B-11 ZNA Membership Resolution on Zilker Cafe (2021-07-26).pdf — original pdf

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RESOLUTION OF THE ZILKER NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION GENERAL MEMBERSHIP URGING THE PLANNING COMMISSION TO OPPOSE A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT ALLOWING THE SALE OF ALCOHOL AT ZILKER CAFE IN ZILKER PARK WHEREAS, For many people, Zilker Park is an oasis from the stresses of urban life; and WHEREAS, Austin residents are fortunate to have such a vast, centrally located green space where they can engage in different recreational activities like swimming, jogging, hiking, and frisbee; and WHEREAS, Authorizing the sale of alcohol at the Zilker Cafe potentially risks degrading this oasis by increasing conflict between park users; by increasing safety risks in areas nearest the café, including the pool and playscape; and by treating this unique oasis as just another location to go grab beer or wine, with the resulting need for additional parking; and WHEREAS, Removing the prohibition on alcohol sales would require a greater presence of law enforcement to enforce public safety in the park, which has been inadequately addressed in the past; and WHEREAS, The sale of alcohol would also cause an increase in drunk driving, which is especially dangerous when exiting the park onto a busy stretch of road that includes a bike lane, and it would compete with sales from established bars and restaurants on Restaurant Row; and WHEREAS, At least six members of the Parks and Recreation Board are on record as being opposed to a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for alcohol sales at Zilker Cafe; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the general membership of the Zilker Neighborhood Association respectfully urge the Planning Commission to vote against the CUP that would allow for the sale of alcohol at the Zilker Cafe. Presented to the ZNA General Membership on July 26, 2021 and approved unanimously.