Waivers approved for 3 Austin festivals

Gus Pena, an Austin resident and community activist, opposed the waivers saying that he would like to see process for public objection upheld so the communities can have a voice.

"The neighborhoods should, with any issue that's going to involve compromising the safety, health or well-being of the neighborhood, should have [a] process," Pena said.

Gordon Derr, assistant director of the Austin Transportation Department, said they have been talking with the affected neighborhoods to address their concerns about the closure as well as working out how to include access for other events in the area while the festivals are underway.

"I think we're pretty far along on finding ways to get those people in to the events while still holding the [festivals] in the adjacent park area," Derr said.

One such conflict is with the Urban Music Festival and Ballet Austin's 5th Biennial New American Talent/Dance performance in March.

Event officials are willing to work with neighborhoods to lessen the possible affects of the events to the surrounding community Bobby Garza, General Manager with Transmission Events said. Transmission Events produces Fun Fun Fun Fest.

"I commit to everyone here publicly that we're willing to have those ongoing conversations to make sure that we take everyone's concerns into account as we develop our transportation plan with the Transportation Department," Garza said.

The Urban Music Festival is scheduled for March 28 and 29, the Austin Reggae Festival is scheduled for April 18 through 20 and Fun Fun Fun Fest is scheduled for Nov. 7 through 9.

Councilman Bill Spelman talked with Garza at the meeting and felt comfortable that the event was interested in working with neighborhoods to meet their needs and maintain a positive relationship even outside the normal process.

"It seems to me that the balance of power is maintained not primarily through the formality of the agreement but through the long-term relationship between the event promoters and the neighborhoods and the users of the Long Center," Spelman said.