In the wake of recent national tragedies, Austin's Sixth Street—a hub of nightlife and historic attractions—is testing a new safety strategy that diverges from its decades-long practice of closing to vehicle traffic during weekend peak hours. According to FOX 7 Austin, Police Chief Lisa Davis is overseeing a pilot program that ventures to reopen the street to cars on Thursdays and Sundays. Within the past three weekends, these changes have been implemented without incident, Davis reported, lending some early credence to the initiative.
Chief Davis, with a history worn like badges of honor of seeking improvements in public safety, believes this move could reduce the crime and disorder that often plagues the Sixth Street area. "It is unbelievable the amount of injuries to officers and uses of force we have in this area," she told FOX 7 Austin. In tandem with reopening, taller curbs ranging from 12 to 18 inches high are slated for installation, designed to prevent vehicles from encroaching on sidewalk spaces.
Despite the theoretical advantages touted by the police department, the initiative has not been without its critics. According to KXAN, Aaron Morales, the General Manager of The Library Bar, echoed concert from bar owners who are skeptical about the program's implications for safety and business. "We all think this will hurt business, but I think more importantly is public safety," Morales said. Fears range from drive-by shootings to the dangers inherent in mixing vehicular and pedestrian traffic, particularly when alcohol is involved.
However, in the pursuit of a delicate balance between access and security, the police department has also reportedly engaged the expertise of crowd management professionals and a crowd psychologist, aiming to craft an environment that is both inviting and secure. Morales, along with other Sixth Street stakeholders, clings to the hope that city leaders might "change their mind" in light of the recent tragedy in New Orleans. This sentiment was captured when he told KXAN, "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.'"
Meanwhile, backing for the open-street concept is also voiced from the commercial sector. Richard Suttle, an attorney representing Stream Realty, which owns numerous properties on the street, imparted his support for the plan to KXAN. "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," Suttle expounded.
