Bee Cave approves tower signs, smaller housing lots

Comments

• For The Record...from Zelda

  I think it's rather important to set the record straight on the rationale of my recent votes which seem to be getting distorted:
  
  I did not vote in favor of any Tower Signs. I voted in favor of beautifying the back of two very visible buildings from hwy 71 at the Shops at the Galleria whose exterior appearance was being proposed to follow more closely within our ordinances and comprehensive plan...which makes for a more appealing environment. Specifically, I voted in favor of vertical articulation of the roof line (currently linear and non-compliant) within the building height allowed previously (no height variance). Roof articulation is mandated in our ordinances. These "towers" match the front of the buildings and make the rear seem more like a pleasing and decorated front in appearance from the highway. The new signs on the rear facade are far from cheap or offensive, and serve to better inform the public in a way that does not violate the spirit of the comprehensive plan in any way whatsoever. Also, there is a ton of precedent for allowing this where the facade complies with our architectural standards. Lastly, it's smart to support a major partner in our community who provides over 25% of the town's revenues (allowing residents to enjoy low and subsidized property taxes) where it doesn't hurt the residents or their property values in any way whatsoever. (I proudly champion the comprehensive plan and serve on the City Council to precisely protect the residential interests of our community...my ONLY real interest).
  
  Masonwood is not in our City limits and my vote to approve 110 fifty-foot lots was cast in the light that our City's zoning laws don't apply, and also to modify a previous agreement (that I would not have approved) which allowed them to build a large apartment community. My vote also eliminates drive thru restaurants and mandates strict architectural standards if they build a gas/convenience store...none of which was addressed in their previous agreement.
  While Masonwood will offer more reasonably priced housing starting in the upper $280k's, I do not believe Masonwood will be a "slum" like some are purporting. (All ownership 50, 60, 70, and 80 foot lots with neighborhood service zoning along highway 71). The best and only legal way for Bee Cave to protect itself and enforce ordinances is to pursue Home Rule and annex all undeveloped property in our ETJ...I am committed to pursuing this course. But keep in mind, there will always be adjacent properties just beyond our limits.
  
  Happy New Year !
  
  Zelda Auslander
  Bee Cave City Council
  zeldabeecave@aol.com
  
  

  Posted by Zelda Auslander December 29, 2012 11:22:24