1. View photos of construction of Plaza Saltillo development that began Wednesday
The plaza has been 20 years in the making. To celebrate the ground breaking, Capital Metro, city leaders and developer Endeavor Real Estate Group were on hand at the ceremony. The project is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2019, said Jason Thumlert, principal at Endeavor.
2. Fourth of July is Tuesday
From the Tarrytown Fourth of July Parade to the H-E-B Fireworks and Symphony, there’s a way to celebrate the holiday at any point of the day on Tuesday. Here’s a guide for events happening around all parts of the Austin area. Make sure to also be aware of all closures in effect throughout the holiday.
3. Planning to celebrate at home? Follow safety guidelines
Travis County and Williamson County officials urge caution to residents who plan to use fireworks during the Fourth of July holiday. Fireworks can be dangerous when used improperly and can cause serious burns and injuries. Neither county is under a burn ban, but fires can still occur while using fireworks.
4. Salvation Army Austin broke ground on a new facility Thursday
The new community center, named the Citadel Corps Community Center and Area Command, is located near the Mueller Development at 4700 Manor Road. The facility is slated to include a gymnasium, kitchen, multipurpose/community room, a chapel for worship services and the area command’s administrative offices.
5. Frustration expressed over details of FY 2017-18 proposed budget
Central Health Manager Clarke Heidrick said he might not approve the 2017-18 fiscal year budget if the board plans to continue to use intergovernmental transfers, or IGTs, as a means of funding. The budget draft will next go through the Central Health Budget and Finance Committee on July 19, and the board of managers will receive an update at the next board meeting July 26.
6. CodeNEXT's transect zones may get eliminated in possible organizational overhaul
CodeNEXT—the rewrite of the city’s land development code—may be headed for an organizational overhaul after city staff this week proposed eliminating transect zones in an effort to make the code less confusing.
7. Mobility Authority secured TxDOT funding for US 183 North project
The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority will negotiate a $120 million advance funding agreement. The US 183 North project is scheduled to add four toll lanes, a fourth continuous nontolled lane between MoPac and RM 620, bicycle and pedestrian elements such as sidewalks, and direct connectors to MoPac express lanes and RM 620.
