Search Results for: car share

Neighborhood List Servs Ablaze About Helicopter Flights

Fred Schmidt | November 16, 2012 |

[image courtesy of AustinHelicopterTours.com]

As could be predicted, neighborhoods surrounding Downtown are in high gear with folks excitedly complaining about the new sound of choppers overhead today. In my Travis Heights community in SoCo, our South River City Citizens (SRCC) list serv (and, therefore, my inbox) is filling up with unhappy chatter. I just checked in with the ABIA Aviation “Noise & Emissions Office” (never knew there was such a thing) and the phone lines are on fire.

So I finally couldn’t take it any more and posted the following on our SRCC site. Maybe those of you who agree can share similar thoughts with others.

“My two cents: How about everybody reposition your thinking to something like this…

“Wow! Isn’t it great to have this amazing new event in Austin… positively showcasing our wonderful city to the world… providing jobs to thousands of Austinites, supporting our local businesses, and pouring tens of millions of dollars into our local economy?

“I think it’s all a matter of perspective. I am hearing the choppers too, right along with y’all. But what I hear are the motors of economic prosperity, not ‘noise’. I am perfectly willing to put up with a few days of new Austin Weirdness to receive the benefits of all the good things that come along with it!

“In my mind’s eye, I am picturing every passing helicopter overhead to be carrying a giant bucket of cash — kinda like you see when the choppers are dousing a forest fire with water — and they are over here dumping it all over our city. Kachinggggggg!

“And when you need a break from these new sounds, my guaranteed recommended solution is: a pair of headphones, a soothing classical music playlist on Spotify (or whatever your musical indulgence may be), and a nice hot cup of zen tea.

“We can survive this neighbors, we really can!”

Cheers mates,
–Fernando of the Hood

The ONE & ONLY Way To Activate Downtown Austin Parks On A Regular Basis

Jude Galligan | July 8, 2012 |

Have you been to any of downtown Austin’s parks recently?

I walk near and around them almost everyday. Yet, they fail to draw me in.

Over the last couple of years, Republic Square Park has received a nice face lift. Smart people and private money ensured the auction oaks are preserved and cared for. Add to that good programming such as the Alamo Drafthouse’s Movies in the Park and the Saturday morning farmers market.

Republic Square is doing the best of the downtown parks. Still, most of the time downtown Austin’s parks are empty. That’s the unfortunate truth.

And, this is the reason:

During the week (daytime) Republic Square Park offers nothing to attract workers, visitors, or residents. It is neither a conduit nor a destination for most people.

Here’s how we fix it. [Read more…] about The ONE & ONLY Way To Activate Downtown Austin Parks On A Regular Basis

Capitol Terrace: An Affordable Housing Development Proposed In Downtown Austin

Jude Galligan | February 1, 2012 |

foundation communities site for capitol terrace — Foundation Communities site for Capitol Terrace 11th @ Trinity

Walter Moreau is a developer with a unique vision.

Walter’s vision is to bring housing into downtown Austin for people who earn $15.00 per hour, or less.

Say what?!

Proposed is a 135 efficiency-style apartment building (for rent) at the southwest corner of 11th & Trinity. The site is currently a surface level parking lot. It is intended that 27 of the units will be reserved for people with absolutely no income, specifically clients of Caritas, Trinity Center, ARCH, and the Salvation Army.

Musicians can afford it. Many downtown workers, including State employees can afford it. Veterans on disability can afford it. Initially, the average rent would be between $400-650 per month, all bills paid.

Walter is the Executive Director of Foundation Communities (FC), a nonprofit affordable housing developer. FC has a track record of success. Established in 1990, FC is owner and manager of 13 communities all around Austin and built with support of local neighborhood associations. They are a long term owner, have never sold one of their properties, and claim they never intend to. Last year FC opened M Station on MLK: the first LEED for Homes Platinum apartment building in the entire country!

Here’s the rub: FC cannot build an affordable housing community without the express support of the immediate neighborhood association. In this case, it’s either DANA or the DAA.

I was invited by FC to tour their other buildings, which was needed because I wasn’t really educated about affordable housing. Elliott McFadden, the communications director for FC (also the publisher of Austin On Two Wheels), succinctly explained what affordable housing isn’t. [Read more…] about Capitol Terrace: An Affordable Housing Development Proposed In Downtown Austin

Lease Restrictions: A Noble Idea That Can Backfire On Owners

Jude Galligan | October 14, 2011 |

Lease restrictions are typically birthed with noble intent – to foster owner-occupancy and ensure that buyers can get loans for properties within the community.

When new lease restrictions are forcibly applied to limit rental activity in buildings and neighborhoods, it is a taking of property rights which can set off litigation from disgruntled owners.

This issue has impacted me as a property owner, and I’m familiar with the emotions and frustrations felt by advocates and antagonists to lease restrictions. A recent situation with a buyer was frustrating enough that I want to share my experience (which is not unique) about how lease restrictions can adversely impact current owners, sellers, and buyers.

Lease restrictions will do two things, guaranteed:

1) limit the number of renters in a community
2) limit the number of buyers for properties within a community

Help Promote RE/MAX, Help Austin Pets Alive

Jude Galligan | August 31, 2011 |

This past March, without much promotion, I launched RE/MAX Downtown Austin in the Rainey Street District. It’s been a strong summer of sales, and now our focus is on reinvestment.

Rather than spending scarce $$$ on print advertising that is quickly obsolete, I believe we can simultaneously promote RE/MAX and invest in the community.

Few casualties of society are more troubling than abused or neglected animals. Indeed, most of us feel this way. We would look the other way if Chuck Norris sought vengeance upon the Michael Vicks of the works.

So, here’s how we’re going to spend my limited ad budget: we’re going to donate the entirety of it to Austin Pets Alive and rally the community to help.

Once the RE/MAX Downtown Austin facebook fan page reaches 2,000 “likes”, I’ll donate $1,000.00 to Austin Pets Alive. It’s a modest goal, knowing that not everyone gets excited about real estate fan pages [like I do :-)]

The first step was to run the idea by the founder and matriarch of APA, Ellen Jefferson. I’m grateful to have her support and look forward to making a significant contribution to APA. It’s exciting to promote awareness for RE/MAX Downtown Austin knowing the money will directly impact animal safety, shelter, adoption.

Please repost this: “Like” @RE/MAX Downtown Austin on facebook and help raise $1,000.00 to support @Austin Pets Alive once. Please share!

Thanks for your help!
UPDATE 9/6/2011: RE/MAX Downtown Austin is accelerating our donation of $1,000 to Austin Pets Alive! immediately, in order to support APA’s ongoing efforts to assist the animals affected by the fires. There are some things more urgent than being “liked”. While short of our goal of reaching 2,000 “fans”, we’re grateful for all of our new fans. Thanks, everyone!