SRCC Recognizes…

Posted on February 17, 2014 by Newsletter Editor

 

Our Zoning and Planning Committee

We want to express our thanks to these committee members who commit extra time to meet with every applicant requesting support from SRCC for a variety of issues related to zoning or variances or code compliance. These SRCC members bring recommendations to the general membership, explaining the complexities, history and expertise.

 

Marc Davis, Outgoing President

We also wish to recognize and thanks Marc Davis for his stellar performance as SRCC President during 2012 and 2013. Marc’s talents for quickly assessing complex situations, diplomatically acknowledging various points of views, and guiding the membership toward best possible positions, have benefited SRCC enormously. He had committed hours and hours toward meeting with residents, businesses, and speaking at city hearings on behalf of our neighborhood. In addition to bringing his wisdom and solution-oriented style to all issues, Marc’s healthy sense of humor keeps communication open. Although Marc is leaving the President position, he has agreed to continue working on the larger issues, such as the zoning issues he has covered on page 5, and South Congress development. Our incoming executive team is very fortunate indeed!

Carol Martin, Outgoing Vice President

SRCC would not be the same without Carol Martin. From chairing the communications committee, to managing our membership, to patrolling our streets, Carol was already a pillar of our organization before she agreed to take on the VP role. As VP, she ended up managing almost all of the operations of our association—systematically taking challenging problems, developing well documented processes, and creating order out of chaos—all with her characteristic charm and grace. She stayed in the role for two years and has completely transformed the way we do business. We are very fortunate that Carol will step back into her former roles within the organization and will continue to support the incoming executive team.

Our Volunteer Area Coordinators  

Because the SRCC neighborhood association includes such a large area—from Lady Bird Lake to Ben White Blvd; from Congress Avenue to Parker / IH35—we’re subdivided into eight areas. Volunteers from each area serve as Area Coordinators and Block Captains who deliver newsletters door-to-door on their block three times per year. Area Coordinators are also part of the SRCC Executive committee which meets three times per year. It is another way to exchange information within the whole neighborhood, gather input, and reach decisions.

Our Area Coordinators include: Kris Asthalter, Tim Boswell, Dawn Cizmar, Helen Dey Valdez, Mary Friedman, Kelvin Glove, Brooks Kasson, Kim Lanzillotti, Kathleen Littlepage, Claudette Lowe, Sam Martin, Maria Martinez, Elloa Mathews, Neal Nuwash, and Sounthaly Outhavong.

If you are interested in helping, or finding an easy way of getting involved while meeting some neighbors, contact an Area Coordinator or membership@srccatx.org. We are currently seeking Area Coordinators for Area 2!  •

 

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Proposed Closure of Woodland to East-West Through Traffic

Posted on February 17, 2014 by Newsletter Editor

Toni House, East Riverside Representative (EROC)

 

TxDOT’s goal emphasis for the I-35 Mobility Plan is to shorten the time it takes I-35 travelers to get through Austin.1 The initial proposal removes the Woodland Avenue east-west intersection at I-35 and provides U-turns at Riverside & I-35 and Oltorf & I-35. As highway designs that serve rural and large suburban areas are not appropriate for central city neighborhoods, the planners apparently did not consider the collateral effect on the neighborhoods abutting I-35.

For example, in order to attend the SRCC monthly meeting west of I-35 and coming from EROC, a driver would have to turn onto the I-35 northbound access road (without any break in oncoming traffic currently provided by the Woodland Avenue stoplight), cut across an unknown number of lanes of fast-moving cars to reach a planned U-turn at Riverside & I-35, loop around onto the southbound access road, again cut across an unknown number of lanes of traffic, and then turn west onto Woodland where eastbound Woodland empties into the southbound access road. For eastbound travelers on Woodland, they would have to repeat these steps going south to reach the U-turn at Oltorf & I-35 in order to go east on Woodland or to access northbound I-35.

In response to neighborhood concerns over the proposed closure of Woodland Avenue to east-west through traffic at its intersection with I-35,2 TxDOT offered two possible alternatives during the February 3rd meeting of the City Council’s Committee on Comprehensive Planning & Transportation—elevating Woodland Avenue above a redesigned I-35, or lowering Woodland Avenue an additional six feet beneath.

