June 10, 2024 City of Austin Historic Preservation Office Housing & Planning Department P.O. Box 1088 Austin, TX 78767 To whom it may concern, I am writing to wholeheartedly endorse Mrs. Aisha Gooden-Williams and her family's impassioned appeal to safeguard the residential dwellings on their ancestral property. As a resident of Austin, born and raised, it is important to recognize the importance of preserving the rights that African Americans have worked tirelessly to achieve. It would be unjust if this family were denied the chance to exercise their property rights, including the freedom to demolish their property. Appreciating and respecting the rich historical legacy of the African American community that flourished in Central East Austin is crucial. In accordance with its 1928 plan, the City of Austin implemented measures that mandated Black residents to reside within a designated 6-square mile zone, thereby endorsing segregationist policies. This district served as the residence for Black residents, businesses, schools, and churches, and it played a crucial role in influencing the lively heritage and cultural contributions of Austin's African American community. In order to preserve the respected legacy, set forth by the Gooden family in accordance with the 1928 plan, it is of utmost importance that these properties remain undisturbed. This will greatly contribute to the preservation of the past and the development of the future of The District, encompassing the properties owned by the Gooden family. Furthermore, the Gooden properties in question possess significant historical significance. These structures are not merely physical buildings; they serve as powerful symbols of resilience and progress. Sincerely, Shameika N. Brown-Smith
Case No. CL-2024-001905 In the Matter of 1702 E Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard Austin, Texas 78702 Before the Building and Standards Commission of the City of Austin, Texas State of Texas County of Travis ORDER OF THE BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS On March 27, 2024, under the authority of Chapters 54 and 214 of the Texas Local Government Code, the Building and Standards Commission (“the Commission”) of the City of Austin, Texas, considered 1702 E Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard (“the Property”) and took action as described below. A. ORDER The Commission orders the following: I I II II I pgs 2024036431 1. The Commission ORDERS that the Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law for this property be adopted; 2. The Commission ORDERS that the owner complete the following within forty-five (45) days from the date the Order is mailed: a. obtain and finalize all necessary permits; b. demolish all portions of the residential structures, including any accessory structures, and remove as debris, leaving the lot clean and raked; and c. Request inspection from the City of Austin Development Services Department to verify compliance with 2(a) and 2(b) above. 3. The Commission ORDERS on the forty-sixth (46th) day if compliance is not achieved: a. b. the Code Official is authorized to proceed with demolition and to consider all portions of the residential structures, including any items in and around the structures, as debris, and dispose of as such; and the property owner shall be on notice that the Code Official is authorized to assess all expenses incurred against the property unless excepted by the Texas Constitution. A lien for those expenses may be filed by the City of Austin and recorded with Travis County Deed Records. Interest shall accrue at a rate of 10 percent per year from the date of the assessment until paid in full. VALIDITY OF ORDER NOT AFFECTED BY TRANSFER: When a Commission order has been filed in the deed records, the Commission order is valid even if the property is sold or otherwise transferred. A person who acquires an interest in the property after a Commission order is recorded is subject to the requirements of the Commission order. B. FINDINGS OF FACT The Commission makes the following findings of fact: II. III. PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION The property which is the subject of this proceeding is located at 1702 …
AUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT Synopsis of Related Events For: 1702 E MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BLVD Filter by: From: May-22-2004 To: May-22-2024 Role Synopsis Location Event / File Type Report/File # Date FEL ASSLT W/ INJURY-F/V-EPO-NO CONTACT-200 YDS SAO-MAY NOT POSSESS FIR (EXECUTED) 1702 E MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BLVD, 1 ##B VIOLATION OF EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE ORDER - EPO ATTACHED/200YD STAY AWAY (EXECUTED) 1702 E MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BLVD, 1 #B ASSAULT WITH INJURY FAM VIOL - EPO ATTACHED/200 YD STAY AWAY/BIP (EXECUTED) 1702 E MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BLVD, 1 #B Warrant Warrant Warrant WT D1DC17300674 Mar-28-2017 WT D1DC08302364 Sep-26-2008 WT D1DC08302363 Sep-26-2008 ENGAGING IN ORGANIZED CRIME General Offense Report GO 2023-5019140 Aug-11-2023 FOUND LICENSE PLATE General Offense Report GO 2023-1951101 Jul-14-2023 ASSAULT BY THREAT FAM/DATING General Offense Report GO 2021-2311207 Aug-19-2021 TERRORISTIC THREAT-FAM/DAT VIO General Offense Report GO 2021-2270759 Aug-15-2021 ASSIST EMS THEFT FAMILY DISTURBANCE FAMILY DISTURBANCE FAMILY DISTURBANCE AGG ASSAULT ASSAULT WITH INJURY General Offense Report GO 2021-1311357 May-11-2021 General Offense Report GO 2021-361009 Feb-05-2021 General Offense Report GO 2020-2940789 Oct-20-2020 General Offense Report GO 2020-2030011 Jul-21-2020 General Offense Report GO 2020-1851175 Jul-03-2020 General Offense Report GO 2019-2682044 Sep-25-2019 General Offense Report GO 2019-2592048 Sep-16-2019 EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE ORDER General Offense Report GO 2019-5043870 Oct-24-2019 AGG ASSAULT FAM/DATE VIOLENCE General Offense Report GO 2019-2920273 Oct-19-2019 AGG ASSAULT FAM/DATE VIOLENCE General Offense Report GO 2019-2390038 Aug-27-2019 ASSAULT W/INJURY-FAM/DATE VIOL General Offense Report GO 2019-1041102 Apr-14-2019 FAMILY DISTURBANCE General Offense Report GO 2018-3151138 Nov-11-2018 FELONY ENHANCEMENT/ASSLT W/INJ General Offense Report GO 2018-2300553 Aug-18-2018 ASSAULT W/INJURY-FAM/DATE VIOL General Offense Report GO 2017-860688 Mar-27-2017 Printed On: Fri May 24 2024 For User: AP7267 1702 E MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BLVD, 1 1702 E MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BLVD, 1 1702 E MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BLVD, 1 1702 E MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BLVD, 1 1702 E MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BLVD, 1 #A 1702 E MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BLVD, 1 1702 E MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BLVD, 1 #B 1702 E MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BLVD, 1 1702 E MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BLVD, 1 1702 E MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BLVD, 1 #A 1702 E MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BLVD, 1 #B 1702 E MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BLVD, 1 #b 1702 E MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BLVD, 1 1702 E MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BLVD, 1 1702 E MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BLVD, 1 #B 1702 E MARTIN …
From: To: Subject: Date: City of Austin Historic Preservation Office 1704 e mlk Wednesday, June 5, 2024 7:33:00 AM This message is from Jennie Davidowitz. [ ] Hi there, I know there is a hearing on these properties tonight. I could not figure out what the approving or dissenting was in regards to, but I do not approve of these 2 properties being historically preserved due to the condition of the buildings currently and no interest in upkeep from the owners. The buildings are rotting away and racoons and cats have taken ownership of the homes.
CASE NUMBER: PR-2024-021145; GF-2024-043942 ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET HLC DATES: May 1, 2024; September 4, 2024; November 6, 2024 PC DATE: CC Date: APPLICANT: Drenner Group (owner-opposed) HISTORIC NAME: Running Rope Ranch WATERSHED: Shoal Creek ADDRESS OF PROPOSED ZONING CHANGE: 7304 Knox Lane ZONING CHANGE: SF-3 to SF-3-H COUNCIL DISTRICT: 10 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Do not recommend historic zoning (SF-3-H) for the main house if the applicant is able to relocate two historic-age outbuildings (cabin and tack barn) on-site and to protect the existing historic landscape features, including the spring-fed pool and Native American midden sites. Release the relocation permits upon receipt of a City of Austin Documentation Package for all structures and a plan for archaeological monitoring of the site as required by the Texas Historical Commission. HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION ACTION: May 1, 2024 – Postpone the public hearing. September 4, 2024 – initiate historic zoning. