WEST AUSTIN NEIGHBORHOOD GRP NOTICE

DATE: SEPTEMBER 3, 2026

THURSDAY * 6PM

LOCATION : HOWSON BRANCH PUBLILC LIBRARY

* * * * ALL ARE WELCOME ! * * * *

W.A.N.G.

H.O.M.E. Tour

August 25, 2026 | By Community Not Commodity

On December 7, 2023, the Austin City Council adopted an ordinance allowing up to three units on a standard 5,750‑square‑foot single‑family lot. The Council gave it the acronym H.O.M.E., standing for Home Opportunities for Middle-Income Empowerment. On May 16, 2024, the Council adopted Phase 2, reducing the minimum lot size to 1,800 square feet and enabling a standard lot to be subdivided into three separate lots, each capable of supporting one home.

Confronted with the reality that neither phase of H.O.M.E. offered a realistic path for middle-income residents to purchase a home, the City quietly, without public explanation, redefined the acronym as Home Options for Mobility and Equity. Never mind that H.O.M.E. is not tied to transit stations or even bus stops and has no affordability component or non-displacement safeguards that equity demands. The Ministry of Truth at work.

Whatever the acronym, the City touts three units as “missing middle” housing that “can provide greater affordability and be more easily attainable by moderate-income families and individuals compared to new single-family homes by spreading the cost of the land across more units,” all while “fitting within residential neighborhoods.”

Let’s take a tour to see if these H.O.M.E.s would fit in next to your house.

continued with H.O.M.E. Tour Link below....

by Holly Reed

Past President

August 18, 2026 — 6 pm — Lions Municipal Golf Course Clubhouse

I. Call to Order — Cathy Kyle

Cathy Kyle called the meeting to order at 6 PM. Board members present: Cathy Kyle, Darcy Gardiner, Joyce Basciano, David Bolduc, George Edwards, Heidi Gibbons and Holly Reed. Board members absent: Craig Lill, Blake Tollett and Kris Von Rosenburg.

II. Approval of July 14, 2026 and June 15, 2026 Board Meeting Minutes —

As there was not a quorum at the July 14 meeting, meeting minutes were not taken. David moved to approve the June 15 meeting minutes. Motion was seconded by Darcy and unanimously approved.

III. Neighbor Communications

A. Public Citizen — Rooftop Solar Survey (Sabrina Bhattarai) POSTPONED

B. Public Use of Austin High Tract – WANG Board voted to send a letter to Austin High administration asking for confirmation that the construction is complete and the public may now use the track.

IV. Land Matters

A. Rawson-Saunders School — CUP (SPC-2026-0111AE) — Darcy Gardiner

The school agreed to nearly every neighbor request. The one item not granted was the neighbors' ask to lower the maximum enrollment from 200 to 150 students; the school will retain a cap of 200. In exchange, the school agreed to: remove all access gates on Hillview and install a solid fence, eliminating access there; accommodate all parking and queuing within the school's own parking lot, rather than lining up on Exposition or McCullough St; prohibit high-school students from driving to campus; work with the adjacent church to close access on McCullough (though the school does not have a legal easement/right-of-way given the street's width, so this piece is unresolved); pursue residential parking restrictions on McCullough (outcome uncertain); fence the McCullough frontage; and remove the stairs at the corner of Thomas and McCullough which a neighbor said were being used by students cutting through and blocking his driveway each morning.

Given these concessions, the neighbors agreed to support the 200-student cap. The remaining open item is that the existing CUP was written for primary education only; the school will refile with the same CUP but with language added for secondary and high school uses. Neighbors are not opposed to this change.

Rawson-Saunders is expected to vacate the campus in December. Alpha School, which is purchasing the property, will move in after renovations. Alpha is currently over the impervious cover limit by about 5% (portable structures count as structures and sit within an easement), so it will need to come into compliance before any construction — construction is expected to begin, if it happens, early next year.

B. Girls' School of Austin — CUP Appeal to City Council — Darcy Gardiner

This matter was far less successful for the neighbors. The Planning Commission granted the school 50 additional students (bringing the total to 200) with no requirements to change drop-off/pick-up queuing, and no commitment to off-site or residential parking. A neighbor appealed the decision to City Council.

The hearing, originally scheduled for July 23, was postponed to September 10 after Ron Thrower spoke at the hearing without opposition. Neighbors are preparing for the September 10 hearing: one neighbor compiled a list of the suggestions the Planning Commission made to the school (these were suggestions, not binding conditions) and asked the school to respond; the school's response was reviewed and found to be non-responsive to most items. WANG intends to speak at the hearing in support of the neighbors — noting that 35 letters were submitted in support and were not read into the record at Planning Commission — and to cite the Rawson-Saunders outcome as an example of a school working constructively with its neighborhood.

