Rooftop Pickleball Plans Hit a Snag in Austin: Austin Pickle Ranch’s attempt to rezone Hartland Plaza at 1717 West Sixth Street to maintain its rooftop pickleball courts has sparked significant opposition from residents. The request came after the city shut down the facility in June 2024 due to its non-compliance with zoning regulations for outdoor sports and recreation.
Neighbors Voice Concerns
The residents, particularly from Old West Austin, raised strong objections at the Austin Planning Commission meeting. Donna Osborn of the Old West Austin Neighborhood Association (OWANA) highlighted the main issues.
“It’s a noise and light issue mostly; the lights and the repetitive impulse sound of the pickleball have been disrupting the neighbors.” Rob Miller, a resident, described the disturbance as an “incessant, high-pitched popping of paddles hitting balls from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. at night, seven days a week,” while Beverely Dunn complained of the noise penetrating through her noise-canceling earbuds during gardening.
Mitigation Efforts and Proposals
OWANA requested sound barriers on the west and north sides of the building. The property owner, represented by Richard Suttle, agreed to a barrier on the north side but proposed a U-shaped barrier instead of a full west wall.
“We are down to slight differences in noise studies and slight differences in mitigation technique.” – (Richard Suttle)
Austin Pickle Ranch’s acoustic consultant argued that the U-shaped barrier would be sufficient to minimize noise. Additionally, the ranch offered to reduce light intensity and improve shielding to address lighting concerns.
Pending Decision
The Planning Commission deferred its decision to the September 24 meeting, hoping that a resolution could be reached between the neighborhood and Austin Pickle Ranch.
News in Brief: Rooftop Pickleball Plans Hit a Snag in Austin
Austin Pickle Ranch’s attempt to rezone Hartland Plaza for its rooftop pickleball courts has met resistance from residents due to noise and light issues. The city had previously shut down the facility for zoning violations. Neighbors have called for comprehensive sound barriers and improved lighting solutions.
Austin Pickle Ranch is willing to reduce light intensity and enhance shielding but prefers a partial sound barrier. The Planning Commission will revisit the issue on September 24, aiming for a compromise between the ranch and the community.
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