The Allandale Reporter

Minutes from March ANA General Membersthip Meeting

Allandale Neighborhood Association – General Membership Meeting—Minutes
March 27, 2008
Ralph Yarborough Library
6:30PM
(Note, these minutes are in draft form and have not been officially approved by the membership)

Executive Committee Members Present:
Tom Linehan—President             Mary Jean Matus—Secretary
Joe Reynolds—Treasurer            Cynthia Keohane
Donna Beth McCormick            Paulette Kern
George Roman                 Margie Gordon

I.    Meeting was opened by the President Tom Linehan

II.    Minutes:
George moved to defer reading of the previous General Membership meeting minutes until the next General Membership meeting; seconded by Joe; motion passed unanimously.

Minutes from February 2008 EC Meeting

Allandale Neighborhood Association
Executive Committee Meeting Minutes
28 February 2008

The regular monthly Executive Committee (EC) meeting of the Allandale Neighborhood Association (ANA) was held on Thursday, February 28, 2008, at 6:30 pm at Ralph Yarborough Library, the President being in the chair and the Secretary being present*.  The minutes of the previous three meetings (25Oct2007, 15Nov2007, and 24Jan2008) were read and approved as corrected.

*Members Present:
Tom Linehan, President; Allan McMurtry, Vice President; Mary Jean Matus, Secretary; Joe Reynolds, Treasurer; Donna Beth McCormick; Paulette Kern; Laura Slaughter; Dan Jones; George Roman; Margie Gordon; Cynthia Keohane.

ANA EC Meeting Minutes: January 24, 2008

Mary Jean Matus

Executive Committee members in attendance:  Tom Linehan, Joe Reynolds, Dan Jones, Donna Beth McCormick, Margie Gordon, Mary Jean Matus, George Roman.

The meeting was called to order at 6:45 pm.

Secretary Alan McMurtry was absent; the November 13, 2007 ANA EC meeting minutes were read by Tom Linehan. It was noted that the meeting minutes from October 25, 2007 had not yet been approved. In addition, Dan Jones noted that he had previously submitted corrections to the November meeting minutes and that they may not have been incorporated; he wished to investigate further. Donna Beth McCormick made a motion to defer approval for the October and November meeting minutes; it was seconded by Dan Jones. The motion passed.

ANA Executive Committee Minutes - 11.15.07

submitted by Allan McMurtry

Allandale Neighborhood Association – Executive Committee—Minutes
November 15, 2007
Northwest Rec Center
7:00PM

Meeting was opened by the President Tom Linehan
1)    Approve the Agenda
a.    Dan Jones moved to add an item to postpone payment on Big Red, seconded.  Discussion as to adding this to the agenda.  The vote was taken and failed 4 to 3.
b.    Motion to approve the agenda by Mary Jean Mattus, seconded.  Approved as follows
i.    Legal Summary
ii.    Legal Expenses
iii.    Legal Representation

Allandale Special General Meeting: November 29, 2007

submitted by Allan McMurtry

In a filled room of the Northwest Austin Recreation Center Thursday, November 29, the General Membership made and carried, overwhelmingly, a motion to file an appeal of the Allandale Neighborhood Association (ANA) lawsuit if the Responsible Growth for Northcross (RG4N) lawsuit fails.  The motion carried by greater than a 10-to-1 margin.

Allandale Neighborhood Association – Executive Committee—Minutes

Allandale Neighborhood Association – Executive Committee—Minutes
October 25, 2007
Ralph Yarborough Library
6:30PM

Meeting was opened by the President Tom Linehan
Approve the Agenda
Dan Jones moved to add a presentation by the North Cross Committee
Paulette Kern second.

Approved
Allan McMurtry read the Minutes from the August EC meeting
Mary Jean Mattus moved approval
Paulette Kern seconded
Approved

Allandale General Meeting: September 27, 2007 Minutes

Executive committee members in attendance: Brent Sjolseth, Tom Linehan, Katie Hansen, Allan McMurtry, Joe Reynolds, Laura Slaughter, Cathy Yang, Dan Jones, Donna Beth McCormick.

Minutes from the March general meeting were read and approved.

Joe Reynolds presented the Treasurer’s report.
Deposit accounts $18,849.24
Starting balance Dec 6 2006: $31,614.09 Current fundraising: $17,000
- Masquerade ball $10,000
- NSCNA $2,000
- Appeal $5,000
Further Legal expenses: $4,000
Expected ending balance: $31,849.24
George Roman makes a motion to approve the financial statements. Katie Hansen seconds. Passes.