Board members discussed specific hardships reported by neighbors, including a resident who was blocked into her driveway by school traffic and missed a vital doctor’s appointment. It was noted that Austin Transportation and Public Works did study conditions during the school year but that the school's trip count (roughly 300 trips/day) falls below the roughly 1,000-trip threshold that would trigger a required queuing analysis and traffic management plan, so the school is not required to do one. The possibility of off-site staff parking (e.g., at Good Shepherd) with staff transportation was raised as a mitigation the Council could require.

C. Zed's / Casis Shopping Center — Holly Reed

The Casis Village shopping center has been sold (reported in the Austin Business Journal); details remain limited. A tenant reported that the new ownership (reportedly a family from Dallas) plans to keep current tenant leases in place and address deferred maintenance neglected by the prior owner.

The partially built deck at Zed's has been dismantled but the materials/fencing have not been cleared, which was flagged as a safety concern given children pass through the area; board members will contact the city (311) and Zed's directly to ask about a timeline. On the previously sought alcohol-distance waiver: the former owner had been pursuing that waiver with City Council, but no longer owns the property, and there is no indication the new owners are pursuing it.

Separately, the Board of Adjustment denied the variance the prior owner sought for the deck, which had been built without a permit and encroached on an easement; there is no indication food trailers will be added. The Board will follow up to get written confirmation that the alcohol waiver has been formally withdrawn and to check on the status of the permit.

D. 2205 Quarry Road — Garage Rebuild Variance (C15-2026-0023) — Holly Reed

The variance was approved; WANG had not opposed it.

V. New Business

A. ACL Fest — 3-Day Passes and "No-Parking" Signs — Joe Bennett

Per Joe Bennett's written meeting announcement, all Weekend 1 three-day passes have sold out; Weekend 2 passes remain available — contact Joe directly for availability. Information on ACL-related no-parking restrictions in the neighborhood will be included in the upcoming newsletter.

B. Scouting America Troop Forming in Tarrytown — Cathy Kyle

Steve Marcy, Outdoor Chair of Troop 31, reached out asking for a newsletter announcement about a new Scouting America troop forming at Good Shepherd, aimed at fifth- and sixth-grade boys from neighborhood schools (Casis, Rawson-Saunders, St. Andrew's, St. Stephen's, St. Michael's, and the Girls' School of Austin). The Board had no objection; the request will be forwarded for inclusion in the newsletter.

C. Tennis Austin — WANG Tennis Court Fundraising Request — Cathy Kyle

A representative asked WANG for fundraising tips, referencing prior tennis court improvements believed to be at Don Baylor Park and Ramsey Park in the Rosedale neighborhood. Board members clarified that those improvements were led by the City's Parks and Recreation Department, with WANG's role limited to a letter of support — WANG did not organize fundraising. The requester is not asking WANG for money, only advice; the Board's consensus was to point them toward park conservancy organizations with fundraising expertise.

D. APD Auto Theft Community Liaison — Cathy Kyle

Officer Katie Vance, APD's community liaison for auto theft, reached out to introduce herself and discuss future community engagement. This follows a recent vehicle theft near Westover (Sharon Lane / Margarita Crescent area), in which a young woman's car was stolen from her driveway while she briefly stepped inside. The Board agreed to invite Officer Vance to a future meeting and will follow up on prior outreach to APD regarding auto theft.

E. Annual Meeting — Cathy Kyle

After reviewing the UT football schedule and ACL Fest dates, the Board selected Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Muny (Lions Municipal Golf Course), pending confirmation of venue availability. Catering/entertainment options discussed included prior favorites (HEB barbecue, sno-cones) and possibly cobbler; a final vendor decision was not recorded. Holly will confirm the Muny date.

F. Howson Library Meeting Room Availability — Holly Reed

Howson Branch Library's room-booking system has been enforcing a 90-day rolling limit on reservations, which has made scheduling difficult. Library staff apologized and confirmed WANG's September meeting. Confirmed dates booked at Howson: Thursday, September 3 at 6 p.m.; Monday, October 19 at 6 p.m.; and Thursday, November 5 at 6 p.m. (the November date may not be needed if the Annual Meeting substitutes for that month's regular meeting).

VI. Communications — Holly Reed

An end-of-August newsletter is in progress and will include: the September 3 meeting date; information on live oak decline (Kris to provide content, having worked with arborists at her own home); a heads-up on ACL-related parking restrictions in the neighborhood; and, time permitting, information on upcoming Austin City Council candidate forums. Council Districts 1,3,5,8, and 9 have an election this year. WANG is in District 10. Austin Environmental Democrats’ forum is scheduled for this Saturday on Airport Boulevard, from 12:30 to 5 p.m., featuring several Council candidates. WANG's own Council seat is not on this cycle's ballot. The Board will check with the District 10 coalition of neighborhood associations about a possible forum for State House candidates.