TxDOT representatives attended SRCC’s General meeting on February 3rd and reiterated that the two alternative proposals are technically feasible. They would not, however, commit to recommending either of these alternatives over TxDOT’s initial proposal contained in the Mobility Plan.

Mayor Pro Tem Cole and Council Members Morrison, Riley and Tovo deserve our thanks for responding to our concerns. They recognize the importance of this issue to not only SRCC and EROC neighborhoods, but to other residential neighborhoods adjacent to I-35. The fact that alternative plans were proffered by TxDOT is likely due to the City’s involvement.

Everything on this project is subject to change during each project phase. According to the report, Phase 3 of the Woodland Ave. to Woodward St. segment is expected to be completed by February 2014. Phase 3 is the devel

opment of environmental documents and schematic engineering. To date, no funds have been identified for development of Phase 4 or Phase 5 of this project. Phase 4 is for development prior to possible implementation of Phase 5, which is construction.

Now is the time to become involved if you have concerns about flow of traffic on Woodland and connecting under I-35. Sign up for TxDOT’s project updates at www.austin-mobility.com. I encourage you to closely monitor this project and contact your local state officials concerning this issue. TxDOT probably will not support the proposed alternatives without pressure by state officials. •

 

Resources Cited

1  See TxDOT’s Capital Area Mobility 35 report, “I-35 Capital Area Improvement Program, Corridor Implementation Plan SH 45N to SH 45SE, Travis County, Texas” (“Mobility Plan”), www.mobility35.org/pdfs/downloads/travis%20county%20caip%20phase%202%20implementation%20plan.pdf).

2  See Mobility Plan, p.10, Sec. 2.5 Current Projects on I-35, Subsec. 2.5.3 I-35 from Woodland Ave. to Woodward St.; pp. 45-47 Subsec. 3.9.6 Segment 6 Lady Bird Lake to Woodward St.

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Travis Heights Elementary school students learn by doing

Posted on February 17, 2014 by Newsletter Editor

Kim-Marie O’Driscoll, kmh78704@hotmail.com

“Learn, Serve and Lead” is Travis Heights Elementary School’s (THES) school motto—and the school has incorporated a new initiative to help make their motto come alive.

The educational approach of Service Learning is much more than community service. Based on the theory that students learn most effectively, and are more likely to take ownership of their own learning when learning is grounded in relevant and authentic tasks, Service Learning differs from community service (volunteering) by requiring structured and guided classroom learning. Students then apply their knowledge directly to a problem or need in the community.

Learning works when it comes alive for students. At its core, Service Learning is designed to create a personal connection to the topic of study. It removes the “why am I studying this” question many students have and replaces it with an opportunity for students to think critically and participate actively—thereby creating personal linkages to the study topic. This personal connection can deepen the learning process for a student. In turn, this deeper engagement can lead to an openness to learn a wide range of skills, as well as promote better study habits through actively interested students.

Last year THES piloted Service Learning at two grade levels; after review and refinement, we have adopted the approach across all grade levels this year. Each THES grade has developed a Service Learning concept for the year that will help unify and engage the students across their disciplines.

The projects employ the MISO research method, which uses Media, Interview, Survey and Observation to give students multiple perspectives on their topic and requires active engagement by the students to acquire the information. Learning culminates not in an end-of-year test, but by the actions of the students in their project.

THES teachers and administration have received training and mentoring from national Service Learning expert CB Kaye (www.cbkassociates.com). Her manual and blog are resources THES continues to use as we implement this program and connect our school with other Service Learning programs. The AISD curriculum office supported a portion of this training cost.

Service Learning incorporates connections to the world outside the school and engages students in projects which benefit their community We are very excited about this project as it helps our students academically and provides a way to honor the support our community has offered and continues to offer our school. •

THE Service Learning Projects

• 1st Grade is working on understanding what is involved in being responsible pet owners. Austin Pets Alive is helping connect these students with their research and providing opportunities for out-of-school learning. The project will culminate in an education campaign that the 1st graders create and take school-wide to help their fellow students enter pet ownership responsibly.