Agenda for this Thursday's ANA General Meeting

submitted by Tom Linehan

Allandale Neighborhood Association General Meeting Agenda
Thursday, 6:30, Ralph Yarborough Library, 2200 Hancock

ANA welcomes all Allandale residents and property owners

- Call meeting to order – 6:30
- Review and approval of agenda
- Approval of Minutes
- Treasurer’s report
- Proposed increase in membership dues
- White Rock flooding project update
- Bike Lanes for Steck   Ave

ANA Meeting of the Executive Committee 9/18/07

In attendance: Tom Linehan, Katie Hansen, Joe Reynolds, Paulette Kern, Michael Bomba, Donna Beth McKormick, Allan McMurtry, Laura Slaughter.

Agenda: Zoning Issues: Paulette Kern

Legal Expenses: Treasures report by Joe Reynolds and Legal expenses by the North Cross Committee

Katie Hansen motions that we postponed reading of the minutes until next time. Paulette Kern seconds. Passes

Zoning: Paulette Kern.
Kerry Howell on Lawnmont and Montview who lives by the Antique mall property that is being redeveloped by Ardent, came to the meeting to speak on behalf of the neighbors. Ardent is pursuing the VMU designation to increase density above the 88 units that was already approved. The 88 units required a variance to have that many units at 4 stories.

ANA meeting minutes 8-22-07

In attendance: Joe Reynolds, Dan Jones, Brent Sjolseth, Paulette Kern, Allan McMurtry, Michael Bomba, Katie Hansen, Cathy Yang, Tom Linehan, Laura Slaughter and Donna Beth McCormick.

Reading of the minutes by Paulette Kern from July 5^th. Allan McMurtry makes a motion that the minutes are approved for the 5^th. Michael Bomba seconds. Passes

Reading of the minutes from July 25 th. Katie Hansen motions to approve the minutes. Allan McMurtry seconds. Minutes approved.

ANC Executive Board Meeting, 7/25/07

Meeting called to order at 7 p.m. as no quorum at 6:30 p.m.

Board members in attendance: Tom Linehan, Joe Reynolds, Allan McMurtry, Michael Bomba, Bent Sjolseth, Donna Beth McCormick, Cathy Yang, Paulette Kern, Laura Slaughter

Agenda
Approval of agenda
Treasurer’s report
Committee updates:

• Northcross
• Planning-VMU
• Zoning
• Fundraising-Masquerade Ball
• Newsletter
• Membership
• Other Business
• Approval of web hosting expenses
• North Loop Plan
• Ardent Properties presentation (Brett Denton)

Agenda approved with understanding to move to Ardent Res. Presentation and North Loop
plan at 7:15 p.m. –Paulette moved approval, Cathy 2nd.

ANA Supports Campaign to resist moving animal shelter

At last week's ANA Executive Committee meetings, Lisa McClain, with FixAustin gave a short presentation on the city's plans to move the animal shelter from its current Town Lake location to East Austin. Here are some of the reasons why they are against it:

1. An animal shelter in East Austin prevents affordable housing and multi-use developments preferred by East Austin neighborhoods.
2. The current Town Lake location is equally accessible from all parts of the County.

Minutes from ANA Executive Board Meeting 7/5/07

Minutes from ANA Executive Board Meeting 7/5/07, 7:00 p.m., North Village Library

ANA Executive Board Members present: Joe Reynolds, Brent Sjolseth, Dan Jones, Michael Bomba, Laura Slaughter, Donna Beth McCormick, Cathy Yang, Paulette Kern, Tom Linehan.

Tom called meeting to order. Agenda revised. Dan Jones moved acceptance of revised agenda, second by Brent. Motion passed.

Tom noted two corrections to the Exec. Board Minutes of June 27 meeting: 1) Date on meeting should be June 27, not July 27, 2) motion to approve agenda looks like it is recorded twice. Approval of minutes waived till next meeting.

ANA Executive Committee Meeting Minutes - 6/27/07

On June 27th, the Allandale Neighborhood Association held it's monthly Executive Committee meeting. What follows are the minutes from the meeting.

ANA Executive Committee Thursday, July 5th

There will be an ANA Executive Committee meeting Thursday, July 5th, at 7:00 at the North Village library located in the shopping center at the SE corner of Anderson and Burnet Rd.

