The Planning Commission recommended amendments to the Austin Core Transportation Plan during a recent meeting, focusing on urbanist principles for the city's downtown streets. While the commission debated proposals for reorienting Fifth through Eighth streets from one-way to two-way, concerns emerged regarding bus-only lanes and traffic flow. Alice Woods's proposed amendment ultimately failed to pass. Advocates asserted that two-way conversions increase safety and community engagement, yet commissioners underscored the importance of maintaining vehicular access and public transport functionality amidst evolving downtown dynamics.
"While I support the intention to enhance pedestrian safety and urban engagement, we must consider the implications for traffic flow and public transport accessibility," Skidmore stated, emphasizing the complexities of the proposed street conversions.
Adam Greenfield of Safe Streets Austin argued that converting downtown streets to two-way would improve safety by slowing traffic and reducing the use of streets as thoroughfares, thus strengthening engagement in the area.
Barrera-Ramirez raised concerns about potential drawbacks, asserting that the amendment might eliminate vital bus-only lanes which are crucial for efficient public transportation access in the downtown vicinity.
The Planning Commission's recommendation reflects a balance between urbanist principles and the practical realities of city transportation needs, illustrating the ongoing struggle between development and accessibility in Austin.
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