oakhillgazette.com
February 21, 2013 Volume 18, No. 4 Southwest Austin’s Community Newspaper Since 1995
Neighborhoods oppose low-density housing by Bobbie Jean Sawyer OAK HILL - Developers addressed the Oak Hill Association of Neighborhoods (OHAN) and community members, at the February 13 monthly OHAN meeting, about their plan to build a multifamily low-density housing project between the Oak Park and Oak Acres neighborhoods. The project would require the area to be rezoned from commercial office use to low-density, multifamily use. Residents of the two neighborhoods, located off Hwy. 290 West near the YMCA, appear to be in
unanimous opposition to the rezoning. Brandon Easterling, managing director for the Austin and San Antonio branches of Alliance Residential, said he hopes to have a conversation with Oak Park and Oak Acres residents. “This is very much a negotiation. This is a back and forth. This is a proposal from us, hopefully to be a discussion with you all,” Easterling said. “All I’m trying to do is just let you know that me as a developer coming to you, just gives you the opportunity to assist or partake, if
you will, in the process in terms of what this looks like.” Easterling said residential developers provide more flexibility to the community than office developers. “I think everybody here is probably pretty certain that this is going to get developed at some point and maybe it’s likely that it will be office in the future, which is what it’s currently zoned for. But you won’t have a meeting like this with an office developer,” Easterling said. “Unilaterally they’ll come in and say ‘Here’s our site plan. Hope you like See NEIGHBORHOODS on p.12
Oak Hill history Begins on p. 8
The Maroons’ Matt Jones (#14) splits two Dragon defenders on his way to the goal. More sports on p. 14. Graham Staniforth: grahamsphotos.com
Maroons get playoff win by Patrick Olson
ROUND ROCK - After going on a 10-0 run to close out the first half and dominating defensively in the third quarter, Austin High defeated Round Rock on the road Tuesday night 48-27 in a bi-district playoff game.
“How ‘bout holding a team on their own floor to 28 points,” Maroons coach Andy Dudney said. “We were tenacious on defense.” Seven players put points on the board for the visitors, led by 11 points from junior guard Kendrick Price. See MAROONS on page 14
Bill Rider illustration Joe Tanner’s blacksmith shop and the Old Rock Store (now Austin Pizza Garden) on Hwy. 290 West.