Hyde Park Counseling Associates Kathryn M. Young, M.Div., M.A. Licensed Professional Counselor Office Hours by       Adult/Adolescent/ Appointment       Couples Counseling 512.589.6989

N eighbors gathered at the Hyde Park Methodist Church on Speedway for the monthly meeting of the Hyde Park Neighborhood Association. These sometimes fun and always interesting meetings take place the first Monday of each month at 7p.m. A short month was not ushered in with a short meeting. Co-President Gary Penn presided over a docket unusually crowded with contention.

    The meeting began with good news. Penn announced that the Historic Landmark Commission voted to support Historic Zoning and deny the demolition permit sought by the Hyde Park Baptist Church for the store front on 3810 Speedway. Avid readers of the Pecan Press may recall a resolution passed by The Association last month urging that very thing. "For Rent if You Can Afford It" stated this mid-month edition of the Austin Chronicle. Skyrocketing property taxes are no news to these neighbors. Penn went on to announce that next month's meeting will feature two speakers from the Travis County Appraisal District, possibly Nelda Wells Spears herself. The guests will discuss the property tax issues affecting central city residents, including how to file an appeal. Residents are encouraged to contact Gary Penn prior to the meeting with their questions.

    There are Duplexes and then there are Super Duplexes. Construction permits flowing out of City Hall have many neighbors super alarmed. A hole in the SF3 zoning designation has left room for behemoth duplexes that can sport up the four bedrooms on each side. Permits are pending for a total of eight already in north Hyde Park, which is not yet under the protection of an Neighborhood Combining and Conservation District (NCCD).