The Pemberton Journal

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1 The Pemberton Journal The Pemberton Journal Official Publication of Pemberton Heights Neighborhood Association April 2010, Vol IV, Issue IV April 2010 Calendar 04/01... April Fools Day 04/ Texas Relays texassports.com 04/03...Urban Music Festival urbanmusicfest.com 04/04... Easter 04/10... LA Swamp Thing & Crawfish Fest roadwayevents.com 04/ Spring Plant Sale & Garden Fest wildflower.org 04/11...Capitol 10K statesman.com/sports 04/ TX Hill Country Wine & Food Fest texaswineandfood.org 04/ Old Settler s Music Fest oldsettlersmusicfest.org 04/ Austin Reggae Festival austinreggaefest.com 04/24...Eeyore s Birthday Party eeyores.sexton.com 04/24... Art City Austin artcityaustin.org 04/24... Wiener Dog Races budalionsclub.com 04/ Early Voting Begins INSIDE THIS ISSUE Lolla Peterson House Stop Petty Crime... 4 Historical Landmarks Eeyore s Birthday Not Just a Hippy Fest It s that time of year when our neighbors in Pemberton, Old Enfield, Clarksville and the rest of Old West Austin brace themselves for the crowds and craziness of Eeyore s Birthday Party. This year marks the 47th (!) time that this festival has brought local musicians, vendors and Austinites from all walks of life together for a colorful day of fun in Pease Park. The people watching opportunity is extraordinary and there are plenty of activities for the kids. The drum circles that have become a closing ceremony of sorts really tap into your inner hippy, if you re not at home asleep by then. A remarkable fact that many of us don t know is that this event is a major fundraiser for local charities. All vendors providing food, soft drinks, juice, water, beer, and commemorative Eeyore s Birthday Party t-shirts donate proceeds to local causes. From Trees For Pease to the Breast Cancer Resource Center, your purchases help support the charities that make Austin a better place to live. (For a full list of charities, visit As neighbors, this is a bittersweet day. As much fun as everyone s having, it s also challenging for those of us who live by the park. There are hundreds of cars parked along the curbs, teenagers dancing in the streets, and general noise/congestion that makes getting in and out of the area a true test of patience. Austin Parks and Recreation Department encourages neighbors to talk openly with organizers about the event and bring your questions or concerns to them. Party Information When: April 24, 11 a.m. until dark Musical Acts: Graham Wilkinson and the Underground Township, The Harringtons, Mystic Moot Admission: FREE Other: Costume prizes for kids and adults; keep dogs on leashes; ID required to purchase alcohol; no bottles, cans, coolers or tents allowed in the park. 1

2 The Pemberton Journal Officers & board Bryan Chester (P)... Candace Volz... Charles Charles Johanson Drew Gail Morris (VP)... Greg Matthew Pat Tate Susan Pascoe... Tom honorary directors Crista Wheeler... Lance Thompson... Nicole other contacts Report of Crime Jeff Minch... Kathryn Miller Report Of Problems On Triangles Lance Thompson newsletter info acting Editor Thea Assistant Editor Thea Publisher Peel, Inc Advertising... Personal classifieds (one time sell items, such as a used bike...) run at no charge to Pemberton Heights residents, limit 30 words, please austinthea@aol.com. Business classifieds (offering a service or product line for profit) are $50, limit 40 words, please contact Peel, Inc. Sales or advertising@peelinc.com. History of the Lolla Peterson House 2410 Jarratt Some called her godmother to the poor, others said she was practically a welfare agency in herself, and still others said she was a fairy princess to the needy of Travis County. For almost 30 years, Lolla Peterson was connected with the Travis County Welfare Department, serving as director for many of those years. She was known for treating her recipients as members of her family, and often dipped into her own salary to help people out during tough times. Born in 1888 in Austin in the shadow of the Capitol dome, Miss Peterson lived at 207 E. 14th Street with her parents. She graduated from Austin High and attended Griffith s Business College in Austin for a year, preparing herself for a business career in order to put her brother and sister through U.T. Her first job was assistant office manager at Harrell s Clothing Store. Following that, she worked during the depression in the office of the Travis County Relief Commission, getting her first taste of welfare work. Miss Peterson left there in 1935 to help the County (Continued on Page 3) REFINANCE YOUR EXISTING AUTO LOAN W I T H AU S T I N T E L C O we HAve some of the lowest new vehicle rates in the country HOME EQUITY LOANS Plus no closing costs** 10 year fixed 15 year fixed 20 year fixed 5.09%* 5.39%* 5.89%* AUTO LOANS new vehicle 24 MONTHS 36 MONTHS 48 MONTHS 60 MONTHS 66 MONTHS 72 MONTHS 60 to 66 MONTHS 72 MONTHS used or refinance 2.75%* 2.95%* 3.05%* 3.15%* 3.25%* 3.95%* 3.45%* 3.95%* COMM. REAL ESTATE LOANS 20 yr. AmortiZAtion/no Pre-Pmt. PenAlty 5 year fixed 7 year fixed 10 year fixed 5.49%*** 5.69%*** 5.99%*** MONEY MARKET ACCOUNT minimum daily balance of $2,000 required $25,000 to $74, %**** $75,000 to $124, %**** $125,000 And Above 1.36%**** JUMBO CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT minimum deposit of $95,000 required 6 months 12 months 24 months 1.36%**** 1.61%**** 2.07%**** *AnnuAl PercentAge rate. All rates Are expressed As low As. ActuAl rate may vary depending on credit qualifications. **Austin telco will PAy All standard closing costs on Home equity loans below $100k. AdditionAl non-standard fees will be the responsibility of the member. ***rate APPlies to 1st lien commercial real estate loans with A loan to value of 80% or less; construction/development loan rates/terms may be different. no Pre-PAyment PenAlty. ****AnnuAl PercentAge yield. PenAlties for early withdrawal may APPly. All APr s, APy s And terms Are subject to change without notice. PleAse call for details. this credit union is federally insured to At least $250,000 Per member by the national credit union AdministrAtion. 16 AUSTIN METRO LOCATIONS FREE CHECKING FREE BUSINESS CHECKING SECOND CHANCE CHECKING 250+ FREE ATMs 2

