D.4-D.5 - public comments - 51-100 — original pdf
Backup
Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Lia Politi Wednesday, April 13, 2022 12:35 PM PAZ Preservation Coconut Club Demolition *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** To Whom It May Concern, Whatever happened to Keep Austin Weird? When did that change to Keep Austin Sold To The Highest Bidder? Coconut Club and Neon Grotto may be relatively new but they instantly became iconic places that are havens for unique people. Not to mention OCH and the demise of the "gay district". This seems like a personal attack, and I'm not even gay. Have you been to Coconut Club and Neon Grotto? Have you seen the amazing and unique things they have done and are doing there? They are easily the two best spots in Austin! There is no way they should be replaced with a high rise, it is just wrong. Rainey is already getting bad enough being replaced with high rises, destroying everything that brought people there in the first place. What's next, Red River?! We need to protect what gives Austin its charm and personality otherwise it will be full of a bunch of uptight rich bros and we have enough of that already. Find another place for your high rise or everything Austin stands for is at stake. Don't get greedy. KEEP AUSTIN WEIRD. ‐‐ Lia Politi CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Jamie Holt Wednesday, April 13, 2022 12:52 PM PAZ Preservation Item A1 *** External Email ‐ Exercise Caution *** Hello, my name is Jamie Holt. I am emailing to speak on ITEM A1. I am against this item. I will not be able to attend the May 4th meeting and would like my comment to be recorded via email. Thank you, Jamie Holt CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Margaret Grayson Wednesday, April 13, 2022 1:17 PM PAZ Preservation 4th Street *** External Email ‐ Exercise Caution *** Hi there, My name is Margaret Grayson and I’m emailing today to protest Item A1. The bars/clubs located on 4th street have been a safe haven for me and my friends who are part of the queer community. This community is one part of what makes austin such an attractive place to live. If you continue to demolish everything that makes austin special and replace it with a high rise, there won’t be enough people left to fill those buildings. Please I urge you, vote against Item A1 and keep austin weird. Thank you, Margaret Grayson P.S. I cannot attend the May 4th discussion in person, but would like my email to be read aloud. CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Brandon Sumner Wednesday, April 13, 2022 1:25 PM PAZ Preservation 4th Street Highrise *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Hi there, It’s been brought to my attention that there is a potential highrise that is going to be built at the corner of 4th and Colorado ‐ leading to the demolition of several queer spaces in Austin. This is highly concerning to me as a queer individual ‐ as there are only a few queer spaces in austin compared to other larger cities. Please consider the individuals this would impact when approving this demolition ‐ specifically the marginalized individuals here in the city. Thank you Brandon Sumner CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Veronica Nicholls Wednesday, April 13, 2022 1:40 PM PAZ Preservation 4th street *** External Email ‐ Exercise Caution *** To whom it may concern, I’d like to support the preservation of the current 4th street culture and businesses. Austin has been in a constant circle of change and having some corner stones to our culture stay in place are important. Austin continues to grow inward through more and larger condominium units clogging the city and driving away some of the important things that attract people to our city. We’ve seen this with the Red River area and I don’t want to keep seeing these developments push out more of what makes Austin. I appreciate your consideration from the public. Veronica Nicholls CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Madi Carley Wednesday, April 13, 2022 1:57 PM PAZ Preservation May 4th Meeting - 4th Street Demo *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** My name is Madi Carley, an Austin native and member of the LGBTQ+ community here, and I would like to speak on ITEM A1. Austin is home to many charming and unique places and experiences, 4th street being an extremely valuable one to the community, but especially the LGBTQ+ community. Therefore, I am against this demolition of Neon Grotto, Coconut Club, and Oilcan Harry's. While I understand that development must happen for Austin to continue to grow, this should not come at the expense of what makes Austin so special and unique or to our diverse community. 4th street is not just a bunch of gay bars, it's a safe space for the community to connect and embrace themselves. Demolishing these places would be a mistake. I am unable to attend the May 4th meeting, but I would like for my comment to be recorded via email and relayed to the HLC. Thanks, Madi Carley CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Grant Copeland Wednesday, April 13, 2022 2:16 PM PAZ Preservation Neon Grotto / Coconut Club *** External Email ‐ Exercise Caution *** Please do not remove this bar. I have made exceptional friends and memories here. This scene is iconic for the community. Removing this would be very detrimental to the community and the city. CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Matthew Reese Wednesday, April 13, 2022 2:07 PM PAZ Preservation The Demolition of 4th Street *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Hi, my name is Matt Reese and I'm a resident of Travis County. I am writing this email, something I don't do often, to express my complaints about the demolition of the properties on 4th street. 