B-01 (Citizen Comments).pdf — original pdf

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B11 of 4September 22, 2020 To: Austin Planning Commissioners From: Dawson Neighborhood Association and additional engaged neighbors Re: 219 Lessin Ln, C14-2020-0085 The Dawson Neighborhood Association (DNA) and additional neighbors submit this summary of our perspectives. After meeting virtually (via Zoom) with the project owner and applicant, we mostly want the developer to respect the neighborhood. One of the best ways to respect current residents and owners would be for the developer to reduce the number of proposed units. Aspects of proposed SF6 zoning that seem better than SF3 zoning are increased setbacks from neighboring properties, height limits, and potentially better arrangement of units on the property. According to the proposed SF6 site plan the following seem positive: 1. a through street between Lessin Ln and Krebs Ln/Reyna St instead of multiple drives 2. agreement to remove gates on drives (as currently depicted) 3. preservation of all heritage trees 4. possible public pedestrian traffic on the through street Other major ideas from the neighborhood: 5. maximize green space, minimize impervious cover 6. manage runoff to protect neighbors' properties from flooding 7. manage construction to minimize noise, traffic, and disruption to neighbors 8. address traffic safety concerns regarding turning vehicles at the dead-end street of Lessin Ln and the sharp curve at Krebs Ln/Reyna St 9. consider the impacts to East Bouldin Creek As you know, the DNA was the first to develop a neighborhood plan in the 1990’s and therefore our group has experience with zoning and land use. We recognize that zoning is only the first step in a development process. We are not opposed to urban infill projects on principle, but as proposed, this project will dramatically increase density in the middle of our small neighborhood and therefore suddenly add much traffic and reliance on precious infrastructure resources. Existing residents should have a mechanism that ensures that developer-neighborhood negotiations at the time of re-zoning be maintained so that a change of heart by the developer or a subsequent buyer could not completely ignore the initial discussions. The mechanism could be something akin to a public restrictive covenant or a conditional overlay. Sincerely, Dawson Neighborhood Officers 2020: Julie Woods, President Rebecca Sheller, Secretary Eliot Kimber, Newsletter Editor B12 of 4Clark, Kate From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Anne Lewis Sunday, September 20, 2020 1:54 PM Clark, Kate; Rivera, Andrew M Mutrux; C14-2020-0085 ; *** External Email ‐ Exercise Caution ***  Hello Kate and Andrew,  Case Number: C14‐2020‐0085, 219 Lessin Lane  I am:  Anne Lewis  403 Post Road Drive  Austin, Texas 78704  Phone: 512‐656‐0507  I object.  My home is within 500 feet of the proposed development.  I will have to work Tuesday evening at the time of the meeting. Please let me know of any further opportunities to  testify.  Here are my comments in writing:  I live in this part of the neighborhood and it¹s being ripped to shreds. The level of development is driving out the long  term residents, putting in two multi‐story houses and gravel yards where a one‐story house with trees and a garden  used to be.  In the past 5 years, beginning with construction of an apartment complex that took 2 houses and a church, more than  half of the houses on my short block have been torn down.  One morning I saw a heritage live oak on a flatbed truck. Another morning, my neighbor¹s house on another flatbed  truck. It seems like every time it rains there's a river of water going through our yard.  During the pandemic I see workers, none with masks, doing hand labor with toxic materials and not tied off on these  multistory construction sites.  Could we not at least demand prevailing wage and personal protective gear for people who work in our community? Can  someone raise that question of community safety and decency with the developer? The lack of masks is a risk to  everyone in the community.  Bulldozers appeared one morning against my back garden fence and smashed the house there to rubble. I am concerned  that the result will end my privacy and block the sun hitting my garden. Even more water will run through my garden  and backyard, eroding the soil and potentially flooding the back of my house. I have lived here and paid taxes to the city  for 22 years.  The proposed development is within earshot of my house. It is one of the few green spaces I see on my walk around the  neighborhood. My neighbors Carmen Hernandez and the homeowner Emily who live on the adjacent property have  1 B13 of 4concerns. I support them in every way. There is no way that any more than the 8 houses the developer originally  proposed can go on that property without a miserable impact on all of us.    I share Carmen's concerns about personal privacy, traffic, destruction of heritage trees, water control, disruption of  peace of mind, and add labor rights to the list. I do hope that the concerns of citizens are given priority over money.        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.  2 B14 of 4