The Daily Hustle: 2/21/11

Better late than never, the Hustle has some new for you regarding changes affecting Rainey Street.

The once sleepy neighborhood on the cusp of Downtown has slowly morphed into a nascent entertainment district, to the chagrin of neighbors, some who have begun to fight some establishments' sound permits. Add in parking woes, and a lack of sidewalks, and you have a recipe for trouble.

Picking up on recent council action to address these issues, the city's sponsoring a Rainey open house. From the city:

The City of Austin will sponsor an open house Wednesday, Feb. 23, to present information and get public input regarding the future of Rainey Street, a downtown neighborhood facing urban growth issues.

City officials are seeking feedback from the community concerning pedestrian safety, traffic congestion and parking issues.

The Austin Rainey Street discussion will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Mexican American Cultural Center, 600 River St. Free parking will be available.

At the open house, booths will be set up allowing the public to learn more about proposed improvements to Rainey Street and the surrounding area. Representatives from a variety of City departments will be present to answer questions and take comments.

This will be an opportunity for the public to provide the City with input before plans are final.

The City will also take public comments after the meeting via e-mail at [email protected]; the City of Austin Facebook page; and Twitter (#raineystreet).

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