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: CITY COUNCIL ACTION: CASE MANAGER: Kalan Contreras, 512-974-2727 NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATIONS: Austin Independent School District, Austin Lost and Found Pets, Austin Neighborhoods Council, Friends of Austin Neighborhoods, NW Austin Neighbors, Neighborhood Empowerment Foundation, Northwest Austin Civic Association, SELTexas, Sierra Club, Austin Regional Group, TNR BCP - Travis County Natural Resources DEPARTMENT COMMENTS: As the property is listed as a state archaeological site, collaboration with the Texas Historical Commission may be required. BASIS FOR RECOMMENDATION: § 25-2-352(3)(c)(i) Architecture. The property 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. Unfortunately, ‘80s and ‘90s-era additions and modifications have proven to reduce the building’s integrity, and—with this new information—staff no longer believes the main house retains sufficient integrity to convey its true historic-era appearance. However, two outbuildings on-site (not referenced in PR-2024-021145) do retain sufficient integrity: a tack barn dating to the Running Rope Ranch and a much older cedar cabin that appears to have been moved to its current location, potentially from elsewhere on the …
7304 KNOX LANE Carter Design Associates (CDA) was retained to review existing research and the residential structure located at 7404 Knox Lane, Austin, Texas. The review was to determine whether the structure met the criteria for historic zoning by the City of Austin. On September 19th, 2024 CDA met on site with the Owner to assess the historic merits of the primary residence and if the criteria were met was there an intact historic structure that could be relocated onsite. The residential structure consists of multiple additions and modifications made by the Knox family throughout their lifetime and ownership of the property. All findings and hypotheses are based on visual observation and research limited to mapping, photographs (contemporary and historic) and written accounts. The original intent of CDA’s review concerned the historic criteria and how, if at all, the structure met the stated criteria. The history of the property suggested that the building had been modified, and there might be an “original” historic building that would better meet the criteria. Our work was to uncover this historic structure and determine how it could be relocated on the site. Findings The site visit forced a revision of the working hypotheses 1. The residence had been radically modified over time and what appeared to the historic features were actually constructed with replica materials. 2. The site/land is just as important as the residential structure 3. The outbuildings better tell the story of the Knox family, based on historic accounts. Today, the residence is a L-shaped plan with a two-story portion to the East; a curved, wrap around covered porch to the Southeast; enclosed shed-roofed porch to the West; and an early one-room addition to the South. Most of the exterior finishes such as the roof, board and batten siding, doors, windows, screens, siding, shutters and trim are modern construction and/or replacements. The finishes do not reflect an historic photo (See Photo X -) which appears to be the South façade of the residence, nor is there any of the (olive-green) stucco mentioned on page 71 of the Austin Originals – Chats with Colorful Characters by Robyn Turner. Many of the interior finishes have been replaced with modern materials chosen for aesthetic reasons by the Owners and intended to reflect an older rustic style. (Exhibit C) Using historical aerial photos, we can begin to put to piece together the evolution of the residence …