Allandale Neighborhood Association Executive Committee Minutes: May 30 and June 1

submitted by Katie Hansen

Allandale Neighborhood Association Meeting of the Executive Committee May 30, 2007, continued to June 1, 2007

In attendance: Allan McMurtry, Cathy Yang, Michael Bomba, Katie Hansen, Joe Reynolds, Brent Sjolseth, Paulette Kern, Tom Linehan

Agenda: Voting on VMU

Called to order at 7:10

Minutes from 5/23/07 are read. Allan McMurtry makes a motion to approve minutes as read. Seconded. Passes.

Allan McMurtry makes a motion to suspend reading of the treasurer’s report. Seconded. Passes.

Minutes from 5.9.07 EC Meeting

submitted by Katie Hansen

In attendance: Dan Jones, Tom Linehan, Paulette Kern, Cathy Yang, Katie Hansen, Allan McMurtry, Brent Slojseth, Michale Bomba, Joe Reynolds.

Tom Linehan calls meeting to order at 7:05.

Katie Hansen reads minutes from 4.25.07. Paulette Kern moves to approve minutes. Allan McMurtry seconds. Approved.

I. Membership committee report Dan Jones:
The MC has integrated data that came from Paul Nagy with membership forms that had not been entered into the database. The fundraising committee has also entered membership information into a database. Total is approximately 400 members of ANA.

ANA Executive Committee Meeting 4/25/07

Executive Committee was convened following the Allandale Special General meeting.

ANA Executive Committee meeting called to order.

Allan McMurtry made a motion to approve the recommendation of Laura Slaughter to fill a vacancy on the Executive Committee. Seconded by Cathy Yang. Unanimous approval of Laura Slaughter for EC committee.

Fundraising committee needs seed money for the Allandale 'Tyke and Bike Ride' for fundraising to get it started. Funds would come out of the fundraising account to purchase t-shirts, flyers, police support and permits. $1,061.45

Dan Jones makes a motion to table approval of funds. Not seconded.

Allan McMurtry makes a motion to allocate the funds. Tom Linehan seconds it.

Vote: passes.

Meeting adjourned.

ANA Special Meeting, Wednesday, 4/25, 7:00 p.m.

This is a reminder that a special meeting of the general membership of the Allandale Neighborhood Association will be held this Wednesday, April 25 at the Ralph Yarborough Library on Hancock at 7:00 p.m.

The purpose of the meeting is to vote on a motion made at the March General Meeting by Jan Triplett for ANA to join with RG4N in a city-wide boycott of Wal-Mart and Sam's Club until the supercenter is removed from the Northcross site plan.

The meeting is open to anyone, however to vote you must be an ANA member. You can join at the meeting and be qualified to vote. To expedite the process I recommend you come to the meeting with membership form completed and check made out to Allandale Neighborhood Association. You will find the membership form on the back of the newsletter or you can print it out here.

Tom Linehan
Presiding Officer
Allandale Neighborhood Association

The Second Annual Neighborhood Planning Conference

The Second Annual Neighborhood Planning Conference: May 5, 2007, Austin Community College, Eastview Campus: THE NEXT TEN YEARS: Building Community Capacity.

Working together is the only way to a sustainable future… The 2007 Conference will include over 40 citizen-led workshops in 8 Tracks on topics solicited from community organizations and leaders that would be useful in enhancing Community Capacity Building.

Click on http://www.neighboraustin.com to register (or for more information)! Click here for the agenda (pdf).

MoNAC Meeting, Tuesday, April 17, 2007, 6:30 pm

at Westminster Manor - Harris Bell Hall (Park in north parking lot and enter through the Health Care
Center, ask directions to Harris Bell Hall), 4100   Jackson Avenue.

Agenda:
I. Call to Order 6:30 pm
II. Approval of the January 16, 2007 minutes
III. Announcements
IV. Introduction of Travis County Commissioner Sarah Eckhardt, Precinct 2
V. View DVD of the late Gov. Ann Richards' testimony at the 2001 CAMPO meeting
VI. Brief update on the Austin-San Antonio Intermunicipal Commuter Rail District Project by ASA Board of Directors Chair, Sid Covington.
VII. Update of the Loop 1/MoPac Corridor Project Plan given by the Loop 1 Study Project Team
VIII. Adjourn

Reminder: The next MoNAC Meeting is scheduled for

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Allandale March General Meeting - March 28, 2007 Minutes

submitted by Katie Hansen

Executive Committee members in attendance: Brent Sjolseth, Paulette Kern, Cathy Yang, Michael Bomba, Tom Linehan, Katie Hansen, Joe Reynolds, Dan Jones.

Meeting minutes were approved for February 28th, 2007.

Meeting minutes were approved for March 8, 2007.

