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Keep Downtown Austin Beautiful – Adopt-a-Stop

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Austinites Beautifying a Local Bus Stop
Austinites Beautifying a Local Bus Stop

Regular readers of the DAB know I primarily ride public transportation, and while I am a proponent of using our bus system to the fullest, I am also aware of some problems with our current system.  In my “Carless and Hopeful” post in June, I mention one of my dislikes about riding the bus is the actual bus-stops/shelters.  Some bus-stops do not have benches, some benches are not covered, and MOST bus-stops are a little depressing in terms of their look and feel.  That’s why when my friend, Alissa Schram, a CapMetro employee, told me about the Adopt-a-Stop program, I got a little pumped.

Here’s the low-down:

Local organizations and business (or individuals) can “adopt” bus-stops and essentially “decorate” them and keep them clean.  And it’s only a one-time fee of about $40 (to pay for installation of a sign with your organization’s name).  Note that additional decor/etc, will of course cost more.  It’s really a simple program and idea, and one that’s been successful in other communities (here is a write-up from a city in Australia that uses the program).

This program is not new (and definitely not unique to Austin), but it’s also not well-known, so I thought I’d share it with our faithful readers.  The vision I have is actually one where our Condo Associations adopt their nearby bus-stops, increasing their curb appeal and making these community service stops an extension of their buildings, giving them each a unique feel/vibe, and thereby enhancing the downtown Austin neighborhood and making it a more beautiful and interesting place to live, work, and play. With the vibrant art community that Austin has, I’m surprised that some of these city stops have not been claimed and re-tooled already.

For more information or for answers to any questions not addressed on the Adopt-a-Stop web page, you can contact Alissa Schram directly at Alissa.Schram AT capmetro DOT org.

And here are some pics of some really cool bus stops from all around the world, to maybe give you all some inspiration to get your condo association or company to join up (not that all of these would be a good idea – or even possible – for actual bus stops in Austin, they are just neat):

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Tougher Pan Handling Ordinance

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The Downtown Commission approved tougher rules against panhandling.  There were no objections from public input.  The DC’s recommendation will now be presented to Austin City Council for approval.  If the new ordinance is passed, then it will be illegal to panhandle at any time of day, rather than just at night time as it is currently.

Dozens of groups were at the table, notably social services like Caritas and the ARCH, in support of drafting new ordinance language.  When the staff of the ARCH is in favor of something like this, we should expect Council get behind this, too.

Beth Atherton, executive director of Caritas, says most people think panhandling is a homeless issue.  But she says most people who panhandle are not homeless and the best way to help the less fortunate is by giving time or money to agencies which provide services for those without.

Video on KVUE

Historic Districting

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DAPTownHallMtg10-10-09 - historic preservation strategies map

One of my favorite pastimes is researching Austin’s history.  The word ‘historic’ is used casually in conversation, but until recently I didn’t fully grasp the differences in the official designations that the City of Austin and the State of Texas use to qualify a property as historic.  At the recent Downtown Austin Plan town hall, ROMA provided a quality presentation that made the differences salient.

Historic districts contribute to a city’s personality.  Since much of Austin’s history is contained within the boundaries of downtown, we’re devoting extra attention to this part of the Downtown Austin Plan.  Of course, there is an important philosophic and economic debate whenever a property is being scrutinized and potentially limited in what can be done with it – as historic determination does.  Some very smart and engaged stakeholders disagree on how to approach growth in downtown Austin, as evidenced in the discussion surrounding the Warehouse District.  It is possible and necessary to encourage vertical growth in downtown Austin.  But, I believe we can accomplish that growth while protecting districts which are established and culturally significant.

The last survey of of buildings which could be labeled as “culturally significant” was delivered in 1984.  25 years ago! That Cultural Resource Survey only looked at buildings at least 50 years old (in 1985).  You might be surprised to know that the Travis County Courthouse was not included because it was too young at the time.

The Heritage Society of Austin is the private-sector advocacy group that seeks to “ensure the preservation of our diverse community’s architectural and cultural past for present and future generations.”  The need for a new survey was vocalized at the town hall and, clearly, we are over due.

Now, onto the differences in establishing historic districts. (DAB community, please fill in the gaps if I’m leaving something out, and thank you in advance)

National Register Historic Districts (NRHDs)
-Designated by Texas Historical Commission, National Parks Service
-Listed in the National Register of Historic Places
-Receive extra consideration before any federal projects, such as highway construction
-Promote public awareness of the special character of Austin
-Eligible rehab projects may achieve preservation tax credits, if income producing properties
–No prohibition against demolition or relocation of structures in district
-Building, demolition and relocation permits are reviewed by Historic Landmark Commission

When someone claims “6th Street is historic”, this is what makes it so – it’s an NRHD.  Congress Avenue, Rainey Street, and the Bremond Block make up the set of downtown Austin NRHDs.

Local Historic Districts (LHDs)
-Reviewed by the City of Austin Historic Landmark Commission
-Designated and zoned by City of Austin, with 51% owners’ agreement
-Required design standards for preservation of historic buildings and for new construction and alteration of exterior and existing buildings
-Property tax incentive available for rehab of historic buildings
-Provides higher bar for demolition or relocation of contributing buildings

LHDs are more effective than NRHDs at protecting the character of the district.  ROMA is looking at E. 6th Street, E 3rd Street @ Red River (Waterloo Compound), W 6th Commercial blocks, and the Warehouse District as potential LHDs.

You can download a complete copy of ROMA’s town hall presentation here.  (pdf, 29MB).

-Jude

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