Prioritize Community Needs in the Montopolis Drive Redesign
Mayor Kirk Watson, Councilman Jose Velasquez, City Manager T.C. Broadnax, Richard Mendoza-City of Austin Transportation Director, mary.vo@austintexas.gov, mobilitybonds@austintexas.gov, Kelle Coleman-Office of Equity, Roberto Gonzalez-CapMetro
Montopolis Drive is more than pavement—it's the backbone of a proud, resilient community with deep Latino and Indigenous roots. Yet recent proposals threaten to redesign this public space without honoring the people who live here.
We're calling on the City of Austin, Austin Transportation and Public Works Department, and regional planners to embrace inclusive, community-first development. That means: full ADA sidewalk upgrades, strategic rerouting of bike infrastructure for safer access, rejecting proposals for a dedicated bus lane that could reduce connectivity for residents, and investing in broad infrastructure improvements that serve everyone, not just passersby. Montopolis deserves a street that reflects its values, meets the physical needs of all users, and resists gentrification through intentional planning.
Montopolis Residents Needs:
• ADA-Compliant Infrastructure:
Upgrade all sidewalks, crosswalks, and curb cuts to meet or exceed federal standards, ensuring dignity and mobility for elders, disabled residents, and families.
• Reroute Bike Infrastructure Thoughtfully:
Position bike lanes along safer corridors that better serve cyclists and pedestrians, especially in areas with narrow right-of-way and dense residential usage. Construct dedicated bike lane and pedestrian walkway along Kemp Street instead of Montopolis Drive.
• Reject a Dedicated Bus Lane:
Preserve flexible street use for residents, small businesses, and essential services. A bus-only lane would limit access and increase congestion for local families.
• Modernize Montopolis Drive:
Invest in full-scale upgrades—repaving, lighting, traffic calming, drainage, and native landscaping—to build a street that’s safe, sustainable, and responsive to community needs.
• Protect Against Displacement:
Ensure zoning and development changes don't raise property taxes or rental costs that could force long time neighbors out.
Montopolis is no stranger to resilience—but true infrastructure justice means listening before paving. Every curb, corner, and crosswalk should reflect the identity, needs, and legacy of Montopolis residents. Development without protection leads to displacement.
Petition by
Sponsored by
To:
Mayor Kirk Watson, Councilman Jose Velasquez, City Manager T.C. Broadnax, Richard Mendoza-City of Austin Transportation Director, mary.vo@austintexas.gov, mobilitybonds@austintexas.gov, Kelle Coleman-Office of Equity, Roberto Gonzalez-CapMetro
From:
[Your Name]
Using Austin Mobility Bonds, the City of Austin Transportation and Public Works Department has proposed major changes to a 1.5-mile stretch of Montopolis Drive between E. Riverside and Highway 183. As the area faces rapid transformation, it is essential that this project reflect the priorities and voices of the Montopolis community.
We, the residents of the Montopolis neighborhood, urge the City of Austin to ensure that the redesign prioritizes safety, accessibility, environmental resilience, and equitable transportation. While we appreciate the Department’s outreach through surveys and listening sessions, we want to make our collective concerns and recommendations clear before a final plan is developed this fall.
We respectfully call on the Transportation and Public Department to:
1. Improve and Upgrade Montopolis Drive Infrastructure
Reconstruct Montopolis Drive from E. Riverside Drive to HWY 183 to ensure it meets
modern safety and durability standards.
2. Enhance Drainage Systems
Implement effective drainage solutions to reduce frequent street flooding that endangers
pedestrians, drivers, and cyclists.
3. Prioritize Pedestrian Safety and Accessibility
Build continuous, ADA-compliant sidewalks on both sides of Montopolis Drive to support
safe, walkable access for all residents.
4. Improve Traffic Safety at Key Intersections
○ Install a traffic signal at Montopolis Drive and Fairway Street to provide a safe crossing
for pedestrians, especially children and seniors.
○ Safe pedestrian crossing and speed reduction infrastructure at Montopolis Drive and
Crumley Lane.
5. Reroute Bike Infrastructure
Construct a dedicated bike lane and pedestrian walkway along Kemp Street instead of
Montopolis Drive, to ensure cyclist and pedestrian safety while preserving traffic flow on
a key corridor.
6. Oppose the Reduction of Vehicle Lanes on Montopolis Drive
Maintain current lane capacity to avoid increased congestion and preserve vital
connectivity for the surrounding community.
We believe that these improvements will better serve the Montopolis neighborhood, a historically underserved and culturally significant part of Austin. The community deserves a transportation plan that enhances safety, respects local input, and supports equitable development.
We urge the Transportation Department to incorporate these requests into the final design.