Report on Fundraiser and Treasurer's report by Joe Reynolds: Current treasurer has still not received records from previous treasurer.

ANA March General Meeting

Please join us for our Allandale Neighborhood Association March General Meeting on Wednesday, 3/28, at the Ralph Yarborough Library on Hancock Drive beginning at 6 p.m.

1. Reading and approval of minutes

2. Treasurer’s report

3. Update on Northcross redevelopment project

Minutes from 3.8.07 Special Meeting

Draft Minutes to be considered for approval at the regular March General Meeting.

Allandale Neighorhood Association Special Meeting of the Executive Committee 3/8/07 at St. John's Methodist Church.

Attending: Allan McMurtry, Joe Reynolds, Tom Linehan, Michael Bomba, Cathy Yang, Katie Hansen, Paulette Kern, Dan Jones.

As this is a special meeting, the minutes of the February executive committee meeting were not submitted for approval. These minutes will be considered at the regularly scheduled March General  meeting.

Minutes from 2/28/07 Allandale Executive Committee

Meeting was called to order by Tom Linehan. Other EC members in attendance were Katie Hansen, Joe Reynolds, Allan Murtry, Michael Bomba, and Cathy Yang.

Allan made a motion to approve minutes from January 24th. Passed

First MoPac 1-to-ONE to be held March 7

From the desk of John P. Kelly, P.E., MoPac 1 Project Manager, DMJM Harris

TxDOT and the MoPac 1 project team have been committed to making public involvement and participation a very high priority. That’s why, in addition to the two open houses we held last September, we have met with numerous individuals from all backgrounds and perspectives, as well as many neighborhood groups, community organizations, and business organizations with various interests in Loop 1 mobility.

Note from Lamar Middle School

On behalf of the Lamar PTA and the parents, students and staff of Lamar Middle School we would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Allandale Neighborhood Associations for its generous contribution of $500.00 to the PTA.  We’re proud to be associated and have the support of such an involved and community minded organization as the ANA.

Please excuse the informality in sending this by electronic mail but I was not able to find a mailing address for ANA.  Thanks again.

Take care 

Vera D. Massaro
Secretary, Lamar PTA

March Newsletter - Know your Allandale

You should have received the March edition of the Allandale Neighbor on your doorstep this week. (If you did not let us know). Here's why you should read it. We have a profile on Phyllis Brinkley, "The Mayor of Allandale Wants You: A Tribute to Phyllis Brinkley." Phyllis is a longtime resident of Allandale and major contributor to what makes Allandale a great neighborhood. Every major issue in the history of this neighborhood going back to 1955 was touched by Phyllis.

Other stories covered in this edition include a business profile of Terra Toys, a thank you to Gretchen and Paul for their service on the Allandale Board, results from the Allandale Neighborhood Survey conducted in the Fall, fundrasing efforts for the Allandale Legal Fund, and more. Of course if you don't feel like getting up from your chair, you can just download it here (requires Adobe Acrobat reader).

Used Lacrosse Equipment Needed

Dear Neighbors,
The McCallum Lacrosse team is in need of used Lacrosse equipment for some of their new players. Please check your closets and consider donating some of your used equipment. Playing lacrosse has provided a very positive experience to many of the youth in our neighborhood. I can be contacted at: jvillarreal5@austin.rr.com if you need help making arrangements to donate your extra equipment.

Elsa Villarreal

Farmer’s Market Developers to Present Plans March 21

The following are Steven Zettner's  notes from a meeting held tonight with County Commissioner Sarah Eckhardt and area neighborhood representatives regarding the future of the Farmers market property along Burnet Rd.

Travis County Commissioner Sarah Eckhardt has tentatively scheduled a public meeting on Wednesday, March 21 to present four competing plans for redevelopment of the Farmer’s Market property to area residents. Each developer will have half an hour to present their plan. Confirmation of the date, time and place will follow in the next few days.

Letter from the Editors

This week you will be receiving the February issue of the Allandale Neighbor that includes a fresh new look. Thanks to Cathy Savage, our layout and design person, for the new design. We will also start publishing the newsletter bimonthly so we can stay in touch with you more often. Cathy Yang and Tom Linehan are the new co-editors. Together, we bring many exciting new ideas for upcoming stories. Our best idea however is to tap the talent in the neighborhood for “beat coverage,” volunteers who can research and report on Allandale-related matters. One of the characteristics of the neighborhood that people said they valued in our recent neighborhood survey is a strong sense of community. We believe keeping residents informed and getting their involvement in the newsletter and the web site builds community. The areas we’re looking for coverage on include:

• Events
• Personal Finance/Real Estate Info
• Environmental News (recycling, energy, rain barrels, etc.)
• Food—seasonal vegetables, local eateries
• Recreation/Fitness
• Health/Medical News (Vet, Alternative,
• Medical, Massage, Exercise, etc.)
• Gardening tips for Allandale
• Neighborhood Safety
• Home Remodeling/Fix It
• School Activities/Events

Please send us an email and let us know your interest and we will follow up with the details. If you have other ideas, send them along as well to: allandalereporter@yahoo.com.

