BCNA General Association Meeting June 8 beginning at 6:45 pm Meeting will be held via Zoom. Please attend this important meeting as we are seeking input on the SoCo Parking Study and Protecting E. Bouldin Creek. The zoom meeting link is listed below Agenda 6:45 – Meeting Convenes and Introductions. 6:50 – March 9 General Association Minutes vote. 7:00 – Protecting E. Bouldin Creek (Matt Hollon – Division Manager Planning, Andrea Bates – Associate, Liz Johnston – Deputy Environmental Officer. All with Watershed Protection Department) 7:40 – SoCo Parking Study Discussion (Thom Parker VP External Affairs and Traffic, Safety and Parking Chair BCNA) 8:00 – Neighborhood Party discussion (Julianna Scruggs) 8:05 – Special Events Update (Thom Parker) 8:10 – Adjourn. Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/8306733796 Meeting ID: 830 673 3796
Hello neighbors, a lot going on in Austin. We try to inform folks of events impacting the ‘hood. We also try and update events/happenings from our neighbors. Missing something, let us know. Thanks
SPRING UPDATES Parks Neighbors, We will not have a creek cleaning this spring, but here is an opportunity to do some cleaning on your own as you walk our green spaces.. Ingrid Weigand BCNA Parks Committee 512-663-4632 More information HERE: https://mailchi.mp/94973cab8b17/love-where-you-live-day-nov-249258?e=c2b7ebcb9f
A word about Snakes Springtime in Central Texas is peak snake season! Sneaky serpents: Texas Department of Agriculture reminds Texans to keep sharp eye out for snakes The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department says that snakes start “emerging from their dens in late February or early March in Texas.” When winter ends and the sun starts to come back out in Austin, so do the snakes. Springtime in Central Texas is peak snake season, said local snake expert Tim Cole. Although the majority of alerts called into Cole’s Austin Reptile Service are nonvenomous, he said there is a chance Austinites might encounter a western diamondback rattlesnake or other venomous snake in their backyards this spring. “They’ve gone the winter without eating, our daytime temperatures aren’t too hot, and for a lot of species it’s breeding season,” Cole said. “That’s why we see more in the spring than any other time of year.” “Most of them are benefiting us by protecting homes from rodent damage,” Cole said. “And a lot of them are competing with venomous snakes for food. So if you remove a nonvenomous snake from the area, you may very well be inviting a rattlesnake or copperhead to come over.” A post from KVUE HERE: Spring time in Texas is peak snake season
February…what a month! Weather warnings of an arctic blast coming! February 9th chilly and gray, 10th in the 40s, 12th in the 30s, 13th in the 20s and going down! 14th, Valentine’s Day, Brrrrrrrrrrrr! An evening to snuggle up with a Valentine, a large pile of quilts or call it a 3 dog night. At 2 a.m. on president’s day, power out, water out and a week of grief coming. And some still on going. Hope everyone is faring better!
Hot off the press is the March Bouldin Bulletin. The same good stuff you might have read while drinking a cup of coffee —but in digital form. HERE: Thanks to John Shobe, our Publisher, Ronnie Dittmar, editor, and Rob Clayton our web admin., for bringing us into a new world of digital publishing – a potentially more mobile-friendly, color, version of the Bouldin Bulletin, Also thanks to Sector Reps organizing the delivery volunteers and of course, thanks to the folks walking the neighborhood to deliver 2600 issues to our residents. Note that Bulletin will be published on a quarterly basis to match General Association Meetings.
From Matt Caldwell, posted in the Bouldin Bulletin. “BCNAForum@groups.io serves the ‘hood” — M. Coldwell During the recent freeze in February the neighborhood list serve has proven to be a benefit in many ways. While communication from the City was at times vague, the BCNAForum served as a way for neighbors to know what was really going on within our neighborhood boundaries. Messages of help, advice and reassurance kept many neighbors informed during the black out and water outage. Even more significant was the way the BCNAForum helped connect neighbors with one another – for water cutoff tools or other helpful resources. One of the things that the BCNA does is pay for this forum. It is a unique service to our hood that we support without advertisement or fees. As a resident in the hood you can sign up to the forum by going to: https://groups.io/g/BCNAForum/join
Editor’s note: Also a big Thanks and kudos to our city employees working on power and water lines and the emergency service folks all working in cold, icy conditions
More News: CoA-The Recycle & Reuse Drop-off Center is open, by appointment only Beginning on Tuesday, March 9, 2021, the Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center has reopened, by appointment only. http://www.austintexas.gov/department/recycle-reuse-drop-center
South Congress Merchants Association has agreed on continuing with CDC and Austin Public Heath guidelines to continue with masks and limited numbers in businesses.