KNOX PRESERVE PRELIMINARY PLAN BEARING BASIS E . U . P ' 0 1 ) T V P ( Y A W A I L A T A N 6 . E . U . P ' 0 1 7 8 9 0 1 K N O X L N 1 1 ( P V T ) 2 1 3 4 5 MIN. FFE: 841.5' MIN. FFE: 839.5' MIN. FFE: 841.0' 1 0' P . U .E . 2 1 N L X O N K ENGINEER'S CERTIFICATION LAND USE SCHEDULE VICINITY MAP SUBMITTAL DATE: October 9, 2023 SHEET INDEX 1 COVER PRELIMINARY PLAN GENERAL NOTES 2 NORTH ARROW & SCALE 750 LEGAL DESCRIPTION NOTES OWNER DEVELOPER CHASE EQUITIES, INC. JIMMY NASSOUR CONSULTANTS / CONTRACTORS ENGINEER: ATWELL, LLC SURVEYOR: HOLT CARSON, INC. PROJECT DATA OWNER / DEVELOPER CONSULTANTS: LOT CURVE TABLE CITY APPROVAL PRELIMINARY SUBDIVISION APPROVAL 1 2 KNOX PRESERVE PRELIMINARY PLAN COVER PRELIMINARY PLAN 1 OF 2 COA CASE NO: C8-2023-0233 February 1, 2024October 9, 2028202/01/2024 PRIVATE STREET CROSS SECTION N.T.S. PRIVATE STREET DESIGN NOTES NOTES CONTINUED PUBLIC R.O.W. LOT TABLE LOT # LOT AREA LOT ACRES LOT 1 7,651 S.F. LOT 2 8,093 S.F. LOT 3 9,630 S.F. LOT 4 7,221 S.F. LOT 5 8,605 S.F. LOT 6 8,348 S.F. LOT 7 7,408 S.F. LOT 9 8,040 S.F. LOT 10 8,361 S.F. LOT 11 8,477 S.F. LOT 12 8,360 S.F. 0.176 0.186 0.221 0.166 0.198 0.192 0.170 0.185 0.192 0.195 0.192 LOT 8 11,601 S.F. 0.266 LOT 13 119,886 S.F. 2.752 LOT 14 8,825 S.F. 0.203 LOT 15 20,231 S.F. 0.464 TOTAL= 249,994 S.F. 5.739 20' 7.5' PRIVATE STREET LOT 4' S.W. 2' UTILITY, DRAINAGE, PRIVATE STREET LOT 25' FOC-FOC 22' RD @ 2% SLOPE 30' 2' 4' S.W. 17.5' PRIVATE STREET LOT FIRE LANE STRIPING 2' SPILL CURB & GUTTER FIRE LANE STRIPING 2' CATCH CURB & GUTTER PAVEMENT DESIGN BY GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER TO BE DONE WITH CONSTUCTION PLANS PRIVATE STREET CROSS SECTION (HAMMERHEAD) N.T.S. 40.0' UTILITY, DRAINAGE, PRIVATE STREET LOT 20' 7.5' PRIVATE STREET LOT 4' S.W. 2' 25' FOC-FOC 22' RD @ 2% SLOPE 20' 7.5' PRIVATE STREET LOT 2' 4' S.W. FIRE LANE STRIPING 2' SPILL CURB & GUTTER FIRE LANE STRIPING 2' CATCH CURB & GUTTER PAVEMENT DESIGN BY GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER TO BE DONE WITH CONSTUCTION PLANS PROJECT DATA OWNER / DEVELOPER CONSULTANTS: CITY APPROVAL PRELIMINARY SUBDIVISION APPROVAL 1 2 KNOX PRESERVE PRELIMINARY …
Update On The Knox Preserve Margaret Thomas Knox passed January 20, 2022 allowing the development of the Knox Preserve subdivision to proceed. We’ve had several past articles in the newsletter on Mrs. Knox so I won't dive into her history here. But briefly for context, her husband James Knox inherited the property from his parents. His father, Capt. Warren Penn Knox, was prominent in Boy Scouting in Texas, acquired the property and after WWII started Running Rope Boys Ranch. Barring a thorough deed search, by 1946 the newspaper reports "W.P. Knox" buying the 184 acre property (The Austin American, 26 Apr 1946, Fri, Page 20). By 1947 Running Rope Ranch is up and running in the news. The farmstead (a core house that was extended over the years; out buildings; cleared fields) is extant in the 1937 aerials of Travis County that have recently become available. An oral interview of Margaret Knox for the book Austin Originals, 1982, puts the farmhouse at ca. 1900 at least. Based on the history of this area, could the property be older? Maybe. For example, Esperanza School, which was above Spicewood Springs, was a one room log cabin started in 1866 serving this area.1 The school was less than a mile from the Knox Preserve. Old aerial photos seem to indicate an older entrance to the property may have been off of Spicewood Springs Rd. not far from the school. Could the property be that old? We don’t know without a lot more research, but from the history of the school we know there was sufficient population in the community of Spicewood Springs in 1866 to warrant a school. The log cabin school was open until 1893; so close in time to the age of the Knox house quoted by Margaret Knox. The Thurms, a German family, settled on Bull Creek in 1855 on what is today’s Old Spicewood Springs Rd. at the bottom of what was known then as Thurm’s Hill. Their homestead was in today’s Bull Creek Park, roughly the 5300 “block” of today’s Old Spicewood Springs Rd; most of it was obliterated by Loop 360 construction; the current round of work is probably finishing off any potential sub-surface remains. All to say, settlement in this area goes back a ways and the Knox Preserve, with its own spring (called out on property plats as “Indian Springs”), close to Spicewood Springs, its …
7304 Knox Lane Item #24 Historic Landmark Commission September 4, 2024 Site Aerial Site Overview Lot Size: • 5.828 acres, or approximately 253,872 SF Building Size: • Approximately 1,633 SF • SF-3 (Family Residence) Zoning: Built: Current Use: Historic Use: • 1940 Per Travis Central Appraisal District • Private Residence - Unoccupied • Running Rope Ranch Day Camp for Boy Scouts (10 Years) • Private Residence Landmark Designation Criteria HISTORIC DESIGNATION CRITERIA LDC 25-2-352: 1. 