Olmos Park is seeking to exert control over town home designs within city limits to retain aesthetic uniformity among neighborhoods.
The city’s planning and zoning commission is developing an ordinance that revises requirements for town home construction, a move intended to ensure continuity in areas comprising both single- and multi-family dwellings.
“Over the course of the past few years, we’ve seen additional townhomes coming in,” Councilman Joe Izbrand said. “We need to make sure there are consistent standards that would apply.”
The growing trend of townhouse development has yielded architecture somewhat out of sync with that found in the more established parts of town, Izbrand suggested. Although the affected area is confined to the section of town designated multi-family – portions of Olmos Drive, Thelma, Elmrose and Annie – a consistent set of standards should be developed for such construction, he said.
“If you drive down those streets, you’ll see many variations on a theme,” Izbrand said of the architectural hodgepodge exhibited in those neighborhoods. “We’re looking at developing a clear set of standards so there’s more uniformity between townhomes and single-family homes. This is very important for the future growth of the city.”
One of the revamped ordinance’s main components is establishment of consistent setback guidelines more on par with traditional homes, he said. Invariably, townhomes increasingly dotting the landscape feature wider setbacks – the distance between a property’s land and the curb – than those at single-family homes, allowing developers to build bigger driveways to accommodate multiple vehicles.
“Where there should be grass or other impervious cover, there are driveways with automobiles parked there,” Izbrand said. “Many of these townhomes sit further back.”
He cited his own neighborhood on Thelma as an example of the trend, where roughly half the residences are single-family and the others townhomes.
“We want to make sure that what we do preserves the value of all homes,” he said. “We welcome opportunities to bring in positive development that continues to enhance our neighborhoods. We want to make sure we have processes in place to continue to promote positive growth.”
He said the issue of neighborhood uniformity is heightened with Olmos Park’s increasing status as a destination for new homeowners and visitors alike. A planned refurbishment of the city’s business district running the length of McCullough Avenue adds to the need for such developmental controls along the main artery’s periphery, he suggested.
“There are no consistent standards with development of townhomes, and planning and zoning is studying what we need to define our ordinance,” Izbrand said. “Our focus is really on the aesthetics. It’s important we have opportunities to attract and keep good properties and good development.”
A bevy of new attractions recently popping up in the city – the upscale Italian eatery Valentino’s off McCullough, a popular wine bar at the former Olmos Pharmacy and the newly opened Lydia’s House of Fabrics and Design in Park Plaza – has added to the allure of Olmos Park as a destination point, the Councilman said. A set of design standards is seen as conducive to retaining the look of the city in light of such increased visitor traffic.
“We want to make sure requirements for townhomes are consistent with setbacks that we have with single-family homes that our consistent with maintaining the walkability and attractiveness of our neighborhoods,” Izbrand said.
VIEWPOINT: Dear Mr. President: Reduce the military
Thursday, 31 July 2008
By Jack Shanahan Guest Commentary
In a recent CNN interview on foreign policy issues, Sen. Barack Obama, the presumptive Democratic nominee for president, cited historical figures from the Truman and first Bush administrations as role models. Compare that to John McCain’s hero, Teddy Roosevelt.
It’s a largely symbolic point, but it speaks volumes about the choice facing the country.
Obama’s historical references are forever associated with building strong international institutions and leading world alliances in the beginning and end of the Cold War. McCain’s hero is famous for American expansion, which, after George W. Bush and Iraq, is something that Americans should think twice about continuing.
So, with such a contrast before the American people, here’s some unsolicited advice for the next president.
The United States does not need to spend billions of dollars each year to maintain a worldwide military presence as evidence of its commitment to world peace.
Nearly two decades after the fall of the Soviet Union, it’s time to get things right. As a start, not only should we reduce our so-called forward deployed military presence across the world, the Pentagon should also launch a comprehensive effort to transform the military into a force capable of protecting U.S. interests in this century, not the last one.
More than 50 years ago, for example, when Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower became the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, said that if the United States were still in Europe in 10 years, we would have failed our mission.
A realistic revolution in military affairs is called for. Strategic planners need to stop thinking in terms of Army divisions, Air Force air wings and Navy carrier battle groups, and develop combat teams of Army, Air Force, Marine and Navy elements capable of being sized to carry out an assigned mission.
Afghanistan and Iraq should have taught us that people and ideas fight wars – not weapons systems. Our military needs to be built around speed, maneuverability and agility, trained in guerrilla and urban warfare, and in nation-building and humanitarian assistance.
These forces should be based in the United States, ready to be deployed in appropriate strength on short notice when it’s in our interests to do so.
In this era of post-Americanism, step one should be the redeployment of U.S. forces from Europe, the Far East and elsewhere and letting the world know that America now regards the use of military forces as a last resort — something the current administration has refused to do.