Bouldin Creek Neighborhood Association Meeting Schedules: General Association: 2nd Tuesday every 3rd month, 6:45 pm on Zoom 2021 Dates: March 9, June 8, September 14, December 14. (For Zoom watch the BCNAForum@groups.io and Bouldincreek.org Steering Committee: 1st Monday of each month, subject to change for Holidays, etc. (same time/place as General Association meetings) Zoning Committee: 2nd Monday of each month, subject to change for Holidays, etc. (same time/place as General Association meetings).
Hello neighbors, a lot going on in Austin. We try to inform folks of events impacting the ‘hood. We also try and update events/happenings from our neighbors. Missing something, let us know. Thanks
All the News that Fits October 2020 August-some call this “the dog days of summer”, October getting somewhat better- if the pumpkins don’t collapse on Halloween? Other critters apparently agree…
NEWS: BCNA Steering Committee Meeting will be held Monday October 5th at 6:30 pm via Zoom Agenda as available. Join via app: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83067337962 Join via phone: +13462487799,,83067337962#
BCNA General Association Meeting will be held October 13th at 6:45 pm via Zoom Agenda as available. Join via app: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83067337962 Join via phone: +13462487799,,83067337962#
Bouldin Bulletin Hey neighbors, here’s the latest Bouldin Bulletin, which most of you will be seeing in print, delivered to your door in the next week or so. This our first time to do the paper print version of the Bulletin since the February issue. Enjoy! Hot off the press is the October-November Bouldin Bulletin. The same good stuff you might have read while drinking a cup of coffee —but in digital form. Available HERE . Thanks to John Shobe, our Publisher, Ronnie Dittmar, editor, and Rob Clayton our web admin.,for bringing us into the world of digital publishing – a potentially more mobile-friendly, color, version of the Bouldin Bulletin. Thanks to all our stalwart delivery folks for walking the neighborhood safely! Also thanks to neighbors for articles and to our advertisers.
New By-laws Amendment An anti-racism & anti-discrimination amendment to the BCNA by-laws had its first reading at the August, 2020 General Association meeting. The new amendment adds more clarification and strength about our purpose and goals.The new amendment underscores our commitment to condemn racism and support changes that lead toward diversity, inclusion and ending racism against any person or group at large. The BCNA includes all residents within its boundaries and has since its inception over 40 years ago. For a glimpse of the full text and its incorporation into the existing by-laws please go HERE:
Algae along Lady Bird Lake– keep your dogs safe! w/link HERE West Nile virus Austin, Texas – The year’s first positive pool of mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus has been identified in Travis County. w/link HERE Walk your property and empty any standing water! Covid-19 It’s up to us! Follow the city’s guidelines as it is still alive and spreading! http://www.austintexas.gov/covid19 And stay sane!
Hello Bouldin, It’s back! The Bouldin Stroll is coming back this Thursday, Oct 1st from 6-8pm! I’ll send an email out on Thursday (with a special treat), but wanted to send a quick note so anyone planning on setting up a table or offering some other enticement has a little bit of warning. More info coming Thursday. Looking forward to seeing everyone out and about again. Kate Francis VP Neighborhood Issues for the Bouldin Creek Neighborhood Association
CoA Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center Beginning Tuesday, September 8, 2020 the Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center (RRDOC) will reopen by appointment only, following a temporary closure in March 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns. The RRDOC will resume its acceptance of hard to recycle items such as Styrofoam and plastic film, as well as household hazardous waste. Austin/ Travis County residents are asked to call (512) 974-4343 to schedule a drop-off time.
