(Disclaimer: All opinions stated here are my own and do
not imply any official endorsement by the Hyde Park Neighborhood Association)
I
've seen it happen in this neighborhood many times. It concerns
me a great deal, and it very well could determine the ultimate
health and longevity of the Hyde Park Neighborhood Association.
So, what is it that I have seen? Membership and involvement with
the neighborhood association.
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As of this writing, the Hyde Park Neighborhood
Association has 105 members. Given the size of our neighborhood,
that just isn't a lot. Of the 105, I consider only a minority
to be "active" members. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to have
all the members we can get. I'd just like to see more
participation from a larger group of people.
A major trend I have seen is that people will join the association as a reaction to a crisis. I'll be the first to admit
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that this is how I initially became involved with HPNA. My
neighbors and I had a crisis arise in our little corner of
Hyde Park. In search of solutions to our problem, I became
involved with HPNA. Before this I had been proud of my
neighborhood; I felt a closeness with my immediate neighbors.
We weren't, however, organized as a group, and we couldn't
get as much accomplished as could a larger, established
association.
While I have seen this happen a number of times, it has just happened again within a block from my home. The crisis? A developer from outside our neighborhood purchased a lot with the sole intent of building a large multi-bedroom duplex. The design of the duplex was well suited to serve as a student rental property. The scale of the building was completely inappropriate for the area. And the architectural style of the mega-duplex was unlike anything else in the area. Because of some fast and furious work by the immediate neighbors, I think that we have this situation under control (for the time being). But as usually happens in these situations, the Hyde Park Neighborhood Association was able to lend a hand and contribute some valuable resources (thanks to Karen McGraw) in the fight. Five people (including myself and Karen McGraw) were able to go to the Austin City Council and make an appeal for action on the duplex issue. Andy Homer, a Hyde Park resident with professional experience working with elected officials, was able to arrange a meeting with at least one city council member to discuss the duplex issue. HPNA also passed a resolution (and sent a copy to each city council member) asking for some relief on the duplex issue. By working together we were able to make some progress on this issue. So, why is membership in HPNA important? First you have a great opportunity to meet your neighbors and get to know the folks around you. There are |
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lots of interesting people in the area and you just might make
some new friends. Next, when a crisis does arise, you will know
whom to call for help and you will know what resources are
available to you. Chances are you will find someone who has been
through a similar experience. You will also have access to the
support of a lot of people, and the neighborhood association
itself, when you need a hand.
In all honesty, Hyde Park Neighborhood Association won't deny assistance to anyone simply because they are not a member. Through membership and participation in HPNA, however, you will be more likely to know whom to contact when you do need help. Membership is easy. An individual membership is $1.00 annually (running October through October, all memberships expire every October) for individuals, or $2.00 for couples or families. A sustaining membership is $5.00 Continued on page 3
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