4th street is a wonderfully unique and inclusive space within Austin; one of the only places in Austin proper with culture remaining, if I'm being honest. As if you hadn't heard so many complaints about gentrification and the destruction of culture via development over the last decade, we're talking about continuing to destroy historically relevant and diverse spaces. It's not too late to stop the tide of mistakes that were started early this century. If cultural destruction is your goal, proceed with development; if cultural preservation is more important, do not let this development occur. Money is not always the most important thing for a city, and if you stay on the path of cultural destruction that this city has been on, one day you will find yourself with a vapid wasteland of empty condos and nothing else because people will no longer be interested in filling those condos you're allowing to develop. Culture made this city interesting to the world outside of it and destruction of that has lessened interest. The city needs to intervene and come up with a better strategy for responsible development and investment in communities rather than allowing the rampant destruction of culture that has been ongoing for years. High‐rise condos and "cool, chef‐driven restaurants" (whatever that means) are not interesting. Please let this be the time our city government steps in and says "there's a better way we can go about this." Do not destroy the city's historic LGBTQIA+ space. Matt Reese CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Kimie Guzman Wednesday, April 13, 2022 2:31 PM PAZ Preservation Demolition of 4th street *** External Email ‐ Exercise Caution *** Hello this is Kimberly Guzman, and I’d like to speak against the demolition against 4th street. I have worked on 4th street as a manager and have met plenty of the fellow patrons that come through on a regular basis. This is a historic street with a lot of meaning to it a lot of stories for each and every patron. Those night clubs aren’t just night clubs. It’s a home for local DJs, Bartenders, tourist, drag queens. Demolishing it for a stupid high rise is literally the most boring and unnecessary thing. Neon grotto has become an Instagram sensation, coconut club has become an IT spot for anyone and everyone in Austin. If you ask me nothing is more Austin than a hole in the wall place you must check out with an Instagram tag on it. Just leaving OCH, Rain, and highland isn’t really much of a gay street… it’s more like 3 gay bars. We just painted the LGBTQ flag on the crosswalk and it would just be a shame to do show that kind of representation without actually representing. You’re taking a part of the Austin community with you if demolition continues. I’d much rather have some character to the street than some fancy high rise available to a certain class. CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Austin Shults Wednesday, April 13, 2022 2:40 PM PAZ Preservation ITEM A1 *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Whom, Regarding ITEM A1, and the demolition of our beautiful 4th street safe havens. What is housed on 4th street in businesses like Coconut Club, Oilcan Harry’s, and Neon Grotto are more than just clubs - it is a safe haven for our community. Part of what makes Austin home for so many of us in the LGBTIA+ community who call Texas home, is it has always been a city where we feel more held in our community. We may still have a long way to go, but I can promise you that taking away safe spaces like Coconut Club, Oilcan Harry’s, and Neon Grotto is not the way to continue to build our community up. Austin used to be a city that prided itself in the preservation of local businesses, community, local art - and even proudly holds the slogan “Keep Austin Weird” based off of the judgements we have received from other Texas cities for being a safe space that allows our community to be authentically loving themselves. I, for one, want to stay in a city where we still hold these beliefs. Because of that, I cannot support the demolition of these places just to build more “luxury high rises,” that are surely not going to be accessible in price Best, Austin Shults CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Rachel Black Wednesday, April 13, 2022 2:56 PM PAZ Preservation AGAINST ITEM A1, demolition of fourth Street *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** To whom it may concern, My name is RACHEL BLACK and I’m against the item A1–or the demolition of Austin’s 4th street. This is a home for many LBGTQ+ residents, and removing this landmark abs community is unethical, unwarranted, and against AUSTIN residents desires. This project is just to gentrify more of Austin, and put money in the pockets of developers who have monopolized and taken over our city. I hope you consider these facts, and think carefully about destroying an already discriminated population hub, history, and hallmark of Austin. Mindfully, Rachel Black Psychology B.A. The University of Texas at Austin CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Caroline Williams Wednesday, April 13, 2022 3:42 PM PAZ Preservation Re: Item AI - 4th St Development *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** To Whom It May Concern, My name is a Caroline Williams, I'm a resident in the 78722 zip code and while I am unable to speak at the meeting, I am writing to leave a comment via e‐mail ahead of the 5/4/22 meeting regarding Item AI and proposed development