T he March HPNA meeting welcomed many new and familiar faces. We want to encourage everyone to come out to the meetings that take place the first Monday of every month at 7:00 P.M. in the Hyde Park Methodist Church auditorium at 40th and Speedway. Meetings typically last an hour and a half and are full of current information and news about what's going on, literally, in your back yard and around town.

Recap on the March meeting minutes:
    Texas Historical Commission: Texas historical Commission Member Bob Brinkman spoke on enlarging the 1990 Historical District boundaries in Hyde Park. The concept for creating a Historical District actually began in 1966, when highways were destroying property without due consideration. Hyde Park is exploring the possibility of extending and updating its current boundaries. What does this mean for the homeowner? It might impact your federal taxes, and offers greater protection for the historical features of the neighborhood. If you own income-producing property in the Historic District, 20% of rehabilitation costs could possibly be refunded to you.
    Office of the Police Monitor: Ashton Cumberbatch delivered a presentation outlining the process and purpose of the Police Monitor. This organization "is not the enemy of the cops," says Cumberbatch, but a product of the citizens' desire to have a system of checks and balances for police officers. If citizens have a complaint with particular police officers' conduct or behavior, they are encouraged to issue a complaint with the Monitor. Their office is located at 1106 Clayton Lane.
    Rezoning 4525 Guadalupe: Karen McGraw submitted a movement that passed unanimously for a resolution so support re-zoning in compliance with the NCCD, for 4525 Guadalupe. This is the property directly behind Walgreen's on Guadalupe. Developer Mike Rhodes has worked closely with the neighborhood and city to develop this site in the character of Hyde Park. Tentative plans include a four story multi-use building made up of light retail and condominiums.
    West Campus Diversification: If you haven't heard any news on the rezoning plan for the area west of campus, you probably will soon. In an effort to increase student density in this area close to campus, and hypothetically decrease the pressure on surrounding neighborhoods, the city is considering an extensive rezoning that will allow buildings up to 175 feet in some areas. The rezoning requires new developments to incorporate streetscapes as well as high quality building. The desire is to double the density of