City of Austin staff are recommending Alternative 3 for the redesign of Sixth Street after seeking community feedback on three different options, which includes no bicycle or scooter lanes with vehicle curb access for drop-off and loading on one side.

The details: Earlier this year, city officials sought feedback on three design alternatives for the nine-block stretch of Sixth Street west of I-35 as part of a focus on safety and redevelopment of the entertainment corridor.

Each option laid out different ideas for bike and scooter lanes, sidewalks and curb space, but all would keep Sixth Street as a one-way street heading west. The goal is to make more room for pedestrians and allow curbside access for drop-offs and vehicle parking, while keeping cars moving.

This option recommended by staff saw 47% of survey respondents marking it as “strongly do not support.” According to a news release, it was recommended due its wide sidewalks which would support “business vitality” and allow for “heavy foot traffic, particularly during peak nightlife hours.”

Austin Energy is planning for operational challenges and potential billing increases as new data centers with growing electric power needs are established in the region.

What residents should know: City officials said the scope and speed of proposed developments like data centers carry "significant challenges" for the public power utility given the amount of power they could end up using. Similar impacts are being felt statewide, with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, or ERCOT, projecting its peak demand to nearly double by 2028 largely due to data center additions.

It remains to be seen how many major data center plans will materialize around Austin in the near future. The addition of large users to the grid could end up impacting AE's electricity rates as those facilities come online, officials said. For now, major users will not be added until upgrades to protect current customers are complete.

The East Austin bar scene has expanded with Parley’s recent opening in the area.

What to know: Founded by Bar Hacienda, Bar Fino and Here Nor There alums, Terance Robson and Jack “Slim” Hogan, the new spot has partnered with Oseyo and Idlewild.

Both from Ireland, Robson and Hogan stated the new business is a love letter to the pubs they grew up going to. The duo is using the bar as a way to bring Irish culture to downtown Austin.

“We grew up in places where the pub wasn’t just where you drank, it was where you gathered,” Robson said. “That energy of catching up with old friends, meeting new ones, and just enjoying good company is exactly what we’re bringing to Parley.”

• 1628 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin

Looking for ways to ring in the new year? Check out these events happening in the Austin area, including family friendly events and outings for adults age 21 and older.

This list is not comprehensive, and all events are subject to change. 

Lakeway Polar Bear Plunge
Community members are invited to end the year with a trip down the water slide at Lakeway Swim Center. After a dip in the pool, attendees can hang out and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa.

• Dec. 31, 9-10 a.m.
• Free
• 3103 Lakeway Blvd., Austin

• Dec. 31, 8-11 p.m.
• Free
• 3519B, N. RM 620, Austin

A burn ban for the incorporated areas of Travis County—areas outside of any specific city—was put into effect on Dec. 29. It will remain in effect until Jan. 6 unless lifted sooner by the Travis County Judge or the Travis County Fire Marshal, according to a news release.

Latest update: Due to fluctuations in temperature, including near-freezing temperatures as well as record-breaking heat for December, the burn ban is in place as a safety measure. Low temperatures also cause freeze-cured grass, which loses its moisture, making it susceptible to burn, according to the release.

The details: The ban applies to outdoor burning in unincorporated areas of Travis County, but does not include prescribed burns, outdoor welding, cutting, grinding, or other hot work operations when conducted in accordance with the Travis County Fire Marshal’s Office guidelines.

Also of note: Travis County officials also urge residents to not shoot off fireworks at home during the upcoming New Year’s Eve holiday on Dec. 31 into Jan. 1.