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Community Corner

🌱 City Scrambles Ahead Of Shelter Closing + A 3D-Printed Venue?

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Austin.

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Jessica Collins, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Hello and good morning, everyone! It's Jessica back in your inbox bright and early this morning with your fresh edition of the Austin Patch newsletter. I've gathered up the most important local news and community updates — so you don't have to!

Grab your morning coffee and settle in while we dive into:

  • Austin is getting the first 3D-printed, outdoor performance pavilion!
  • The city is scrambling to find housing options ahead of the downtown shelter closing.
  • Chart-topping superstar SZA is performing this evening.
  • Did you know Travis County is hosting an Expunction Expo?! I've got the scoop below.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy and warm. High: 84 Low: 63.

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Here are the top stories today in Austin:

1) Many shelter residents are still without housing a week before the Salvation Army Shelter is set to permanently close its doors. The shelter reportedly found housing alternatives for "as many as 32 residents and that some had been offered travel vouchers to Dallas to stay at a Salvation Army shelter there. Another 32 haven't been offered alternatives." Mayor Kirk Watson is pushing the Salvation Army to keep the shelter open as it negotiates the sale of its property, and states he's committed to finding solutions for the soon-to-be displaced residents. KUT has more on this story here.

2) Following the death of Jason John last month, the city installed temporary solar-powered lighting along the Lady Bird Lake Hike & Bike trail. The Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) has a permanent lighting plan that also includes fencing options, more wayfinding/signage, safety beacons and cameras. Construction on the permanent lighting fixtures will begin in June and will span the Rainey Street trailhead and the I-35 overpass. Head over to KVUE to learn more.

3) Travis County will hold an "Expunction Expo" in May to help residents clear old arrest records. Who's qualified to have their records cleared?

  • "Travis County residents who were arrested but never charged
  • Residents with a criminal charge that was dismissed
  • Residents who completed a diversion program
  • Residents who were acquitted of a charge
  • Residents who were pardoned of a crime by the Texas governor or the president of the United States"

The online portal to apply is open now (here) and the deadline to apply for the expo is April 7. Community Impact has more on this initiative here.

4) The Long Center will be the future home of the first 3D-printed, outdoor performance pavilion! This work of art was conceived and executed by Austin hotelier Liz Lambert, architecture firm Bjarke Ingels Group and Icon, an Austin-based, 3D-printing construction company. The stage will make its debut during an event Icon is hosting at The Long Center on March 15 at 3:30 p.m. The Austin American-Statesman has the full scoop here.

Today in Austin:

  • Birds in the Landscape at The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. (8 a.m.)
  • Artist Talk with Rejina Thomas at The Neill-Cochran House Museum. (6 p.m.)
  • Silversun Pickups with Paris Jackson at Emo's. (7 p.m.)
  • Film Screening: "The Place She Dwells" at Southwest Theaters. (7 p.m.)
  • Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night at Austin Eastciders, Barton Springs (7 p.m.)
  • SZA with Omar Apollo at The Moody Center. (8 p.m.)

Community Chatter:

  • 🍹 Mexico City-inspired bar: "Women are continuing to make their mark in Austin. A local mother-daughter duo is making their mark through drinks - bringing a taste of Mexico City to South Austin with their bar Lulu's." (KVUE via Facebook)
  • 🎭 Joe Rogan's new comedy club is open, and the reviews are in: "Overall, Comedy Mothership seems likely to be a popular venue and injects some much-needed investment and unique energy into the troubled Sixth Street entertainment district, which in the past few years has slid from being 'slightly sketchy' to an outright 'no go' for many locals." (Austin Business Journal)
  • 🍖 The Battle of the BBQ rages on! The final round of voting for the Best BBQ in Austin takes place today, and the winner will be announced tomorrow, March 10. Check out the bracket and place your vote! (The Austin American-Statesman)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Jessica Collins

About me: Jessica is happy to call Austin her home for the past 10+ years. She loves the outdoors, arts & cinema, dining, and all of the natural beauty that Central Texas has to offer.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Austin Patch newsletter? Contact me at DowntownAustin@patch.com

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

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