AUSTIN (Austin Business Journal) — Demolition of the Austin Convention Center has been ongoing for months, so it may come as a surprise that a move is afoot to halt the $1.6 billion plan to tear it down and build a new one in its place.
A group called Austin United PAC aims to gather 20,000 signatures to force a ballot measure that would stop the project — either until it is approved by voters or for seven years. The petition, which is close to the finish line, also calls for the city to prioritize funding for music, arts, cultural and outdoor tourism rather than spending on conventions.
“It’s a phenomenal waste of money,” said Bill Bunch, a community activist who’s involved with Austin United PAC and also serves as executive director of the Save Our Springs Alliance. “It’s basically a theft of funds that in any sort of functional local democratic process world would be supporting what actually does bring visitors to Austin, not just downtown, but all of Austin, and that is local culture and parks.”…