Austin Police Chief provides update on pilot program opening 6th Street to cars

AUSTIN (KXAN) --- In light of the tragic attack in New Orleans, Austin leaders provided an update on what's being done to keep Sixth Street and the heart of local nightlife safe.

KXAN previously reported about plans to open that area to vehicle traffic every day of the week. It's an area that's typically closed off during the weekends.

During a press conference on Thursday, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis provided updates to the pilot program.

"The current phase is opening it on Thursdays and Sundays, and that has been taking effect over the past three weekends and without any incident," Chief Davis said. "It's not as busy on those days, and we are now currently with the students for the holidays. That was a good opportunity to do that, and it gives us some opportunity to look at what those gaps are that we need to address."

When it comes to a point where Sixth Street sees massive crowds, Davis said APD will close the street completely. She said they also hired a crowd management expert and a crowd psychologist to help assist with this.

According to a previous email sent from city staff to stakeholders, goals include:

• Create expanded and dedicated pedestrian areas for more organized line ques and walking pathways
• Open travel lanes
• Reduce the need for street closures
• Enhance safety
• Use officer staff time more efficiently

Davis said security upgrades will include taller curb edges that are about 12 to 18 inches high, as well as balusters nailed into the ground installed in the parking spaces along Sixth Street.

"It was supposed to come in, I believe Jan. 9, and we've already been told that that's been pushed back. It's being delayed," Davis said. "So as soon as we get that equipment in, we're going to get those into the ground."

Davis said if this can't be done safely, "we're not going to do it."

An attorney for Stream Realty, which owns dozens of properties on the street, sent a statement to KXAN about these plans.

"After years of working with other stakeholders, including the City of Austin, on how to bring 6th back to its historical position as Austin’s signature downtown neighborhood, Stream, along with other business and property owners, believe opening the street to traffic will help to mitigate risk and increase safety by limiting large gatherings in the middle of the street."

Richard Suttle, Attorney for Stream Realty

'Change their mind'

The Library Bar General Manager Aaron Morales said on any given weekend, thousands of people walk through their doors. He said bar owners met with the Chief and said they were against this.

Morales said they were told safety was the biggest reason for the change.

"They wanted to open the street to keep people that aren't going to the bars, off the street," Morales said.

Still, he has his own safety concerns as well.

"We all think this will hurt business, but I think more importantly is public safety," Morales said. "We're worried about drive by shootings. We're worried about cars just being in the mix with pedestrians that are intoxicated."

Ultimately, Morales hopes city leaders change their mind.

"In light of the tragic incident in New Orleans, that maybe they'll say, 'You know what, this is a bad idea. Let's not beta test this. Let's not go through with this,'" Morales said.