OWANA GVM in person meeting notes September 2025 (Old West Austin Neighborhood Association)

OWANA GVM in person meeting notes September 2025 (Old West Austin Neighborhood Association)

September 9th, 2025 pm Matthews Elementary.

In-person reporting notes take by me, George Vance McGee Broker Associate Austin Silent Market 512.657.9281 georgevance@gmail.com call me directly with your real estate wants, questions, and needs. I'll work. Buy, Sell, Lease, CMA's for todays' Value, etc.

First impressions, the Meeting room was spaced out, pretty full. I'd estimate about 30-35 people were in the room for attendance. 

Mr. Steve Amos email = histeve@gmail.com is still currently the OWANA President. He spoke and lead the meeting.

1st item discussed and this was the major subject of the  meeting for 45 minutes: SAFETY. 

Police need evidence for claims. Ring Footage. Habitual problem person and neighborhood petty criminal is Mr. Nate Washburn, stealing bikes, etc. 

Police need insight from the community. 

OWANA member says, "we are not against homeless people, we are against criminals."

DAART is brand new City of Austin Police Chief creation and department. It stands for Downtown Area Rapid Response Team 

Owana member concern, "Should we report more stuff to the police, we don't want to overburden police with calls."

Specific multiple neighbor Owana complaints about the home and derelict property directly on the corner of West 8th Street and Blanco.

DAART says to "please email or notify us if you notice any vacant, abandoned properties that may be problem properties." 

Next theme, OWANA budget is healthy and looking good membership, dues, contributions are up!

Next theme. Texas State Capitol Bill SB840 Author and passed by Republican Bryan Hughes. It states any commercial zoned site can automatically also be used for residential. Its kind of a warning that perhaps even MORE Mixed Use Developers may be coming to Austin and West Austin.

How can OWANA fight back? Deed Restrictions are Critical! 

Impervious Coverage is NOT covered and the language is just left out of the state law.

Check with the City of Austin Preservation Office.

Last themes and notes:

• OWANA members are interested in real life EVENTS
• OWANA wants to support and partner with local businesses
• OWANA members care about ZONING. 

There is some rumblings and heads up news the Downtown YMCA GYM near Town Lake perhaps maybe changing ownership and a future new development site. Again, this is Just a rumor. Also perhaps the West Austin, University of Texas Johnson Creek, 20 acres of Land, Student Housing may be up for sale, again not confirmed and just a rumor."