2. The property must be 50 years old and must represent a period of significance of at least 50 years ago. The property must retain a high degree of integrity, as defined by the National Register of Historic Places, that clearly conveys its historical significance and does not include an addition or alteration which has significantly compromised its integrity. Landmark Designation Criteria 3. In addition, the property must meet at least two of the below criteria: i. Architecture ii. Historical Associations iii. Archaeology iv. Community Value v. Landscape Feature i. Architecture ARCHITECURE CRITERIA: × Embodies the distinguishing characteristics of a recognized architectural style, type, or method of construction; HLC Report × 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. “eclectic house with early Ranch and vernacular stylistic influences applied to what appears to be an early- twentieth-century vernacular farmhouse. It is one and one- half stories in height, with an L- shaped plan and intersecting partial-width porches. Its compound roofline features deep eaves with cedar shakes at gable ends. Fenestration includes 8:8 wood windows of varying dimensions. “ ii. Historical Associations HISTORICAL CRITERIA: The property has long-standing significant associations with persons, groups, institutions, businesses, or events 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. FACTS: Running Rope Ranch Day Camp for Boy …
KNOX PRESERVE PRELIMINARY PLAN BEARING BASIS E . U . P ' 0 1 ) T V P ( Y A W A I L A T A N 6 . E . U . P ' 0 1 7 8 9 0 1 K N O X L N 1 1 ( P V T ) 2 1 3 4 5 MIN. FFE: 841.5' MIN. FFE: 839.5' MIN. FFE: 841.0' 1 0' P . U .E . 2 1 N L X O N K ENGINEER'S CERTIFICATION LAND USE SCHEDULE VICINITY MAP SUBMITTAL DATE: October 9, 2023 SHEET INDEX 1 COVER PRELIMINARY PLAN GENERAL NOTES 2 NORTH ARROW & SCALE 750 LEGAL DESCRIPTION NOTES OWNER DEVELOPER CHASE EQUITIES, INC. JIMMY NASSOUR CONSULTANTS / CONTRACTORS ENGINEER: ATWELL, LLC SURVEYOR: HOLT CARSON, INC. PROJECT DATA OWNER / DEVELOPER CONSULTANTS: LOT CURVE TABLE CITY APPROVAL PRELIMINARY SUBDIVISION APPROVAL 1 2 KNOX PRESERVE PRELIMINARY PLAN COVER PRELIMINARY PLAN 1 OF 2 COA CASE NO: C8-2023-0233 6 of 708 C8-2023-0233 - Knox Preserve; District 106 of 7
From: To: Subject: Date: Fahnestock, Sam FW: August 7 Meeting Wednesday, August 7, 2024 9:25:13 AM External Email - Exercise Caution Mr. Fahnestock, Just to clarify. I mean you should add the following to what already exists in my public comment for tonight. I do NOT mean you should include all the correspondence between you and me and the emails from the others. Commissioners: I remain strongly opposed to the developer’s request to relocate the existing structure on the Knox Lane property. The developer has yet to communicate with neighbors on Running Rope who would be most affected. Please see my other comments immediately below. Thank you. James Jarrett From: Sent: Wednesday, August 7, 2024 9:22 AM To: 'Fahnestock, Sam' <Sam.Fahnestock@austintexas.gov> Subject: August 7 Meeting Mr. Fahnestock, Please add this to my earlier email for the public comment section of tonight’s meeting. I will not be speaking or calling in. Thank you. Commissioners: I remain strongly opposed to the developer’s request to relocate the existing structure on the Knox Lane property. The developer has yet to communicate with neighbors on Running Rope who would be most affected. Please see my other comments immediately below. Thank you. James Jarrett From: Fahnestock, Sam <Sam.Fahnestock@austintexas.gov> Sent: Friday, August 2, 2024 9:20 AM To: Subject: RE: Knox Lane Development: July 3 Meeting Good morning, Mr. Jarrett, All backup from the past meeting will be migrated to the new meeting and will be posted online today at 3PM. If you have any updated materials, please send them to me and I will post them! Thank you,
From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Jack Richards Fahnestock, Sam RE: Knox Ranch Development in NW Hills Monday, June 24, 2024 3:35:06 PM You don't often get email from . Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution Mr. Fahnestock- sign up for this? 1. Is there an upcoming hearing re this project? If so, I would like to attend by phone. Where can I 2. I would like my slightly amended comments to be substituted for my earlier email if possible. Please see below for the amended comments. 3. Will you discuss these questions with me? Possibly what I’m asking for is groundless. Possibly not. I would like the City of Austin to help me rather than a developer explaining the law to me, who obviously has a conflict of interest/is adverse to me on this issue. 