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Officer Nominees Sought
    Nominations are being sought for this Fall's slate of HPNA officers. Anyone with an interest in nominating a candidate is asked to contact Alan Marburger (459-2261).

Flight Path Variance
    Jason Birch, owner of the Flight Path Cafe, made his second appearance before the Association, requesting support of a parking variance for his establishment on Hyde Park's northern border. A motion from the June meeting to support the variance had been tabled after residents raised serious concerns about the precedent set by such a variance and the permanence of such waiver. Many neighbors pointed out that the waiver would remain with the property even if Jason's much-loved cafe were to close. After an extensive debate, a substitute motion was adopted directing HPNA leadership to state that the Association does not oppose Jason in his request for a variance from the City.

Code Enforcement (or lack thereof)
    Indeed, it seems that the issue of code enforcement (or lack thereof) has become an ongoing battle, one which neighborhoods in Austin seem to be losing. The City of Austin, a city which prides itself on the preservation of its quality of life, has three -- read it, three -- city employees whose job description is reported as code enforcement. By way of contrast, San Antonio, (population 1.44 million) has seventy-seven employees in this area. Alan Marburger floated the idea to neighbors of forming a separate permanent committee to address the issue of code enforcement. Neighbors responded favorably and anyone wishing to earn more is urged to attend next month's meeting (see related article in this issue).

Calling All Alley Cats!
    Before adjourning the meeting, Nadig raised the ongoing issue of garbage pickup and recycling services in Hyde Park's alleys. Summer rains, always welcome, have hastened the perennial crisis of a loss of service in the alleys. Lush growth behind the homes of negligent or absentee landowners is combining with mounting fiscal pressures on the City. The result may be the loss of alley services. The association is currently seeking a long-term solution to this problem. Anyone who enjoys alley-based sanitation services, or enjoys living in a neighborhood that does not have to clutter its streets and sidewalks with garbage bins every week, is urged to assist in this matter. Over the years hardy band of dedicated individuals, our noble "Alley Cats", have volunteered their time and labor to help cutting back the alleys on behalf of the rest of us. The time is now ripe for the Alley Cats to go once again on the prowl, and you are invited and encouraged to assist.