Dear Neighbors,
The OWANA Zoning Committee needs your HELP!
In February, the Urban Transportation Commission (UTC) unanimously voted to keep Sayers Street open, citing no public benefit in the request to vacate it.Despite this, and the subsequent loss of an appeal, the case is now scheduled for the City of Austin Planning Commission hearing onTuesday, June 10, 2025.
The Old West Austin Neighborhood Association (OWANA) continues to strongly oppose the proposed closure.Sayers Street provides vital access for multiple service-oriented businesses and helps keep commercial loading, dumpsters, and traffic off neighboring streets like 5th, 6th, and Walsh.
The application lacks support from all adjacent property owners.Walsh Ventures 2, LLC, has a long-standing business that depends on Sayers for large vehicle access that will be cut off if the street is closed.Additionally, their site plan for a mixed-use development with 25 affordable housing units depends on the continued public use of Sayers for parking, loading, and utility placement.
Anchor Equities stands to benefit financially from the closure, while the community would suffer increased congestion, decreased access, and delays in much-needed housing development.
We are encouraging neighbors, once again, to write in and support keeping Sayers Street open.We need the community to come together and strongly oppose the closure of Sayers Street by sending a letter to the Planning Commission.
Letters expressing opposition to the street vacation mayhelp encourage the Planning Commission to place this case on the consent agenda for denial, expediting the process and reinforcing the community’s stance.
We’ve provided an editable template for your convenience. Be sure to include your name, address, email, and phone. Personal stories or concerns will strengthen the message.
Let’s stand together to protect our streets and preserve access that serves everyone in the community.
Thank you for your support!
INSTRUCTIONS
RE: 2024-128390 LM – 1114 West 5th Street
Thank you for participating in a letter writing campaign to support OWANA’s objections to the closure of Sayers Street. The deadline for submission is Monday, June 9.
**Letters sent by this weekend will have a greater impact on the
case as they will be reviewed by the Commissioners. **
Below is an editable Letter Template addressed to the Planning Commission that outlines the primary objections of OWANA to the vacation application. The Planning Commission requires name, address, email, and phone numbers, so please be sure to include all of these details in your letter.
Feel free to add any personal details that will amplify your stake in this matter, such as living nearby or specific concerns about the community. Sending the letter on your personal letterhead is also encouraged.
** Please remember to cc: zoning@owana.org sothat we can keep track of the community objections logged with the City Council.
EMAIL CONTENT INSTRUCTIONS
Once you have completed and signed your letter, please compose an email with the following content by Monday, June 9th in order to be filed as back up for the Council meeting.
(EMAIL CONTENT)
TO: christopher.bueckert@austintexas.gov
ella.garcia@austintexas.gov
CC: zoning@owana.org
SUBJECT LINE: 2024-128390 LM -1114 West 5th Street
Dear Mr. Bueckert:
Please find attached letter for the attention of Chair Hempel and Planning Commissioners regarding Item 2024-128390LM – 1114 West 5th Street. Kindly confirm receipt upon acceptance.
Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter.
Best,
John/JaneDoe
(remember to attach the letter below!)
(EDITABLE LETTER TEMPLATE TO BE ATTACHED TO EMAIL)
Today’s Date
RE: 2024-128390 LM Right-of-Way Vacation
Dear Chair Hempel and Planning Commissioners,
We write to express OWANA’s continued opposition to the proposed vacation of Sayers Street (Application No. 2024-128390 LM). Aprivate party should not be allowed to vacatean active public right-of-way that serves critical community functions and provides access to multiple properties.
Sayers Street is not surplus land—it is an essential service corridor used daily by adjacent property owners and businesses for deliveries, infrastructure access, and safe circulation away from pedestrian-oriented streets.The claim that it is underutilized or orphaned is simply false.
The Sixth & Walsh project, which includes 25 affordable housing units, relies on Sayers Street for access, loading, utilities, and garage entry.This development has broad community support and is nearing key milestones.Approving this vacation would directly undermine that progress and the city’s stated housing and mobility goals.
It is not within a private applicant’s authority to override existing public use or force access concessions for private benefit.
We urge the Commission to reject this petition and uphold the public interest in preserving access to Sayers Street.
Sincerely,
John/Jane Doe
Address
Austin, TX 78703
512-XXX-XXXX
cc:christopher.bueckert@austintexas.gov
ella.garcia@austintexas.gov
zoning@owana.org
NEXT STEPS!
Same as the first step!! Write the letter and please send ASAP! Most of the Commissioners review the case file over the weekend. The more letters we have on file shows stronger support for our position.
No need to show up for the Planning Commission meeting. We have a solid line up of speakers and are hopeful the case will be presented for consent against the vacation.
If you have any questions about the application and/or this campaign, please reach out to zoning@owana.org
Thank you for your support!