Breaking: Enchanted Forest Denied Permit Renewal, Faces Closure

Yeah. Don't you know that Emo's has lots of puff-puff with no ashtrays, dead leaves and other fire starters, no posted and visible exits and alarms and extinguishers, not to mention FIRE DANCING!

How do they stay in bizness?

The arrangement with Office Depot has always been clear to both parties. Albert has NEVER taken advantage of his neighbors and is always a gracious member of his community. Fire danger... give me a break, Emo's and Elysium are far worse fire traps with many similar acts, but indoors. Learn more about burn bans, fire codes, parking agreements, safety plans, etc before spewing moronic unfounded accusations.

er brakes

I'm all for keeping Austin as weird as possible (now that it's transforming into every other big mediocre city), though the Enchanted Forest is definitely not my scene anymore--but more power to them for carving out their own niche and doing what they do.

What does concern me is the amount of fire and poi that goes on, with one exit out of that place. And we're in a burn ban.

I've been there--it's dark and easy to get lost. If that place goes up in flames, it ain't going to be pretty.

Also, as you guys already brought up, the parking. I don't know how many nights I've driven on Oltorf and had to slam on my breaks for people (not going to say hippies!) running across the road. I seriously doubt that using the Office Depot lot is legal...

And honestly, I've been very surprised it's lasted as long as it has (despite my disdain for whiners like the PACE whistle-blowers), but I'm cynical about this town these days.

Way to keep it weird City of Austin!

My proposed conspiracy theory:

Developers are eyeing that prime slice of South Austin property, sending in complaints to hassle Albert and Co.

It's awesome that it's there, btw, but I do think it could be a little more polished, marketed a little differently, and broaden its appeal to the non-fire-dancing crowd (sorry, swerve).

What a shame. The Enchanted Forest is one of my favorite things about Austin. I really do hope the city changes its mind.

The permit was not denied. An existing permit was revoked (or not renewed). If parking had been the problem, no permits would have been issued in the first place.

Although the Forest is a large piece of undeveloped land in the middle of the city, Albert is hardly wealthy. And the property would be difficult to develop, limiting its value. There's a creek running through the middle of it, which would be a challenge for any architect to develop around while maintaining city requirements for runoff, etc. There are also train tracks running immediately next to it, near a busy crossing, and the train whistles are too loud to shout over.

I'm guessing the reason the permit request was denied has to do with lack of parking. Most people park at Office Depot & cross the street. I doubt the owners of that stores, or surrounding, businesses appreciate this.

If Uncle Albert wants to continue hosting his bizarre events on that patchwork lot with rabbit-trail paths snaking throughout the woods, let him arrange for parking spaces (possibly reaching an agreement with Office Depot).

swerve, I went there one time and all I saw were hippies. Besides, I didn't say hippie like it's a bad thing, numbnut, you just interpreted it that way.

I think you are rude and your reference to "hippies" as if that is a negative thing is offensive. So anyone that supports the arts, performance theatre, or live music that is not of the rock or country variety is called a "hippie." Damn, and all this time, I thought I was just an diverse, informed individual capable of enjoying a variety of entertainment mediums. Does this mean I should stop shaving my legs?

There was once a day when SOLA was not considered a prized central Austin neighborhood. There was once a time when you could pick up a hooker from the same general area on SoCo. Its not his fault that his once secluded piece of land is now in the heart of condo country.

The enchanted forest has welcomed all types of people with open arms. As this city transforms itself into a Dallas-knock-off, art and culture often begin to loose their place. The Enchanted Forest has been the home to a number of charity benefits that support the arts in Austin. I don't see any other music venues stepping up to support charities or community activities.

So he is not knowledgeable about legal matters. Is that a prerequisite for maintaining a venue for artists to have an outlet? He has always supported the Austin art and music community? What's wrong for asking for support as well?

I've only been there a few times (played a show there once), but it always reminded me of some nightmarish mad-max-without-the-cars-but-with-a-shitload-of-patchouli hellhole. To each their own, I guess.

So... this Albert who can somehow afford a very large piece of commercially zoned Central Austin property, pay the taxes for that, keep it maintained and running and supporting all manner of hippies can't figure out who to contact to complain about the closure of his commune?

Gee-whiz, Albert, I think you need to talk to a lawyer, bud!