3 Peterson House- (Continued from Page 2) The Lolla Peterson House Jarratt Attorney with some tax matters. In January of 1936, the Social Security Act became law and she was given the position of handling the applications of old age pensions. From this position, she went on to become the director of the Travis County Welfare Department where she remained until Miss Peterson still lived with her mother in the house on 14th Street when a 1949 article about her in the Austin Statesman quoted her as saying, It is my mother s home. Before I die, I hope to have a lovely home of my own. In 1957, her dream came true when she purchased this 1938 Tudor Revival-styled cottage in Pemberton Heights. She lived in this home for 21 years. Lolla Peterson ser ved her community in many other areas. The Pemberton Journal She was a board member of the Travis County Tuberculosis Association for 4 years, as well as on the board of the Save the Child Federation and the YWCA. Miss Peterson was president of the Austin Altrusa Club and governor of the their 7th District. She was also a member of the Texas Fine Arts Association. Her two loves were St. David s Episcopal Church and opera music. Lolla was selected as Austin s Most Worthy Citizen in 1957, and was the first woman to be so honored. She lived to be 90 years old. This charming house is currently owned by Jennifer Hinrichs, who worked with Suzanne Deaderick to obtain a City of Austin historic landmark designation in dro w n i ng i s p r e v en ta bl e WATER SAFTEY WALK Sunday April 25th - Austin, Texas LEARN MORE & VOLUNTEER AT:

4 The Pemberton Journal Petty crime affects every community, and ours is no exception. Jeff Minch, our liaison with Austin Police Department and the neighborhood association, acts as the eyes and ears of our streets, ferreting out suspicious or reported activity. We all can help him do his job as well as deter theft and other crimes. First, be sure to report any crimes to Mr. Minch after contacting authorities. Secondly, Mr. Minch sent an excellent list of things to remember in keeping our persons and things safe to the PHNA listserv. That list is below. Not a listserv member? Contact our board members to be sure your voluntary dues are paid and then sign up by ing phna@ pembertonheights.org. Stop Petty Crime! Security Tips Do not leave valuables in your cars (even exposed pocket change can prompt a broken window). Lock your cars even during the day-- but especially at night. Park your cars where they fall into clear visibility or under a light. Park them up closer to the house or further down the driveway. Keep your exterior lights on. Arm your security systems when you leave the house even during the day. Report alarm horns going off immediately to the police at Report suspicious behavior of all types to This is on the specific advice of the police. Listen to your dogs when they start barking. Do not open your doors for anyone you do not know. Be careful as there have been a number of instances of suspicious folks coming to the front and back doors. Lock up tools, bikes and anything that can be carted away. Store things in locked rooms and garages. Peel, Inc. Printing & Publishing Publishing Community Newsletters Since 1991 Support Your Neighborhood Newsletter. Leslie Chambliss Sales Representative leslie@peelinc.com Advertise your business to your neighbors

5 Historical Landmarks: Critics Making Headlines When the Austin City Council voted, in a single month last December, to grant historic landmark status to 25 homes, all of which were located in the zip code, the local newspapers and many citizens took notice. There had been only 30 historic landmarks approved in the preceding twenty four months combined and many of those were located in other areas of Austin. The 25 historic landmark tax abatements granted in December added $382,500 to the $4 million in annual tax cuts already given to the existing group of 504 residential and commercial landmark properties. Four taxing districts provide funding for the Historic Landmark tax abatement program: City of Austin, Travis County, Austin Independent School District and Austin Community College. Taken together, all residential and commercial landmark properties cost the city of Austin about $1 million and the other participating taxing jurisdictions $3 million every year. According to AISD Chief Financial Officer, Nicole Conley-Abram revenue loss to the Austin Independent School District, even before the 25 designations granted in December, was $1.6 million. Owners must reapply for The Pemberton Journal abatements annually. In an editorial, the Austin American Statesman said, City Council members would be wise to immediately suspend the program until they tighten up the criteria, which invite tax breaks that are too generous The Austin Chronicle noted that (t) he main criticism of tax abatements for historic properties is the cost to the city s General fund, and thus to other taxpayers. The number of new property tax breaks granted each year has been accelerating. City records show that in 2007, 12 applications were granted, in 2008 there were 18, and last year, 45 properties had their applications approved. This year, 7 applications for landmark designation were filed before the end of February. Four of these are in the zip code with two in Pemberton. To see pending applications, go to Building Permits Data Base. In the search form under Case Number type #C14H-2010 and press enter. The original rationale for granting property tax abatements to owners of landmark properties was to provide financial assistance (Continued on Page 6)

