May 2024 ECC Neighborhood Meeting

Hello Neighbors,

Thank you to all the incredible women in our neighborhood who are the backbone of our families and community. I'm especially grateful for my amazing partner, Elle, whose unwavering support is the unseen force that makes our family's contributions to this neighborhood possible. That will be the case again at the next general meeting on Wednesday, May 15 @ 6pm in a HYBRID format at a new location:

• In-person at Foundry II at 1600 E 4th Street, 1st floor AND 

• Virtually via this Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85746914611.

The meeting agenda is available here, which includes Land Use Cases, Hybrid Parking Planning, & Public Safety initiatives.

Table of Contents

• Announcements & Events

• Crime & Safety Update

• Hybrid Parking Initiative Update

• Land Use Updates

Announcements & Events

Crime & Safety Update

• Background: 

  • Last Fall, ECC neighbors facilitated and hosted a meeting with Council Member Jose Valasquez, the Homeless Strategy Office, and the Austin Police Department to discuss concerns with unpoliced criminal activity and unsafe conditions caused by hundreds of individuals that migrate into the ECC neighborhood for services at the Austin Baptist Chapel Angel House Soup Kitchen. There have been several subsequent meetings with APD and HSO.

  • In February, HSO began HEAL outreach to offer bridge shelter and housing resources. Approximately 30 individuals accepted housing support. However, these efforts did not provide lasting relief to the neighborhood.

  • At the April meeting, several residents and business owners requested that ECC Neighborhood advocate for increased City services and resources.

Update: Following April’s ECC meeting, there was an immediate email to Mayor Watson and City Manager outlining the neighborhood’s concerns. Read the email here. Next Steps:

• Finalize ECC’s letter to the City at the May 15 meeting.

• Provide an opportunity for community members to sign on to the letter and provide impact statements.

• Submit the final letter to COA by May 31.

Hybrid Parking Initiative Update

Background: The ECC Team is working with the City to develop a “hybrid” parking zone to help alleviate parking challenges for portions of the ECC neighborhood. For more details on the initiative, please see the presentation here and/or share your feedback here.

Update: It’s time to start the planning process! Join this Wednesday’s meeting to learn how to contribute to planning for your block.

Land Use Updates 

Thanks for participating in our community, and I look forward to seeing everyone! -ep

Eric Pace, Chair
ECCNA/NPCT