development at the Texas Gas service site. I live at 5803 avenue G. I don’t believe that a taller building would serve the neighborhoods interests at all. Sent from my iPhone 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. D-2/11-LATE BACKUPFrom: To: Subject: Date: Paul Quinzi Ramirez, Elaine C15-2021-0101, Koenig and Avenue F Monday, December 13, 2021 9:34:39 AM *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** I have serious concerns about the plans I heard from the developer of this project in the zoom meeting for the Skyview neighborhood. Height variance Our neighborhood is called Skyview. There will be significantly less sky to view if they are allowed to buy their way out of the height restrictions. I am adamantly opposed to the variance they are seeking to allow them to build up to 60 feet. They stand to gain a great deal of money if they get it. And given how badly we need affordable housing in town, they should be required to provide many more than 10 units if they are allowed to enrich themselves by casting an even taller shadow on us. Crosswalk They also seek to ask the city to install a pedestrian crosswalk in the middle of the street in front of what must be one of the most dangerous intersections in a residential area in town. People come speeding off of 290 where it becomes Koenig, and have wrecks here all the time at Avenue F. Not only will the people in the crosswalk be in danger, but those who do stop at it are in danger of being hit from behind. Parking This is a residential neighborhood north of Koenig. There is nothing on this side of the street they need to access, unless they plan to have people park over here on our streets to use their facilities. Which it sounds like they do, because the planned for only 8 parking spaces for all the buildings, 3 of which would be handicap spaces. We do not want to need permits to park in front of our own houses, which we will probably have to fight for later unless they get their act together. “Dog” Park? They say they plan to build a “dog park” for the use of everyone, not just their residents.I’m skeptical, as they would not commit to using the term “off leash.” Dogs are allowed at all parks. It should be an off-leash dog park, which we desperately need more of in this city. And they should not be allowed to buy their way out of providing park land which it sounded like they also intended to do. Overall I was unimpressed with the lack of planning, judgment, candor, and common sense displayed at our meeting with them. Please don’t let them weasel out of their obligations. pq Paul Quinzi Law Office of Paul Quinzi, PLLC 707 West 10th Street Austin, TX 78701 D-2/12-LATE BACKUPCONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This communication is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any use, dissemination, distribution or copying of the communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately. 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. D-2/13-LATE BACKUP