Sunset Valley City Council

Dear Mayor & Council,
I strongly support the zoning change to Parkland discussed in agenda items #8 & #9 regarding the proposed rezoning of the Uplands tract. The previous Councils who helped design the newer neighborhoods of the Meadows and the Villas ringed them in green for good reasons. It's beautiful, good for residents, wildlife and the environment. Efforts were also made to ring the entire city in green. The entrance properties at Jones and Westgate, the pocket park at ERW, the properties on Brodie, and most noticeably the Triangle area and the Uplands were all part of that effort. The forward thinking Mayors and Councils of the past did this for future generations to enjoy. It is part of what makes this city so wonderful and has led to increased property values and greater quality of life.
Sincerely,
Melissa Gonzales
26 Reese Dr

I am against the rezoning of the Uplands Tract for the following two reasons.
The arguments for changing zoning for the uplands presented in the Zoning Board meeting included preservation of habitat for 50 species of birds, wildflowers etc., i.e., a park vs commercial development. Yet comes now a project for a pavilion and parking lot and clearing for farmers market tents. This development is contrary to greenbelt and parkland usage. It involves partial destruction of the very habitat used to argue for the zoning change. Can the exclusive park zoning property be used for a commercial enterprise? I have heard in response that the farmers market is non-profit, which is obvious since SSV has to subsidize its existence. Does the non-profit designation make it any less a commercial enterprise.

My second point which was also offered at the Zoning Commission meeting is that neither Zoning nor Council need change any designation to use the Uplands as a Park. The current zoning GUI has “Park” specifically designated in the allowable uses. Of course, GUI also allows for medical and other uses, which options would be negated by a more restrictive Park Only zoning change. Logic dictates that a Council exercising its fiduciary responsibility to its citizens would keep all options available. There is no sound reason to further restrict this property’s zoning use other than to add another hurdle in the process for future Council should changes in circumstances dictate an alternate use of this property. Even this argument is specious since any sale of the property for commercial use would necessitate a zoning change from either Parks or GUI.

I am against the rezoning of the Uplands Tract for the following two reasons.
The arguments for changing zoning for the uplands presented in the Zoning Board meeting included preservation of habitat for 50 species of birds, wildflowers etc., i.e., a park vs commercial development. Yet comes now a project for a pavilion and parking lot and clearing for farmers market tents. This development is contrary to greenbelt and parkland usage. It involves partial destruction of the very habitat used to argue for the zoning change. Can the exclusive park zoning property be used for a commercial enterprise? I have heard in response that the farmers market is non-profit, which is obvious since SSV has to subsidize its existence. Does the non-profit designation make it any less a commercial enterprise.

My second point which was also offered at the Zoning Commission meeting is that neither Zoning nor Council need change any designation to use the Uplands as a Park. The current zoning GUI has “Park” specifically designated in the allowable uses. Of course, GUI also allows for medical and other uses, which options would be negated by a more restrictive Park Only zoning change. Logic dictates that a Council exercising its fiduciary responsibility to its citizens would keep all options available. There is no sound reason to further restrict this property’s zoning use other than to add another hurdle in the process for future Council should changes in circumstances dictate an alternate use of this property. Even this argument is specious since any sale of the property for commercial use would necessitate a zoning change from either Parks or GUI.

We've received your comment and are currently reviewing it to ensure it meets our site's policies. Thanks for your understanding and patience.

I wanted to write in support of 7/16/2024 Agenda Items Nos. 8 and 9 related to the rezoning from GUI to Parkland. Our city has historically supported seen the promise in using the Uplands as a park or community center, from the time of the 2008 Uplands committee, the 2015 City Council direction to allocate funds in the budget for design of a community use at the Uplands, the 2017 Asakura Robinson Uplands plan, to the 2022 Asakura Robinson Parks and Open Space Plan. Numerous committees have indicated their support of developing the Uplands as a park, including Planning and Environmental Committee and the Arts Commission. The Asakura Robinson plans included numerous opportunities for public outreach including surveys and meetings to gather opinions and take the City's pulse regarding parks and green spaces in the City. The city's consensus has largely been to use the land as a park. We have been sitting on this piece of property since 2006. However, the Uplands is one of the hubs of our city that could be used to showcase our city and draw visitors here. It could entice new shoppers to our farmer's market. We could host shows in a pavilion. We could add additional trails and outdoor art opportunities. It was a wonderful site for the Adventure Playground aspect of Artfest. We could add additional benches and make it more of a destination. The Uplands has limited commercial use due to its proximity to the elementary school and restrictions on impervious cover. Few businesses that would generate sales tax would be able to use the property due to restrictions on the parking area. But it would make a wonderful park for our city.

