Austin's ambitious light-rail project, slated for completion in 2033, is facing scrutiny due to its potential impact on numerous businesses and homes along its proposed route. While the Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) has yet to release a comprehensive list of affected properties, KUT News' investigation reveals that up to 64 businesses and four single-family homes could be expropriated. The project's path traverses various neighborhoods, displacing well-established establishments and even causing uncertainty for businesses yet to open.
An aerial view reveals the intersection of Guadalupe and 29th Streets, a bustling hub of businesses that could face displacement due to the planned Austin light-rail project. Among the establishments potentially affected are Salsa Limon, Patagonia Empanadas & Café, Out of the Closet, Sip Pho, Kabobzi Mediterranean Grill & Phoenician Resto Cafe, Abu Omar Halal, and Exxon. Despite initial plans, the 99-year-old burger joint, Dirty Martin's Place, will be spared demolition.
The Austin Transit Partnership (ATP), however, has yet to release a comprehensive list of affected businesses and homes, unlike the Texas Department of Transportation's detailed map for their project, which clearly marked buildings potentially facing demolition. ATP estimates that up to 64 businesses and four single-family homes could be expropriated. While some property owners have been notified, others remain unaware, leaving many to learn about the potential displacement through their landlords or through media inquiries. KUT News conducted a block-by-block analysis of the maps to identify properties within the path of Austin's 10-mile high-frequency rail system, successfully pinpointing 60 of the 64 businesses and three of the single-family homes at risk. ATP acknowledges that the potential property impacts were identified in Spring 2024, and there is a possibility that businesses may have relocated or closed since then. The project envisions creating space for the rail line by expropriating approximately 85 acres of property. Trains in the system are designed to run as frequently as every five minutes, utilizing dedicated lanes that allow them to bypass traffic congestion during peak hours. To accommodate the dedicated guideway, some roads will require widening, while other land will be designated for park-and-rides at each line's terminus, a 62-acre operations and maintenance facility, and light-rail infrastructure such as traction substations, which convert electricity to power the trains. Construction is slated to begin in 2027 and conclude in 2033. The AHF Healthcare Center in Austin, a vital resource offering primary care, STI testing, pharmacy services, and a thrift store, faces potential relocation due to the rail plan. Out of the Closet, a thrift store established last May on Guadalupe Street, north of 29th Street, is also at risk. Under the current rail plan, both buildings would be demolished, along with neighboring restaurants Sip Pho, Kabobzi Mediterranean Grill & Phoenician Resto Cafe, Patagonian Empanadas & Cafe, and Salsa Limon. An Exxon station at Guadalupe and 29th Streets, along with the Abu Omar Halal restaurant on the corner, would also be displaced. The light-rail line would traverse four properties on Guadalupe Street near 29th: Out of the Closet, Sip Pho, Phoenician Resto Cafe, and an Exxon gas station. The AIDS Healthcare Foundation spokesperson, Imara Canady, stated, 'We continue to monitor the situation while keeping our primary focus on our first priority, ensuring the quality of our clients,' via text message. Extending Dean Keeton Street to San Antonio Street would necessitate the demolition of the 1972 Women's Sports Club, Snog, and Jenn's Copies. A few blocks away, on Guadalupe and Dean Keeton streets, a new bar, yet to open, is also facing potential displacement. Hallum and du Plessis are preparing to open the bar in March, just in time for the NCAA Women's March Madness tournament. ATP's plan would extend Dean Keeton Street straight through the property to connect with San Antonio Street, as most cars and trucks would be restricted from the Drag to accommodate the increased pedestrian traffic from students. Dean Keeton Street would continue eastward through the properties to connect with San Antonio Street, providing drivers with an alternate route to reach the new two-way Nueces Street after Guadalupe Street is closed to most cars and trucks. Hallum and du Plessis were aware of the potential displacement before signing the lease and proceeded with their plans. They faced challenges convincing landlords and insurance companies to take a chance on their fresh hospitality venture, but ultimately secured a space with a kitchen, bar, beer taps, and furniture from the Moody's Bar and Grill owners. Debra Hallum, a co-owner of 1972 Women's Sports Club, a bar exclusively focusing on women's athletics, scheduled to open in March, emphasized, 'We came into this with our eyes wide open.' 'It was either go to a shell or a different location and spend a ton of money, or take this opportunity that was financially better and start building this community now,' she stated.
Austin Light-Rail Property Displacement Business Relocation Urban Planning Public Transit
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