Thanks.  And be on the lookout for the newsletter on your doorstep. 

—Tom and Cathy

In the News

There is a very good article in Thursday's Austin Chronicle on the Northcross redevelopment project: "Developing Stories: Bigger than WalMart" by Katherine Gregor. And in today's Austin American-Statesman, there is an article about the City Council passing the big box ordinance, "Austin sets new rules for retail projects."

Misrepresentation in the Allandale Fundraiser Flyer

The current members of the ANA Board would like to apologize to the former Board members regarding the statement in the Allandale Fundraiser flyer that was recently distributed which makes reference  to "a newly invigorated Executive Committee." The implication of that
statement regarding the involvement of the former board members is misleading and inaccurate. The intent was to indicate our stepped up efforts to address the neighborhood's concerns regarding the Northcross redevelopment that includes a 226,000 sq ft Wal-Mart. We understand how it could have been interpreted otherwise. We strongly appreciate the time, effort and interest each of those individuals put into the neighborhood association as volunteers.

In addition, I personally would like to apologize to Gretchen and Paul for this remark. As with us all, they have full time jobs and family to tend to but have continued to work with us closely to make sure the transition to a new Board is a smooth one. I can't thank them enough.

Tom Linehan
VP, Allandale Neighborhood Association

Managed Lanes Open House

The Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will be hosting an open house on February 20, 2007 from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm at the Thompson Conference Center at UT. The open house will provide information about managed lanes, a new approach that provides options for freeway travel. Managed lanes use various combinations of flexible pricing, vehicle eligibility, and controlled access to provide steady traffic flow, particularly during periods of high congestion.

VMU at our doorstep?

submitted by Tom Linehan

Vertical mixed use is being considered for Burnet and Anderson roads. Are we ready? Last week the Austin Chronicle had a very good article about the City's vertical mixed use (VMU) initiative, Going Vertical: The new VMU zoning could transform your neighborhood – and you'll have 90 days to help decide how by Kathleen McGregor. I strongly encourage you to read it along with Kerry Kimbrough's article below regarding VMU. Kerry is co-chair of Allandale's Planning Committee which is tasked with monitoring and making recommendations on VMU to the neighborhood's Executive Committee. VMU planning is coming upon us fast. Soon, Allandale will have an opportunity for direct input on mixed use development along Burnet and Anderson. The City of

Austin is asking the Allandale Neighborhood Association for feedback about VMU on our core transit corridors (CTCs), which are Burnet and Anderson roads. Read up on it and submit your questions and ideas to the Allandale Planning Committee, allandaleplanning@yahoogroups.com.

Life On the Corridor: Vertical Mixed Use

submitted by Kerry Kimbrough

Like many neighborhoods, Allandale is defined by a certain geographic pattern: a leafy cocoon of houses nestled inside a box of major roadways. Our box is formed primarily by Mopac and two roads that are defined by the City of Austinas “Core Transit Corridors” (CTCs) --- Burnet Road and Anderson Lane. Such CTCs get a lot of attention from city planners because CTCs are places where big issues like transportation and development play out. Austin is an amazing, dynamic organism, and the CTCs are its budding branches. I’m sure you’ve noticed how Burnet and Anderson have been transforming over the years.

It's My Park Day

This just in: Volunteers can start signing up for Its My Park Day: Shoal Creek Clean up.

North Shoal Creek Clean Up

Join your neighbors from across Austin in a clean up of Shoal Creek. Volunteers will remove trash and debris, trim branches, and help to fix damage from heavy rains. Everyone is welcome. Great for Groups!

All ages welcome, wear Sturdy shoes, and remember the terraine is uneven. Difficulty: Easy. Please contact organizer if you can help with trimming branches and debris.

April 14, 2007

From: 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM

Click here for more info.