A letter from our SoCo Business neighbor Brandon Hodge, President, South Congress Merchants Association Howdy, neighbors! It’s no secret that during these unprecedented times that the small businesses that are the standard-bearers for our local economy are hurting like never before. The iconic local shops, clubs, and restaurants that make Austin Austin are under a threat unlike any we’ve ever faced. Your small business-owning neighbors are fighting to keep the landscape of local businesses and shopping districts from being irrevocably changed, and it is something that can only happen with the help and support of our community. As you face the challenges of your own day-to-say struggles during Covid-19, we hope you will consider how vitally important it is to choose local options to help see you through. Many South Congress businesses remain open to serve your needs, more often than not operating at a loss as we try to maintain employment for our staff and stay afloat to continue serving our loyal customers. We hope we can count you among them. Please consider your continued and ongoing support of South Congress shops and restaurants in the upcoming months, whether it be grabbing some curbside food, coffee, or cocktails to-go from local institutions like Enoteca, Vespiao, Homeslice, Farm to Market, or Guero’s, replacing those worn-out Covid comfort-clothes at Co-Star or By George, or grabbing gifts for those birthdays and events that are still happening from our local retailers like Parts & Labour, Maya*, Tesoros, or Monkey See, Monkey Do! Lots of businesses are offering specials and incentives, and we encourage to not only follow your favorites on social media to keep in touch, but keep an eye out for the community SoCo social media that puts everything all in one place, which you can find on Instagram at: @southcongressatx and on Facebook at: m.facebook.com/SouthCongress Austin is home to us all, and safely preserving what we’ve all built together is the only way out. We hope to see you ’round SoCo! Brandon Hodge, President, South Congress Merchants Association
SUFFRAGE NOW- August 6-January 31 SUFFRAGE NOW: A 19th Amendment Centennial Exhibition at the Elisabet Ney Museum Centennial of the Ratification of the 19th Amendment. Ratified August 18, 1920 The passage of the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920 guaranteed women the right to vote. Presented at Elisabet Ney Museum https://www.austintexas.gov/department/elisabet-ney-museum From slavery to women’s rights! 13th Amendment 1865 “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.” 14th Amendment 1868 approved by Congress in 1866 and ratified in 1868, granted citizenship to all persons “born or naturalized in the United States,” including former slaves, and guaranteed “equal protection of the laws” to all citizens. 15th Amendment 1870 granted Black men the right to vote which stated that voting rights could not be “denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.” 19th Amendment 1920 guaranteed women the right to vote. (Only took another 50 years!)
BCNA Meeting Schedules: Note: All meetings subject to change during current health regulations. Currently meetings are arranged via Zoom meetings.
BCNA General Association Meeting: 2ndTuesday, every other month BCNA Steering Committee Meeting: 1st Monday, each month BCNA Zoning Committee Meeting: 3rd Monday each month Meetings at 6:45pm The High Road, 700 Dawson Road-when back to normal?
Bouldin Forum Listserve To Subscribe, please email: bouldinforum-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Be sure to include your full name and address of residence in Bouldin Creek.
Hello neighbors, a lot going on in Austin. We try to inform folks of events impacting the ‘hood. We also try and update events/happenings from our neighbors. Missing something, let us know. Thanks
All the News that Fits September 2020 August-some call this “the dog days of summer”, September not much better! Other critters apparently agree….!
News: Bouldin Bulletin Following local health guidelines, personal conflicts, heat, summer time blues and ennui, this issue (August-September) of the Bouldin Bulletin will not be published. October-November issue will have latest news and information on upcoming BCNA elections to be held in December.
Algae along Lady Bird Lake– keep your dogs safe! Link HERE
West Nile virus Austin, Texas – The year’s first positive pool of mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus has been identified in Travis County. Link HERE Walk your property and empty any standing water!
Covid-19 It’s up to us! Follow the city’s guidelines as it is still alive and spreading! http://www.austintexas.gov/covid19 And stay sane!
SUFFRAGE NOW- August 6-January 31 SUFFRAGE NOW: A 19th Amendment Centennial Exhibition at the Elisabet Ney Museum Centennial of the Ratification of the 19th Amendment. Ratified August 18, 1920 The passage of the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920 guaranteed women the right to vote. Presented at Elisabet Ney Museum From slavery to women’s rights! 13th Amendment 1865 “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.” 14th Amendment 1868 approved by Congress in 1866 and ratified in 1868, granted citizenship to all persons “born or naturalized in the United States,” including former slaves, and guaranteed “equal protection of the laws” to all citizens. 15th Amendment 1870 granted Black men the right to vote which stated that voting rights could not be “denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.” 19th Amendment 1920 guaranteed women the right to vote. (Only took another 50 years!)
City of Austin-Garbage, Recycle and and Reuse Drop-off Center Sep 01, 2020 10:19 am AUSTIN, TX – Austin Resource Recovery (ARR), a department of the City of Austin, will resume normal service for extra bags of trash placed outside of customer’s carts. A recent vote from Council removed the fee waiver effective Monday, Sept. 7, 2020. Customers may purchase excess garbage stickers from local grocery stores for $4 each plus tax; otherwise, they will be charged $9.60 plus tax for each additional bag set out with their trash cart. Extra recycling is always collected at no additional charge and can be placed in a cardboard box or other reusable containers next to their blue cart for collection. ARR reminds curbside customers to continue to bag and tie their trash to keep the material contained. Recycling should be loose and dry in their blue carts, and please consider using a BPI-certified compostable bags or paper bags for composting collection. Beginning Tuesday, September 8, 2020 the Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center (RRDOC) will reopen by appointment only, following a temporary closure in March 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns. The RRDOC will resume its acceptance of hard to recycle items such as Styrofoam and plastic film, as well as household hazardous waste. Austin/ Travis County residents are asked to call (512) 974-4343 to schedule a drop-off time.