4. Is the development plan approved, regardless of whether the home is designated “historic”? I was not given notice of this, or at least it’s been years since I received any notice. Thanks, Jack Richards Jack Richards | Shareholder | Trop, Pruner & Hu, P.C. | 512.517.6051 Patent Procurement, Litigation, and Counseling From: Fahnestock, Sam <Sam.Fahnestock@austintexas.gov> Sent: Monday, June 24, 2024 10:52 AM > To: Jack Richards < Cc: Subject: RE: Knox Ranch Development in NW Hills Hi Mr. Richards, Thank you for writing in – I understand your concerns. I will add your comments to backup for the case so the Commission may review them ahead of the next meeting, and they can take them into consideration when making their decision. You may wish to call the applicant to address your questions. You should have received a notice in the mail about the relocation of the house on the property if you live within 500 feet, which has their contact information on it, but here it is just in case: Ricca Keepers (512) 550-6508 Ricca is just the one relocating the existing house, but she may be able to put you in contact with the developer. I do not have their information, unfortunately, but I hope you’re able to get in contact with the right people to address these issues! Thank you, Sam Fahnestock Planner II | he/him City of Austin | Planning Department P: (512) 974-3393 E: sam.fahnestock@austintexas.gov 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin, Texas > From: Jack Richards < Sent: Monday, June 24, 2024 8:50 AM To: Fahnestock, Sam …
From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Champe Fitzhugh Historic Preservation Office; Fahnestock, Sam Jack Richards; Knox Lane Development: July 3 Meeting Wednesday, June 26, 2024 1:38:18 PM Betsy Clements Some people who received this message don't often get email from is important . Learn why this External Email - Exercise Caution To whom it may concern: My name is Champe Fitzhugh, and I live with my wife and our 3 boys at 7221 Running Rope. We are directly across the street from the entrance to the short Knox Lane cul-de- sac which ends at the Knox property. At the July 3 meeting, it is my understanding that Mr. Jimmy Nassour intends to speak. Apparently Mr. Nassour represented that he has had several meetings with nearby residents regarding his plan to redevelop the historic Knox property. If that is the case, and I do not believe it is, those meetings did not involve us, despite our being directly impacted by the proposed plans. The development “plans” continue to experience mission creep. Mr. Nassour now apparently proposes 20 ADUs rather than the original single-family home project. Of course all of his plans have a single entrance and exit, one that involves traffic aimed directly at our home. There is no infrastructure to support the number of vehicles that would involve. There is no accounting for the environmental devastation such a development would entail. This is just a developer, with no regard for anything but his pocketbook, trying to take advantage of a situation. The Knox property is a historical feature of our neighborhood. It is a scarce natural water source for wildlife. It is a singular property in the City of Austin. Allowing someone to callously destroy that, with an indefinite plan, a single entrance and exit onto a quiet residential street (one that would have to provide for, conservatively, the comings and goings of 40 new vehicles) would be to completely disregard the neighborhoods, the citizens, and the many, many children who regularly ride their bikes up and down Running Rope, use it to walk to school (we have a group of about 9 children who walk to Doss every morning), and to permit the creation of health and safety hazards while allowing the destruction of natural resources. No one would benefit from this plan except for Mr. Nassour and his wealthy investors. There have not been ANY meetings regarding 20 ADUs. …
