Physical Environment
Boundaries
East Austin is a well-known neighborhood due to its atmosphere and interconnection. The roads and water define the boundaries of the chosen community: Colorado River and Lady Bird Lake in particular (South), Interstate 35 (West), Manor Road (North), and Springdale Road (West).
Housing and Zoning
The Lindemann House, with a brick exterior at 1100 E. 8th St., is one of the oldest. Other historical buildings were built at the beginning of the 20th century, including the George Washington Carver Library and French Legation Museum. Brick and stone are the main construction material that strengthens the general condition and improve the appearance. In addition to many single-family houses across the boundaries, several multi-family houses are in the central part.
Common Meeting Places
People hang out mostly at coffee shops and restaurants afternoon. Individuals of different ages visit such places as Whisler’s, Dai Due, Franklin Barbecue, and Ah Sing Den. Active people spend their time at Lady Bird Lake on a hike-and-bike trail.
Indicators of Growth or Decline
Road construction signs mean that the area is undergoing the required repair. Although much dust and inconvenience emerge at the moment, a safer future and community growth must be considered. Graffiti on street walls attract attention and show the spirit of the local citizens, including the one at Whisler’s.
Employment Opportunities
- Bartenders, waitstaff, and host persons (restaurant business);
- Food runners and bakers (food services);
- Engineering technicians, supervisors, data analysts, and program specialists (housing and community affairs).
Transportation
Most people drive their cars or ride bicycles due to no evident public transportation in the area. There are also many walking individuals in the daytime.
People
Race and Ethnicity
White Americans introduced the major racial group, but I also noticed several Black and Hispanic people. There are more men aged between 25 and 35 or married couples older than 45 years. I did not find many children or multiple families.
Cultural Characteristics
All people speak English, and no specific cultural characteristics except the graffiti of Whisler’s and Native Hotel/Bar/Café are observed. Many thematic parties are organized to celebrate a particular event. East Austin is known for its various ethnic eating places like Indian Nasha, Mediterranean Halal Time, Chinese Sweet Chive, and native barbecue Dai Due.
Lifestyle Healthy Behaviors
Most drivers use seat belts in their cars and follow road rules, while bikers wear no helmets. I also saw several athletes across the street. There are many cans for garbage disposal close to private houses, but not on central streets.
Lifestyle Risk Behaviors
I saw no smokers but many male and female individuals between 20 and 35 drinking alcohol in the daytime. No criminal activities or fights were noticed, but I could not get rid of the police siren sound.
Poverty Indications
No signs of homelessness were observed, and I did not see any shelters.
Services in the Community
Social Services
Rodolfo “Rudy” Mendez Recreation Center provides people of all ages with different indoor and outdoor activities (tennis, basketball, picnics, and ceramics classes). Residents visit Springdale Park, Rosewood Neighborhood Park, and Govalle Neighborhood Park for personal purposes. Social services like public health, employment, and support for low-income families are offered at Technical Assistance-Social, Entrepreneurs Foundation-Control, and the Blackland Neighborhood Center.
Health Services
CommUnityCare works with people of all ages; the department of Austin Medical Clinic East focuses on primary care for adults and annual check-ups. Austin Regional Clinic at East 7th St. develops various services like flu shots, LGBTQIA medicine, radiology services, and family care. Alternative medicine is offered at the Eastside Natural Health Center (herbal stores) and Rosewood Acupuncture & Ayurveda.
Fire and Police Services
Austin Fire Station 7 is located at 201 Chicon St., and Austin Police Departments can be found at Springdale Rd., East 8th St., and Webberville Rd.
Educational Resources
Austin Public Library (Carver Branch) is at 1161 Angelina St., and several libraries are in the west-south and east-north regions. East Austin has academic facilities: Austin Can Academy, Liberal Arts, and Science Academy, and Austin Peace Academy. Many elementary and at least two middle and high schools were noticed.
Religions
Eastside Community Church, Vox Veniae, and Betania Baptist Church are open every day and promote Sunday gatherings, citizenship classes, and food banks. Townlake YMCA introduces summer camps for children between 4 and 14.
Business & Industry
There are many gas stations and grocery stores in the area. Springdale General and Southtecch Business Center establish the business climate, but no light/heavy industry is noticed. Several private hotels introduce the hospitality industry and the growth of small businesses. Retail services are numerous.
Politics
No political indicators like posters and headquarters were noticed.
Media
People do not read books, but loud music (English) is heard from cars and restaurants.
Key Informants
Interview with a fireman or police officer
Community’s Health issues
No drug issues, but alcohol and weight-related problems are reported by the police officer.
Community’s Safety issues
Despite the pandemic restrictions, the community is not bothered with safety issues.
Strengths of the Community
No homeless or poor families disturb the community, and people have enough places to visit.
Interview with librarian, schoolteacher, school nurse, or administrator
Community’s Health issues
A schoolteacher underlines poor physical activities among students and increased obesity rates.
Community’s Safety issues
The teacher believes that it is safe to live in this community.
Strengths of the Community
The interviewee considers interpersonal relationships, social support, and education the major community strengths.
Analysis of Windshield Survey
East Austin is considered a safe neighborhood in the city. Despite the presence of several community centers and playgrounds, overweight/obesity and unhealthy eating are two critical issues among the population (Iyanda & Lu, 2022). People need to pay more attention to their lifestyle changes and mental health.
A variety of restaurants and cafés explain the alcohol-related problem. Police control is enhanced, but human behaviors under the alcohol influence might bother the community. New ideas to promote safe pastimes should be introduced.
Safety and community health issues in East Austin are commonly discussed. The pandemic has affected many people, but most of them accepted the restrictions properly. The creation of new public centers can solve existing problems and support the community.
Reference
Iyanda, A. E., & Lu, Y. (2022). ‘Gentrification is not improving my health’: A mixed-method investigation of chronic health conditions in rapidly changing urban neighborhoods in Austin, Texas. Journal of Housing and the Built Environment, 37(1), 77-100.