DANA’s Placemaking Committee recently reviewed Sinclair Black’s proposal to submerge IH-35 below grade and “cap” it with a four lane, landscaped, pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly boulevard. This plan would recapture approximately 30 acres of land above the interstate to productive, tax-producing use. By rearranging the horizontal and vertical space now taken up by the highway, this project would not only create more capacity for vehicles on IH-35, but also weave together the vibrancy of downtown with the rich culture of East Austin. DANA’s Placemaking Committee has reviewed the plan and strongly recommends support of this proposal. (Read more at Community Impact News – IH35 Cut and Cap Plan Proposed and KVUE: Plan-to-sink-I-35-underground-in-Downtown-Austin.)

What are your ideas for I-35? The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the City of Austin are seeking input through the I-35 Capital Area Improvement Program. Participate in the virtual open house here. Be sure to check out the proposed options for the 8th Street to Holly section of IH35, and encourage consideration of the cut-and-cap plan!

City staff is continuing to hold public meetings to help shape an improved special events ordinance. The following dates and times have been confirmed for further outreach and follow-up to the public regarding the Special Events Ordinance Revision.

Tuesday, May 21, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the One Texas Center, 3rd Floor Room 325.
Topic 1 (6:30 – 7:30 p.m.) Staff will discuss mobility issues and seek solution-based feedback on improvements for barricades, detours and signs.

Monday, June 3, from 6:45-8:45 p.m. at the One Texas Center, 3rd Floor Room 325.
Topic 1 (6:30 – 7:00 p.m.) Staff will present a comprehensive overview of feedback received to date in public meetings and in online feedback.
Topic 2 (7:00 – 7:30 p.m.) Staff will present a comprehensive overview of the departments solicited within the City of Austin to identify key elements of a draft ordinance
Topic 3 (7:30 – 8:30 p.m.) Staff will seek feedback on the key ordinance elements and feedback on inclusions or exclusions that are solution-oriented.

The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department is looking for ideas on the adaptive re-use of the Seaholm Intake Facility and the surrounding parkland. The process kicked off with open houses, and design teams are now working on their submissions. Get a peek inside the building and imagine the possibilities through the work of some UT advanced design studio students here. For more information about the competition and the building’s history, click here.

Bicycle thefts are on the rise downtown. Protect your bike by registering it with the Austin Police Department and always using a U-lock. Report thefts to 311.

The City of Austin Art in Public Places program and Downtown Austin Alliance are excited to welcome two new additions to the downtown landscape!

Stem Rack by Ann Armstrong, located at 111 Congress, depicts two vertical steel “stems” rising up from the sidewalk, each ending in a singular leaf. The dedication ceremony for Stem Rack will take place at 5:00 p.m. Thursday, May 16. Stop by for a cookie and meet artist Ann Armstrong.

Gear Grove by Ben Harman, located at 816 Congress, uses recycled bike parts to form three spires connected by supports reminiscent of bicycle crossbars. The dedication ceremony with artist Ben Harman will take place at 8:30 a.m. Friday, May 17. Enjoy coffee and breakfast treats from 8-10am on the 816 Congress plaza as part of Movability Austin’s Commuter Breakfast. Visit this link for more information.