The city of Austin is set to salute New Year’s Eve with a free celebration at Auditorium Shores featuring Third Eye Blind, local bands, food and fireworks. This year, the event will be part of the “New Year’s Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen” broadcast on CNN. “Austin’s New Year is back and […]
Elizabeth Pagano
Elizabeth Pagano is the editor of the Austin Monitor.
Posted inPlanning
City looks to expand parking and trails at Pennybacker Bridge
During its last meeting of the year, City Council made a move that its members hope will improve access to the Pennybacker Bridge Overlook for years to come. Council members voted unanimously to move forward with eminent domain proceedings to acquire about 1.5 acres near the Loop 360 overlook for an estimated $167,186. The land […]
Posted inWhispers
AUS traffic takes a dip in October
Traffic at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) was down 6.14 percent in October when compared to the previous year. The airport reports 1,915,146 passengers flew this October. However, total air cargo was up 14.72 percent (by weight). From January through October, total passenger traffic was down 1.17 percent, with AUS seeing 18,166,875 passengers in total during […]
Posted inWhispers
Pedestrian bridge construction to change traffic for a bit
Construction on the new bicycle and pedestrian bridge before the Longhorn Dam will alter traffic patterns on Pleasant Valley Road starting today. According to a missive from the Transportation and Public Works Department, the traffic configuration will change by: Shifting both traffic lanes to the east side of South Pleasant Valley Road to one-way in […]
Posted inWhispers
Parking changes for Stephen F. Austin Drive
In an effort to address parking challenges for students, parking on Stephen F. Austin Drive will be reserved for Austin High School students between Cesar Chavez Street and Veterans Drive from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. The road, which is actually a private street owned by AISD, will still be open to the public […]
Posted inWhispers
Holiday traffic enforcement in effect
Starting today, the Austin Police Department will increase traffic and DWI enforcement. The holiday push will run through Jan. 1, 2025, and includes the No Refusal Initiative, which is in effect from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. through the year. “This initiative is an effort to enforce DWI laws, keep the public safe by encouraging […]
Posted inWhispers
Elisabet Ney Museum to close temporarily
In order to undergo renovations, the Elisabet Ney Museum will close Dec. 30, with an anticipated reopening in the summer of 2026. According to a press release from the city, the project “includes restoration of original exterior wood doors and windows, upgrades and replacement of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, replacement of the […]
Posted inTipSheets
TipSheet: Austin City Council, 12.12.24
Today’s City Council meeting is the last of the year, which always makes for a packed agenda. This Thursday is no different, so there’s a lot we have our eye on. It’s also the last meeting for Council members Alison Alter, Leslie Pool and Mackenzie Kelly, who said goodbye in a ceremony on Tuesday. The […]
Posted inWhispers
Which way, sis?
Timed to celebrate a new sisterhood with Limerick, Ireland, City Hall has welcomed a new wayfinding landmark that marks its proximity to its many sibling cities around the world. The sign, which was erected in front of City Hall, was fabricated and installed by the Transportation and Public Works Department in recognition of the Economic […]
Posted inPreservation
Landmark commission strikes compromise on former summer camp
In a departure from its typical focus, the Historic Landmark Commission voted to preserve a local landmark without focusing on its architecture at all. Instead, commissioners voted unanimously to preserve a portion of a former summer camp in Northwest Hills, based on its community value, landscape features and archaeology. The property, which is located at […]
Posted inWhispers
Sound off on mechanical sound
In October, City Council passed a resolution aimed at improving the city’s sound regulations when it comes to things like air conditioners and landscaping equipment. Until Dec. 20, the Development Services Department is looking to gather feedback on Austin’s current mechanical equipment noise regulations and has invited anyone with information or personal experience to share […]
Posted inWhispers
Preservation Austin gets $1 million for new (old) home
The McBee Family Foundation has given $1 million to Preservation Austin to forward its mission in the city. According to a press release from Preservation Austin, the gift will support “establishing the newly-named McFarland-McBee House, built in 1947, as Preservation Austin’s office and home base.” In a statement to the press, Robert F. McBee, president […]