6 The Pemberton Journal Critics- (Continued from Page 5) from the community to individuals who might otherwise be unable to maintain and protect the historic character of their properties and also to serve as a disincentive for actions that would be harmful for preservation. Nowadays, financial need plays no part of the Historic Landmark Commission decisions. This contrasts with jurisdictions elsewhere in the country where, when an owner, rather than a governmental entity applies for historic landmark status, it s not automatically granted with an attached financial concession. Supporters of that approach point to studies showing the limitations to exterior modification to a historic structure are usually far offset by the increase in property value generated by the landmark designation. Critics of the Austin program point out that the average value of homes in Pemberton and Old Enfield designated as historic landmarks exceeds $1million and owners of these don t need the current level of financial assistance to maintain the quality and characteristics of their properties. Critics say the high market value of their properties makes it unlikely that these owners will allow their homes to fall into disrepair. According to Historic Landmark Commission files, the average appraised value of the 31 houses granted historic status in Pemberton since 2007 is $1, Nineteen are appraised at less than $1million. Public records show for that period, the lowest appraised value on a landmark house is $515,311 with an annual tax abatement granted of $5,710. The highest annual property tax cut in Pemberton is $43,760 for a house appraised at $3,460,500. The oldest home designated as a landmark during this period was built in The youngest house is 1405 Wooldridge; built in Within the City Council the question of neighborhood equity has also been raised. Some Council members have openly wondered whether the disproportionately large number of landmarks in two of the most affluent West Austin neighborhoods is an indication that east or south Austin properties are less historically worthy. As a practical matter, however, owners of properties in emergent neighborhoods, where average appraised values are substantially less than $1million, may be less often motivated to seek landmark status. Many houses in east and south Austin are more likely to find greater value as teardowns. It is pointed out that owners in those areas might not be interested in seeing their property usage restricted so as to limit the ability of a future buyer to tear a house down and (Continued on Page 7)

7 The Pemberton Journal Critics- (Continued from Page 6) redevelop. Retaining the right to sell their property to the highest bidder for purposes of redevelopment can be more important to owners in neighborhoods other than Pemberton. Challenges to the propriety of the standards by which landmark status is being measured are also raised but those issues are nearly impossible to evaluate objectively or quantitatively. At present, the elements in the controversy are based on a quantitative analysis of whether Austin s Historic Landmark program as currently applied results in an unnecessarily high cost relative to the valuable goal of preserving the character and historical treasures of Pemberton Heights. Do You Have Reason to Celebrate? We want to hear from you! articles@peelinc.com to let the community know! At no time will any source be allowed to use The Pemberton Journal's contents, or loan said contents, to others in anyway, shape or form, nor in any media, website, print, film, , electrostatic copy, fax, or etc. for the purpose of solicitation, commercial use, or any use for profit, political campaigns, or other self amplification, under penalty of law without written or expressed permission from Peel, Inc. The information in the Pemberton Journal is exclusively for the private use of the Pemberton Heights HOA and Peel, Inc. DISCLAIMER: Articles and ads in this newsletter express the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Peel, Inc. or its employees. Peel, Inc. is not responsible for the accuracy of any facts stated in articles submitted by others. The publisher also assumes no responsibility for the advertising content with this publication. All warranties and representations made in the advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any such claims regarding its content should be taken up with the advertiser. * The publisher assumes no liability with regard to its advertisers for misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of such advertising. * Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and/or misprints, the publisher assumes no responsibility for any errors of information or typographical mistakes, except as limited to the cost of advertising as stated above or in the case of misinformation, a printed retraction/correction. * Under no circumstances shall the publisher be held liable for incidental or consequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or any other liabilities from failure to publish, or from failure to publish in a timely manner, except as limited to liabilities stated above. CUSTOM HOME & FURNITURE DESIGN, INC. RICK INGRAM TRCC Mob: Home: ringram@academicplanet.com C. IN E, 9 33 OM 79 L H 25 XAS RA E 19D, TE NE EA SINCFIEL FU IELD AR TTLE EF TL ST. E LIT H 5T TH G ST IN RV 3 EA SE 0 X 91 P.O. BO 50 LI PAY AND SAVE, INC HALL AVEN UE LITTL EFIEL D, TX 79339

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