R/UDAT Austin: A Call to Action

The major concern indicated by Downtown property owners and businesses in the public hearings during the R/UDAT visit dealt with the homeless/transient population on the streets. Homelessness/transience is a troubling issue in many cities. Solutions will require the cooperation of both public and private entities. It is obvious that the lack of funding sources in a restricted City budget will necessitate Austin as a whole continuing to stress the need for the services and programs identified by the community and R/UDAT. Also, the Downtown Management Organization should find all of these issues of great importance to the revitalization of Downtown and the success of the Convention Center.

Short-term recommendations are:

RELOCATION OF FOOD KITCHEN	Consolidate services for the homeless in the vicinity of the Salvation Army. Caritas has received financial aid from the City to rent facilities for food distribution and other services and will operate at times the Salvation Army is closed.
DAY LABOR PICK-UP	Create a structured day labor program in conjunction with the Salvation Army. A pilot program was initiated by the City but proved to be unsuccessful. A more positive response is needed from the users of this type of labor and from the workers.
RELOCATION OF HOBO	HOBO was deemed the appropriate administrator for a homeless resource center and received $115,000 from the City to provide shelter and support services. The City has agreed to lease space at 411 West Second Street to HOBO subject to certain protections provided for adjoining properties.
DETOXIFICATION PROGRAM	R/UDAT supports the findings of the Detoxification Task Force. Recommendations are the use of excess capacity in existing treatment facilities at an annual cost of $620,000 for 10-detox and 25-treatment beds. In the longer term, the City should establish a detoxification and treatment facility which would include a booking station, 70-bed detox unit and 50-bed treatment unit. Estimated annual cost of operation of such a facility on a lease basis is $3,303,749.
SAFETY AND CLEANLINESS	Increase police protection and continue enforcement of the curfew and alcohol consumption ordinances. Twelve police officers and a supervisor have been assigned to the East Sixth Street area on Friday and Saturday nights. It is expected that this force will extend to other nights of the week once the Convention Center is opened. The enactment of the curfew and container ordinances have decreased complaint calls to the police by 25%. An ordinance prohibiting urination/defecation in public places went into effect in 1990. Resources for additional lighting and cleanliness have been installed. Additional sidewalk cleaning and extra security should be considered by a Downtown Management Organization as a possible project.
CHILD CARE FACILITIES	The need for day care facilities in or near Downtown is recognized. Some facilities are being provided by organizations such as churches. The State of Texas has recently opened a center for the use of State employees at Fifteenth Street and Lavaca. The University of Texas will provide on-campus facilities for faculty, students and employees. To address the needs of City workers, nonaffiliated employees and other government workers, the Health and Human Services Department is coordinating with Travis County and the Austin Independent School District to explore the feasibility of combining resources. Various sites are under consideration. Private contractors have offered services for child care in hotels accommodating visitors.
Long-term issues are:
CONVENIENCE, SAFETY, CLEANLINESS	Although daily cleaning of alleys and streets is the duty of the City, more responsibility for the appearance of Downtown should be assumed by property owners and businesses. Beautification as a marketing tool should be encouraged.
POLICE DISTRICT	It is suggested that there should be a special police district for the Downtown area. This necessity will increase with the opening of the Convention Center. Special identifying uniforms as an aid to visitors might be considered.
BARRICADES ON EAST SIXTH STREET	After capital improvements are in place on East Sixth Street, the City should reconsider the use of barricades to control traffic and crowds.