VII. Membership — Darcy Gardiner

No updates reported.

VIII. Transportation — Cathy Kyle, for Craig Lill

Construction-related lane closures on 35th Street have been resolved, which was described as a relief.

Additional discussion not on the printed agenda: Board members asked about the City's Safe Streets / Healthy Streets program and whether any Tarrytown streets have been designated (barriers had recently gone up nearby). It was noted the designation, where it applies, is intended to last about six months with barriers up 24/7, and is meant to discourage cut-through traffic. The Board will follow up with Austin Transportation and Public Works for clarification on status in the neighborhood.

IX. ANC Report — David Bolduc

It was another lengthy Austin Neighborhoods Council meeting. Council Candidates for Districts 1,4, and 5 attended and spoke.

A representative from Capitol City Village — a nonprofit supporting older residents who wish to age in place — described the organization's services (information and referrals, transportation, home and yard help, technology assistance, and social/recreational programming) and said the group is seeking neighborhood volunteers and support, particularly in the 78703, 78722, and 78752 zip codes.

Sarah Taylor, a parent from Allendale, described that neighborhood's organizing efforts around a proposed AISD elementary school closure, noting that PTA-type school organizations cannot take political positions, so parents organized separately outside that structure. The discussion turned to how other neighborhoods without associations might get organized using similar approaches.

The ANC considered a resolution supporting City purchase of an approximately 1.9-acre property on Montopolis for affordable single-family housing, while preserving single-family zoning consistent with that neighborhood's 2001 neighborhood plan. The WANG Board voted to authorize its ANC delegate (David) to vote in favor of this resolution at the next ANC meeting; the motion passed.

Other items summarized from the ANC development report: a mixed-income housing proposal at 2908 South Congress (a city-owned parcel, the former El Gallo site); an approved 8-story development on a 50-foot lot near South 1st and Lightsey with no on-site parking, using an affordable-housing density bonus to reach roughly 90 feet in height, which drew concern from the Board as a precedent for compatibility standards along thoroughfares; a roughly 10-acre development near East St. Elmo and Nuckols Crossing, close to McKinney Falls; and the redevelopment of a former mobile home park on South Congress between Stassney and William Cannon, whose residents have been evicted.

Extended discussion covered the 'Dog's Head' tract along the Colorado River. City Council approved a development agreement for roughly 2,600 acres with no impervious-cover or height limits, and on July 23 approved a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) toward infrastructure the developer estimates will cost $5.6 billion, with the increment financing covering roughly $2.1 billion of that. An Amazon robotics facility of over one million square feet has been confirmed for the site; other tenants have not been disclosed. The regulating plan and TIRZ will not be finalized until next year. Board members who attended described very large turnout and organized opposition at the July 23 hearing, with concerns focused on Colorado river and aquifer impacts, lack of a detailed land-use plan despite the scale of public investment, and the precedent of large public subsidies for a project whose ultimate tenants remain undisclosed.

X. Treasurer's Report — George Edwards

WANG's bank account balance is approximately $26,000. With ACL-related revenue expected, the balance may approach $30,000 in the near term. The Board discussed possible uses of funds, including a high-school scholarship and continued support for the Annual Meeting (signage and catering). New WANG-branded merchandise (t-shirts and possibly hats) was also discussed as a possible use of funds, with an updated design.

XI. Old Business

A. Save Muny

See Muny Conservancy update below; no separate item was discussed.

B. Muny Conservancy

The Muny Conservancy's annual gala fundraiser, 'Imagine Muny 5,' will be held Thursday, September 10 — the same evening as the Girls' School of Austin City Council appeal — from roughly 5:30 to 10:00 p.m., with performances by Tanya Tucker, Wade Bowen, Jack Ingram, and Asleep at the Wheel. General admission tickets are $75; table/mezzanine seating runs about $150 and up. Tickets and information are available at SaveMuny.com.

Separately, former District 7 council candidate Edwin Bautista submitted state antiquities landmark nominations in December 2025 — independent of the Muny Conservancy — for the J. Frank Dobie House and Lions Municipal Golf Course. The nomination was pulled from the Texas Historical Commission's April agenda without explanation or rescheduling, and Bautista has filed litigation over the removal. Bautista's outreach was to alert Muny supporters in case they wish to speak at a future Texas Historical Commission meeting in support of the nominations.

