Pinthouse Pizza
23rd Street Market Faces Extinction
RECEIVED Sat., May 16, 2009
Dear Editor,
Soon to be extinct are the artisans of the 23rd Street artists market (aka Renaissance Market). This market used to enjoy a well-deserved national reputation, be a popular tourist destination, put money into the Austin economy, and provide a living wage for local artisans. It has degenerated into a local meeting place for gangs, drug dealers. and vagrants.
The Austin Police Department does its best but is hamstrung by the local courts' dismissal of tickets written, lack of ordinances specific to the locale and problems, and city leaders who pander to faith-based groups who champion the homeless. The violence in this area has steadily escalated and threatens both the artisans as well as UT students and customers of the surrounding businesses. Now the few arrests the police are able to make aren't just turning up knives and drugs but handguns as well.
Artisans and pedestrians are threatened on a regular and ongoing basis by gang members and aggressive vagrants. Artists are told to stay in the front part of the market and not to interfere with "business" being conducted in the back; artists are told that if they call the police they will be a target of retaliation.
Plans are well under way to revitalize the market with such things as decorative arches and mosaics on the sidewalk and new trees – but no money is being allocated for security and protection.
When the plans are finished, I'm sure that the area will be beautiful. Unfortunately, there won't be any artisans to see it unless we address this problem now. Do we really need to wait until there is an incident of sufficient magnitude to warrant publicity and public outcry before we take action? Please write or call the mayor, City Council members, and the Parks & Recreation Department, and let them know that the people of Austin want to protect this 35-year-old market and the local artisans.
Soon to be extinct are the artisans of the 23rd Street artists market (aka Renaissance Market). This market used to enjoy a well-deserved national reputation, be a popular tourist destination, put money into the Austin economy, and provide a living wage for local artisans. It has degenerated into a local meeting place for gangs, drug dealers. and vagrants.
The Austin Police Department does its best but is hamstrung by the local courts' dismissal of tickets written, lack of ordinances specific to the locale and problems, and city leaders who pander to faith-based groups who champion the homeless. The violence in this area has steadily escalated and threatens both the artisans as well as UT students and customers of the surrounding businesses. Now the few arrests the police are able to make aren't just turning up knives and drugs but handguns as well.
Artisans and pedestrians are threatened on a regular and ongoing basis by gang members and aggressive vagrants. Artists are told to stay in the front part of the market and not to interfere with "business" being conducted in the back; artists are told that if they call the police they will be a target of retaliation.
Plans are well under way to revitalize the market with such things as decorative arches and mosaics on the sidewalk and new trees – but no money is being allocated for security and protection.
When the plans are finished, I'm sure that the area will be beautiful. Unfortunately, there won't be any artisans to see it unless we address this problem now. Do we really need to wait until there is an incident of sufficient magnitude to warrant publicity and public outcry before we take action? Please write or call the mayor, City Council members, and the Parks & Recreation Department, and let them know that the people of Austin want to protect this 35-year-old market and the local artisans.
Thank you,
Kat Allison
Kat Allison