on 4th St. I want to state that I am strongly against Item AI for the reasonings below. If another formal e‐mail is needed ahead of next month's meeting I am happy to provide that. The businesses primarily being impacted by the proposed development (Coconut Club, Neon Grotto, Oilcan Harry's, and Rain) are not just entertainment venues but are dedicated safe spaces and safe havens for folks in the LGBTQ+ community. These are spaces where many patrons may not feel comfortable and may even have their safety placed at risk if they "be themselves" at your typical bar/venue. This area of downtown has long be held by the LGBTQ+ community as a centralized space to feel held and be seen and supported by their own community. The city went to far as to paint a rainbow at the crosswalk of 4th/Colorado St and if the city wants to actually support those who the rainbow represents, this is the way to do it. People deserve to feel safe in the spaces they go out to. Austin has been a city that prided itself in the preservation of local businesses, community, local art - and even proudly holds the slogan “Keep Austin Weird” based off of the judgements we have received from other Texas cities for being a safe space that allows our community to be authentically loving themselves. I, for one, want to stay in a city where these beliefs remain held. Because of that, I cannot support the demolition of these places just to build more “luxury high rises,” that are surely not going to be accessible in price. Thank you for taking the time to hear your locals out, and we hope you find it in your heart to hear us out! Warmest Regards, Caroline Williams CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Caroline Bassett Wednesday, April 13, 2022 3:58 PM PAZ Preservation Item A1 - May 4th *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** To whom it may concern: Hi. Lifelong Austinite and gay person here. I’d like to express that I am firmly against Item A1 and want to speak against it at the meeting on May 4th. I would prefer to be physically present but can supply a comment via email if that’s not possible. Please let me know if you still have capacity for people looking to speak against this. If this item were to pass, it would be nothing short of devastating to the community. We need our safe spaces. Thank you, Caroline Bassett CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Jacob Foster Wednesday, April 13, 2022 4:36 PM PAZ Preservation 4th Street destruction *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Hey y'all, I'm a STRAIGHT WHITE VOTING age MALE, and AUSTIN NATIVE, that is disgusted by the notion that Austin's gay community could lose their night life hot spots on 4th. Why does this city need more highrise apartments, and vapid shopping for the elite who live in these units. Why can't y'all find a middle ground that keeps the already booming and culturally significant 4th Street scene, and integrates the "necessary" changes y'all want to make? It's seems obvious, that the money y'all would turn from this is more valuable than inclusiveness, and empathy. Today is the day to make a change and look into your brain's heart. I point you to acc's recent attempt to destroy another local staple, the No‐Comply skate shop. They listened to the skate community, gave extensions to No‐Comply, until they find a new space. Please think, and care. That's all. Shouldn't be too hard. RIGHT RIGHT!? CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: andie duong Wednesday, April 13, 2022 6:21 PM PAZ Preservation 4th St Development *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** PLEASE PROTECT THE LGBTQ BLOCK OF 4th ST!!!!! This is one of the only places in austin where queer people feel completely safe and supported. It is ICONIC. It gives Austin its CULTURE. Without Coconut Club and Neon Grotto Austin will no longer be the best city! This will make Austin look homophobic and that’s not what the city is about!! Respectfully, Andie Duong CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: noreply@coadigital.onbehalfof.austintexas.gov on behalf of City of Austin <noreply@coadigital.onbehalfof.austintexas.gov> Wednesday, April 13, 2022 6:23 PM PAZ Preservation Demolition of Coconut Club , Neon Grotto and just basically demolition of the historic building This message is from Gaurav Verma. [ ] I ask you today that where does this all stop??? I have been a proud resident of Austin since 2005 and I'm sad, heart broken, ashamed, furious with what Austin is becoming. Let me clarify that I am a senior software architect and financially very sound and have no issues with the rising cost. My issue is the destruction of the soul of this city. The city has permitted district of everything that made Austin , Austin! Enough is enough. Stop this madness! Still destroying the very fabric of what makes this city special and unique and converting it into a copy of the big cities and lose it's originality! Stop the Demolition of this OR Atleast come work Alternatives. Protect every original bar, club, restaurant, community and let the developers make sky scrapers on top of them The existing businesses must keep their space! It's your duty to protect them. