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Central Austin Neighborhood Fights Back Against Future Bar


Just feet way from Phil Geils home in Central Austin a new bar is being built, and hes not happy about the idea.

Just the noise and the parking, Geil said. I don't like a bunch of drunks stumbling around at night.

Many in the Brentwood neighborhood agree. Neighbors said the idea of a new Little Woodrow's bar staying open until 2:00 a.m. with an outdoor patio is more than neighbors are willing to take.

Barbara McArthur is spearheading the opposition against the bar. She said she does not object new business, just the type of business. She said the city is not doing its part to protect neighborhoods.

The area around bars you have a lot more crime, violent crime, McArthur said. We would like for us to be able to raise our kids in an environment where we are not bombarded by noise until 2:00 a.m. and drunk people until 2:00 a.m. Thats why everyone in Austin should care.

Rick Engle, co-owner of Little Woodrows, said he plans to have no live music at the Burnett location, and the establishment would have 52 parking spots. The city of Austin requires 34 parking spots for a business of that size.

There are so many people moving here to live here in these apartments that are being built. We hope most of our customers are going to be walking here, Engle said. We hope we can be a great neighbor and we intend to be.

Heath and Kimberly Hignight live in the area and welcome new additions to the growing area. They said adding business raises the neighborhood value.

Austin is always in a process of change. Its constantly evolving, Heath said. It means that our dollar is going to stay right here in this neighborhood. [Our money] is going to people who start establishments right here.

The City Council is expected to discuss the issue again on January 31.

By Cassie Gallo