Parks and recreation board rejects plan to sell beer and wine at Zilker Cafe for second time

“I’m having a hard time understanding the motivation in the first place,” board member Lisa Hugman said.

She went on to express her appreciation for the community members who have either spoken to the board or written them about this issue.

Parks and Recreation Director Kimberly McNeely said the proposal to seek a conditional use permit—essentially seeking permission to allow the ZIlker Cafe to sell alcohol when it is normally not allowed in parks—began several years ago and had support at the time.

She also expressed frustration with the process, which has brought her—and community members wanting to weigh in on the issue—in front of the board again.

Most of the board members agreed that alcohol sales were either too dangerous or not needed at the park with only Nina Rinaldi expressing any interest in the proposal.

Ultimately, the board voted 8-1 to recommend against seeking permission for the Zliker Cafe to sell alcohol.