South Austin neighborhood group clarifies mobility bond position

A group of South Austin neighborhoods is setting the record straight about its position on Mayor Steve Adler’s $720 million mobility bond. Earlier this month, the South Central Coalition of Neighborhoods sent a letter to City Council members that seemed to indicate a stance against the package. “While we recognize the acute need for transportation, roadway, and infrastructure improvements, representatives of the South Central Coalition were unanimous in our opposition to a $720 million transportation bond package that precludes any further bond initiatives until 2024 for essential services including flood mitigation, libraries, parks, and affordable housing,” declared the letter, which was written by Austin Neighborhoods Council member Patty Sprinkle. However, Sprinkle shared with the Austin Monitor a subsequent letter she wrote in which she clarified, “It is not that we will not support a Transportation Bond Package but that we are concerned that the $720 million transportation bond proposal may leave very little bond capacity for other critical needs including flood mitigation, affordable housing, parks, and libraries.” The South Central Coalition represents the Barton Hills, Bouldin Creek, Dawson, Galindo, South Lamar, South River City and Zilker neighborhood associations. Sprinkle’s second letter noted that the Dawson NA asked to have its support of the first letter withdrawn.