https://leavemanchacaalone.org/

What’s This About?

Austin City Council approved a measure to change the name of Manchaca Road on October 4, 2018, WITHOUT the feedback of businesses and residents who work and live on the road, and WITHOUT evidence to support the merits of their claims. We seek to REVERSE the City Council’s decision by completing a petition and fundraiser.

The Argument

At the Council meeting, advocates led by retired Judge Bob Perkins claimed that the road should have been named after an officer of the Texas Army, Jose Antonio Menchaca, but without any proof of Captain Menchaca’s association with the area whatsoever.

The Manchaca Onion Creek Historical Society, however, provided more compelling evidence that the name “Manchac” is a Choctaw Indian tribe word describing a travel route of native Americans from Texas to Louisiana. This route included not only “Manchac Springs” (as it was originally spelled on mid-18th-century maps), but also other waterways along the route in Louisiana, including “Manchac Bayou” and “Pass Manchac.” That evidence was ignored, and City Council capitulated to pressure from the advocacy group.

Why We Seek To Reverse This Decision
This change is financially disruptive to small businesses and homeowners, and is unjustifiable without evidence to support the claims, and is irresponsible without the support of those affected by this initiative.

The advocates claimed that the change would “not cost taxpayers a thing,” but the funds raised only cover the cost of street signs!

For residents of the road, the change involves the nuisance of updating numerous records, such as driver’s licenses, merchant statements, living wills, insurance policies, etc.

For small businesses who make their living and employ people on the road, the costs of adopting the change can be far greater. Potential costs include the updating of marquee and building signage, marketing materials, stationery, uniforms, SEO & online presence, email accounts, event materials, labor for branding modifications, vendor administrative tasks, and so on. Such changes can cost small businesses anywhere from $500 to $100,000 to make!

Please click the links below to help our cause. Thank you!

Sign The Petition

PLEASE SIGN THIS PETITION, so we can present it to Austin City Council to show that the decision to change the road’s name was NOT supported by area residents and business owners.

Sign Now

Help Us Raise Funds
PLEASE DONATE TO THIS CAMPAIGN, so that small businesses operating on Manchaca Road can afford legal representation to reverse the name change measure.

Donate Now

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STAY UP TO DATE on our progress as this campaign continues to evolve.