The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (the 9/11 Commission) suggests that the scope of military action in fighting terrorism is limited. Long-term success, its report concludes, “demands the use of all elements of national power: diplomacy, intelligence, covert action, law enforcement, economic policy, foreign aid, public diplomacy and homeland defense.”
The lovers of $600 billion (plus) annual defense budgets will not be happy. In a transformed military establishment, justification for Cold War weapons would be difficult. There would be little need for 3,000 Joint Strike fighters, the F/A-22 fighter, the V-22 tilt-rotor aircraft, the B-2 bomber, a new class of attack submarines, the DD-1000 class destroyer and a new class of attack carriers at $16 billion each.
The next president should relegate military strength to its support role and forgo the pre-emptive, unilateral use of force as the principal tool of statecraft. It is a matter of priorities, and needlessly spreading our troops, air and naval forces around the world should be at the bottom of America’s priority list.
But one thing is for sure: Any candidate who refuses to chart a new course for America in the wake of the debacle in Iraq won’t be remembered by future presidents as a hero.
Vice Admiral John J. Shanahan, USN Ret., is a member of the board of Senior Military Advisors of the Business Leaders for Sensible Priorities.
Editorial Cartoon
Thursday, 31 July 2008
Police Report - July 31
Thursday, 31 July 2008
TERRELL HILLS
Pistol found in backyard
July 9, 9:57 p.m., 300 block of Elizabeth: A yard man at the property contacted the homeowner to say he had found a pistol in the back yard. The homeowner told police the pistol may have been related to a recent vehicle burglary where a suspect was arrested in the back yard. The officer checked that the weapon was unloaded and took it back to the department.
ALAMO HEIGHTS
Traffic stop nets pot
July 6, 1:53 a.m., 5000 block of Broadway: Spotting a speeding vehicle, a patrol officer hit his lights and followed the car, which at first refused to stop, and finally pulled over near the University of the Incarnate Word. After calling for a cover officer, the first officer told the driver he was driving recklessly and got him out of the car. While patting him down for weapons, the officer found a metal smoking pipe and a bag of marijuana on the driver. He was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia, speeding, no insurance and possession of marijuana in the total of less than 2 ounces.
Criminal mischief
July 6, 1:20 p.m., 100 block of West Fair Oaks Place: A woman who was house-sitting a residence reported a window on the back door had been broken while she was away. Although the window was near the door’s dead bolt, the person was not able to gain entry.
Tools stolen from garage
July 7, 9:48 a.m., 200 block of Kennedy Avenue: A construction foreman told police that $5,000 worth of power tolls were stolen from a garage that was under construction. The door jamb had been found pried open and broken. The foreman told police he suspected a former employee of the theft.
Burglary of vehicle
July 7, 1:50 p.m., 5900 block of Broadway: A vehicle owner reported that the built-in DVD player in his car had been stolen while it was parked behind his business. Two pairs of sunglasses were also missing. There were no signs of forced entry.
OLMOS PARK
Jewelry goes missing
July 16, 5:14 p.m., 200 block of Parkhill Drive: A couple informed police that two valuable jeweled rings were missing from their house. They had checked everywhere in the house, but were now thinking some workers who were in the house recently might have taken the rings.
Gas thief uses invalid card
July 13, 7:53 p.m., 4300 block of McCullough: A clerk in a gas station said a woman had gassed up her vehicle and driven off the premises. The driver has left a credit card and when the clerk tried to charge the purchase to the card, it came back as invalid.
Plants stolen from business
July 9, 5:50 p.m., 4300 block of McCullough: After being flagged down on McCullough, a business owner reported that two pottery planters and three trees had been stolen from in front of his business. He said this is the second time this has happened.
Calendar - July 31
Thursday, 31 July 2008
Friday
National Catfish Month benefits 100 Club
Good Time Charlie’s Café & Bar at 2922 Broadway is marking National Catfish Month by donating a portion of sales from its catfish platter to The 100 Club of San Antonio, an organization is dedicated to assisting the families of firefighters and police officers who have died in the line of duty. The restaurant is near the Witte Museum and San Antonio Zoo. Visit www.gtcsatx.com for additional menu items and business hours.
‘Amazing Texas’ at Twig
T. Jensen Lacey will discuss and sign copies of the book “Amazing Texas: Fascinating Facts, Entertaining Tales, Bizarre Happenings, and Historical Oddities about the Lone Star State” at 5 p.m. at The Twig Book Shop, 5005 Broadway.