Report from the Austin Neighborhoods Council General Meeting.

submitted by Cynthia Keohane

On January 24, 2007, Allandale Neighborhood Association joined the Austin Neighborhoods and I attended my first meeting as the official ANA representative. Please note that meetings are open to all and there is more information on the web site at http://www.ancweb.org/

The first agenda item was Hurricane Survivors Living in Austin, presented by Shawn Lemieux, Community Recovery Committee and Andrew Bucknall, American Dream Program. They made the case that the hurricane survivors faced tremendous challenges to becoming self-sufficient. One example is that people lost all possessions including their documents; Texas requires a birth certificate to get a driver’s license, and a driver’s license is needed to get hired. The speakers thanked the Austin community for its ongoing support and kindness.

Minutes from January 24th Allandale Executive Committee Meeting

submitted by Katie Hansen

Meeting Minutes of the January 24th, 2006 Executive Committee Meeting of the Allandale Neighborhood Association

Seven board members were present: Gretchen Vaden-Nagy, Paul Nagy, Tom Linehan, Linnea Anderson, Allan McMurtry, Katie Hansen and Joe Reynolds.

Linnea motioned for Tom Linehan and Katie Hansen to assume the duties of Vice President and secretary, respectively.  This motion was passed.

Paul Nagy presented the ANA Treasury Report.  The net available, minus the payables, was 24,706.23 at the beginning of the meeting. 

Gretchen and Paul Announce Their Resignations

submitted by Tom Linehan

At the January 24^th Executive Committee meeting, Gretchen and Paul Nagy announced they would be resigning as President and Treasurer of the Allandale Neighborhood Association. Both have put in a number of years of service to the neighborhood and are commended for their ongoing commitment to keeping the association running smoothly. It's a bigger job than most people realize. Their resignations will take effect following the next Executive Committee meeting in February. Both are committed to ensuring a smooth transition and will be working closely with the other Executive Committee members on the knowledge transfer.

Allandale Resident in the News

Allandale resident, Sharon Radovich's "cottage" is in today's home tour in the Austin American-Statesman, "Home Tour: Love at first site, Austin designer keeps cottage for the love of the land. " Many of you go by her house daily and will recognize it because of the art piece hanging from a tree in her front yard. For those of you wondering what the inside is like, take a look at the accompanying photo gallery.

ANA Executive Committee Dec 16, 2006

Executive Committee (EC) present - Patrick Manley, Tom Linehan, Linnea Anderson, Kay Newell, Paul Nagy, Gretchen Vaden, Allan McMurtry, and Katie Hansen

Absent - Susan Frank, Jeff Frank, and Joe Reynolds

Neighborhood Planning Co-Chairs present - Ran Hirsh and Kerry Kimbrough. Absent - Steven Zettner

Newsletter - Should we consider outsourcing the newsletter due to the other issues the Allandale Neighborhood Association (ANA) is involved in? 

Sarah's Mediterranean Grill & Market

Allandale Welcomes Sarah's Mediterranean Grill & Market to the neighborhood. Here's a note from the owner:

Dear Reporter,

I'd like to introduce my self to the neighborhood. My name is Nasib Naser. Sarah is my three year old daughter. She's the youngest of 5 girls. Sarah's Mediterranean Grill & Market is a Mediterranean fast food restaurant and a full line of groceries. We opened doors Oct 5th. I was amazed by how warm hearted the neighborhood tenants are. Here's our menu.

Hope to hear from you soon..

Best regards,
Nasib Naser

ANA Executive Committee Meeting 12-3-2006

Norris Conference Center

Board present - Gretchen Vaden, Susan Frank, Kay Newell, Patrick Manley, Jeff Frank, Allan McMurtry, Joe Reynolds, Katie Hansen, Tom Linehan, Paul Nagy

Absent - Linnea Anderson

Neighborhood Planning Co-Chairs present - Steven Zettner, Kerry Kimbrough, Ran Hirsh

Responsible Growth for Northcross (RG) leadership present - Brigid Shea, Paige Hill, Jason Mittman, Michael Bomba, plus several others

Gretchen - called the meeting to order. We have had email discussions about the redevelopment of Northcross (NC) and need to talk as a group. We have a request from RG for a ten-minute presentation.

 

Allandale Survey Results are In

Residents of Allandale are most concerned about trees and greenspace, preserving the feel of the neighborhood, and traffic according to the recently completed Allandale Neighborhood survey. Keeping it affordable, quiet, and fortified with community spirit are some of the characteristics residents said would make it better.

What follows is a summary of the results  prepared by Kerry Kimbrough, Co-Chair, ANA Neighborhood Planning Committee. There were a total of 539 completed surveys submitted by the deadline, 139 of which arrived by mail or were dropped off, and the remaining completed online.

