The Allandale Reporter

Riding to Ice Cream - 2nd Annual Tyke and Bike Ride

Tom Linehan

It was a solid Saturday morning for a bike ride with temperatures in the 70s. The riders were eager to go. We had bicycles, bicycles with training wheels, tricycles, a scooter, skate boards, strollers and a guy dressed up like a cow calling himself Cow Daddy in attendance. I am talking about this year’s Tyke and Bike Ride. What a colorful fun event (click here to see photos). Five minutes after Cow Daddy gave riders the “on your mark, get set, go” signal we had about 40 young riders stretched along Northland on their way to Amy’s Ice Cream. Thanks to Laura Slaughter, Marlene Meador and all the volunteers who helped organize this year’s event and to Marc Miller, Allandale resident and officer of the Austin Cycling Association, who gave a primer on proper fit and placement of wearing a helmet. Most importantly, thanks to our sponsors: Amy’s Ice Cream and Nelo’s Pro Cycles for there donation of ice cream and bike accessories.

Outcome of VMU Hearing with the Planning Commission

by Tom Linehan

It was a "thank you sir, may I have another" session. When we concluded the public hearing part of the meeting with the Planning Commission on Tuesday night, a number of the Planning Commission members complimented us on all of the work we did in preparing and thinking through our VMU application. They then proceeded to give us half of what we were asking for. The frustration is working so hard to get back what was taken from us. Burnet Road was zoned commercial up until January. At Tuesday night's meeting we were asking to return many of those properties to that zoning category.

Allandale Voter Results for City Council Election

Allandale votes. Here are the results from Saturday's elections from the precincts that are in and around Allandale submitted by Kay Newell. The results match up with the outcome of the election however if you look at the turnout, the percentage of Allandale residents who went to the polls is almost three times the citywide average.

2nd Annual Allandale Tyke and Bike Ride

Riders get your bikes tuned up for the second annual Allandale Tyke and Bike ride. Saturday, May 17, 2008
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Starts at 2700 Northland Drive (Glad Tidings Church)
Ends at 2100 Northland Drive at Amy’s Ice Cream
Ride is exactly 0.5 miles

Participants are elementary age or younger. Acceptable modes of transportation include: bicycles, bicycles with training wheels, tricycles, skates, scooters, wheel chairs, skate boards, peddlecars, and strollers. No electric or motorized transportation. Participants will receive a t-shirt, participant number, a bicycle accessory, and free ice cream at Amy's at the end of the ride. Cost is $20. Proceeds benefit ANA Legal Fund.

For questions call Tyke & Bike Hotline (512) 454-4064. Pre-registration deadline is May 12th. Participants registered after the May 12th deadline are not guaranteed a t-shirt.

Registration can be made online (click on buy now button):

or you can print out the registration form here, complete it and drop it off at Nelo's Pro Cycles (3010-H West Anderson Ln) or at Amy's Ice Creams (2109 Northland Dr).

 

Bike to Work

by Nathan Dooley

Tom Watterson has been riding his bike to work every day for several years. Originally, he rode to Austin High School, where he was a teacher. Now he teaches at McCallum HS, and his daily ride has become much shorter and easier. Tom commutes by bike for several reasons: it’s a healthy choice, it’s less stressful (and often quicker) than driving in rush hour traffic, and it helps him set a good example for his students.

People Responding to the Public Hearing Notice

Some people may be confused about how to respond to the "Planning Commission Comment Form," page 3 of the public hearing notice (click here to view). You would have received this if you are within 300' of the VMUOD. The form has two boxes to check - one for "I am in favor" and one for "I object".  We were unsure about which to check in the case of ANA's application. 

We contacted the City staff person who is handling the ANA Application and  he agreed with our suggested approach to responding to this which is consistent with what other neighborhoods have done:

Persons who choose to use the Comment Form should:
1)  NOT check either box.  In fact, you can mark through them entirely.
2)  Simply write out your comments on the form (with your name and address) and fax or mail it to the City. 

Example:  I support the exclusion of Tracts 2, 3, 5, and 7 through 10, as well as the properties at 7800 Shoal Creek, 7858 Shoal Creek, and 2951 W. Anderson Lane.

Call for Support for ANA's VMU Application

submitted by Paulette Kern

Friends and Neighbors;

Please help spread the word by passing this information to your neighbors.

I am sure you have heard me talk about VMU (Vertical Mixed Use).  Even if you thought VMU might be a good thing--new development, a few apartments, etc.; as you see the effect of this ordinance on the ground, I believe you will have concerns on many levels.  The more I learn about this ordinance and the Commercial Design Standard that will govern its projects, the more concerned I become about the fate City has in store for neighborhoods.  Now is the time to spring into action.  The Allandale VMU Application will come before Planning Commission to be heard and ruled upon next Tuesday, May 13 and then before City Council, Thurs., June 5.