From new rail line discussions to a public hearing on gun control, here’s what’s going on in Austin this week.
Capital Metro Will Recommend Two Train Lines And A Downtown Tunnel
Capital Metro is going big when it comes to transit expansion in Austin. On Monday, its Project Connect team has plans to recommend the construction of two light rail lines and a downtown tunnel to help them move along faster.
Read more about the plans here.
Transportation Policy Board To Discuss Transit Needs And An I-35 Funding Plan
The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Transportation Policy Board is set to meet on Monday night. It will discuss a study of the region’s transit needs, particularly in areas outside Capital Metro’s service area. If the board adopts the findings, it will be used to guide planning decisions moving forward.
The board is also expected to discuss the new funding plan for the I-35 Capital Express project through downtown Austin. Part of the $4.3 billion proposal involves a reallocation of funds given to CAMPO by the Texas Department of Transportation.
The Rewrite Of Austin’s Land Use Code Is Heading To Court (Again)
The city’s rewrite of its land development code heads to court Monday, after 19 homeowners sued the city in December.
Tens of thousands of property owners in Austin have filed protests with the city over how rules determining what can be built on their land or in their neighborhood may change with a proposed rewrite of the city’s zoning rules. The legal right to protest a rezoning is in state law, but the city argues that this is a change affecting every property in Austin, meaning it’s more like a policy change than a specific rezoning.
Lawyers suing the city don’t buy this – and will argue in district court that state law still applies. If they win, the City Council needs 9 of 11 members voting to veto a zoning protest. Votes that at the moment, the council doesn’t appear to have.
Read more about the case here.
State Senate Committee Will Hear Testimony On Gun Control
The Senate Select Committee on Mass Violence Prevention and Community Safety is talking about gun control on Tuesday. The committee will hear public testimonies on the topic of “keeping firearms out of the hands of individuals who would not pass a federal background check, while protecting the Second Amendment and Texans’ right to bear arms.” The public hearing is at 9 a.m. in the Capitol.
Organizations Are Teaming Up To Support Those Affected By The SXSW Cancellation
In the wake of the cancellation of South by Southwest due to concerns over coronavirus, people are stepping up to help those dealing with the fallout of losing the 10-day economic powerhouse that befalls Austin each spring.
Businesses and venues have started fundraisers to help the bartenders, hospitality workers, artists and others affected by the cancellation. Some organizations are trying to re-home cancelled showcases and events. As the original event dates — March 16-22 — near, we’ll be keeping an eye on how the community responds.
KUT And KUTX Events Happening This Week
Got Questions About The Coronavirus?
KUT is planning a live, one-hour program aimed at answering your questions about the virus, its potential effects on Austin and Central Texas and what we can all do to help stop the spread of the disease. Ask your questions here and then listen on Thursday at 9 a.m. on KUT 90.5 or online at KUT.org.
KUTX Presents Walker Lukens, Nolan Potters Nightmare Band And More
KUTX is putting on a show for all ages at Barracuda on Saturday at 8 p.m. The show features Walker Lukens, Nolan Potter’s Nightmare Band, SMiiLE, Löwin, Think No Think, Zettajoule, Stilletto Feels and UVH.
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