DANA Members,

We know you are already very aware of TxDOT’s Open Houses. The Virtual Open House is up and running; it will remain open until July 12th. We are hoping that organizations like DANA will consider notifying their full membership of the opportunity to comment on future plans for I-35 through the Urban Core of our city (from Lady Bird Lake to MLK). The Urban Core segment can be found at:

http://www.mobility35openhouse.com/Location/Segment5/Location.aspx

In addition, TxDOT is holding a physical open house Thursday (6/27) from 3 pm to 7 pm at the Kealing Middle School Cafeteria (1607 Pennsylvania Ave.).

TxDOT has two alternatives to comment on:

1. Rebuild the Urban Core of I-35 much like it is today, where the main lanes are elevated over our surface streets.

2. Rebuild the Urban Core of I-35 with depressed main lanes, with bridges and caps across, at surface street level.

We at Reconnect Austin are advocating for a full cap that truly reconnects Austin and fully restores the fabric of our city. The Reconnect Austin alternative is not posted on TxDOT’s Virtual Open House. However, we urge you to advocate for the depressed alternative they are currently showing.

It is critical that TxDOT hear from our community at this time. If TxDOT hears from YOU that Austin prefers the depressed alternative, we will be closer to creating the best solution for Austin.

To view TxDOT’s alternatives for the Urban Core follow this link: http://www.mobility35openhouse.com/Location/Segment5/Location.aspx

Please forward this message to your membership, your friends, your social network, and your co-workers. We need as many people as possible to follow the link and let TxDOT know what they believe would be the best choice for Austin.

Thanks and have a great day,

Sinclair, Heyden and the Reconnect Austin Team

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READ DANA’S LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR THE CUT AND CAP PLAN HERE.

KXAN recently reported that Downtown Austin’s crime level is at it’s lowest in 12 years (video below).

This is wonderful news for Downtown Austin, but DANA believes that funding must be continued for programs like the “Public Order Initiative.” We recently  wrote a letter in regards to the APD’s recent appropriation request (below).

“The Downtown Austin Alliance, the Downtown Neighborhood Association and the Congress for New Urbanism are also behind the idea.”

Preservation Austin and the Austin Convention and Visitor’s Bureau is proud to announce the historic walking tours iPhone app. This app for iPhones will provide downloadable tours of historic Austin with mapped locations, property descriptions, current and historic photos, and audio commentary.  The content will be divided into distinct geographic and thematic tours that can be downloaded individually, such as tours of Congress Avenue, East Sixth Street, and historic neighborhoods.  

Download the the Historic Austin Tours iPhone app and map your own walking tour of some of central Austin’s most historic streets, view photos of old Austin and listen to histories of the city’s most iconic structures.  Explore Austin’s present through the lens of the past; download Historic Austin Tours through iTunes.

Project Connect needs your feedback! Regional Transportation entities have joined forces to study transportation options to help keep us all moving between downtown Austin and communities in the North Corridor, including Hutto, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Georgetown, and others. Please join them for an Open House to discuss various options that are being studied in the North Corridor. Your input is critical to the success of this project. Time, location, and parking information for the Open Houses are listed below. For more information visit http://connectcentraltexas.com/ or e-mail info@connectcentraltexas.com.

Monday, June 24, 2013
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Allen R. Baca Center
301 W. Bagdad Avenue
Round Rock, Texas 78664

The Open House will be held in the Grand Meeting Room. Underground parking is available in the garage next to the Baca Center.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Dobie Middle School
1200 East Rundberg Lane
Austin, Texas 78753

The Open House will be held in the cafeteria. Parking is available in front of school, teacher’s parking lot and along side streets.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Pflugerville Justice Center
1611 Pfennig Lane
Pflugerville, Texas 78660

The Open House will be held in the municipal courtroom. Parking is available in front of the Justice Center.

Friday, June 28, 2013
12:00p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Webinar
Register online at https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/218186110