05 C14-2026-0028 - Wesley Property Donation; District 1 - Robertson Hill NA Rescinding Support — original pdf

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From: Scott Menzies Sent: Saturday, June 13, 2026 10:22 AM To: Meredith, Maureen <Maureen.Meredith@austintexas.gov> Subject: Rescinding letter of support for 1187 Navasota Zoning change Re: Withdrawal and Superseding of Prior Letter of Support Case Numbers: NPA-2026-0009.01 and C14-2026-0028 – 1187 Navasota Street Dear Planning Commissioners and City Council Members, On behalf of the Robertson Hill Neighborhood Association (RHNA), I am writing regarding the Neighborhood Plan Amendment application NPA-2026-0009.01 and rezoning application C14-2026-0028 for 1187 Navasota Street. RHNA previously submitted a letter expressing support for these applications. After further discussion within the neighborhood and consideration of the requested land use entitlements, the Association has determined that its prior letter no longer reflects its current position. Accordingly, this letter withdraws and supersedes RHNA's previous letter of support. When the original letter was submitted, RHNA's understanding was that the request was intended to facilitate the relocation of an existing office building onto church-owned property to support Wesley United Methodist Church's operations and mission. Since that time, questions have arisen regarding the scope of the requested entitlements and their potential long-term implications for both the property and the surrounding neighborhood. In particular, the Association has not yet reached a clear understanding of why the requested Neighborhood Plan Amendment and Commercial Mixed Use zoning designation are necessary to accomplish the stated project, whether alternative zoning approaches were considered, and what future development opportunities may be created through approval of the requested entitlements. These considerations are directly relevant to the City's evaluation of both the neighborhood plan amendment and rezoning applications. RHNA's withdrawal of support should not be interpreted as opposition to Wesley United Methodist Church. Wesley remains an important institution in East Austin and a valued member of the Robertson Hill community. Rather, the Association believes that additional information, dialogue, and transparency are necessary before it can determine whether the requested land use changes are appropriate and consistent with the long-term interests of both the church and the neighborhood. 05 C14-2026-0028 - Wesley Property Donation; District 11 of 2The Association also believes that further discussion may be warranted regarding potential safeguards or limitations that could ensure the property's future use remains aligned with the church's stated objectives and compatible with the surrounding residential community. At this time, RHNA is unable to maintain an official position of support for the applications and therefore withdraws its previous endorsement pending further clarification and community engagement. We appreciate the opportunity to participate in this process and remain committed to working collaboratively with Wesley United Methodist Church, City staff, and other stakeholders to better understand the proposal and identify a path forward that serves both the church and the broader community. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Scott Menzies President Robertson Hill Neighborhood Association 05 C14-2026-0028 - Wesley Property Donation; District 12 of 2