Downtown

April 1997

• Austin Downtown Rangers
  In April 1997 the Rangers also received training in the following areas: 1) Customer Service, from ACVB, 2) First Aid training, from EMS, 3) CPR training, also from EMS, and 4) gang awareness training from APD.

• Destination Downtown Arts & Entertainment Map
  The Alliance is scheduled to update and reprint the map during summer and fall FY 1997.

• Downtown Development Initiatives
  On February 5, 1997 City staff made a brief status report to the City Council at the Work Session. Following the staff report Matt Kreisle made a brief presentation on the Heritage Austin Program to develop a vision for downtown. On March 18 the Council was given a full presentation on the program. The City is participating in the process, which also includes other public jurisdictions, downtown business groups, neighborhood associations and private citizens.

• Downtown Distribution Network Conversion
  The Seaholm substation is scheduled to be completed June 1997.

• Downtown Parking Plan
  The City Council has approved awarding a contract to purchase an electronic parking meter system. The conversion to electronic parking meters will be phased in over a three to four year plan. The first phase of the installation is expected to be completed in July 1997. The ordinance amendments required to implement the plan will be completed by June, 1997.

• Great Streets Program
  Funding for the Driskill corner in now complete. The Alliance is working with the Department of Public Works and Transportation and the Driskill on design development of the project. Two new small projects are: 1) the northwest corner of Eighth and Red River, and 2) the Barton Springs / Congress Avenue "triangle."

• Homeless Resource Center
  Under the auspices of the Community Action Network (CAN), the City and County recently negotiated a contract with Austin/Travis County Mental Health Mental Retardation (A/TC MHMR) to provide services through the Homeless Resource Center from April-December 1997.

• Labor Connections (Day Labor Site)
  Under the auspices of the Community Action Network (CAN), the City and County recently negotiated a contract with Austin/Travis County Mental Health Mental Retardation (A/TC MHMR) to provide services at the Day Labor Pick-Up Site from April-December 1997.

• Lamar Boulevard Bridge
  The Environmental Assessment has been submitted. Planning is underway for public participation to get input on pedestrian and bicycle facilities.

• O. Henry Museum Restoration
  The five sets of shutters were installed on October 30, 1996, and approved on November 7. The final payment has been made to the contractor.

• Seaholm Substation Expansion
  Remediation of hazardous materials at the Seaholm Substation site has been completed. All of the equipment needed for the substation expansion has been purchased and installed. Construction of the substation was completed in April along with the relocation of the transmission lines at the site.

• Street Reconstruction and Overlay
  San Jacinto Street: Construction is scheduled for April 1997. Lavaca Street: Construction started mid-September 1996 and is expected to be completed in April 1997.