04/17/2010
Friends, we are in negotiations with city officials, who are
now looking into zoning questions in addition to their previously stated code
concerns. We are working closely
with legal advisors to navigate these issues. As you may know, Code Enforcement comes from the perspective
that the CoJ is a dangerous un-permitted structure, beholden to (and in
violation of) building regulations.
You and I and the whole world know that it is YARD ART.
But now it gets serious: Under threat from Code Enforcement, Vince is being FORCED TO
CLOSE the Cathedral to all visitors until further notice. He will be standing at the driveway and
turning people away this weekend.
We have an extension now to submit the required building
permit and application for a certificate of occupancy (both outrageous hoops
he's expected to jump through, based on their perspective that his art isn't
really art, it's an un-permitted structure) until the 26th of April. After the 26th, Code Enforcement has
the option of taking Vince to court, fining him up to $2,000/day, cutting off
his utilities, demanding demolition...it could get real nasty. Because he is being threatened by Code
Enforcement officials, who have told him they might revoke his extension if he
allows visitors to this “dangerous structure,” Vince is asking that people not
visit, at least for now. This is a
shame, particularly given that today is the Austin Yard Art Tour. We’ll let you know when/if conditions
change.
What we desperately need now, desperately, is your VOICE. SPEAK UP FOR THE CATHEDRAL. The fate of this artwork lies in the
hands of the citizens of Austin.
In an email I received last night, Assistant City Attorney
Kathleen Buchanon made the following statement:
“At this time, so far as I know, there is not a permit
exception or exemption for a structure that otherwise requires permits on the
basis that it is used, designed, or functions on as art. The City is interested in citizen
feedback and we remain open to considering whether our Code could benefit from
clarification or refinement in this type of area.”
…Austin, give ‘em that “citizen feedback.” The code needs “clarification,” and it
needs to happen NOW, before we lose not only a priceless work of art, an Austin
cultural icon, but also the life’s work of a uniquely talented artist. To say nothing of the freedoms of
creative expression that we have until recently taken for granted in this town.
Email or write a letter to the Mayor and City Council
NOW.
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/council/groupemail.htm
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