The Red River Merchants Association is pressing the City of Austin to build a 10-foot fence around an abandoned alley off the 700 block of Red River. The association says prostitution, drugs, robberies, and filth are a constant, and there has been nothing to stop it all from happening.
Cody Cowan with the Red River Merchants Association said criminals are preying on anyone they can find. Cowan also said these criminals are not afraid to grab you by the collar and demand money, which leaves very little chance for businesses among many others.
Police have installed new lighting in the alley, but businesses say that has actually made the problem worse.
But opponents say that would just send criminals to other parts of the city. The city will provide up to $100,000 for fencing, but officials say that would be nothing more than a short-term solution.
(Photo: Shutterstock)
