ITEM09 C15-2025-0014 LATE BACKUP-SUPPORT MAY12 — original pdf

Backup

Date: April 11, 2025 To: Elaine Ramirez (Elaine.Ramirez@austintexas.gov) CC: Megan Herron (Megan.Herron@austinenergy.com) Subject: Support for 12-Foot Fence Variance Request Dear Board of Adjustment, We, Tye and Dawn Wilson, are the owners of the property located at 9503 S. Chisholm Trail, Austin, TX 78748. Our home directly borders the Austin Energy substation at 1111 Slaughter Lane, which has become an ongoing visual and environmental nuisance. When we moved into our home in 2009, the substation was relatively small and barely visible. Over the past 16 years, it has grown exponentially in size, now towering over our backyard and compromising the peaceful enjoyment of the outdoor living space we've worked hard to build and maintain. We are long-term residents on a very unique street-just 14 homes on a dead-end road where each property retains its land and character, which is increasingly rare in Austin. We don't ask for streetlights, sidewalks, or even improvements to our narrow, one-car-wide road. What we are asking for is simple: a proper barrier to protect our safety, our views, our privacy, and our peace of mind. We are extremely grateful that the City of Austin and Austin Energy have considered this fence project and recognize the importance of it. We firmly support the request to increase the fence height from 8 feet to 12 feet. While a taller barrier would be even more effective and safer, we would be satisfied with the 12-foot variance. This change would help screen the ever-growing infrastructure ITEM09/1-LATE BACKUPfrom our home and those of our neighbors. The photos included were taken this spring, when the trees are in full bloom. However, once fall and winter arrive, all of the greenery along our fence line disappears, leaving the substation fully exposed. We are happy to provide seasonal comparison photos, if helpful. With that being said, I'm sure that the greenery which I have not talked about yet hopefully will NOT be removed to erect the wall? We respectfully urge you to approve this variance request. It is not only a matter of privacy and aesthetics-it's a matter of safety and quality of life for the families whose homes border this facility. Sincerely, Dawn and Tye Wilson 9503 S. Chisholm Trail Austin, TX 78748 ITEM09/2-LATE BACKUPPhoto Evidence - Spring 2025 ITEM09/3-LATE BACKUPITEM09/4-LATE BACKUPITEM09/5-LATE BACKUPITEM09/6-LATE BACKUPITEM09/7-LATE BACKUP