HPNA April Meeting
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Robert Singleton told neighbors that he is distinguished from his fellow hopefuls by his intimate familiarity with the planning process. He outlined his ideas for addressing the budget crisis and reminded neighbors that the next Place 5 candidate will need real, concrete answers to financial challenges.
Neighbors thanked those present and again expressed enthusiasm at both the quality and quantity of Austinites stepping forward at this difficult time in our City's history.
Anyone inspired to public service by these examples need not search far for an opportunity. Volunteers are still needed for the Hyde Park homes tour. Anyone wishing to assist is urged to contact former HPNA President Bob Breeze at breeze99@texas.net.
Austin Fire Chief Gary Warren gave neighbors a second update on possible changes underway for our beloved Fire Station # 9. City planners have once again cast a cost cutting eye at Hyde Park's totemic little fire station. Warren informed neighbors that he has asked the City to explore other options rather than close the station. He is proposing to city planners that the number of fireman at the station be reduced from four to two and that the City deploy a smaller truck there. Neighbors pointed out that two firefighters are severely limited in their ability to enter a burning building. Anyone wishing to become involved in preserving current service levels is urged to contact Dave Szathmary at dave@avenueg.us.
The Association voted to reiterate its opposition to a request for a variance on a permit for a home in the 700 block of E. 46th street. The applicant was asked to return with more information on parking and street set back allowances.
Hyde Park Planning Team Chairwoman Karen McGraw had good news to share. The City may be taking its first steps in turning the rising tide of super duplexes. City staff is now exploring the concerns with the legality of exceeding occupancy limits (shall not be greater than six unrelated adults) within SF3 zoning. Pending action by the City Council, the moratorium on super duplex construction will expire on May 29th.
Before Co-President Bruce Nadig adjourned the meeting he announced that an informal meeting would take place after the regular session with the president of the Austin Firefighter Association Scott Topin.
Most neighbors stayed to hear Scott's disappointment about the reduction of service to the area and his concerns that in the event of a large fire a smaller truck was going to have to "play defense" until a lager truck arrived. Interestingly, Scott did mention that the smaller truck could support a four-man crew, and that the central concern of neighbors might be addressed by keeping a four-man crew on the new smaller truck. Under the firefighters code of "same in as out," two men could still enter a burning building while two contained the blaze from without. Scott was applauded and thanked for his time. It had been quite a long evening when neighbors finally returned to their homes.
| -- | Glen Coleman glen@kdi.com 407-9357 |
