The Allandale Reporter

What do you think about VMU? Take the survey now!

What do you think about Vertical Mixed Use (VMU) on Burnet   Road and Anderson Lane? The Allandale Neighborhood Association wants to know. Please take a few minutes to complete the online Allandale VMU Survey. To take the survey, click here:

We must have your response before Monday, May 21.

Why does it matter? VMU would bring changes to the borders of Allandale. Depending on its location, VMU could be 2 to 4 stories, with shops below and people living in condos or apartments above. Is VMU good or bad for the neighborhood? The answer might be "it depends". Take the survey and tell us what you think.

In search of a better northcross development

This week's Austin Chronicle included a story by Kathrine Gregor, "Developing Stories, A Public-Private Northcross?", that talks about Jennifer Kim's efforts to pursue a public-private partnership for development of Northcross.  She's not having much success getting other councilmembers to sign on but the article is revealing in regards to councilmembers' worry about being individually sued by Wal-Mart if they were to interfere with the development. Something is not right if your city council cannot look after the interest of it's citizenry because they fear being sued. I encourage you read it.

VMU: Will it be good for Allandale

submitted by Kerry Kimbrough

Here are things that neighbors say they like about VMU. Do you agree? In the coming Allandale VMU Survey, you can tell us what you think.

• Attracts upscale developments
• Because VMU is more expensive to build, it is more likely to produce attractive, upscale, well-maintained residences and businesses.
• Makes it easier to shop and eat nearby
• VMU will bring more places to shop and eat nearby and will be easier to reach by walking.
• Encourages better public transportation
• By concentrating new residents on the transit corridors, VMU creates incentives to improve public transportation service to the neighborhood. (continue reading "VMU:  Will it be good...)

VMU: Will it be bad for Allandale

submitted by Kerry Kimbrough

Here are things that neighbors say they dislike about VMU. Do you agree? In the coming Allandale VMU Survey, you can tell us what you think.

• Causes parking overflow into the neighborhood
• In many places, parking is already scarce. VMU will reduce parking even more, and its clientele will have to park in front of our houses.
• Increases rush-hour congestion on main roads
• If VMU reaches maximum density everywhere, it will add 35,000 trips per day. Even a fraction of this will cause Burnet or Anderson to fail.
• Brings people who won't get involved in the community
• Transient renters without close ties to the neighborhood will weaken the community spirit that we value.
• Intrudes on the privacy of nearby homes
• VMU will build to the maximum height and new residents will loom over adjacent back yards during non-work hours.
• Increases traffic spillover onto neighborhood streets (continue reading VMU: Will it be...)

Fifth Annual Violet Crown Festival is Saturday!

Whether you call it 5/5 or Cinco de Mayo, this Saturday is going to be a very special day when the Fifth Annual Violet Crown Festival comes to Brentwood Park from noon to 7 p.m.

In addition to all the great local food, fun, music, art, and community
spirit you've come to expect from the Violet Crown Festival, this year's
fest promises plenty of ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo as well as our super neighborhoods of "Crestwood and Brentview"!

Site Plan Approval Notice

See attached notice of a request for site plan approval on the property at Lawnmont and Burnet Rd  currently the location of the Antique Marketplace. The property is being developed by Carr Development. The plan is for a mixed use development with retail on the bottom floor and condominiums above.  Mr. Carr met with the ANA Executive Committee regarding this project in September of 2005 seeking support for a zoning variance on the project.