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The Sunset Valley City Council meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month (unless Council formally changes the meeting dates) in the City Hall Chambers, 3205 Jones Road. Meetings generally begin at 6 PM, and may not go past 10 PM. The public may participate in the Council meetings by coming to the meeting, watching on line via livestreaming, or after the meeting watching the video recording. Access the livestreaming and recordings via the City's YouTube Channel. The public may utilize the guestbook feature below to leave public comments for City Council meetings.
From left to right: Mayor Marc Bruner, Council Member David Bourell, Council Member Rudi Rosengarten, Mayor Pro tem Charles Young, Council Member Rob Johnson, Council Member Karen Medicus
The Sunset Valley City Council meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month (unless Council formally changes the meeting dates) in the City Hall Chambers, 3205 Jones Road. Meetings generally begin at 6 PM, and may not go past 10 PM. The public may participate in the Council meetings by coming to the meeting, watching on line via livestreaming, or after the meeting watching the video recording. Access the livestreaming and recordings via the City's YouTube Channel. The public may utilize the guestbook feature below to leave public comments for City Council meetings.
From left to right: Mayor Marc Bruner, Council Member David Bourell, Council Member Rudi Rosengarten, Mayor Pro tem Charles Young, Council Member Rob Johnson, Council Member Karen Medicus
The public may utilize this guestbook tool to engage with the City Council by posting public comments. These comments may be general comments or related to a specific Agenda Item for a Council Meeting. The comments will be ready by the Mayor and City Council Members, but will not be read aloud during the meeting.
To access a Council Agenda and backup materials, see the City Council Meetings section of this page beneath the signup banner, or visit: https://www.sunsetvalley.org/government/council-meeting-agendas-minutes. If you wish to make a public comment related to a specific agenda item, please indicate the meeting date and agenda item number in your comment.
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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
mlingafelter
4 months ago
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
site.admin
4 months ago
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.
Lkohler
4 months ago
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
Supriya
4 months ago
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
Supriya
4 months ago
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
Supriya
4 months ago
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
Supriya
4 months ago
As a 11-year resident of Sunset Valley we support the re-zoning of the Uplands to Parklands. - Ravi Srinivasan
ravisaustin
4 months ago
As a 11-year resident of Sunset Valley we support the re-zoning of the Uplands to Parklands. - Ravi Srinivasan
ravisaustin
4 months ago
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.
zoetrieff
4 months ago
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.
zoetrieff
4 months ago
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.
zoetrieff
4 months ago
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.
zoetrieff
4 months ago
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
sunsetdude
4 months ago
Agenda items #8 & #9: I strongly support the zoning reclassification of the Uplands to Parkland. As former Mayor/elected official who participated in acquiring this property in the first place, I know why we did it--to preserve spaces that enhance the quality of life for us and our children, and as part of our City's commitment to protect water quallty and the environment. It was not acquired as real estate for public/private development schemes. Zoning and use as Parkland is wholly consistent with the purposes why we acquired it. Please make it so.
--->Note: This City Council "Engagement" space needs to be direct linked to the City Council Meeting Agenda on the main website for us to best know about it and actually use it. Not enough to array Engagement one of the icons across the top of the page . To engage, we actually have to leave the Sunset Valley web site and find it on the Engagement page. Awkward.
sunsetdude
4 months ago
the Uplands should be Rezoned to Parklands. As a long time resident of Old Town, i feel strongly about preserving the natural beauty of the Uplands Green Space as it is....
Peter File
4 months ago
I strongly support the zoning reclassification of the Uplands to Parkland. This has been a planning consideration for many years and is consistent with the best interests and values our city espouses. We must be future-oriented in our thinking and preserve green spaces zealously. The Arts Commission supports this change vigorously as do The Zoning Committee, the Planning Environmental Committee. Thank you Council, for supporting this Commission's and those Committees' recommendations. Sasha R
alexandrarussell
4 months ago
I strongly support the reclassification of the Uplands zoning from General Urban and Industrial (GUI) to Parkland. We have voted on this issue city wide on a number of times, each time the overwhelming support is for this property to be classified as parkland. We that lived over here on the original part of town, are already putting up with traffic that closes or delays our streets. We like the Meadows have streets that allow one way in and one way out. We are already putting up with AISD graduations, sports events, and other activities. During the school season, we put up with all of the morning and afternoon traffic from Sunset Valley Elementary and the Montessori School. We are dealing with all of the parades and sports runs. To leave this property with the potential of commercial development would cause more excessive traffic congestion on Jones Rd. Even if we could prevent a driveway or back entrance to this property we could not prevent traffic on Sunset Trail. I would ask the Meadows residents to close their eyes and instead of just seeing the Meadows; see what it means to to live on this side of town and what we are already dealing with.
