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The Front Porch FlyerMueller Neighborhood Association NewsletterSpring 2009 Volume 2, Number 2
More of Everything Planned for Muellerby Dusty Harshman
Browning Hangar: How would you like to have a cocktail at sunset here? Photograph by Timothy Brummett.
(continued on page 3)
e new vision of Mueller is more… more economic activity, more regional-serving uses, more residents, and more broadly affordable housing. Over a series of recent presentations, Catellus and ROMA, Mueller’s master developer and planner, respectively, have proposed a series of amendments to the Mueller Planned Unit Development (PUD) that achieve more. In the Summary of Proposed Amendments to the Mueller PUD dated February 17, 2009, ROMA details the design process:
For more than two years the Catellus team has been working with the Mueller Plan Implementation Advisory Commission (PIAC) and community stakeholders to evaluate new Master Plan opportunities in response to changing conditions and current market information. Since the original adoption of the plan by City Council in 2004, key opportunities that further the community’s vision for Mueller have emerged.
As described in the presentations, these “key opportunities” should be in line with the vision of the Mueller neighborhood, and not at its sacrifice.
More Economic Activity and Regional-Serving UsesAs the Mueller Master Plan has evolved in recent years, Mueller’s Town Center concept has evolved with it. Recent research, town hall meetings, and design work concluded the “range” of uses in the Town Center has broadened beyond what was previously conceived. e
focus will shift slightly away from a roster of uses that would predominantly serve residents of Mueller, like a grocery store, to a set of uses having broader, regional appeal, like museums, cinemas, specialty food stores, and a hotel. e recent announcement of Mueller’s discussions with the Austin Children’s Museum exemplifies this idea. e Mueller grocery store, however, has not been forgotten, but merely shifted to 51st Street, in what is now called the Market District, where it can attract more customers from surrounding neighborhoods. Future parks and greenways were not diminished in the
amendments, and the presentations revealed that residents and fellow Austinites should look forward to new uses in our common green spaces. From community gardens and orchards, to boardwalks along the water in the Southeast Greenway, to skate parks and sports fields, one would expect future areas of Mueller to rival the outdoor amenities of Lake Park and the Mueller Blackland Prairie. Lastly, one of the most interesting curiosities of the PUD amendments allows a “cocktail lounge” at the Browning Hangar space in Lake Park.
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Mueller Neighborhood Association Newsletter 2 Spring 2009 3
Short lm shot at Mueller. On April 17 and over the following weekend, Starveling Productions used locations around the neighborhood to shoot Warm Fuzzy, the tale of a philanthropic, bike-riding boy and his fuzzy toy companion. Upon completion in August or September, the short lm will be screened in the rst Garden Court. Photograph by Dusty Harshman.
Mueller Neighborhood AssociationSteering CommitteeChair: Grant FisherVice Chair: Drew HarrisSecretary: Karen ZabreznikTreasurer: Dusty HarshmanMembers: Elizabeth Butman, Kerry Fisher, Bobby Gierisch, John Guest, Jerry Perkins, Wilson Robertson, Rod Ruoff, Cliff Spinac, and Kim Wine
The Front Porch FlyerEditor-in-chiefElizabeth Butman
Editorial StaffDevin GonzalesDrew HarrisDusty HarshmanGarreth Wilcock
Let us know if you are interested in contributing an article or photo, or if you would like to advertise in an upcoming issue!
Citizens on Patrol (COPs) Programby Dan McAtee
My wife Laura and I have volunteered for Austin’s Citizens on Patrol (COPs) program for 18 months. COPs is a non-confrontational public safety program where citizens provide more “eyes and ears” on the streets of Austin, observing and reporting suspicious behavior. COPs volunteers interact with neighbors and the police to exchange ideas and information about community concerns to reduce crime. Participants also help the City enforce ordinances, such as those pertaining to abandoned cars and graffiti. We achieve safe and self-reliant neighborhoods by creating an obvious presence and reporting unlawful activity in a quick and efficient manner.