BCNA Meeting Schedules: Note: All meetings subject to change during current health regulations. Currently meetings are arranged via Zoom meetings. More information as available.
BCNA General Association Meeting: 2ndTuesday, every other month BCNA Steering Committee Meeting: 1st Monday, each month BCNA Zoning Committee Meeting: 3rd Monday each month Meetings at 6:45pm The High Road, 700 Dawson Road-when back to normal?
Zoom meetings-Thanks to Kate Morter “Virtual-Meeting-Etiquette”.
Hello neighbors, a lot going on in Austin. We try to inform folks of events impacting the ‘hood. We also try and update events/happenings from our neighbors. Missing something, let us know. Thanks
I remember a farmer’s lament appropriate for these times-
“It’s always something, if it’s not one damn thing it’s another, but it’s always something!”
So here are some somethings/local updates: Bouldin Stroll on Thursdays Update Given the number of heat advisories we’ve had this week alone, it seems like poor judgement to encourage anyone to get out and walk in this weather. We are postponing the official Stroll until we can all be outside for longer than 5 minutes without looking like a glazed doughnut. Please take care of yourselves and look for an email in a few months to get the Stroll up and running (or walking) again. Thank you! Kate Francis VP of Neighborhood Issues, BCNA
W. Mary closure between Newton St. and East Bouldin Creek . West Mary Street Storm Drain Relief System West Mary St. Notice-CoA notice of repairs to W. Mary St. between Newton St. and East Bouldin Creek . The Mary Street Storm Drain Relief system will help reduce the risk of flooding for several homes within the project area. More Info HERE http://austintexas.gov/marystorm And HERE: http://austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Watershed/MaryStFAQfinal.pdf
Covid-19 Appears we ended June and will end July with a spike in cases and stage 4: Risk. It is hard to pin down all the causes: willful Ignorance, terminal stupidity or folks just having to get out, socialize and party. We have intelligent neighbors, up on rules, guidelines and responsibilities, so y’all know what to do….. stay safe, healthy and sane! It’s up to us! Follow the city’s guidelines-better information then from the Feds or the State. http://www.austintexas.gov/covid19
Bouldin Stroll on Thursdays
Hello neighbors,
The steering committee of the Bouldin Creek Neighborhood Association has been discussing ways that neighbors can stay connected during these isolated times. We’re proposing a Bouldin Stroll on Thursdays from 6-8pm. Get out and sit in your front yard or on your porch, go for a walk and wave and chat to neighbors, take the kids on their bikes around the hood. Many of you already do this, but sometimes having a reminder on the calendar is a nice way to make sure you are connecting with others, and it gives us all an opportunity to check on those who may not have a lot of social interactions in their life these days. This is very informal and there is no official starting time or location. Consider it a motivation to get out if you are finding yourself stuck in a rut and craving a wave from a kind (masked) face.
If you are setting up a table with something to offer people coming by, or want others to join you in your yard for a distanced drink, please reply all to any of my email reminders to let others know how to find you.
By now we all know the guidelines to follow. Please wear your masks to keep others safe. If you are feeling under the weather, or have been in a situation that would make you more likely to have been exposed, please do not risk the health of others, stay home, and join us another time.
I would love to hear feedback on this. Would you like to do it more often, add something to it, or does the idea of so many people out and about at the same time worry you? Comments are welcome.
