From Hwy. 71 improvements to art festivals and new city committees, here are a few updates from the city of Bee Cave in May.
Pecan Street Festival event in Bee Cave draws 170 vendors, local visitors
On May 3 and 4, the Pecan Street Festival, traditionally held on Sixth Street in downtown Austin, relocated to the Hill Country Galleria. Although festival producers have said they are now in talks with the city of Austin to explore returning downtown in the fall, some artists and vendors shared positive feedback on the Bee Cave relocation, citing improved security and reduced traffic concerns.
Bee Cave voters approve of Propositions A and B
During Bee Cave’s May 3 election, voters showed support for both propositions put forward on the ballot. Proposition A, which proposed a sales tax collection to be put toward city road improvements, was approved by 85.76% of voters.
Proposition B, which proposed constructing a new public safety building for Bee Cave Police and Lake Travis Fire Station 603, was approved by 82.89% of voters.
The city’s budget for the new public safety building is set at $18 million, and Lake Travis Fire Rescue will cover an additional $13 million, bringing the total cost of the building to $31 million.
City of Bee Cave takes steps toward historical preservation
Members were appointed to the city of Bee Cave’s new Historic Preservation Committee at a council meeting May 27. The committee was formed in order to preserve and document the history of Bee Cave, as Mayor Kara King said that much historical knowledge is currently carried by older residents of the city. Strategies for documentation suggested by council members include conducting interviews with these longtime residents of the city and recording their stories.
City of Bee Cave to help fund sculpture park revitalization
The Bee Cave Sculpture Park will soon see revitalization efforts, including new sculpture installations, following a City Council decision on May 13. A resolution passed by the city will provide funding for five new sculptures as well as name plates, maps and brochures for the park. Additionally, funding will be provided for events, awards and celebrations.
TxDOT narrows scope of Hwy. 71 Safety Improvement Project in Bee Cave
The Texas Department of Transportation’s Hwy. 71 Safety Improvement Project, which will implement new medians along a stretch of Hwy. 71 running through Bee Cave in order to reduce crashes and fatalities, was shortened in May. The project will now only see medians added between Bee Creek Road and Hamilton Pool Road, excluding the downtown region between Hamilton Pool Road and Uplands Ridge Drive.
The change was made to prevent traffic disruptions, City Manager Julie Oakley said.