Before moving to Mueller, my wife and I were active with COPs in our previous
neighborhood, where we were successful in cleaning up overgrown properties, repairing non-functioning street lights, and eliminating a transient camp that had created problems in the area. We kept an eye out for citizens who may need assistance from government agencies, school-age children on the streets during school hours, and homes of neighbors on vacation. We found it’s a good way to get exercise and meet your neighbors!
To volunteer for the COPs program, you must complete eight hours of training, a 10-hour ride with an officer, and a background check. You can sign up with our local district representative, Officer William Torres, who can be reached at 512-974-5517 or by email at [email protected].
The Pulse of MuellerKeep up with what’s happening in our neighborhood by reading muellercommunity.com.
Learn about how solar incentives have changed since our article in the last edition by reading the “Modifications Committee/Solar Panels” thread in the Mueller Deed Restrictions forum.
Wondering about property taxes? Try “Travis County Appraisals Available” under General Rumors.
Also, don’t miss the Austin American-Statesman’s Mueller development update with an interactive video tour and compelling photographs at statesman.com/business/content/business/stories/other/03/01/0301mueller.html.
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Mueller Neighborhood Association Newsletter 2 Spring 2009 3
is past year has been a great year for Mueller. We have all moved into our new homes and are getting to know our neighbors. e Mueller Neighborhood Association (MNA) is also celebrating an anniversary, as this marks the end of the first year of our fledgling organization. is year has been filled with many events including the 4th of July Parade, the Halloween Carnival, and most recently the first annual Mueller Plant Fest. We have also mobilized around issues that affect our neighborhood, such as advocating for an elementary school at Mueller and supporting the Mueller affordable senior housing development.
e MNA is always looking for great ideas and great people to contribute to our neighborhood. If you haven't already stopped by one of our Saturday meetings, I strongly encourage you to do so. e MNA meetings not only provide a forum to discuss issues about living at Mueller, but have also included guest speakers such as the Austin Police Department, Austin CarShare, Hands of the Earth community supported agriculture, and many more.
e MNA was formed to serve the residents and act as a conduit of information. With such resources as e Front Porch Flyer and muellercommunity.com (graciously supported by Kevin Ludlow), we hope that we have strengthened ties between neighbors. We look forward to greeting new neighbors this upcoming year and anticipate great times to come. is neighborhood has proven to a have strong sense of community, which will only grow stronger as more neighbors call Mueller their home.
Sincerely,
Grant FisherChair, MNA
Calendar of EventsRegular Meetings:Mueller Neighborhood AssociationJoin us to discuss upccoming events and important issues for our neighborhood. $10 annual dues to be a voting member.Second Saturday of every monthMay 9, June 13, July 11, 10-11 AMElla Wooten Park, 2047 McCloskey
Mueller Commission (RMMA-PIAC)Second Tuesday each month, 6-9 PMWaller Creek Center, 625 E. 10th St.
Special Events:Ella Wooten Park PoolCurrently open to Mueller residentsTuesday-Sunday, 5 AM-9 PMMemorial Day weekend, public hours with lifeguards begin
Parade of Homes at MuellerSee back page for details.May 23-June 7, 10 AM-8 PM, closed Wednesdays
Cal Rodgers Block PartyCelebrate the filling out of this street. Meet new neighbors! May 30, time to be announced
Lawless Block PartySecond annual block party. Make this one an even bigger success!June 7, 6 PM, Lawless St.
Visit the events section of muellercommunity.com for updates.
More Residents and Housing TypesWithin current Traffic Impact Analyses (TIA), which ultimately dictate Mueller’s density and use options, there is considerable room for residential growth within Mueller, and Catellus/ROMA are planning to take advantage of it. Proposals for new denser, yet still “fee simple”, housing types suggest that Mueller could increase from 4600 total residential units to 5500, a 20% increase. e impetus for this is two-fold. First, more residential units
bring greater neighborhood demand for various services, (e.g. commercial, educational, and mass transit opportunities). Second, the denser housing types should better bridge the affordability gap between the income-qualified and market rate homes at Mueller.
For more details about more, please visit ROMA’s Summary of Amendments at budurl.com/85af and the similar discussions on muellercommunity.com at budurl.com/dy33.