An Austin Business Journal article reported that Muny continues to operate on a rolling month-to-month lease with a five-month cancellation notice, and it remains unclear what UT's new president and Board of Regents intend to do long-term. Recent significant Muny Conservancy funded renovations to the driving range and practice facilities (including a new 1,800-square-foot putting green to support youth and high school golf programs) were noted as a possible positive sign.

XII. Next Meeting

Thursday, September 3, 2026 at 6 p.m., Howson Branch Library.

XIII. Adjourn Meeting

President Kyle adjourned the meeting at 7:25 PM.

See Land Matters above in the Board Meeting Minutes

We still have Second Weekend tickets available....but get them while they last!

Send us an email at ACL@WestAustinNG.com if you have questions about the No Parking Signs or would like to know the locations that are currently planned.

Second Weekend ONLY

Marc Duchen

Council Member

Ask your neighbors if they are members of the Neighborhood Group - if not, forward this Newsletter to them and ask them to Join!

WE NOW ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS THROUGH OUR SQUARE ACCOUNT

by Wizzie Brown, BCE

All new world screwworm flies are blow flies, but not all blow flies are new world screwworm flies. New world screwworm is a particular species of blow fly. With new world screwworm being the hot topic of the day- month? year?- I thought I would expand out to the larger grouping of blow flies. I’m not delving into the topic of new world screwworm in this article. If you want more information on that species, then see this link https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/new-world-screwworm.

Blow flies are in the Family Calliphoridae, and looking on iNaturalist, there are over 20 species found in Texas. They have a complete life cycle with four life stages- egg, larva (maggot), pupa, and adult. Eggs are laid in moist organic material where the larvae (maggots) emerge, live and feed. There are three larval instars, with each stage being larger than the last. When larvae are ready to pupate, they leave the moist area to seek out a drier area. The last larval “skin” is converted into a hardened shell, the puparium, where the pupae develop. Adult flies emerge from the puparium after about a week. Mated adult female blow flies can lay thousands of eggs, usually in batches of 100-300.

Maggots, or larvae, are creamy white and carrot shaped with their head at the pointy end of the body. Size of larvae varies depending on the age/ instar. The puparium is a reddish-brown seedlike structure. Adults look similar to house flies but are much more colorful. Blow fly adults are often metallic and come in colors such as blue, bronze, and green.

Blow fly larvae/ maggots feed on decaying organic matter, including carrion, fecal material, garbage, or other moist organic matter. Adult blow flies have a liquid diet and feed on things such as nectar, plant sap, rotting fruit, or liquids from fecal material or carrion.

Adults can be a nuisance, especially in summer months when their development time can decrease and there is often plenty of food for larvae. While adult flies are most annoying, management efforts need to focus on the larval stage. Locating and eliminating breeding sources is the best way to suppress fly populations.

· Eliminate any dead animals found on property

· Pick up pet waste at least once per week, seal in a bag and dispose of it in a trash can

· Manage compost areas and keep covered to keep flies from entering

· Use lids on garbage and recycling bins, take out regularly, and wash cans at least monthly

FOLLOW WIZZIE BROWN

Organized 1973......"To preserve our neighborhood and protect it from deterioration"

• President (Interim): Cathy Kyle President@westaustinng.com
  
• Secretary: Cathy Kyle Secretary@westaustinng.com
• Assistant Secretary: Blake Tollett AsstSecretary@westaustinng.com
• Treasurer: George Edwards Treasurer@westaustinng.com
• Past President: Holly Reed PastPresident@westaustinng.com

All Current Members (click on name to send email)

• • Cathy Kyle.............................member since 2010 (Interim President / Secretary)
  • Holly Reed ............................member since 2015 (Newsletter)
  • Blake Tollett .........................member since 1994 (Zoning Chair)
  • George Edwards ..................member since 2004 (Treasurer)
  • Mary Arnold .........................member since 2006 (Muny Tract)
  • Open Board Seat
  • Craig Lill ...............................member since 2017 (Transportation Chair)
  • Joyce Basciano ...................member since 1999
  • Open Board Seat
  • Heidi Gibbons.......................member since 2020 (Austin Neighborhood Council)
  • David Bolduc ........................member since 2023
  • Kris von Rosenberg..............member since 2025
  • Darcy Gardiner......................member since 2025
  • Open Board Seat

Honorary Committee Members

• Honorary Mayor Kirk Watson
• Honorary Marc Duchen

At-Large Members

• Haider Khazen (Website / I.T.)
• Joseph Bennett (E-Newsletter)

L to R: George, Heidi, Mary, Cathy, Darcy, David, Kris, Holly

Don Baylor Neighborhood Park