Austin, TX
Austin leaders debate future of I-35 Cap & Stitch projects as new proposal cuts back spending
AUSTIN, Texas (KXAN) – The future of long-planned Cap and Stitch projects over I-35 is under discussion in Austin, after a new proposal from Mayor Kirk Watson suggested reducing how much money the city spends on the projects.
City leaders originally approved $104 million to help fund future caps, deck plazas built over I-35 designed to reconnect east and west Austin with parks, green space and community areas.
Now, Watson’s proposal would focus on completing one fully built project sooner while lowering the city’s financial commitment.
Under Watson’s plan, the city would build a finished cap extending from Palm Park across I-35 to the east side. Unlike earlier concepts that focused mainly on preparing infrastructure for future projects, the mayor said this approach would allow residents to see a completed public space when the highway reconstruction wraps up.
“This is significant both because of its tie to park amenities and because of its tie to the history of Palm Park. Using this cap to reconnect this spot of Austin would be great. The estimated cost for this portion would be $41.3 million. This full project will be covered by the SIB loan,” said Watson.
Austin City Council Member Mike Siegel finds the proposal beneficial.
“I really support the mayor’s direction to reduce the city’s existing commitment, which is over $100 million, and basically cut that in half, and also to prioritize our investment to make sure we’re actually fully building out an entire Cap project instead of just building foundational elements that may or may not result in caps in some distant future,” said Siegel.
“From my point of view, we should be prioritizing our investments in things that help people right now,” said Siegel.
Not all city leaders agree with the revised approach.
In a joint response, council members including Ryan Alter, Natasha Harper-Madison, Zo Qadri, José Velásquez and Mayor Pro Tem Chito Vela raised concerns about whether the smaller project would deliver enough community benefit.
The group argued the proposed stitch may be too small to meaningfully shield nearby neighborhoods from highway noise and pollution — one of the core goals of the larger cap vision.
“We appreciate the Mayor’s proposal, but feel it does not deliver enough benefits to justify the cost. The proposed stitch is too small to shield someone from the noise and negative effects of the highway underneath, a key element for a successful highway cap.. While we acknowledge the proposed stitch is cheaper than a cap, it is still $41 million dollars for a project with very few benefits,” they said in the response.
The proposal also calls for “future-proofing” possible caps near 11th and 12th streets.
Some East Austin businesses say reconnecting both sides of the city would be welcome but worry about the impacts construction could bring.
“35 is already kind of a lot to handle. So adding construction, I feel like that would be a deterrent initially for businesses. That makes me a little bit nervous,” said Elisabeth Miranda-Wagstaff, shop ambassador at Kindred Spirits.
“I’m sure it would be amazing, but I’m just a little nervous about, like, the whole process of execution,” said Miranda-Wagstaff.
Mayor Watson says he plans to bring this proposal up for discussion during the May 28th council meeting.
Austin, TX
Home Automation Austin Brings Personalized, Full-Service Home Automation to Homeowners in Austin
A Smart Home Partner for Every Stage of the Project
AUSTIN, Texas, June 30, 2026 (Newswire.com)
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Home Automation Austin, a premier smart home installation company, is helping homeowners rethink the way they live by delivering customized home automation in Austin that unites lighting, audio, video, climate and security into a single, easy-to-use system.
For more than 18 years, the company has designed and installed integrated technology systems that let clients control their homes from any networked device, whether they are across the room or across the globe. From whole-house audio and video distribution to motorized shades, energy management and home theaters, Home Automation Austin builds each system around a client’s lifestyle rather than a one-size-fits-all template. A typical installation lets homeowners dim individual lights, monitor security cameras, adjust the thermostat and stream music to outdoor speakers, all from a single app.
Demand for home automation in Austin continues to climb as new construction and remodeling projects across Central Texas increasingly include smart technology. The company works directly with homeowners, builders and designers from the earliest planning stages, holding project kickoff meetings to keep systems on time and on budget.
“Home automation in Austin has moved from a luxury to an expectation, and our clients want technology that simply works without a learning curve,” said Adam Besetzny, CEO of Home Automation Austin. “We design every system around the way a family actually lives, so controlling lights, music, climate and security feels effortless from day one.”
Unlike many providers that rely on subcontractors, Home Automation Austin employs its own technicians and designers, a distinction the company says ensures accountability and consistent quality. The firm is a certified dealer and integrator for respected brands including Control4, Crestron, Lutron, Savant, Sonos and Sonance, and it backs its work with what it calls the best warranty in the industry.
The company also emphasizes long-term support, a point of difference in an industry where service often ends once installation is complete. Home Automation Austin offers 24/7 service and support plans, keeping clients connected long after the final device is mounted.
“Most companies disappear the moment the job is finished, but that is when the relationship should really begin,” Besetzny said. “We stay involved, we answer the phone and we make sure the technology keeps performing for years, not just on installation day.”
Home Automation Austin serves Austin and surrounding communities, including Georgetown, Leander, Lakeway, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Dripping Springs and San Marcos. The company is fully licensed and insured and holds a Google five-star rating along with multiple industry credentials.
Homeowners interested in home automation in Austin can schedule a design consultation by calling 512-515-3456 or visiting https://homeautomationaustin.com/.
About Home Automation Austin
Home Automation Austin is a premier smart home installation company in Austin, TX, specializing in design, installation, and support of advanced home automation, audio and video, and lighting control systems. With more than 18 years of experience and partnerships with top-tier brands, the company delivers personalized solutions that combine innovation, performance, and long-term reliability.
Media Contact:
Adam Besetzny, CEO
512-851-6474
adamb@capitoltechnologygroup.com
SOURCE: Home Automation Austin
Source: Home Automation Austin
Posted:
Updated:
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department is asking the community for help in locating three people involved in a May 31 robbery at a 7-Eleven at 411 W. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
Three suspects allegedly entered the gas station at 2:50 a.m. and ran for the exit while stealing alcohol, according to an APD press release. A store clerk tried to intervene and was tackled, resulting in significant injuries, police said.
If anyone has information, APD is requesting they contact APD’s Robbery Unit at 512-974-5092. You may submit an anonymous tip through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477.
A reward up to $1,000 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest.
AUSTIN, Texas – CapMetro will be suspending evening fares on July 4th to help Central Texans celebrate Independence Day.
What they’re saying:
Fares will be suspended beginning at 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 4.
CapMetro will also be operating a modified holiday schedule, including:
- Sunday-level bus service
- Saturday-level Rail service
- Regular Pickup service
- No UT Shuttle, Night Owl or Express service
For those looking to celebrate at Auditorium Shores for Austin’s annual Austin Symphony Orchestra July 4 Concert & Fireworks, CapMetro will have several bus routes available:
CapMetro says that after the concert and fireworks show, members of its team will be at the Vic Mathias Auditorium Shores Station, and South 1st and Riverside to help customers get home.
Riders can also use the Transit app to plan their trip home.
The Source: Information in this report comes from CapMetro
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