More of Everything, from front cover
Letter from your MNA Chair
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Mueller Neighborhood Association Newsletter 4 Spring 2009 5
Gardens and Greenery: Mueller Plant Festby Janelle Dozier
Hardy plant enthusiasts braved overcast skies and chill winds to attend the first Mueller Plant Fest on March 14. About 100 Mueller residents and folks from neighboring communities visited the information booths and listened to expert speakers.
Mueller’s own Dusty Harshman, a certified Master Gardener, described the use of native plants in the Mueller home landscape. Cathy Nordstrom, owner of Sans Souci Gardens Landscape Design, another Master Gardener and Habitat Steward Volunteer, talked about how to attract birds and small wildlife to urban homes. Dr. Mark Simmons of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center related the history of the restored Mueller Blackland Prairie and the role prairies play in the environment.
Dr. Simmons announced the organization of the Friends of the Prairie. e Friends of the Prairie members will receive specialized training in prairie plants and habitats. e
Mueller Blackland Prairie needs active involvement from trained volunteers in order to become established and self-sustaining, and the Friends will play a key role.
At the information booths, the Travis County Master Gardeners answered numerous landscape and garden questions from residents. e Native Prairie Association, Wildlife Austin, and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center staffed information booths. e Travis County Audubon Society provided informational posters on bird identification, while the Texas Department of Transportation provided wildflower identification handouts and other materials. Troop 410 of the Boy Scouts sold mulch, and Maplewood Elementary School children sold plants they had propagated for a fundraising venture. Mueller parents entertained children with face-painting and vegetable stamping. Move Your Tale kept a number of youngsters moving and dancing to the beat of a drum.
As usual, Mueller residents teamed up to put on a great event. Among the many Mueller contributors were Dusty Harshman, Bobby Gierisch, Felicia Adams, Kim Wine, Babs Harcketts, Joe Denton, Shellie Shores, Christina Martin, and Jana McCann. Plus, spouses and significant others cheerfully pitched in. Jill rasher created signs for the event. Jennifer Harvey of Alliance provided helpful support throughout the process. anks to all of you! After the Plant Fest, Dr. Simmons led a group on a walking tour of the restored prairie. is culminated in the planting of “grandmother” little bluestem grasses that had been rescued from the original site of Mueller Airport. ese grasses may be over 100 years old, alive when the buffalo roamed and prairie fires raged over what is now Mueller. Now the little bluestems are back where they belong.
Check out the Landscapes & Gardens group on muellercommunity.com for plant-related news. If you want to be involved in the Mueller landscape and garden interest group that will hold workshops from time to time, or for information on joining the Friends of the Prairie, contact Janelle Dozier at [email protected].
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Mueller Neighborhood Association Newsletter 4 Spring 2009 5
Community Supported Agricultureby Christina Martin
Imagine regularly dining on freshly harvested, local, organic produce – a crisp green salad, aromatic herb pesto, flavorful beets – that you pick up each week after a short stroll through the neighborhood. is is now reality here at Mueller. More than thirty households from Mueller or nearby have joined Hands of the Earth, a local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm run by Marysol Valle. CSA is a system in which we pay the local farmer directly and receive weekly shares of their harvest. e farmer gains dependable income for food production, and we share in the bounty of produce.
Hands of the Earth is located only a few miles east of Mueller, on fertile soil next to Boggy Creek. From March to August, the farmers bring vegetables here every
Friday at 5:00 PM. Deliveries so far have included salad greens, collards, radishes, carrots, beets, dill, cilantro, and onions; we can look forward to tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and still more as spring turns into summer.
Join us on Friday evenings this summer at the corner of Camacho and Littlefield to learn more. Volunteers and visitors, including kids, are welcome at the farm on Friday mornings. You can also find Hands of the Earth and other local farmers at the downtown and Triangle farmers’ markets. Happy eating!
For further information, visit handsoftheearth.com. If you are interested in joining us for the fall/winter season, please contact Christina Martin [email protected].
Know Your Mueller Streets:
Pinckney Streetby Drew Harris
This is the rst of an ongoing series covering the history of the names of our streets.