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: day la < Wednesday, April 13, 2022 6:43 PM PAZ Preservation Item A1; 4th street > *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** , and my phone number is To whom it may concern: I am an Austinite against Item A1. My name is Dayla Felton. My email is The location(s) being considered for renovation are incredibly important to many Austinites, especially our LGBT community. These are safe spaces for all, and they add tremendous cultural value to our city. These are places where some of Austin's most creative (and many marginalized) citizens express themselves safely, have created a supportive community, and collaborate creatively together. Losing these spaces would truly be a detriment to the city in many ways. Many come to Austin and fall in love with our city because of its creative, openminded community-- the artists who make our city special and beautiful are important to the value of Austin. Destroying spaces where our creative community thrives is not in Austin's best interest. Thank you for your consideration, Dayla Felton . CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Abs Kahler Wednesday, April 13, 2022 7:18 PM PAZ Preservation Item A1 *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** To whom it may concern, I am writing regarding Item A1. My name is Abs Kahler (abigailkahler@gmail.com, 617-365-3702) and I am a psychiatric nurse and musician. I am currently in Boston and planning on moving back to Austin this year almost entirely due to the existence of queer spaces along 4th street, since they are sorely lacking here in Boston. I know I am need of more community spaces and joy. I was absolutely gutted to learn that this area might be demolished, not only for personal reasons but for public health reasons. As someone who cares for my own mental health and as a nurse who cares about health equity for my patients, it is vital for LGBTQ2S+ individuals to have spaces where they feel free to be themselves and and where we feel physically safe. LGBTQ2S+ people are 4 times as likely to attempt suicide than their cis and straight counterparts due to the discrimination we face daily in society. There are hundreds of anti LGBTQ2S+ bills active this year and still 29 states where we are not protected by anti-discrimination laws. It clearly shows a lack of care, sensitivity, and concern from the Hanover Co. that they have no qualms about taking safe spaces from the LGBTQ2S+ community that will, no doubt, affect our community’s mental health. Spaces like Coconut Club, Oilcan Harry’s, and Neon Grotto are more than just “bars” or “clubs.” They are spaces we can go to be celebrated and loved, providing us with the emotional fuel to give back to our community in Austin, and live lives that honor our spirits. Please do everything on in your power to help keep our community mentally and physically safe and protect our safe havens. I would love to speak at or write into the meeting on May 4th. Be well, Abs CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Alexandra Maser < Wednesday, April 13, 2022 7:24 PM PAZ Preservation AGAINST 4th street demolition > *** External Email ‐ Exercise Caution *** Hi! I am a resident of 78741 and I just wanted to reach out to voice that I am wholeheartedly AGAINST the proposal to demolish the 4th street businesses as proposed. Destroying our culture is in no way beneficial to austin. These core LGBTQ spaces should not be torn down to further the expansion of cookie‐cutter high rises. If this continues to happen, Austin will lose all that makes it inclusive, welcoming and diverse. I am unable to make the city council meeting but ask that you record my comment. Thanks, Alex Maser 2450 Wickersham Ln #1605, Austin TX 78741 Sent from my iPhone CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: > linh bui < Wednesday, April 13, 2022 7:38 PM PAZ Preservation Speaking on Item A1 *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** , and my phone number is Hi there, My name is Linh Bui, my email is I cannot attend in person, or on the phone for the May 4th meeting, but I would like you to record my comment via email that I am AGAINST Item A1, which, to my understanding, is the demolishment of a block in downtown Austin on 4th street that includes Neon Grotto and Coconut Club. These establishments in particular are vital and safe spaces for marginalized communities, and if the developer "The Hanover Co." replaces it with another mixed-use high-rise, the loss of culture would be devastating not only to marginalized communities but also to the city as a whole. Thank you, Linh Bui . CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Madeline Cuba < Wednesday, April 13, 2022 8:38 PM PAZ Preservation Request to Speak on Item A1 on 5/4/22 > *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** To Whom It May Concern, My name is Madeline Cuba and I am formally requesting my comment on Item A1 to be recorded via this email for the hearing on May 4, 2022. I am against the demolition. Please do not allow Hanover Co. to destroy these crucial cultural and safe spaces. These establishments are vitally important not only to the LGBTQIA+ community, but to Austin’s community as a whole. The destruction of almost half of these bars unfairly targets, crowds, and pushes this marginalized community out of their space, displaces LGBTQ+ workers, bartenders, and entertainers from their jobs, and overall intrudes on a historic district that Hanover Co. has absolutely no business infiltrating. Sincerely, Madeline Cuba CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Rachel Jackson < Wednesday, April 13, 2022 8:48 PM PAZ Preservation AGAINST ITEM A1 - Rachel Jackson > *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** and my phone number is To whom it may concern, My name is Rachel Jackson and I would like to speak on ITEM A1, my position being 100% against the demolition of 4th street. Unfortunately, I am unable to make the meeting on May 4th to speak in person on my opposition, however I would like to formally request