The Allandale Reporter

Court Hearing Tomorrow

A reminder that tomorrow is the court hearing on Allandale's lawsuit against the City regarding the Northcross development. The hearing is scheduled for 2:00 PM, at the Travis County Courthouse at 11th and Guadalupe. You are encouraged to join us. We want to make the point that responsible city government matters to folks in and around Allandale. For those of you wanting the details of Allandale's case, click here to read Allandale's response to the cross-motions submitted by the developer, Lincoln Properties, and the City of Austin regarding our motion for summary judgment. In a nutshell Allandale's position is the city did not adhere to its own laws when it approved the site plan that included a Wal-Mart Supercenter with a garden center.

Visit the Haunted Slough

submitted by Liz Shelby

For the past 10 years, my neighbor, Marianne Sexton, a local artist, has created the Haunted Slough of Shoal Edge Court in my yard. She makes outstanding (and scary!) figures that are nestled in the trees wrapped in different colored lights. We began the Haunted Slough when our children were young to put the fun back in Halloween. It is free and our gift to the community. We would like to invite Allandale neighbors to come. It is held Halloween night from 7 – 10. If the slough is too spooky for the young ones, the “upper yard” has apple bobbing (on strings), glow in the dark sidewalk chalk and a homemade witch’s brew. For some pictures of previous Halloween’s visit www.mariannesexton.com and click on events. Location: 5604 Shoal Edge   Court (one block south of Allandale off of Shoal Creek)

Liz Shelby

Photos of Masquerade Ball posted

If you couldn't make it to the Allandale Masquerade Ball and Silent Auction Saturday night here it is in pictures. Unfortunately it's not video so you don't get to hear the music from the Leroi Brothers - the perfect party band, or a scratch and sniff so you don't get the aromas from the wonderful food prepared and served by Russell's Bakery, or an interactive so you don't get to dance. Pictures are the best we could do so you will just have to come to next year's Ball for the full experience. The events team lead by Laura Slaughter did a fantastic job organizing this year's Masquerade Ball and the Caswell House was the ideal venue.

There were over 30 items donated to the silent auction from various individuals and local businesses. The items ranged from jewelry to tango lessons to dining gift certificates to bar stools to pool time at Slick Willies.   People who participated in the auction benefited from some really good deals. Many thanks to the contributors and to Marlene Meador who took the lead organizing the Silent Auction.

Court Hearing this Thursday, November 1

This Thursday, November 1, 2:00PM, at the Travis County Courthouse at 11th and Guadalupe, Allandale's motion for summary judgment will be heard. Please come. We would like a show of support from the neighborhood to make the point that responsible city government matters to us.

The motion for summary judgment is the case Allandale brought against the City. It's asking the judge to rule on whether Lincoln Properties' site plan violated city code which requires a public review process when a conditional use such as Wal-Mart's garden center is included as part of the development.

Great Northern Repaved

Late last week city crews resurfaced Great Northern Boulevard. The new surface is asphalt and very smooth to walk and cycle on. As of Saturday they had not put down the striping for the hike and bike lane. A side benefit of the resurfacing is it cleared out the grass and weeds that had grown up along the curb. Not only does it look nicer it's safer for the non-car traffic.

The Knights Make It A Clean Sweep Against Elgin

McCallum’s Varsity finished the week with a win over the Elgin Wildcats 36 to 29, making it a clean sweep for all three of the Knight’s football teams. Both the Freshmen and Junior Varsity defeated the Wildcats earlier in the week.

At the varsity game the Wildcats looked like they were prepared to defend their home turf when they jump out in the lead on their first possession, but the Knights came back and scored on both of their next possessions. Both touchdowns were either set up or made by long passes from Kevin Lusson to Vincent Ellis and Van Franks.

Brentwood Tavern Invited Back But It's Too Late

Yesterday the Austin Chronicle reported that the new owner of the Farmer's Market is asking Brentwood Tavern to stay. Unfortunately, the owners are no longer interested. "It's too little too late." The web posting, "Farmers Market Owner Invites Brentwood Tavern to Stay," by Lee Nichols includes the letter Paz Dhody sent to the Austin Chronicle in response to the Chronicle's article about the closing. In the letter, Paz talks about the status of the other tenants at the Farmer's Market and his plans for the property. Tomorrow night is the Tavern's closing party.

COATS FOR KIDS 2007 DISTRIBUTION DAY AND DONATIONS

Keeping the Children of Central Texas Warm, One Coat at a Time

WHAT: Coats for Kids 21st Annual Distribution Day, where over 30,000 new and gently used warm winter coats will be given out to the children of Central Texas. If you are interested in donating a coat please take them to any area Jack Brown Cleaners on or before, Wednesday, December 5th. For more information on how to receive a coat or how to volunteer for the event go the Junior League's website www.jlaustin.org or call 512-467-8982 ext. 231.

VMU in Today's Paper

There is a good article regarding vertical mixed use development in today's Austin American-Statesman, "Neighborhoods oppose three Austin projects that would boost density." One of the projects mentioned is just down the road on Koenig. The article is particularly relevant as a team of ANA representatives will be going before the Planning Commission tonight to argue against the VMU project on Burnet Rd where Antique Marketplace is. In general, neighborhoods don't appear to be against the idea of VMU but the projects being proposed by developers are considered too dense for the infrastructure to support. In Allandale's case, ANA had already supported the mixed use development originally proposed by Carr Development two years ago when it included owner-occupied units at almost half the density that is now being proposed by Ardent Properties.

Masquerade Ball Tickets

Music, Food, Neighbors, Fun - Saturday, October 27th. You can buy your tickets online here or email allandalemasqueradeball@yahoo.com and we'll deliver.