We have so few opportunities to add land to our city. If we sell or develop this land for commercial use, we will never get it back. We should embrace it as a park and zone it accordingly.

Regards,
Zoe Trieff
1031 Sunflower Trail

Posted by admin on behalf of resident:

Dear Mayor Bruner & Councilmembers.

I would like to write in FAVOR of agenda items #8 & #9 regarding the proposed rezoning of the Uplands tract to Parkland.

It is an excellent opportunity to have usable green space with natural landscaping and trails, a playground, a pavilion structure (to house the farmers market, ARTFEST, and other events that enhance the culture of our City), seating areas, and other landscape beautification.

In a day and age where trees are being cut down and meadows are being mowed away, I strongly urge City Council to NOT allow Sunset Valley to become another cookie-cutter suburb of Austin. We, as a City, should be committed to protecting and preserving the Uplands for now and for our future generations to enjoy.

Thank you!
Supriya Kharod, 36 Lone Oak Trail

Posted by site admin on behalf of resident:

I wanted to write in support of 7/16/2024 Agenda Items Nos. 8 and 9 related to the rezoning from GUI to Parkland. Our city has historically supported seen the promise in using the Uplands as a park or community center, from the time of the 2008 Uplands committee, the 2015 City Council direction to allocate funds in the budget for design of a community use at the Uplands, the 2017 Asakura Robinson Uplands plan, to the 2022 Asakura Robinson Parks and Open Space Plan. Numerous committees have indicated their support of developing the Uplands as a park, including Planning and Environmental Committee and the Arts Commission. The Asakura Robinson plans included numerous opportunities for public outreach including surveys and meetings to gather opinions and take the City's pulse regarding parks and green spaces in the City. We have been sitting on this piece of property since 2006. However, the Uplands is one of the hubs of our city that could be used to showcase our city and draw visitors here. It could entice new shoppers to our farmer's market. We could host shows in a pavilion. We could add additional trails and outdoor art opportunities. We could add additional benches. The Uplands has limited commercial use due to its proximity to the elementary school and restrictions on impervious cover. Few businesses that would generate sales tax would be able to use the property due to restrictions on the parking area. But it would make a wonderful park.

Regards,
Zoe

Posted by Admin on behalf of Citizen:
I wanted to write in support of 7/16/2024 Agenda Items Nos. 8 and 9 related to the rezoning from GUI to Parkland. Our city has historically supported seen the promise in using the Uplands as a park or community center, from the time of the 2008 Uplands committee, the 2015 City Council direction to allocate funds in the budget for design of a community use at the Uplands, the 2017 Asakura Robinson Uplands plan, to the 2022 Asakura Robinson Parks and Open Space Plan. Numerous committees have indicated their support of developing the Uplands as a park, including Planning and Environmental Committee and the Arts Commission. The Asakura Robinson plans included numerous opportunities for public outreach including surveys and meetings to gather opinions and take the City's pulse regarding parks and green spaces in the City. We have been sitting on this piece of property since 2006. However, the Uplands is one of the hubs of our city that could be used to showcase our city and draw visitors here. It could entice new shoppers to our farmer's market. We could host shows in a pavilion. We could add additional trails and outdoor art opportunities. We could add additional benches. The Uplands has limited commercial use due to its proximity to the elementary school and restrictions on impervious cover. Few businesses that would generate sales tax would be able to use the property due to restrictions on the parking area. But it would make a wonderful park.

Regards,
Zoe

As residents on Lone Oak Marion & Laura McMillan strongly support the zoning change of the Uplands to parkland. We appreciate Council advocating to preserve the natural green space we have.

Dear Mayor Bruner & Councilmembers.

