With a $30 million budget shortfall and urgent challenges facing both Austin and the nation, what’s the priority for some City Council members? —housing instability, crumbling infrastructure, widening inequality?
No, it is walkability to a coffee shop. No, we are not kidding.
A homemade cup of coffee can cost around 26 cents, and the average cost of a coffee shop cup is between $2.99 for a simple cup and $5.53 for a cappuccino. Austin has hundreds of Coffee shops. Yet, on the October 9th agenda, there is a resolution (Item 24)) directing the City Manager to consider land use code amendments to minimize zoning barriers to and encourage accessibility of coffee shops, cafes, and coffee trucks in the City’s residential areas.
“WHEREAS, many neighborhoods in Austin do not currently have access to coffee within walking distance” – Resolution
They believe that Austin residents, whom they imagine are happy with H.O.M.E. (three houses on a lot and tiny lots), commercial uses with no parking requirements, and the greenlighting of STRs everywhere, can’t live without a coffee shop or café next door.
Who is crusading this? It is led by Ryan Alter, joined by Jose Velasquez, Paige Ellis, and Mike Siegel.
This really isn’t about coffee beans. It is a way to open the door to commercial and retail uses in neighborhoods without public input.
We all enjoy a cup of joe, but let’s first discuss traffic, parking, and what will be coming next door to the coffee shop.