that my comment of being against ITEM A1 be recorded and relayed to the HLC. My email is Please let me know if you need anything further in order to record my comment and relay it to the HLC. Additionally, please confirm my request has been submitted and forwarded along when you can. Thank you for your time and have a wonderful rest of your week! Thank you kindly, Rachel RACHEL JACKSON The University of Texas at Austin | McCombs School of Business . pronouns: she/her/hers CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Tyler Mccullum Wednesday, April 13, 2022 8:54 PM PAZ Preservation 4th st against demolition *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Please don't demolish the 4th st bars it is where I met my husband of years and we have great memories there also one night I got followed and luckily the bar was there I stayed there till it was safe this bar is a special places to many people far and near and it is a staple to Austin gay culture many people love this city and it's another thing that gives Austin it's melting pot qualities that anyone can come here and feel safe and at home this bar was my corner if the city I felt safe and comfortable it's like a second home. Please reconsider. A Texas resident. CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Billy Hickey < Wednesday, April 13, 2022 9:19 PM PAZ Preservation Concerning Item A1 > *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** To whom it may concern, Regarding ITEM A1, and the demolition of our beautiful 4th street safe havens. What is housed on 4th street in businesses like Coconut Club, Oilcan Harry’s, and Neon Grotto are more than just clubs - it is a safe haven for our community. Part of what makes Austin home for so many of us in the LGBTIA+ community who call Texas home, is it has always been a city where we feel more held in our community. We may still have a long way to go, but I can promise you that taking away safe spaces like Coconut Club, Oilcan Harry’s, and Neon Grotto is not the way to continue to build our community up. Austin used to be a city that prided itself in the preservation of local businesses, community, local art - and even proudly holds the slogan “Keep Austin Weird” based off of the judgements we have received from other Texas cities for being a safe space that allows our community to be authentically loving themselves. I, for one, want to stay in a city where we still hold these beliefs. Because of that, I cannot support the demolition of these places just to build more “luxury high rises,” that are surely not going to be accessible in price. Thank you for taking the time to hear your locals out, and we hope you find it in your heart to hear us out! Warm regards, Billy (cid:6457)(cid:6458)(cid:6459) CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Justin Wilson < Wednesday, April 13, 2022 10:04 PM PAZ Preservation ITEM A1 > *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Dear Preservation Office, I am requesting that my email be recorded and relayed to the HLC meeting on May 4th as I am unable to speak that day concerning the new development on 4th street in the Warehouse District. I really don't think keeping the historical facade of the buildings should permit them to build there considering the Hotel Zaza building did the same thing with their building with the former bar The Gingerman. No one even remembers the Gingerman even though it was a historical part of the warehouse district. They only see the Zaza. This is bound to happen with Oil Can Harry's facade as well. It will be erased as well due to the noise complaints that come with living above a gay bar that stays open til 2 am. The same way people moved into The Beverly and consistently complained about the noise in the historical music district. There is no real reason they can't build a condo complex somewhere else where an already marginalized group of people that already have a limited amount of historical LGBTQ+ spaces are trying to meet and exist. Building this condo tower will not only denigrate what the warehouse district is historically known for but disenfranchise a subsect of the population that has made Austin's Warehouse district what it is today, and leave them with nowhere else to go. I would like to urge you to reconsider this development and propose a relocation of it as if this moves forward it sends a clear message to the city of Austin that the city no longer cares about history or the groups that made Austin "The Place to Be'' in the first place. Signed, Justin Wilson and THE GAYS CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Connor Havens < Wednesday, April 13, 2022 10:46 PM PAZ Preservation Speaking Up at May 4th Demolition Meeting > *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** My name is Clarice Havens, I live in Travis County. I am against ITEM A1 and the demolition of 4th Street's LGBTQ+ bars. I would like for my comment against the proposition to be recorded via this email and by phone to be relayed to the HLC. Email: Phone Number: CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: > Dave Cook < Wednesday, April 13, 2022 10:51 PM PAZ Preservation 4th Street *** External Email ‐ Exercise Caution *** Hello, I am writing today to ask that our city will protect our LGBTQ community be in your thoughts and actions. The consideration of demolishing the district on 4th street downtown would strike a major blow to our brothers and sisters who own, work, and live in said area. I personally feel there is enough space in Austin for all the expansion that is desired without destroying the landmarks on 4th street. Thank you for your