City of Austin to take unauthorized billboard to court
The city of Austin is pursuing legal action to address what it describes as a “prohibited” billboard placed on Bee Caves Road, near the intersection of River Hills Road.
The overview: An Austin Development Services Department representative confirmed Aug. 18 that the billboard’s owners, Media Choice, had not taken the appropriate action required in the city’s notice of violation within 14 days of its issuance July 30.
What’s happening: Consequently, the case was taken to municipal court, the representative said. As of Sept. 5, a court hearing has not yet been scheduled.
Peaches Coffee expands offerings with West Austin brick and mortar
West Austin has gained new coffee varieties with Peaches Coffee’s latest opening.
What to know: As locals to the area, the business’ owners were inspired to open a location in a West Austin neighborhood, co-owner Molly Gaffney said. The business currently offers a range of coffee drinks and small bites including breakfast tacos and gluten free pastries provided by Maaribu.
Gaffney said community members can stay on the lookout for updated hours, patio updates and the introduction of beer and wine options.
Check this out: The coffee shop also runs a coffee trailer called Peaches Pit Stop at 13743 Nutty Brown Road.
Long term closures planned along Oak Hill Parkway in Southwest Austin
As work on the Oak Hill Parkway project draws closer to completion, the Texas Department of Transportation announced a slew of road closures expected to last through the end of 2025.
The details: The intersection of Monterey Oaks Boulevard, William Cannon Drive and Convict Hill Road will all see reduced lanes and construction as crews work on the new raised highway and connectors to MoPac. In addition, the eastbound Hwy. 290 exit ramp for MoPac South is closed through the remainder of the year.
The background: TxDOT is currently reconstructing Hwy. 290 in Oak Hill, transforming the existing four-lane, undivided roadway to a six-lane divided highway with new frontage roads and 14 miles of shared-use paths.
In addition, an overpass for the Hwy. 290 mainlanes over William Cannon Drive will be built, along with new flyovers between Hwy. 290 and SH 71. At this location, the Hwy. 290 mainlanes will be lowered under SH 71.
Austin Public Health facing 'uncertainty and instability' amid ongoing funding losses
Austin Public Health continues to face instability for its programs and employees as some of the department's extensive federal funding remains at risk or is being reduced.
APH has reported on its federal grant cuts throughout this year, and recently launched a website tracking the impacts of those changes. Public Health Director Adrienne Sturrup told City Council this week that the department remains in a period of "uncertainty and instability" related to millions of dollars for services and staff.
Several community-facing programs could be limited as grant funding winds down or is canceled. Sturrup said APH still remains prepared to confront a public health crisis, but that the department will likely face staffing challenges and less specialized response.
