Downtown Commission Suggests $600k for Pedestrian Barricades After Deadly Hit-and-Run

Details of the Measure

Officials from Austin’s Downtown Commission are generating widespread discussion following their proposal to City Council for an additional investment of $600,000 into street barricades designed to enhance pedestrian safety during large-scale events. The proposed allocation of funds will be deliberated upon for the 2025 Fiscal Year budget. This vital step for better security comes in the wake of a fatal hit-and-run incident that claimed a life and left another person critically injured.

Why Street Barricades?

The substantial investment is expected to assist several city departments, including the Austin Police Department, Transportation, and Public Works Department, in maintaining street barricades for improved pedestrian safety. These divisions have previously had to rent such barricades for temporary use. Downtown Austin Commissioner, Kimberly Levinson, highlighted the relevance of the issue, stating, “It is expensive, but renting these [barricades] all the time is expensive, too. I just don’t think that there’s any question, but that to spend less than $600,000 to save a lot of lives is well worth it.” Levinson also sits as the Vice Chair of the Pedestrian Advisory Council and is a committed advocate for pedestrian safety.

Mourning and Resolution

This critical debate is initiated following a tragic hit-and-run that led to the death of 26-year-old Cody Shelton and left another person battling for their life in a critical condition. Angel Scallion, aunt of Shelton, stressed, “It’s hard having to pick clothes out for your nephew [to wear to his funeral]. We still have a victim that’s in critical condition and it’s not just our family that’s going through this, more needs to be done.“

Support Grows for Funding

Several commissioners expressed their belief that the funding is long overdue. August Harris III, Downtown Austin Commissioner, said “If you look at where we spend money and what we spend money on for public safety, half a million dollars is absolutely nothing…you’re making a one-time investment that’s spread over each event and protects thousands and thousands of Austinites and visitors.” Harris expressed hope that the City Council would approve of the recommendation this year.

Despite the fact that the discussion has been planned for the 2025 fiscal year, there may be some delay in seeing added barriers. Harris explains that this could change if the city finds resources that could be moved around and the barricades could potentially be acquired sooner.

A Plea for Safety

When asked if increased barricades could have saved her nephew’s life, Scallion replied, “It possibly could have.” Although mourning this tragic loss, Scallion expressed hope for the future, “Hopefully something will be done now. Unfortunately, it’s too late for us, but maybe it won’t be too late for someone else.”

City Council will receive the recommendation from the Downtown Austin Commission and will discuss the item during an upcoming council meeting. The goal is to ensure the safety of pedestrians in the city to prevent such devastating events from recurring.