consideration. Much love. Best, David Cook Contractor at Priority Roofing CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Eric Joyce Thursday, April 14, 2022 8:29 AM PAZ Preservation Item A1 - Opposing the demolition of 4th Street buildings *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Hello, I work in architecture in Austin, and I oppose the demolition of the buildings located at the addresses 201‐213 on 4th street. The buildings at this site represent community value as well as an increasingly rare building type in the city of Austin. Additionally, the City of Austin needs to stop caving to developers. Downtown condo towers do nothing to curb the housing crisis in the city; ff the city of Austin is serious about retaining the character and people who've built the city's identity then it needs to develop housing that helps its citizens not continues to price them out while erasing the city's culture. Thank you, Eric Joyce CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Paige Meakin Thursday, April 14, 2022 8:57 AM PAZ Preservation A1 *** External Email ‐ Exercise Caution *** Dear Austin Preservation Committee, Please do not pass A1. These bars are a vital part of Austin history. Sincerely, Paige Meakin CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Victoria Larson < Thursday, April 14, 2022 10:42 AM PAZ Preservation May 4th meeting regarding 4th demolition > *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Hello My name is Victoria Larson I would like to voice my strong opposition to item 1A. Please record my comment via email to be relayed. I think that demolishing 4th street and replacing it with a high rise is incredibly unnecessary. There is plenty of other places in the city that a high rise could go that wouldn't destroy places that mean so much to people. As part of the gay bar district it provides a safe space and is well loved by all members of Austin. I’ve seen nothing in favor of this and think it would ruin downtowns culture. We need diversity. We don’t need more overpriced housing and restaurants that no one can get in to or afford. Best Victoria CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Kathryn Brooks Thursday, April 14, 2022 10:51 AM PAZ Preservation Opposing Item A1 *** External Email ‐ Exercise Caution *** Hi, As a queer resident of Austin, I strongly oppose Item A1. The erasure of Austin’s few remaining queer spaces is completely uncalled for and would displace our community even further. We already have so few queer nightlife spaces within the city, and places like Coconut Club, Neon Grotto, and Oilcan Harry’s are integral to our senses of self‐ expression and community. Please listen to the voices of LGBTQ+ Austinites and preserve our landmarks. Best, Kathryn Brooks 78751 CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: zia garza Thursday, April 14, 2022 11:13 AM PAZ Preservation AGAINST 4th ST. DEMOLITION *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** if you need it. Hello, My name is Zia Garza, I was born in Austin, Texas. I would like to have my comments read at the meeting on May 4th on item A1. My phone number is I am against the demolition of the historic and iconic bars and clubs on 4th st. to build yet another expensive high rise in downtown Austin. This area is sacred to the queer community and to some it is all they have in Austin where they feel safe to fully be themselves. Do we really need more high rises that only rich mostly white people can afford? By demolishing these bars and clubs you will also be demolishing culture, friendship and community. These are primarily the reasons why people want to move to Austin in the first place. By making this space a high rise and "cool, chef driven restaurant" you will be erasing what actually makes Austin a great place to live. I grew up in this city and it's heartbreaking to see how much it has changed to favor the white and wealthy. Please reconsider this demolition of our cherished spaces and build somewhere else. Thank you, Zia CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Marsha < Thursday, April 14, 2022 11:51 AM PAZ Preservation 4th street destruction > *** External Email ‐ Exercise Caution *** Why are you allowing culture killing developers to invade the very small low rise austin clubs? This is an historic area . I'm so sick of seeing the destruction of Austin Marsha Keep on Keepin on CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Novin Abdi < Thursday, April 14, 2022 12:09 PM PAZ Preservation A1 opposition > *** External Email ‐ Exercise Caution *** Hello, I am an Austin resident and I oppose item A1! Sent from my iPhone CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Ryman Stringer < Thursday, April 14, 2022 12:25 PM PAZ Preservation URGENT: Public Comment for May 4th Hearing > *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Dear Historic Landmark Commission, My name is Ryman Stringer and I'm reaching out in response to The Hanover Co's demolition request of the 4th street block between Colorado and Lavaca. I am STRONGLY AGAINST Item A1 and want my comment made public on May 4th recorded by email. You can reach me by The homophobia that is becoming publicly rampant in our country, and especially our state, is nothing to be taken lightly. Austin allowing the destruction of staple, safe, queer spaces in our city feels in line with Abbott's agenda and not in line with what I, as an Austin native, believe to be our values. In Austin we welcome all, we provide safe spaces for all, and we celebrate underrepresented communities. Destroying one of the only spaces for LGBTQIA+ Austinites would be an appalling step