From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Fahnestock, Sam " " Knox Lane -- Relocation Permit--July 3 Thursday, June 27, 2024 10:34:44 AM ; External Email - Exercise Caution Mr. Fahnestock, Below are my comments for inclusion in the July 3rd Commissioner packet. Also I wish to register to speak by phone. The pertinent registration information is at the end of this email. Dear Members, I object to the proposed relocation permit for the property at 7304 Knox Lane. James E. Jarrett 7301 Running Rope Austin, TX 78731 Comments: My objections about relocation of the Knox house are four-fold. 1. Relocation does not preserve the house which has been the centerpiece of a large part of the nearby Northwest Hills land. This house has been a major landmark for several generations of Northwest Hills families. As a homeowner that can see the dwelling from my property, I can attest that for at least 32 years it has been decorated during the holidays as a gingerbread house. Not only have nearby families come by on foot to view the spectacle but cars often were parked on Knox Lane so that children and their parents could view this special structure. 2. Communication by the developer and his team with neighbors has been abysmal. I know of only two meetings that have occurred: February 2013 and July 2015. Nothing has been shared in 9 years. And while the postponement from the June 5th meeting to this July 3rd meeting supposedly was to allow time for providing residents an opportunity to meet with the developer, he has not reached out to schedule anything with us on Running Rope, the street that will be most affected. At the May 1 Commission meeting, the developer mentioned he had met with someone from the Northwest Austin Civic Association (NWACA). No date was given. Besides this obvious omission, Commission members should know that NWACA traditionally has never become involved as either a proponent or an opponent of proposed new developments in Northwest Hills. 3. 20 ADUs—Nothing has been communicated by either the developer or the City of Austin about this to my knowledge. We do not know if they have been approved, if these 20 ADUs would be in lieu of, or in addition to, the original 13 single family homes proposed. 4. The traffic situation from the original 13 proposed homes would be bad enough. (There are no sidewalks …
June 27, 2024 City of Austin P.O Box 1088 Austin, Tx 78767 Subject Property: 7304 Knox Lane Dear City of Austin, Please see the attached documentation and application for the relocation of 7304 Knox Lane primary residence. In reference, to the attached Exhibits A, B, and C, that support and reveal the owner’s longstanding communication with the current neighborhood. In fact, over the years the petitioner has stayed in close communication with the neighborhood’s Mr. Charlie Galvin and the rest of the NWACA Board, refer to Exhibit B, email communication. On May 1, 2024 during the HLC meeting Mr. Hector Rivero, communicated that as a resident of the neighborhood he was not aware of this project. So, the petitioner postponed being placed on the agenda for June until Mr. Rivero’s questions were answered. After multiple attempts to schedule a time to meet with him and the neighborhood we did not hear back. Yet, the owner has over the years already met with the leadership and has a longstanding relationship with this neighborhood. The owner has kept the NWACA Team up to date and communication is also placed in the newsletter. We are asking the Historic Land commission to grant us the ability to relocate this house and help another family. Please refer to Exhibit A, in reference to the subdivision that was reviewed and processed by the City of Austin Staff and does meet the City of Austin’s code requirements. In Exhibit C, please find the contractor who has signed an affidavit communicating a successful relocation is possible. We look forward to working with you on these lots. Please let me know if you have any questions or need further information. Sincerely, Ricca Keepers, MUP Keepers Land Planning Exhibit A Exhibit B Exhibit C AFFIDAVIT OF KEVIN WOODWORTH STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF TRAVIS § § § BEFORE ME, the undersigned authority, a notary public in and for the State of Texas, on this day personally appeared Kevin Woodworth known to me, and who, after being by me duly sworn on oath stated: “My name is Kevin Woodworth, I am over the age of 21 years, I have personal knowledge of the facts stated herein, which are all true and correct, and am fully competent to make this Affidavit. I am President of Blue Moon Builders. I have contracted with the owner of the property located at 7304 Knox Lane, …
