EPA “Greening America’s Capitals” for Austin S. Central Waterfront
Report proposes expansion of green spaces as backbone of new eco-district
The City of Austin has received a much anticipated Environmental Protection Agency “Greening America’s Capitals” report that outlines greenspace development along the South Central Waterfront across Lady Bird Lake and south of Downtown Austin.
The report, “Greening the South Central Waterfront,” provides recommendations to create a network of new open spaces, trails, and tree-lined streets for the South Central Waterfront area to contribute to a greener, more vibrant and walkable district.
In September 2014, Austin was one of five cities in the United States to be awarded technical assistance from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Greening America’s Capitals Program.
The EPA funded a design team, CMG Landscape Architecture, to work with City staff, residents, business owners, property owners and other stakeholders to develop elements to improve the public space.
Some sections from the EPA report will be incorporated into the official South Central Waterfront Vision Framework Plan, which the City Council will consider adopting in June.
The South Central Waterfront Vision Framework Plan will guide public and private development along the south side of Lady Bird Lake over the next 20 years. It is being created to ensure park spaces, public gathering places, green streets and affordable housing are central to the future redevelopment of the area.
The project area includes 118 acres located south of Downtown and bounded by South First Street on the west, Blunn Creek to the east, Lady Bird Lake on the north, and East Riverside Drive and Bouldin Creek on the south.
For more about the South Central Waterfront Initiative, visit www.austintexas.gov/waterfront.