in the wrong direction. Please respond as soon as possible with the next steps and additional information. Thank you, Ryman Stringer CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Thursday, April 14, 2022 12:33 PM PAZ Preservation URGENT: Public Comment for May 4th Hearing *** External Email ‐ Exercise Caution *** Dear Historic Landmark Commission, My name is Kristy Freel. I'm reaching out in response to The Hanover Co's demolition request of the 4th street block between Colorado and Lavaca. I am STRONGLY AGAINST Item A1 and want my comment made public on May 4th recorded by email. You can reach me by email at As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, there are not enough safe spaces for queer people. These bars are important and are comfortable. This demolition will be hurting so many people. Please respond as soon as possible with the next steps and additional information. Sincerely, Kristy Freel CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Amanda Boles < Thursday, April 14, 2022 12:58 PM PAZ Preservation URGENT: Public Comment for May 4th Hearing > *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Dear Historic Landmark Commission, My name is Amanda Boles and I'm reaching out in response to The Hanover Co's demolition request of the 4th street block between Colorado and Lavaca. I am STRONGLY AGAINST Item A1 and want my comment made public on May 4th recorded by email. You can reach me by Please respond as soon as possible with the next steps and additional information. CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Stephanie Stryker < Thursday, April 14, 2022 1:05 PM PAZ Preservation URGENT: Public Comment for May 4th Hearing > and by email at *** External Email ‐ Exercise Caution *** Dear Historic Landmark Commission, My name is Stephanie Stryker. I'm reaching out in response to The Hanover Co's demolition request of the 4th street block between Colorado and Lavaca. I am STRONGLY AGAINST Item A1 and want my comment made public on May 4th recorded by email. You can reach me by phone at Please respond as soon as possible with the next steps and additional information. Thank you Stephanie Sent from my iPhone CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Sawyer Keller < Thursday, April 14, 2022 1:17 PM PAZ Preservation Item A1 > *** External Email ‐ Exercise Caution *** Good afternoon, My name is Sawyer Keller and I’ve been an Austin resident since 2016. I oppose Item A1 and ask the city to do the same. I am a long time patron of Coconut Club and think the city of Austin would be nothing without the celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community. Thank you! Sawyer Keller Paralegal at Eastman Meyler, PC Sent from my iPhone CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Chelsea DiSchiano < Thursday, April 14, 2022 1:20 PM PAZ Preservation Please, PLEASE vote against Item A1! > *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Hi there, My name is Chelsea and I am a native Austinite, born in Seton hospital downtown. I've literally lived here my whole life and I have seen so much change by developers, some good and some bad, but the developers who want to tear down Oil Can Harry's and Coconut Club must be stopped. This city has seen enough historical and cultural landmarks destroyed to build condos and high rises. Austin does not have many safe spaces for the LGBTQ community, and destroying these historical clubs for the sake of yet ANOTHER high rise, that could be built literally anywhere else, is absolutely heartbreaking. You have the power to keep some of Austin's historic and culturally significant buildings intact. Please, please, please, do not let this developer take away these safe spaces for the LGBTQ community. We are close to having nothing original left. Thank you, Chelsea DiSchiano CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Emma Gaston < Thursday, April 14, 2022 2:30 PM PAZ Preservation URGENT: Public Comment for May 4th Hearing > *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Dear Historic Landmark Commission, My name is Emma Gaston. I’m reaching out in response to The Hanover Co's demolition request of the 4th street block between Colorado and Lavaca. I am STRONGLY AGAINST Item A1 and want my comment made public on May 4th by email. You can reach me by phone at Please respond as soon as possible with the next steps and additional information. CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Izar M Trevino < Thursday, April 14, 2022 2:32 PM PAZ Preservation Item A1; 4th St Development > *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Hello! My name is Izar Trevino; I just wanted to reach out and voice that I oppose item A1. I am sad and upset that this development project is centered around a historically LGBT area in Austin, of which there are so few left. I've lived in Austin for the past five years or so and love having spaces for my community as accessible and fun as all of the bars and clubs on 4th. If there is anything I can do to support preserving the culture and bars on that street, please let me know. Kindly, Izar Trevino ‐‐ Psychology BA | The University of Texas at Austin CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Lauren Ritchie < Thursday, April 14, 2022 2:40 PM PAZ Preservation URGENT: Public Comment for May 4th Hearing > *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Dear Historic Landmark Commission, My name is Lauren Ritchie. I'm reaching out in response to The Hanover Co's demolition request of the 4th street block between Colorado and Lavaca. I am STRONGLY AGAINST Item A1 and want my comment made public on May 4th