Allandale Neighborhood Association meeting with Lincoln Property & Wal-Mart Nov 15 2006

submitted by Kay Newell

Lincoln Property Co. represented by Robert Dozier and Wes Babb
Wal-Mart represented by Richard Suttle and Mark Aflatooni

In the past Lincoln Property Co and MRO N Cross Inc bid on Northcross Mall - MRO had the winning bid. Then came the tech bust and the downturn for Northcross Mall. In 2006 Lincoln bid on Northcross Mall again and this time had the winning bid.

Lincoln ran a Retail Void Analysis - the results show the area is massively undersized for grocery. Two of the companies contacted by Lincoln about locating in Northcross were Whole Foods and HEB, both declined the site. Lincoln hired an architect and engineer, and continued with their development plans to remodel the existing mall. Lincoln began the City of Austin site plan process in Jan 2006, the site plan was approved by the City of Austin in August 2006. Wal-Mart expressed an interest in becoming a tenant in Northcross this summer and signed a lease in Nov 2006.

Shoal Creek Sidewalk Update

an email from Darryl Haba, the City's project manager on the Shoal Creek sidewalk project:

From: "Haba, Darryl" <darryl.haba@ci.austin.tx.us

Date: November 15, 2006 7:48:33 AM CST

Just wanted to provide you with an update.  All work along Shoal Creek from 38th Street to Allandale is now complete.  We have two sections of railing to install once they come in from the fabrication plant but all sidewalk, ramps, and retaining wall work is complete.  The remainder of this week we will clean up our staging areas south of Allandale and resod them if needed and do a general “once over” of the area to make sure we have all our construction debris cleaned up.

Survey Deadline November 20th

Thanks to those of you who have filled out the Allandale Neighborhood Survey. We have over 300 completed surveys, but that's not everyone so if you have not filled it out yet, please do. We will be accepting surveys through Monday, November 20th.

ALLANDALE, It's where you LIVE!

Propostion 2 Will Benefit Allandale

submitted by Katie Hansen

Did you know that a proportion of Proposition 2 will directly benefit Allandale? This proposition addresses flooding issues with in the City of Austin. In Allandale, the intersection of Bull   Creek Rd and White Rock is the number 5 priority of the bond issue.

The photo above is a view of White Rock Road (in the foreground) and the Drainage ditch in the background) that runs parallel to Bull Creek Road.  Side walk that leads to Lamar Middle School is next to telephone pole (by the rapids).

Northwest Pony League Field under construction

For those of you wondering what's going on with the Northwest Pony League field, a post to the neighborhood listserv generated the following response from Tom Seay:

I talked with Russ McElrath today. He is the person in charge of managing the NW Pony League field. They are rebuilding the field in preparation for it's becoming a baseball field for AISD. McCallum HS will be playing their baseball games there instead of at Nelson Field. The NW Pony League will continue using the field as usual. The renovations are apparently part of an AISD bond program.

Tom

Neighborhood theft - October 30, 2006

It starts small and simple, but what could be next. On Monday someone had the nerve to steal the two 24" illuminated pumpkins and waterproof power box off the front of the deck in my front yard. Total value: under $50.00. They didn't take time to steal the pumpkin patch, the witch that crashed on my tree, or the tombstones in my graveyard, all a part of my traditional Halloween display. However, maybe tomorrow they will. I spend hours cutting out and hand paint almost all the decorations I put up year to year, and often get compliments. In fact, I just noticed tonight, while looking through the Allandale Reporter a photograph of my home. It must have submitted last year for Halloween decorated yards. I pity the individual(s) that would stoup to so low as to steal decorations. I do hope you will report anyone at any residence in the neighborhood that appears suspicious or just out of place to 311. I'll be looking for those pumpkins on someone else's porch. It's a sad way to start up the holiday season, but I will still greet all callers at my home with the customary treats. Have a safe Halloween!

Mark Holder
6311 Shoal Creek Blvd.
512 565-4306

ANA Neighborhood Planning and Executive Committee Meeting 10-25-2006

Gretchen opened the meeting. The Neighborhood Planning Committee (NPC) of Allandale has a listserve - to subscribe: allandaleplanning-subscribe@yahoogroups.com Five people from this committee have taken leadership roles in producing the Allandale neighborhood planning (np) survey - Ranleigh Hirsh, Tom Linehan, Steven Zettner, Kerry Kimbrough, and Kay Newell. Ranleigh Hirsh, Steven Zettner, and Kerry Kimbrough have accepted the positions of co-chairs for neighborhood planning.