Thank you,
Kate Francis
VP of Neighborhood Issues, BCNA
Celebrate the Fourth of July, 2020 We celebrate American Independence Day on the Fourth of July every year. We think of July 4, 1776, as a day that represents the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States of America as an independent nation. An experiment worth celebrating and like all experiments always needing a tweak here, a nudge there and an occasional poke. But worthwhile, so let’s celebrate! Cheers, Gary Hyatt, web lackey More history HERE: https://www.bouldincreek.org/tag/events/page/2/
COVID-19 update: Appears we ended June and start July with a spike in cases and stage 4: Risk. It is hard to pin down all the causes: willful Ignorance, terminal stupidity or folks just having to get out, socialize and party. But we will pay-having lost our first engagement in our war against this virus. If we can’t act responsibly, not only do we put family, friends and others at risk and increase the financial burden of medical care but also may well force the closure of some of our small businesses. It’s up to us! http://www.austintexas.gov/covid19
A couple of items from our SOCO neighbors as they get standardized signage and get shown bogus “Face Mask Exempt” card….WOW! Linked HERE
Comic by Sam Hurt via Austin Chronicle
Get out and VOTE (Note from neighbor Melynda Nuss) June 29th is your first chance to VOTE EARLY for the JULY 14 RUNOFF! We have several important races on the ballot this time, including choosing a new District Attorney and County Attorney, picking Kirk Watson’s successor in the Texas State Senate, and choosing which candidate is going to beat John Cornyn in the fall. Early voting runs from June 29-July 10th, with polls closed July 3rd and 4th for Independence Day. Election Day is July 14th. Like everything else this year, voting is going to be a little different. There will be no more grocery store early voting locations — it’s too hard to social distance. And only a limited number of people are allowed indoors, so the County Clerk advises everyone to bring some water an umbrella to shield yourself from the sun in case you have to wait outside. There will be hand sanitizer and disposable ballot “pens” to use with your touch screens. Also, because of the 4th of July weekend, the only weekend voting day is Sunday, July 5th. The early voting period is longer than usual this election; I’d advise you to take advantage of it. You really do NOT want to be in a line on Election Day. The other big news: Gardner Betts (across from the HEB on South Congress) is NOT a polling place this time. Our closest early voting locations are Travis High School, 1211 East Oltorf, and City Hall. On Election Day there will also be polls open at 1511 South Congress and 1100 Cumberland Rd — in addition to City Hall and Travis High. Also see Attached for early voting locations.
If you think it seems odd to vote in July, you’re right. The runoff was originally scheduled for May, but it was moved on account of COVID.
Check votetravis.com and vote411.org for more information about your closest polling place and about what’s going to be on the ballot. You can find information on the candidates in the Austin Chronicle. And may the force be with you.
Bouldin Bulletin Hot off the press is the June-July Bouldin Bulletin. The same good stuff you might have read while drinking a cup of coffee —but in digital form. HERE: Following local health guidelines this issue of the Bouldin Bulletin is to be distributed ONLINE ONLY – in order to prevent unnecessary contact among neighbors and delivery volunteers. Thanks to John Shobe, our Publisher, Ronnie Dittmar, editor, and Rob Clayton our web admin. for bringing us into the world of digital publishing – a potentially more mobile-friendly, color, version of the Bouldin Bulletin. Also thanks to neighbors for articles and to our advertisers.
South Congress Parking Strategy This will have neighborhood wide impact but especially Yellow and Lavender Sectors. Information HERE: https://downtownaustin.com/what-we-do/socoparking/ And HERE: http://www.bouldincreek.org/wp-content/uploads/South-Congress-Parking-Strategy_draft-recommendations-and-survey.pdf
Healthy Streets Initiative In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Austin Transportation is working to create places that promote physical and mental health and also provide safe options to access jobs and services. With direction from Austin City Council (Resolution 20200507-062), Austin Transportation has initiated a Healthy Streets Initiative that will connect previously disconnected portions of the active transportation network and create more space for daily physical activity. More info HERE: http://www.austintexas.gov/HealthyStreets
West Mary Street Storm Drain Relief System West Mary St. Notice-CoA notice of repairs to W. Mary St. between Newton St. and East Bouldin Creek . The Mary Street Storm Drain Relief system will help reduce the risk of flooding for several homes within the project area. More Info HERE http://austintexas.gov/marystorm And HERE: This project includes installing a storm drain pipe and upgrading two inlets on Mary Street between Newton Street and East Bouldin Creek. This pipe will help collect rain water and reduce the chances of homes flooding in this area. The project will help relieve pressure on the existing, undersized storm drain system. Latest update mailed out to nearby residents state construction is expected to start Thursday June 11 and should be complete by October 2020. Work hours currently are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. There may be occasional weekend work.. Stephanie Lott Outreach Coordinator Watershed Protection Stephanie.Lott@austintexas.gov 512-974-2799
EVENTS DOWN THE HILL Whether you’re interested in avoiding traffic, parking issues, or strolling to a good time, here are the websites to discover the goings and on of which to be aware: LONG CENTER http://thelongcenter.org/events/ PALMER AUDITORIUM https://www.palmereventscenter.com/events/
Note: all meetings subject to change during current health regulations. BCNA Meeting Schedules: BCNA General Association Meeting: 2ndTuesday, every other month BCNA Steering Committee Meeting: 1st Monday, each month BCNA Zoning Committee Meeting: 3rd Monday each month