recorded by email. You can reach me by phone at I am an LGBTQ ally and do not want our city's queer history and safe spaces to be torn down for yet another homogeneous high‐rise. BORING! The people that make Austin amazing create a culture unlike any other city (hence why so many are moving here). Please sanctify and keep Austin's vibrant, inclusive culture alive and thriving. Please keep our LGBTQ+ community safe and celebrated. Respond as soon as possible with the next steps and additional information. CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Wesley Fulfer < Thursday, April 14, 2022 2:43 PM PAZ Preservation I Oppose Item A1 > *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Hello, I am directly in opposition to the demolition of the 4th Street LGBTQ+ Bars, including those of Coconut Club and Neon Grotto. These are safe havens for historically marginalized groups, a safe space where my loved ones and I feel comfortable to be ourselves without fear of violence or slander. Destroying these sites will not only cut such havens in half for the period of construction, but also permanently close down two of them. This will shove remaining queer customers to less venues, meaning more crowded and unendurable experiences. It’s an insult to slap a restaurant in it’s place, as there are numerous ones that far exceed the safe spaces of queer people. Please consider what culture you’re cutting into. We weigh variables of finances and don’t consider the people. If we want to thrive, we need to maintain our safe, weird locations. If we want to become the gray dull buildings of silicone valley, sky‐rocketing cost of living, with an ever‐growing distance of basic humanity, then send in the wrecking balls. Seems like an abysmal future. ‐‐ Wesley Fulfer Insurance Advisor (He/Him) CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Eric Hulsey Thursday, April 14, 2022 2:43 PM PAZ Preservation URGENT: Public Comment for May 4th Hearing *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Dear Historic Landmark Commission, My name is Eric Hulsey. I'm reaching out in response to The Hanover Co's demolition request of the 4th street block between Colorado and Lavaca. I am STRONGLY AGAINST Item A1 and want my comment made public on May 4th recorded by email. You can reach me by phone at Please respond as soon as possible with the next steps and additional information. Sincerely, Eric Hulsey CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Ryan Meyer Thursday, April 14, 2022 2:48 PM PAZ Preservation My strong opposition to to Item A1 - development on 4th street *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Dear Preservation committee, I wanted to write to express my strong opposition to Item A1 regarding the development of a high‐rise tower on 4th street in downtown Austin. The 4th street businesses have become an incredibly important and vibrant element of Austin's LGBTQ community. I would also say it is an important and celebrated place for many non‐LGBTQ community members too. The developer plans on demolishing several of the businesses on the street, and the developer is only making accommodations for one of the businesses to return after the tower is constructed. This means several local businesses will be lost in the process. Additionally, this tower will fundamentally change the nature of 4th street and therefore the way the community engages with the space. Please consider pausing this proposal and deeply reviewing the cultural and historical significance of this street in Austin. Please consider rejecting the tower's plans or at the very least, requiring deeper engagement and planning with the LGBTQ community and along with other important stakeholders. 4th street is a treasured enclave for so many, and it adds a great deal of richness to Austin's community and downtown. There is no reason to proceed with this substantial change given the immense cultural and historical costs. Thank you! Ryan Meyer ‐‐ McCombs School of Business The University of Texas at Austin CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Jay Jacobson < Thursday, April 14, 2022 3:06 PM PAZ Preservation URGENT: Public Comment for May 4th Hearing > *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Dear Historic Landmark Commission, My name is Jay Jacobson. I'm reaching out in response to The Hanover Co's demolition request of the 4th street block between Colorado and Lavaca. I am STRONGLY AGAINST Item A1 and want my comment made public on May RECORDED BY EMAIL. You can reach me by phone at Please respond as soon as possible with the next steps and additional information CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1 Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Kalie Kaitschuck Thursday, April 14, 2022 3:15 PM PAZ Preservation URGENT: Public Comment for May 4th Hearing *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** or by this email. Dear Historic Landmark Commission, My name is Kalie Kaitschuck. I'm reaching out in response to The Hanover Co's demolition request of the 4th street block between Colorado and Lavaca. I am STRONGLY AGAINST Item A1 and want my comment made public on May 4th by phone or email. You can reach me by phone at These demolition efforts will destroy some of Austin’s most unique places. Places I have met lifelong friends at and made lifetime memories. Austin prides itself on its unique and “weird” energy and this project will essentially take that away. Please reconsider. Please respond as soon as possible with the next steps and additional information. Sincerely, Kalie Kaitschuck CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1