Neighborhood Meeting Tomorrow

submitted by Gretchen Vaden

This Wednesday there are two neighborhood meetings at the Yarborough Library on Hancock Drive.

The first meeting--Allandale Neighborhood Planning Committee (NPC)--begins at 6 p.m. We have invited and confirmed Councilmember Brewster McCracken and City of Austin Neighborhood Planning Director Mark Walters.

The second meeting--Allandale Neighborhood Association Executive Meeting--will begin following the end of the first. This should occur around 7 p.m. However, it's expected that the first meeting will run over into the second.

All Allandale residents are invited to come. We have invited
representatives from surrounding neighborhoods to attend the NPC
meeting.

I apologize for this late transmission, but a much earlier email never
posted, so I'm trying again and hoping this one comes through more
quickly....

Drydock Late Night Permit Denied

Drydock Seafood (formerly Asian Buffet/Romeo's/Pancho's) went before the Zoning and Platting Commitee on 10/17/06 seeking a permit to allow it to remain open until 2 am. The request for a late night permit was opposed by the Allandale Neighborhood Association. What follows is  a message posted to the Allandale listserv responding to a question regarding the outcome by sherahjr@aol.com on 10/18/06:

Neighborhood Survey Coming!

The Allandale Neighborhood Association wants to HEAR FROM YOU. In a couple of weeks, ANA will be delivering a survey to your doorstep. Please take a few minutes to fill it out and return it. You will be able to complete it online if you prefer.

The purpose of the survey is to find out what matters most to Allandale residents, both now and for the future. Information from the survey will help guide the neighborhood association as it gets underway with the City's neighborhood planning process. It will also provide guidance to the Allandale Neighborhood Association board members on what's important to residents. The results will be published in the newsletter and on this web site. What follows is a brief Q&A about the upcoming survey:

Covenant Presbyterian Church is Expanding

submitted by MGaskill

Covenant Presbyterian Church, which opened at 3003 Northland in 1965, has experienced steady growth in membership and participation in small group, educational and outreach or mission activities, and the church’s campus has been filled beyond capacity for some time. In 2003, a committee was formed to study buildings and grounds requirements, a survey gathered input from the membership in 2004, 

The Pumpkin Church

The St. John's pumpkin patch has just the pumpkin you're looking for. On October 3rd, they unloaded 3,000 pumpkins for their annual pumpkin patch. Can't beat that selection. This is the 15th year the church has set up their pumpkin patch. It's been so successful other churches have started their own pumpkin patches. St John's expects another 1,500 pumpkins to arrive soon. The 1 and 1/2 truckloads of pumpkins come from New Mexico.  

Chronicle Article on Crestview

The following was posted to the Allandale listserv today. It's from Lee Nichols, a writer for the Austin Chronicle and resident of the Crestiview neighborhood. In addition to talking about the major redevelopment planned for the Huntsmen Chemical property (Lamar and Airport),  adjacent to the future commuter rail station, Lee provides more information about development plans for Northcross Mall. It's a good preview of things coming to a central city neighborhood near you.

"Howdy neighbors. My article on the developments going up at both ends of the 'hood is in the Chronicle today. If you don't want to wait for the paper version, it's already online here: Crestview at Crossroads. Feedback, positive or negative, is welcome -- especially to our letters to the editor section as well as here.    

Lee"

UPDATE ON MOPAC/LOOP 1 IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

In 2005 CAMPO (Capitol Area Metropolitan Planning Organization) included this in the 2030 Plan: MoPac – FM734 to Town Lake, construction of managed lanes within existing Loop 1 ROW (Right of Way) and at or below grade with the installation of soundwalls.

A Message from the Project Manager

As project manager for the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) MoPac 1 project, I am excited about working with corridor residents, roadway users, public officials and other to develop a plan for improving conditions along the Loop 1 (MoPac Expressway) corridor.

Allandale in the Statesman

There is a brief neighborhood profile of Allandale in today's Austin American-Statesman. You will   find it on the main page of Statesman Homes or you can just click here. It says we're a choice destination for young families and professionals wanting to live central. I agree.

New Officers Elected - Minutes from September General Meeting

submitted by Kay Newell

Gretchen Vaden Nagy, President of the Allandale Neighborhood Association, opened the September 2006 General Meeting.

Main Library - Proposition 6
Gretchen introduced David Mintz - City of Austin   Library Commission Chair and former President of ANA. David spoke about the need for a new main library to provide