• 2nd Grade is working on water conservation, an issue that will only become more relevant. Our school’s location on Blunn Creek offers a laboratory in our backyard.

• 3rd Grade is focusing on financial literacy, with students learning about micro loans, interest and how to make good financial decisions. This activity involves math, strategy and development of compassion. This project is using market days to help students understand supply, demand and the value of philanthropy as they decide whether and how to donate some of their earnings.

• 4th Grade is working to think about the world from the vantage point of a person with special needs. They are reading a remarkable book, Wonder, and are working on how to create a reciprocal relationship with another school that serves special needs students.

• 5th Grade is studying bullying and developing strategies based on research to reduce bullying.

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Two Districts, One SRCC

Posted on February 17, 2014 by Newsletter Editor
LEFT: SRCC Area Map RIGHT: With 10-1 districting, SRCC is in two districts, No. 9 and No 3. Illustration based on http://austinredistricting.org/Final/ab9Plan1120.kmz

LEFT: SRCC Area Map RIGHT: With 10-1 districting, SRCC is in two districts, No. 9 and No 3. Illustration based on http://austinredistricting.org/Final/ab9Plan1120.kmz

THE NEW 10-1 CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT MAP is official, and SRCC is spread across two districts: District 3 and District 9. SRCC Areas 1–7 between Lady Bird Lake and St. Edwards campus, and between Parker / I35 and Congress, are in District 9. This is a large district which includes downtown Austin northward to 51st St. and the Bouldin neighborhood west to Lamar. SRCC Area 8 is part of District 3, which extends through the southeast portion of Austin.

This new configuration will be interesting for SRCC. We potentially may be able to bend the ears of two council members on issues that affect our membership. In any event, now more than ever, come out and meet your neighbors at our monthly meetings.

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SRCC Executive Meeting Agenda 02/17/14

Posted on February 14, 2014 by membership

Below is the agenda for the SRCC Executive committee meeting on Monday Feb 17, 2014. The meeting is from 6:00 – 7:30 pm.

SRCC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
MONDAY, February  17, 2014          6:00 PM
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
205 E. MONROE, AUSTIN, TEXAS

AGENDA
To be sure you get a vote, be a member. You can join or renew online www.srccatx.org.   Not sure if you are current? Email  membership@srccatx.org  and we’ll let you know.

CALL TO ORDER/APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. 6:00  Meeting procedures, etiquette, welcome & introductions of new members.
Presenter throughout: Marc Davis, President  unless otherwise noted.

2. 6:05 Membership & voting announcements.  Reminder that SRCC current dues status is required to participate in SRCC business and actions such as voting and making motions.
Presenter: Carol Martin, Vice President and Membership Chair

3. 6:10 Approve minutes from October  21, 2013, executive  meeting (available at www.srccatx.org  https://www.srccatx.org/2013/10/17/srcc-executive-committee-meeting-agenda-10212013/ ).

Reminder: new schedule for Executive meetings: 3rd Monday of the month; 3 per year in February, April, October.; 6:00pm – 7:30pm in conference room at GUMC

NEW BUSINESS

4. 6:20  Presentation of a) 4th quarter  financial reports; b) Review of Key Financial Dates to be completed during 2014
Presenter: Nancy Byrd, Treasurer

5.  6:30  Finance Committee Report – a) 2013 Forecast Tracking report of budget vs actual expenditures;
b) recommendation  to Executive Committee approval of 2014 Financial Forecast Plan.
Sam Martin, Finance Committee chair

6. 6:35  Status of capital projects funded by ACF account.
Presenter, Sam Martin, Finance Committee chair

7. 6:15  Introduction – Kathy Pfister, Episcopal Good Shepherd, Vicar of future church and pre-school at  1700 Woodland.

8. 6:40  Discussion TxDOT proposals to modify Woodland underpass at I35.  (not an Action Item)
Presenter: Marc Davis, President  and  Carol Martin, VP  

9. 6:45   Discussion of  Elections and logistics of Annual Pot Luck on Tuesday March 4th at 6:00 pm
Presenter: Marc Davis, President

10. 7:00  Announcements

 

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