Austin leaders are moving to adopt new policies for the use of surveillance technologies in response to concerns about such systems, including a proposed $2 million parks security contract.

The new contract to rent 10 mobile surveillance trailers from LiveView Technologies was proposed after a city pilot program that recently placed similar equipment at targeted parks. Those locations generally saw declining criminal activity after cameras were implemented, according to the parks department.

Residents and officials have said improved safety at city parks is critical, but many have also expressed opposition to programs like the LVT cameras given their collection methods and worries about outside parties accessing residents' data. City Council will consider a new contract for parks security trailers Feb. 5 alongside a measure from Mayor Pro Tem Chito Vela seeking to lay out citywide surveillance technology standards, including advance public notice of how those systems will be used.

"We have to minimize any privacy concerns and put safeguards and protections in whenever we do turn to these kinds of technologies," he said.

North Austin’s Denny’s location, off North I-35, will host its grand reopening in February to celebrate the renovations.

The specifics: The breakfast-forward eatery announced it will host a community event on Feb. 3 featuring a prize wheel with giveaways, special offers on menu items and the first 100 guests starting at 8 a.m. will receive a free custom Denny’s coffee mug and a 30-day free coffee card, as stated in a news release.

“This remodel gives our guests a refreshed, more welcoming space while preserving the comfort and value they expect from Denny’s,” district manager Sunil Mahajan stated in a news release. “We’re excited to celebrate this milestone with the Austin community and invite guests to experience the updates firsthand.”

From Feb. 3 to Feb. 8, customers can enjoy the following menu specials:

• Original Grand Slam, $5.99
• Classic Cheeseburger and Fries, $6.99
• Super Bird, $7.99
• Chicken Fried Steak, $8.99

From new worship spaces to a car wash and more, here are five of the most expensive projects filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation in the Austin metro this week. 

1. St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church
Parishioners can soon worship at a new site, as St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church will build a two-story, 22,000-square-foot space. It will feature a seating area, a sanctuary with an altar, restrooms, a choir loft and sacristies—also called preparation rooms.

• Location: 230 Post Oak Drive, Dripping Springs
• Estimated timeline: July 1-Jan. 31, 2028
• Estimated cost: $17 million 

• Location: 800 Heatherwilde Blvd., Pflugerville 
• Estimated timeline: March 1-June 30, 2027
• Estimated cost: $5.5 million 

• Location: 3375 S. Interstate 35, San Marcos
• Estimated timeline: July 20-Feb. 26, 2027
• Estimated cost: $4 million