BWilson
4 months ago
I strongly support the reclassification of the Uplands zoning from General Urban and Industrial (GUI) to Parkland. Having previously served on the Planning/Environmental Committee during 2018/19, it was our collective belief that this area is most appropriately designated for parkland use.
Addressing concerns regarding potential negative impacts such as increased numbers of migrants and drug addicts due to the zoning change, I challenge these assumptions directly. Zoning designations by themselves, do not deter or attract such issues; rather, it is the diligent efforts of our Sunset Valley Police Department that effectively maintains our community's safety and order. This will remain unchanged even with a move from GUI to Parkland zoning.
Furthermore, I want to emphasize that there will be no immediate additional costs incurred by the city in terms of staffing due to this zoning change. Any potential financial implications would only arise upon the actual commencement of park development.
In conclusion, the proposal to rezone the Uplands to Parkland aligns with both past planning considerations and the best interests of our community's future.
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
Agenda items #8 & #9: I strongly support the zoning reclassification of the Uplands to Parkland. As former Mayor/elected official who participated in acquiring this property in the first place, I know why we did it--to preserve spaces that enhance the quality of life for us and our children, and as part of our City's commitment to protect water quallty and the environment. It was not acquired as real estate for public/private development schemes. Zoning and use as Parkland is wholly consistent with the purposes why we acquired it. Please make it so.
--->Note: This City Council "Engagement" space needs to be direct linked to the City Council Meeting Agenda on the main website for us to best know about it and actually use it. Not enough to array Engagement one of the icons across the top of the page . To engage, we actually have to leave the Sunset Valley web site and find it on the Engagement page. Awkward.
the Uplands should be Rezoned to Parklands. As a long time resident of Old Town, i feel strongly about preserving the natural beauty of the Uplands Green Space as it is....
I strongly support the zoning reclassification of the Uplands to Parkland. This has been a planning consideration for many years and is consistent with the best interests and values our city espouses. We must be future-oriented in our thinking and preserve green spaces zealously.
The Arts Commission supports this change vigorously as do The Zoning Committee, the Planning Environmental Committee. Thank you Council, for supporting this Commission's and those Committees' recommendations.
Sasha R
I strongly support the reclassification of the Uplands zoning from General Urban and Industrial (GUI) to Parkland. We have voted on this issue city wide on a number of times, each time the overwhelming support is for this property to be classified as parkland. We that lived over here on the original part of town, are already putting up with traffic that closes or delays our streets. We like the Meadows have streets that allow one way in and one way out. We are already putting up with AISD graduations, sports events, and other activities. During the school season, we put up with all of the morning and afternoon traffic from Sunset Valley Elementary and the Montessori School. We are dealing with all of the parades and sports runs. To leave this property with the potential of commercial development would cause more excessive traffic congestion on Jones Rd. Even if we could prevent a driveway or back entrance to this property we could not prevent traffic on Sunset Trail. I would ask the Meadows residents to close their eyes and instead of just seeing the Meadows; see what it means to to live on this side of town and what we are already dealing with.
I strongly support the reclassification of the Uplands zoning from General Urban and Industrial (GUI) to Parkland. Having previously served on the Planning/Environmental Committee during 2018/19, it was our collective belief that this area is most appropriately designated for parkland use.
Addressing concerns regarding potential negative impacts such as increased numbers of migrants and drug addicts due to the zoning change, I challenge these assumptions directly. Zoning designations by themselves, do not deter or attract such issues; rather, it is the diligent efforts of our Sunset Valley Police Department that effectively maintains our community's safety and order. This will remain unchanged even with a move from GUI to Parkland zoning.
Furthermore, I want to emphasize that there will be no immediate additional costs incurred by the city in terms of staffing due to this zoning change. Any potential financial implications would only arise upon the actual commencement of park development.
In conclusion, the proposal to rezone the Uplands to Parkland aligns with both past planning considerations and the best interests of our community's future.
I am in favor of a zoning change to parkland.