From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Fahnestock, Sam Re: Knox Lane Development: July 3 Meeting Tuesday, July 2, 2024 12:43:28 PM ; External Email - Exercise Caution To whom it may concern: My name is Christopher Spandikow. My wife, twin 8-year old children, and I live at 7219 Running Rope. I completely agree with Mr Fitzhugh’s assessment provided in his email. I won’t repeat those same points here. Instead, I’ll offer my proof-point. My family also has not been in contact with Mr. Jimmy Nassour even though we live right next to the Fitzhugh and across from the Knox property. I respectfully recommend the committee to not take Mr. Nassour’s word on topics going forward, but would instead suggest that the committee seek proof of all of his claims. Thank you for your consideration and service. Best Regards, Christopher Spandikow Good morning, Mr. Fitzhugh, On Thu, Jun 27, 2024 at 9:18 AM Fahnestock, Sam <Sam.Fahnestock@austintexas.gov> wrote: Thank you for writing your concerns. I will upload your comments for the Commission to review ahead of the meeting. Thank you, Sam Fahnestock Planner II | he/him City of Austin | Planning Department P: (512) 974-3393 E: sam.fahnestock@austintexas.gov 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin, Texas > From: Champe Fitzhugh < Sent: Wednesday, June 26, 2024 1:38 PM To: Historic Preservation Office <Preservation@austintexas.gov>; Fahnestock, Sam <Sam.Fahnestock@austintexas.gov> Cc: Jack Richards < Betsy Clements < Subject: Knox Lane Development: July 3 Meeting >; > ; ; ; Some people who received this message don't often get email from . Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution To whom it may concern: My name is Champe Fitzhugh, and I live with my wife and our 3 boys at 7221 Running Rope. We are directly across the street from the entrance to the short Knox Lane cul-de-sac which ends at the Knox property. At the July 3 meeting, it is my understanding that Mr. Jimmy Nassour intends to speak. Apparently Mr. Nassour represented that he has had several meetings with nearby residents regarding his plan to redevelop the historic Knox property. If that is the case, and I do not believe it is, those meetings did not involve us, despite our being directly impacted by the proposed plans. The development “plans” continue to experience mission creep. Mr. Nassour now apparently proposes 20 ADUs rather than the original single-family home project. Of course all of his plans have …
From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Attachments: Contreras, Kalan Fahnestock, Sam RE: Emailing: master comment report C8-2023-0233 (KNOX PRESERVE) Wednesday, September 4, 2024 11:37:54 AM image003.png Hi Rich, Thanks so much for reaching out with this information—the archaeological component has been on our radar, but having the site number and context is so helpful for further research. I’m going to CC Sam Fahnestock in our office to post this information as backup material for the Commission to review and to let you know how to participate at tonight’s meeting. It would be great if you were able to make it out to City Hall to speak to the archaeological significance of the subject property. I really appreciate it! Kalan Contreras MSHP | she/her | Historic Preservation Officer City of Austin Planning Department 512.974.2727 | kalan.contreras@austintexas.gov Please Note: Correspondence and information submitted to the City of Austin are subject to the Texas Public Information Act (Chapter 552) and may be published online. Por Favor Tome En Cuenta: La correspondencia y la información enviada a la Ciudad de Austin está sujeta a la Ley de Información Pública de Texas (Capítulo 552) y puede ser publicada en línea. From: Richard Denney < > Sent: Wednesday, September 4, 2024 11:16 AM To: Bertron, Cara <Cara.Bertron@austintexas.gov>; Contreras, Kalan <Kalan.Contreras@austintexas.gov> Cc: 'Bob Ward' < > Subject: RE: Emailing: master comment report C8-2023-0233 (KNOX PRESERVE) Importance: High You don't often get email from rdenney@utexas.edu. Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution ccing Bob Ward here re: The Historic Landmark Commission will consider initiation of historic zoning on this property tonight, including under the archaeology criterion—see item 24 on the meeting agenda and backup. Thanks, Cara .. ! Hi Kalan – one of the concerns on this one is that the archeological site was for a long time (since the 60s) in the wrong location in the site atlas, so anyone that would have looked for a site wouldn’t have found it. I had it corrected just a few years back when I started working w/ the neighborhood association. On some maps (see attached) it is labeled as "Indian Springs", and is recorded with the THC archeology site atlas as 41TV156. As noted before, based on it and other archeological sites we know in the area -- near Spicewood Springs, Still House Hollow, up and down the Mopac corridor, Bull Creek, the Balcones Canyonlands in this …
