at I-35 and Rundberg Lane!
An Open Letter from Anthony Williams
On Wednesday, September 24th, at 6:30 PM, the Building and Standards Commission will be holding a public hearing regarding the Budget Lodge Hotel at 9220 N IH 35. For years, this hotel has served as a safe haven for drug dealers, addicts and prostitutes. Located on the southeast corner of the IH 35 and Rundberg Lane intersection, this hotel has also been the scene of numerous violent and heinous crimes within the last few years (including a recent sexual assualt which has been profiled in the media).
In recent years, many NACA members have come out in support of our neighbors in NorthCreek/Georgian Acres N.A. (the neighborhood association in which the hotel is located) on this issue. We marched to clean up Rundberg Lane in August of 2007, and we also participated in a December 2007 protest against the Budget Lodge and nearby businesses. We also participated in a NACN petition to get the City to file abatement suits against this location and surrounding properties. We now have a chance to see this become a reality.
As they do not live within our neighborhoods, the Building and Standards Commission does not understand how this property negatively affects our communities. We must show up and communicate our experiences to them. We must tell them about how the addicts, prostitutes and drug dealers congregate along the frontage road in front of this hotel, and along Rundberg Lane, walking to and from its rooms and out into our streets. We must tell them about how the break-ins and property crimes that are occuring in our neighborhoods are preventing a secure and safe environment for our families and loved ones. We must let them know that there is a strong and committed group of caring and law-abiding residents who are ready for a change at this location.
If you are able/willing to attend and be heard, the hearing will be located at City Hall (301 W. Second Street, Austin, TX 78701) in the Hearings and Commissions room on the 1st floor. Free Public parking is available in the underground garage located underneath City Hall. The entrance is along Lavaca Street. ***Have your parking ticket validated once you get inside the building*** Arrive a few minutes before 6:30 if you wish to speak to the Commission!
Please tell your neighbors if you know they do not have access to a computer.
Thank you all for your continued time, energy and support in making North Austin into a better home for all of us.
President, North Austin Civic Association
P.O. Box 180803
Austin, TX
1-866-531-4620
