Photo by Andrea Leptinsky 
Photo by Andrea LeptinskyRoadway infrastructure needs review, residents say
With at least four new developments targeted for South Lamar Boulevard between Barton Springs Road and Oltorf Street—most of which are scheduled for completion in 2013—residents are expressing concern over whether the corridor's infrastructure can handle the new development and whether the City of Austin is doing enough to keep the cost of living along South Lamar affordable.
If these four developments are seen through their construction, these properties—Gibson Flats, Hanover South Lamar, Lamar Plaza and Post South Lamar—collectively would bring more than 36,000 square feet of additional retail space to the corridor, as well as more than 1,000 residential units. And while nearby stakeholders say they are excited to see the corridor's development blossom, there are unintended consequences that city leaders and developers may be overlooking.
"I think some of the initial changes [along South Lamar] were pretty mild, but also fairly positive," said Andrew Elder, president of the Zilker Neighborhood Association. "It was turnover of some of [South Lamar's] older industrial uses into some retail, small businesses, bars and restaurants. New things were coming in with these older establishments and bringing in residents and amenities, which I think were pretty positive."
Residents became concerned, however, when one development involved the demolition of an affordable housing complex that resulted in the displacement of area families, Elder said.