During the summer as you walk to the pool down Pinckney Street, think of Texas art. is street is named after artist and art historian, Pauline Pinckney (ca. 1889-1982). An Austin native, she graduated from the University of Texas and received her masters from Columbia University. Pinckney became an art professor at several universities, where she focused on painting, sculpture, and art history. Her groundbreaking book, Painting in Texas: e Nineteenth Century, explored the links between Texans’ art and culture.From Debbie Mauldin Cottrell, “Pinckney, Pauline A.,” The Handbook of Texas Online, tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/PP/fpi31.html.
t Mueller Plant Fest, from left to right: Dr. Mark Simmons describes the size of little bluestem grasses, Cathy Nordstrom speaks on birds and urban wildlife, and Travis County Master Gardeners distribute material and answer questions. Photographs by Babs Harcketts.
q Community Supported Agriculture: Muellerites listen intently during a walking tour at Hands of the Earth after a farm potluck meal. Photographs by Chris Stewart.
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Mueller Neighborhood Association Newsletter 8
On The Horizon...
Researchers at the University of Texas School of Public Health and the Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department are launching a comprehensive study in the coming months, the Healthy Austin Project. e purpose of this study is to understand the physical activity, travel behaviors, and health of residents in Mueller and the surrounding neighborhoods. is project will help us understand needs and interests of Mueller and area residents. e City of Austin will also benefit by understanding how planned growth can influence personal health.
As part of the study, 400 Mueller households will receive a questionnaire
in the mail in the next month. e questionnaire will ask about your
you’d like to pick up a few postcards to start your personal recruiting odyssey, please attend the next MNA meeting or contact Dusty Harshman at [email protected] for details.
You may have recently received a document in your e-mail from the Mueller Community Association entitled Mueller Mixed-Use/Residential Community Rules and Regulations. If you have not yet received this document, you should soon. e Rules and Regulations document was conceived to translate the Mueller Community Covenants into readable English and supplement the Covenants in several areas. It has been reviewed by an Advisory Panel of residential stakeholders convened to study the Covenants for fairness and livability. You may wish to consult the Rules and Regulations when you have question about Mueller community standards. If have questions about the Rules and Regulations, please contact Jennifer Harvey at 512-347-2888 or [email protected].
e Home Builders Association of Greater Austin is having it’s
Parade of Homes in Mueller this year – encompassing the homes on Camacho across from Lake Park. May 23rd - June 7th (not Wednesdays) 10 AM-8 PM. Day tickets can be purchased at the gate for $15 or less, and the tour includes access to the five custom homes rated Five Star in the Austin Energy Green Building Program. Around 20,000 visitors are expected in the homes in Austin’s first urban green home parade from the HBA. Parking will be at the edge of the development allowing shuttles to transport visitors to the homes. Urban transit in action!
previous neighborhood and physical activity and travel patterns there and here at Mueller. e information from your completed questionnaire will help us identify the strengths and weaknesses of Mueller and make suggestions for the future that reflect the residents’ views.
Only one adult in each household should complete the questionnaire. e goal is to get one from each selected house in Mueller. Please take the time to respond as quickly as possible when you receive your questionnaire. Each house to return a completed questionnaire will be rewarded with a $15 gift card!
Let’s say you’re at one of your favorite
local hangouts… a place you know would be a perfect fit for Mueller. You strike up a conversation with the manager and start talking about the Muellerhood. e manager asks a few questions about how things look over at Mueller. You sense their interest, and mention that you’d love to see their business in our vibrant, pedestrian-friendly, transit-oriented neighborhood. e Mueller Neighborhood Association has created a way for you to help that manager take the next step to locating at Mueller. We have printed glossy postcards that spell out Mueller’s virtues, let them know that the MNA cares about their business, and give them contact details for commercial leasing opportunities at Mueller. Keep them in your glove compartment, messenger bag, or purse and distribute to your favorite Austin businesses. If
The Healthy Austin Project Needs Your Helpby Harold W. Kohl III and Tamara Vehige
Photograph by Elizabeth Butman.
