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When we last posted about the Mean Eyed Cat, we didn't really understand what the problem was. Why did they need a petition to get a zoning change to keep on doing what they were doing? With time (and "articles" by real media publications that do "research") comes clarity. It has now become clear that the Old West Austin Neighborhood Association is the driving force behind the attempt to deny the rezoning request.
If you are concerned about the Mean Eyed Cat (especially if you are an OWANA member) maybe try contacting Paul Seals, the chair of the steering committee (hint: there is a "typo" in his email address - it is akingump.com, not akingpump.com). Tell him that OWANA shouldn't oppose the rezoning. Be nice. A bunch of angry calls and emails from hysterical idiots isn't going to convince him that he wants this bar in his neighborhood. Alternatively, go to the Planning Commission meeting tomorrow night yourself and tell them.
UPDATE: City council voted unanimously to approve the zoning change request.
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And PLEASE remember this case when Laura Morrison (head of ANC and board member of OWANA - in my opinion, a big part of the shift away from the responsible leadership they used to have back in my day) makes her decision to run for City Council.
Sounds like Mean Eyed Cat has been operating in violation of its zoning since the day it opened; they're lucky code enforcement hasn't shut them down already.
That said, OWANA opposes the zoning change to let it stay open because they don't want "a destination entertainment district" in their neighborhood. Newsflash: your neighborhood includes 6th Street. Together with 5th street, they're busy, commercial-lined, high traffic thoroughfares with restaurants and, gasp, establishments that sell alcohol. Donn's Depot has been there for how long? And you're afraid of a little bar in a neat old building along the train tracks?
Well It looks like OWANA doesnt even consider the MEan Eyed Cat in thier mapped area if you look at their web site. What a joke, look at the neighborhood I think the resources good be better used worrying about the small packed litter filled roads and all the house they are knocking down to build spec houses? Whats the real problem here? Local leadership!
Old West Austin Nimby Association.
I wrote Paul (I'm a property owner in OWANA and former resident) and he sent a letter they mailed on April 3 which offered to support a deferment of enforcement actions on this zoning issue for one year after the surrounding construction completes.
While I disagree with the long-range position (I don't think there's anything wrong with taverns in this part of town), in the short-term this certainly offers the MEC a reprieve.
Please stop this fool. The Mean Eyed Cat is one of the most classic, tasteful, and, might I say, important little neighborhood destinations in the city. This retroactive nit-picking is unproductive and embarrassing and will establish a chilling precedent this city needn't gamble with amid all of the city's progress.
Sad to think that a lone, cantankerous fool would be bloated and arrogant enough to impose masterabatory carping on a neighborhood that greatly benefits from, and direly admires, the Mean Eyed Cat.
I doubt the NA guy is a lone nut, but there is no evidence that he is representative of the general sentiment of the surrounding 'hood.
The NA guy, if you mean Paul, also emailed me again later yesterday and pointed out that, ironically, even though the NA has voted to support the 1-year-post-construction delay of enforcement of code, the city's not willing to do so (i.e. once a citizen complains, enforcement happens, period).
While once again I disagree with the position that the zoning shouldn't be allowed to change here, it's worth noting that the NA has in this one instance actually tried to make living with the current code easier rather than being 100% obstructionist. I don't know what lesson to draw here, unfortunately - don't ask for more code enforcers to be hired or you might not like the consequences? Don't piss off the city by being irresponsible on issues like Spring, 6th/Lamar, CLB etc. and then expect to be listened to?
Laura Morrison is the power behind the scenes at OWANA and her record of (un)success shows what a disaster she would be on the City Council. A once influential neighborhood association has been absolutely discredited by opposing projects far outside its borders and opposing local businesses like the Mean-Eyed Cat that are located far from the residential portion of the neighborhood.
I saw in today's Chronicle that there will be a concert to rally support fot the Mean-Eyed Cat 6-10 pm Sat. w/Mayor Wynn speaking and several bands playing. Sounds like Morrison will be leading her neighbors into the abyss again.