We enthusiastically supported the redevelopment of the Borden Creamery building and Star Storage site (815 E. Ashby) at the Historic and Design Review Commission’s April 3rd meeting.  The proposed project will renovate the 1933 Art Deco style Borden plant for office and retail space.  An apartment complex will replace the storage facility and its billboards.  Both improvements will enhance the U.S. 281 entry corridor for those arriving downtown from the airport, while extending the River Walk farther north.  This project passed on the consent agenda.  Read our statement.

The commission also approved a controversial fence around Plaza Guadalupe.  The proposed fence met with what our first vice president reported as tremendous opposition from area residents and key non-profits.  The Society joined with the Westside Preservation Alliance, the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center, the Historic Westside Residents Association, and Mi Barrio No Se Vende in insisting that fencing is not appropriate.  By definition, plazas are open public spaces.  Read our statement.

At the April 10th Planning Commission meeting, we spoke against closing the one block of Burnet Street between Lockwood and Dignowity Parks.  We felt that such a step was unnecessary to join the two parks.  Three commissioners voted against the street closing, but the request ultimately passed.  Read our statement.