Friday-Aug. 31
‘High Hair and Jalapeños’
A collaboration between long-time San Antonio director and choreographer Gloria “G.L” Liu, director/choreographer Phill George (a former San Antonio actor and director now living in New York), writer Peter Morris and noted British composer Michael Jeffrey, has culminated with the world premiere of “High Hair and Jalapeños,” a musical comedy that lovingly spoofs “everything San Antonio.” The show will run at The Cameo Theatre, 1123 E. Commerce St. in St. Paul’s Square. Friday through Monday will be special preview performances, followed by the official opening and media night Aug. 7. Tickets are $33 general admission with special discounts for seniors, military and students. Show days and times are Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Call 212-5454 for reservations and ticket information.
Saturday
NE Bexar Co. Democrats
The Northeast Bexar County Democrats will meet at 8:30 a.m. at the campaign headquarters located in the San Pedro Towne Center, 7122 San Pedro Ave., Suite 114. A continental breakfast will be served and the meeting starts at 9 a.m. Campaign strategies and their implementation will be discussed, as well as training in the use of voter databases. For more information, call 979-2008 or 824-1329.
Saturday-Sunday
Dog Days of Summer
Bring your four-legged friends to the San Antonio Botanical Garden, located at 555 Funston at North New Braunfels Avenue, for special pet-related activities are planned from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free with admission to the garden. A $5 donation per dog will be collected and given as a contribution to local animal groups. Check the Web site at www.sabot.org for more information.
Sunday
Focus on the environment
Texas Public Radio, in collaboration with the San Antonio Library, the San Antonio Library Foundation, and the Southwest School of Art & Craft kicks off its yearly “Focus on the Environment” with Chris Jordan’s acclaimed photographic exhibit, “Running the Numbers: An American Self Portrait.” The series, displayed through Aug. 29 at the Central Library, 600 Soledad, and at the Southwest School’s Navarro Campus, 1201 Navarro at Augusta, casts light on the staggering levels of mass consumption in America. Jordan will also give a free lecture at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Municipal Auditorium, 100 Auditorium Circle
Free family day at SAMA
Just in time for Olympic fever, the San Antonio Museum of Art will be hosting a free family day from 1 to 5 p.m. Children can tour the special summer exhibition, “Visions of Victory: A Century of Sports Photography” and learn the basics of photography. Discover the art of pinhole camera photographs (one of the oldest forms of photography), learn about daguerreotypes and enjoy lots of other fun sports and art themed activities. The museum is located at 200 West Jones Ave. For more information, call 978-8100 or click on www.samuseum.org.
Sunday-Aug. 29
Chris Jordan photo exhibit
Large-scale digital photographs of American mass consumption that “depict the quantity of things we consume and the quantity of things we discard” by Seattle-based Chris Jordan are on display at the Southwest School of Art & Craft, located at 300 Augusta. The exhibit is in collaboration with Texas Public Radio, the San Antonio Public Library Foundation, and the San Antonio Central Library. All exhibitions are free and open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.
Monday
Howard holds pre-K registration
Pre-kindergarten registration for the 2008-2009 school year begins Monday and will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 at Howard Early Childhood Center, 7800 Broadway. For more information, visit www.ahisd.net or call 832-5900.
Wednesday
Live country music
The Cavender Chevrolet 2008 Live Music Series at The County Line is held every Wednesday from 6 to 10 p.m. at County Line Bar-B-Q, I-10 West between Wurzbach and Huebner roads. Wade Bowen will be the featured performer. Attendees are asked to make a monetary or food donation to benefit the San Antonio Food Bank.
Miraflores Park Phase I construction
The San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department holds a public meeting to review and receive comments from citizens regarding the Phase I construction documents for Miraflores, a portion of Brackenridge Park, at 6 p.m. at the Lion’s Field Adult and Senior Citizens Center community room, 2809 Broadway. For more information, call 207-2879.
Aug. 8
San Pedro Springs Gallery grand opening
The San Pedro Springs Gallery hosts an official grand opening celebration from 6 to 10 p.m. at 1012 North Flores, directly across from Green Vegetarian restaurant. Parking is available behind the gallery or at Baggett Claims next door. San Pedro Springs Gallery is housed in the historic 1883 Charles Ochse House on the site of the original 1738 San Pedro Acequia that supplied the San Fernando settlement with its water. During the grand opening event, the gallery will showcase owner Michael Hyatt’s clay pottery and jewelry.
Aug. 9
‘Get Out More Tour’ at Quarry
Backpacker Magazine is bringing the “Get Out More Tour” to Whole Earth Provision, 225 East Basse at the Alamo Quarry Market. The tour’s outdoor experts, Randy and Sheri Propster, will visit San Antonio to empower local audiences with trail-tested tips as the tour travels to 55 venues in 35 states, inspiring more than 55,000 hikers to get out more. To see a tour schedule and learn more about the Propsters, visit the Get Out More Web site at www.backpacker.com/getoutmore.
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