oakhillgazette.com
July 16, 2015 Volume 20, No. 14 Southwest Austin’s Community Newspaper Since 1995
Residents oppose losing home to right-of-way Longtime Oak Hillians question need for TxDOT to take their property for ‘Parkway’
TxDOT right-of-way
The Bomer property (above center) is needed by TxDOT for Highway 71 improvements, but residents say the other side of the street—commercial lots with few trees—would be more appropriate for taking.
by Ann Fowler OAK HILL - In 1792, James Madison wrote, “If the United States mean to obtain or deserve the full praise due to wise and just governments, they will equally respect the rights of property, and the property in rights: they will rival the government that most sacredly guards the former; and by repelling its example in violating the latter, will make themselves a pattern to that and all other governments.” Long-time Oak Hill resident Crystal Bomer is not one willing to praise Texas as a just government, given that 8,000 square feet of her property may go to the proposed “Oak Hill Parkway” if Build Alternative “A” or
Hampton library to get facelift by Ann Fowler OAK HILL - The Will Hampton branch of the Austin Public Library system sits on a laid-back street in Oak Hill. For nearly two decades this branch has hosted community meetings and movies, served thousands of patrons with millions of page-turners. It could certainly be described as a jewel of Oak Hill. That jewel is about to be polished, as the library system has plans for a number of updates and repairs: • Replace the existing modified bitumen membrane roof and the skylights
Public meeting:
Tuesday, July 21 from 7-8:30 PM Hampton Branch at Oak Hill, 5125 Convict Hill Rd., learn about the upcoming renovation of the Branch and provide valuable input.
• Upgrade the electrical power distribution system • Retrofit plumbing fixtures • Modernize the heating, ventilation
and air-conditioning control system • Replace the street side monument sign identifying the location of the branch library • Replace worn furniture, fixtures, finishes and equipment • Replace circulation desk and improve shelving and furniture layout • Make any modifications necessary to ensure compliance with revised See HAMPTON on p. 11 Right: John Gillum presided over the building of the Hampton library and is now on-site guiding the building of the new Central Library downtown.
“C” is chosen. Governments are allowed to take private property through “eminent domain” if that property is needed for public use. Several Oak Hill properties—both residential and commercial—were taken when U.S. 290 West was originally widened decades ago. Locals want TxDOT to fix the major rush-hour traffic headache faced by those using U.S. 290 West and Highway 71. But many say the six-lane “fix” proposed by transportation officials is overkill and would ruin the ambience of Oak Hill. To that end, Bomer questions whether there is a real need for TxDOT to take her property. She
said, “The frustrating thing is that the land on the opposite side of the See RESIDENTS on p. 22