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The plan calls for traffic control methods to make the streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists. (Courtesy Living Streets)
Austin city council members hope to expand the plans that allowed neighborhood streets to be used for sports, games and small events during the pandemic.
The council unanimously approved a motion, led by Councilor Paige Ellis, to adopt the Living Streets Model, a program aimed at rethinking the use of local streets. The concept is used in several US cities and was piloted in Austin during the pandemic.
“It has become clear that Austinite want to get to know their neighbors more meaningfully. … Outdoor areas for public gatherings and entertainment are the perfect way to continue building relationships with communities, “Ellis said in a press release.
The resolution, passed on October 21, directs City Manager Spencer Cronk to work on the Neighborhood Block Party Program, which uses road closures to provide neighborhoods with safe venues for events. It also asked him to develop programs that encourage playing and exercising on public roads by addressing road safety and traffic issues.
The Living Streets model would in some cases allow residents to use materials such as barrels or plants to design part of the street for events. This is supposed to slow down cars and make roads safer to use for other purposes.
“Instead of clogging our streets with cars, we have the opportunity to do what cities across the country and around the world have done for centuries: prioritize the people on our streets, the connective tissue of our community,” said Mayoress Pro Tem Natasha Harper-Madison.
The plan is expected to take shape in the next few months, according to a press release from the Ellis office.
“When we get out of the social isolation we’ve all endured, it’s inspiring to have space to spread out and move to places we traditionally couldn’t,” said Councilor Leslie Pool.
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