Let your voice be heard… ’should it stay or should it go?’

Tonight at the City Hall Council Chambers (click for map) the fate of two Hyde Park properties, as well as other aged homes in Austin, will be decided.  The agenda is available on the City of Austin’s website.

4213 Avenue G is one property on the agenda seeking Historic Zoning.  This home has great historic documentation, and Historic Zoning would mean that the home would be subject to limitations on future remodeling, renovation, and demolition.  Historic Zoning would essentially save this home for future generations.  I’m sure the owners would appreciate your support if you have the time to stop by the hearing this evening.

4113 Avenue F is also on the agenda.  All homes over 50 years old with an application for demolition or remodeling are subject to a hearing by the Historic Landmark Commission.  The owners plan to demolish the house and build a new Craftsman style single-family home under the Hyde Park Design Guidelines.  The Commission will determine whether or not the home’s original historic features are in tact.  If the house no longer has these features, they will recommend allowing the demolition.

I have been a part of this process before and recommend that you attend this hearing if you are at all interested in how the city decided which homes contribute to Austin’s history and which have been changed over the years to become just another run-down home with it’s original features stripped.  Each house is researched and if major changes have been made (like asbestos siding, replacement windows, etc) then the house will be deemed a non-contributing historic resource.

Let your voice be heard!

Related Posts:

• 4113 Avenue F Update
• Got Central Austin Property?
• Green By Design Workshop Aug 16th 2008
• Austin Housing Market Update: May 2008 Statistics
• Homeowners & Renters See The World Through Different Lenses

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