Protect Lady Bird Lake, Nearby Residents, and Austin’s Beloved Bat Colony

My name is Darcey Ruffalo, and I live near the Waymo charging depot located beside the Lady Bird Lake trail at the former Austin American-Statesman site. Since operations began, nearby residents and trail users have experienced constant noise, increased traffic, excessive lighting, and ongoing disruptions to what was once a peaceful recreational and residential area.

The noise generated by the facility operates around the clock and can be heard continuously inside nearby homes, day and night. What was once a place of tranquility along Lady Bird Lake has become increasingly difficult for residents and visitors to peacefully enjoy.

This location is also situated near Austin’s beloved bat colony and one of the city’s most treasured outdoor spaces. The combination of industrial-style operations, bright lighting, constant vehicle movement, and expanded surveillance infrastructure is incompatible with the natural and residential character of this area.

Residents and Park-Goers are deeply concerned about:

     Persistent noise pollution affecting nearby homes and park users
     Increased traffic and operational activity along the trail corridor
     Excessive lighting and visual disturbance
     Privacy concerns related to surveillance cameras facing residential areas
     Potential impacts on wildlife and the surrounding ecosystem

Lady Bird Lake and its trail system are among Austin’s most cherished public spaces, used daily by runners, cyclists, families, tourists, and local residents seeking connection with nature and relief from urban congestion. Industrial-scale vehicle charging operations do not belong in the middle of a recreational and residential environment.

We are asking Waymo to act responsibly by relocating this charging depot to a more appropriate industrial or commercial site away from homes, parks, and ecologically sensitive areas. Doing so would demonstrate respect for the Austin community while allowing innovation to coexist responsibly with public well-being and environmental preservation.

Please sign this petition to help protect the peace, privacy, and natural integrity of the Lady Bird Lake area. Together, we can encourage thoughtful development that prioritizes both technological progress and quality of life for Austin residents.