January, 2003   National Register District Neighborhood   Vol. 29, No. 1

Area residents gathered December 2nd for the monthly meeting of the Hyde Park Neighborhood Association. These fun and informative meetings take place at seven p.m. at the Methodist Church on Speedway on the first Monday of each month. Most members elected to make the walk on foot through the almost perfect autumn weather.

Co Presidents Gary Penn and Bruce Nadig moved the meeting briskly through a crowded and fairly technical docket.     Neighbors applauded while Bruce presented Charlie Lancaster of the Hyde Park Methodist Church with a check for $1,200, signaling the Association's gratitude for the use of the church's facility. The association makes an annual donation to show appreciation to the church,whose facility is the hub of so many community events.     Residents were alerted that some tires had been slashed in the vicinity of 42nd and Ave D. Historically,this is much more likely to happen to a car parked on the street than one parked in a driveway.     The Hyde Park planning team will soon be laying siege to the area north of 45th. Volunteers are needed to help survey the seventy-five blocks of Hyde Park

North in preparation for the inclusion of the area in the Hyde Park Neighborhood Combining & Conservation District. NCCDs,as they are known, are the most specific zoning documents that govern the appearance of a neighborhood. Anyone living in or owning property in the area is urged to get involved in this process. NCCDs touch on everything from building height, new additions, the ability to park a car or boat in one's yard, sidewalks and setbacks. They can shape the look and feel of an area for many decades. Anyone wishing to help, hinder or learn more can contact Karen McGraw, 459-2261.     In a somewhat backwards move, the association approved a letter stating that they would not oppose a request for a setback variance for a garage in the 4900 block of Avenue G pending a favorable review by the Hyde Park Development Review Committee.* To avoid confusion, and sentences Continued on page 4

* The HPNA Steering Committee approved the variance on December 12. Other committee business included a decision to open a dialogue and gather information about Hyde Park opting in to the City of Austin's "No Parking in the Yard" ordinance.