[provided by Adam Smith, City of Austin, 4/6/04]
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Area 1 Walkabout – Summary

Attendees: Claudette Lowe, Danette Chimenti, Magen Morse, Paul Michals

City Staff: Adam Smith, Tom Bolt, Scott Whiteman

The following is a list of concerns expressed during the walkabout:

  1. Oak wilt – killing live oak trees in the neighborhood. The estimated cost of implementing a preliminary plan to stop the spread of oak wilt is between $100,000 - $200,000
  2. Noise ordinance needs to amended and enforced to protect nearby residents from excessively loud music coming from clubs on South Congress
  3. More sidewalks are needed
  4. Additional signage is needed on Academy notifying motorists that Academy does not have access to Riverside Dr.
  5. Storm sewers near the end of Academy pose a potential hazard for children since the openings are large and there are no grates
  6. Transient population living under the Riverside/Academy bridge
  7. Crime – car break-ins
  8. Shattered glass on streets - caused by glass falling off City recycle trucks
  9. Poison ivy along the sidewalk on Sunset prevents residents from using the sidewalk and walking in the street
  10. Curb and gutter needed along Sunset
  11. Leaking water line at 302 Academy
  12. Lack of parking for businesses along South Congress creating parking problems in neighborhood. Business goers disregard fire hydrants and safe distances from intersections when parking their vehicles
  13. Trash left behind in the neighborhood by S. Congress business goers
  14. The State House Apartment’s rear gate is occasionally left open despite agreeing to opening the gate only for emergency vehicles

The following concerns were provided via email to Ms. Lowe:

  1. Cut through traffic and increased speeds on East Monroe due to traffic calming on Live Oak. Stops signs and Newning have helped slow speeds, but speeding still a problem.
  2. Visibility on Academy as residents back out of their driveways
  3. Lack of businesses on South Congress that provide "everyday" services such as grocery stores, delis, etc. Would like to see a greater diversity of businesses on S. Congress beyond entertainment, high-end clothing and hair salons.