East Side Pedal Pushers in Peril? - Update

Update: I just spoke with Lee on the phone and he told me that things aren't quite as dire as they sounded in the email below. He did say that ESPP was still in danger of not having their lease renewed and being ejected from the building to make way for another gallery or cafe, but that he was trying to work with the landlord and the other building tenant to come to an amicable agreement. He first got wind of the City Council meeting when a sign was erected in front of his shop stating that the two people pushing this had gone to the neighborhood association to request a parking variance for that building, so that they could increase the available car parking space to better facilitate their view of what should be in the property.

The meeting with the board of adjustment has been scheduled for Monday, October 13th at 5:30pm. It all goes down in the Austin City Council Chambers, located at 301 West 2nd. Lee would love to have cyclists of all types show up to support him and his shop, as well as the cycling community as a whole. His one request is that everyone remember to be on their best behavior. The last thing he needs is a few angry cyclists showing up and causing a scene, so please remember that we're trying to impress the city with how friendly and cohesive a community we are, and not scare or harass them.

--------------------------------------

I got the following email yesterday that had a good bit of harrowing news concerning East Side Pedal Pushers. It looks like there are a pair of chicks who have been coveting his prime East Side location, and are doing everything in their power to have his shop removed. Check it out:

Hey Jason --

Wanted to let you know that Lee, Scott and the rest of the ESPP community are about to be removed from their spot if the bike community doesn't take action. There are two girls who want to kick them out to build a cafe / art gallery there. I'm a little unclear as to how the bureaucratic details work out, but I know there's a hearing with the Neighborhood Association for that area on Monday, Oct. 13th that is open to the public and they're basically going to be deliberating over the fate of the space. So if enough people show up and give Lee support, the shop might have a case for community value (as opposed to yet another of the many already existing yuppy cafes on E. 5th/6th) and could reasonably work out a deal to stay put. I mean, he's got the only real legit bike shop on the east side (minus YBP of course) so I don't see how he could possibly be deemed unimportant if there's a big enough crowd.

If you know Lee, you'll know he's one of the most un-assuming and worthwhile guys around. In other words, I think it's going to take the rest of the community to be the loud-mouthed obnoxious supporters.

So if you could maybe get in touch with Lee and see what the details are more specifically, would you mind posting about it on ATXBS?

Thanks and good riding,

Evan

I've only been in there a few times but it's really one of Austin's hidden gems. If you're riding fast on a titanium and carbon road machine it's easy to miss it, but if you're cruising along in stately style on a bike that's older than you are, you really owe it to yourself to stop in and shoot the shit with Lee for a bit. These guys are the people to go to when you want to refurbish your dad's old ten-speed, or are looking for a used bicycle that's in good shape but won't cost you an arm and a leg. If you're in the neighborhood, swing on through and see what you might be able to do to help. The bike community needs to look out for their own, especially someone who's given so much to us over the years.