🌱 Construction Debris Death Near Campus + City Extends Shelter Lease

Good morning, everyone! Hopefully, you've all officially "Sprung Forward" both in the literal and figurative sense. It's Jessica here, right on time this Sunday morning with your copy of the Austin Patch newsletter. As usual, I've gathered the most important local news and community updates so you don't have to lift a finger!

Cozy up with your morning java while we dive into:

• UT Women's Basketball is making big moves — keep scrolling for the scoop.
• The city steps in to assist with the closure of the Salvation Army shelter.
• The latest update on Project Connect leaves many community members concerned.
• Family-friendly fun at Mueller today!

But first, today's weather:

Cooler with clouds and sun. High: 74 Low: 50.

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Here are the top stories in Austin today:

1) The City of Austin will pay up to $100,000 to lease the downtown Salvation Army for an additional 30 days. By keeping the homeless shelter open through April, teams will have more time to find alternative housing for the remaining 48 guests. This decision comes weeks after the Salvation Army announced it could "no longer provide adequate services to shelter residents" and would be closing its doors on March 15. KUT has more on this story here.

2) Austin PD is investigating a death reportedly caused by falling construction debris from a West Campus high-rise construction project. SafeHorns, a group comprised of UT students, faculty and parents, which advocates for safety around campus, reported that Michael Delgado, 29, was riding his bike near the Shell Gas station on Rio Grande Street when he was hit by falling debris. Delgado was transported to a nearby hospital but ultimately died from his injuries. Learn more here at KXAN.

3) Newly leaked Project Connect maps reveal shorter routes than what was initially shown to voters back in 2020. The new plans leave many transportation advocates and community members concerned. The Austin Transit Partnership plans to present more concrete maps to the public on March 21. KVUE has more on this story here.

4) Paid parking is headed to South Congress Avenue this spring. City officials say the paid parking and local permit program "will roll out in April with at least 100 paid spaces." Parking fees are expected to begin at $2 per hour and gradually ramp up as time goes on. Community Impact has the full story here.

Today in Austin:

• Second Sundays: Enjoy Fun Activities for Kids at Mueller. (10 a.m.)
• (Free) Camp Yellowjackets at Fair Market. (11 a.m.)
• KOOP & Jungle Records Day Party at 903 E 14th St. (12 p.m.)
• (SXSW) A Party for the Planet at 3Ten. (1:30 p.m.)
• Sound Wine Fest: A Wine Tasting With A Soundtrack at The Far Out Lounge. (4 p.m.)
• Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night at Black Star Co-Op Pub and Brewery (7 p.m.)
• CoKane Comedy with Freddie Gibbs at Vulcan Gas Company. (8 p.m.)

Community Chatter:

• 🤘 Lady Longhorn Basketball: "The Horns are heading to the Championship!" (Texas Women's Basketball via Facebook)
• 🏁 Cars and coffee showcase: "Austin gearheads can gather at COTA on Sunday, March 12 to admire beautiful and exotic cars. The meetup will feature a new element for show car entrants: a voucher for one free admission to the Super Lap Battle at the track. The Super Lap Battle is an annual, Super Bowl-esque 'time attack challenge' where racers compete for the best lap time around COTA's 3.4-mile track." (CultureMap Austin)
• 🌸 It's officially wildflower season: Austin Monthly mapped out three routes across Central Texas for those in search of beautiful spring blooms! (Austin Monthly via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (March 13)
• Cedar Park Market Days (March 18)
• Shop For Prom Attire For FREE for Leander ISD Students (March 25)
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You're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Jessica Collins

About me: Jessica is happy to call Austin her home for the past 10+ years. She loves the outdoors, arts & cinema, dining, and all of the natural beauty that Central Texas has to offer.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Austin Patch newsletter? Contact me at DowntownAustin@patch.com