I would like to write in FAVOR of agenda items #8 & #9 regarding the proposed rezoning of the Uplands tract to Parkland.

It is an excellent opportunity to have usable green space with natural landscaping and trails, a playground, a pavilion structure (to house the farmers market, ARTFEST, and other events that enhance the culture of our City), seating areas, and other landscape beautification.

In a day and age where trees are being cut down and meadows are being mowed away, I strongly urge City Council to NOT allow Sunset Valley to become another cookie-cutter suburb of Austin. We, as a City, should be committed to protecting and preserving the Uplands for now and for our future generations to enjoy.

Thank you!
Supriya Kharod, 36 Lone Oak Trail

Dear Mayor Bruner & Councilmembers.

I would like to write in FAVOR of agenda items #8 & #9 regarding the proposed rezoning of the Uplands tract to Parkland.

It is an excellent opportunity to have usable green space with natural landscaping and trails, a playground, a pavilion structure (to house the farmers market, ARTFEST, and other events that enhance the culture of our City), seating areas, and other landscape beautification.

In a day and age where trees are being cut down and meadows are being mowed away, I strongly urge City Council to NOT allow Sunset Valley to become another cookie-cutter suburb of Austin. We, as a City, should be committed to protecting and preserving the Uplands for now and for our future generations to enjoy.

Thank you!
Supriya Kharod, 36 Lone Oak Trail

Dear Mayor Bruner & Councilmembers.

I would like to write in FAVOR of agenda items #8 & #9 regarding the proposed rezoning of the Uplands tract to Parkland.

It is an excellent opportunity to have usable green space with natural landscaping and trails, a playground, a pavilion structure (to house the farmers market, ARTFEST, and other events that enhance the culture of our City), seating areas, and other landscape beautification.

In a day and age where trees are being cut down and meadows are being mowed away, I strongly urge City Council to NOT allow Sunset Valley to become another cookie-cutter suburb of Austin. We, as a City, should be committed to preserving the Uplands and making it into a jewel for the city as a green gathering space, while simultaneously doing our part to be good stewards of our Earth.

Thank you!
Supriya Kharod, 36 Lone Oak Trail

Dear Mayor Bruner & Councilmembers.

I would like to write in FAVOR of agenda items #8 & #9 regarding the proposed rezoning of the Uplands tract to Parkland.

It is an excellent opportunity to have usable green space with natural landscaping and trails, a playground, a pavilion structure (to house the farmers market, ARTFEST, and other events that enhance the culture of our City), seating areas, and other landscape beautification.

In a day and age where trees are being cut down and meadows are being mowed away, I strongly urge City Council to NOT allow Sunset Valley to become another cookie-cutter suburb of Austin. We, as a City, should be committed to preserving the Uplands and making it into a jewel for the city as a green gathering space, while simultaneously doing our part to be good stewards of our Earth.

Thank you! Supriya Kharod, 36 Lone Oak Trail

As a 11-year resident of Sunset Valley we support the re-zoning of the Uplands to Parklands. - Ravi Srinivasan

As a 11-year resident of Sunset Valley we support the re-zoning of the Uplands to Parklands. - Ravi Srinivasan

Hi there, I wanted to write in support of 7/16/2024 Agenda Items Nos. 8 and 9 related to the rezoning from GUI to Parkland. Our city has historically supported seen the promise in using the Uplands as a park or community center, from the time of the 2008 Uplands committee, the 2015 City Council direction to allocate funds in the budget for design of a community use at the Uplands, the 2017 Asakura Robinson Uplands plan, to the 2022 Asakura Robinson Parks and Open Space Plan. Numerous committees have indicated their support of developing the Uplands as a park, including Planning and Environmental Committee and the Arts Commission. The Asakura Robinson plans included numerous opportunities for public outreach including surveys and meetings to gather opinions and take the City's pulse regarding parks and green spaces in the City. We have been sitting on this piece of property since 2006. However, the Uplands is one of the hubs of our city that could be used to showcase our city and draw visitors here. It could entice new shoppers to our farmer's market. We could host shows in a pavilion. We could add additional trails and outdoor art opportunities. We could add additional benches. The Uplands has limited commercial use due to its proximity to the elementary school and restrictions on impervious cover. Few businesses that would generate sales tax would be able to use the property due to restrictions on the parking area. But it would make a wonderful park.

Hi there, I wanted to write in support of 7/16/2024 Agenda Items Nos. 8 and 9 related to the rezoning from GUI to Parkland. Our city has historically supported seen the promise in using the Uplands as a park or community center, from the time of the 2008 Uplands committee, the 2015 City Council direction to allocate funds in the budget for design of a community use at the Uplands, the 2017 Asakura Robinson Uplands plan, to the 2022 Asakura Robinson Parks and Open Space Plan. Numerous committees have indicated their support of developing the Uplands as a park, including Planning and Environmental Committee and the Arts Commission. The Asakura Robinson plans included numerous opportunities for public outreach including surveys and meetings to gather opinions and take the City's pulse regarding parks and green spaces in the City. We have been sitting on this piece of property since 2006. However, the Uplands is one of the hubs of our city that could be used to showcase our city and draw visitors here. It could entice new shoppers to our farmer's market. We could host shows in a pavilion. We could add additional trails and outdoor art opportunities. We could add additional benches. The Uplands has limited commercial use due to its proximity to the elementary school and restrictions on impervious cover. Few businesses that would generate sales tax would be able to use the property due to restrictions on the parking area. But it would make a wonderful park.

Hi there, I wanted to write in support of 7/16/2024 Agenda Items Nos. 8 and 9 related to the rezoning from GUI to Parkland. Our city has historically supported seen the promise in using the Uplands as a park or community center, from the time of the 2008 Uplands committee, the 2015 City Council direction to allocate funds in the budget for design of a community use at the Uplands, the 2017 Asakura Robinson Uplands plan, to the 2022 Asakura Robinson Parks and Open Space Plan. Numerous committees have indicated their support of developing the Uplands as a park, including Planning and Environmental Committee and the Arts Commission. The Asakura Robinson plans included numerous opportunities for public outreach including surveys and meetings to gather opinions and take the City's pulse regarding parks and green spaces in the City. We have been sitting on this piece of property since 2006. However, the Uplands is one of the hubs of our city that could be used to showcase our city and draw visitors here. It could entice new shoppers to our farmer's market. We could host shows in a pavilion. We could add additional trails and outdoor art opportunities. We could add additional benches. The Uplands has limited commercial use due to its proximity to the elementary school and restrictions on impervious cover. Few businesses that would generate sales tax would be able to use the property due to restrictions on the parking area. But it would make a wonderful park.

Hi there, I wanted to write in support of Agenda Items Nos. 8 and 9 related to the rezoning from GUI to Parkland. Our city has historically supported seen the promise in using the Uplands as a park or community center, from the time of the 2008 Uplands committee, the 2015 City Council direction to allocate funds in the budget for design of a community use at the Uplands, the 2017 Asakura Robinson Uplands plan, to the 2022 Asakura Robinson Parks and Open Space Plan. Numerous committees have indicated their support of developing the Uplands as a park, including Planning and Environmental Committee and the Arts Commission. The Asakura Robinson plans included numerous opportunities for public outreach including surveys and meetings to gather opinions and take the City's pulse regarding parks and green spaces in the City. We have been sitting on this piece of property since 2006. However, the Uplands is one of the hubs of our city that could be used to showcase our city and draw visitors here. It could entice new shoppers to our farmer's market. We could host shows in a pavilion. We could add additional trails and outdoor art opportunities. We could add additional benches. The Uplands has limited commercial use due to its proximity to the elementary school and restrictions on impervious cover. Few businesses that would generate sales tax would be able to use the property due to restrictions on the parking area. But it would make a wonderful park.

Agenda Items #8 & #9;
I strongly support the recommendations of the Zoning Commission and the Planning & Environmental Committee to reclassify the Uplands tract to Parkland zoning. I was part of the City elected official team who acquired this property as part of a larger development deal to offset increased impervious cover. It was open space we got to enhance quality of life for us and our children and to protect water quality and the environment. It was never acquired as real estate for public/private development schemes. The "Parkland "zoning is wholly consistent with why we acquired this land and will help protect this public land resource in the future. Please make it so. --former Mayor Terrence Cowan