AUSTIN (KXAN) — Construction began Monday to narrow a sidewalk outside the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless in downtown Austin.

The improvements, part of an indoor/outdoor renovation project that’s been in the works since 2017, are being made to the sidewalks along Seventh and Neches Streets.

“The goal is to make it a safer, walkable path for individuals who want to come into the shelter or who are trying to go through down to 6th Street,” said Greg McCormack, Executive Director of Front Steps. Front Steps operates the ARCH.

McCormack explained, with the way the sidewalk is now, “it’s hard to determine what is the walkable path that is enforceable that can provide a safe passage for someone who’s walking through.”

The proposed changes will narrow the width of the sidewalk to about six feet. The area will look a lot like the sidewalks in front of the Salvation Army’s shelter right behind the ARCH.

“I hate it when someone doesn’t want to come to the ARCH because of what’s happening outside and safety concerns, so I’m hoping that this sidewalk work and the additional lighting that will be provided will provide that safe entry into the shelter,” said McCormack.

McCormack elaborates on his hopes for the sidewalk improvement below:

Construction is expected to take two weeks and city leaders say it will not block the entrance to the ARCH. It will also not affect the ADA ramps on the corner.

Since 2017, other improvements have been made to the shelter. Floors inside have been resurfaced. The walls were painted, and there’s a new entry desk and information center.

The city also plans to install drinking fountains and have better street lighting in the area by 2020 with the ultimate aim of reforming the ARCH into a housing-first shelter.

When asked what will happen to people camping near the shelter when the sidewalk narrows, Mayor Steve Adler responded:

We are working on a plan for people experiencing homelessness around the outside of the ARCH that recognizes merely telling people they can’t be there only moves them somewhere else, perhaps a few blocks away. We can and will do better because we need to end homelessness, not just move people around. A growing coalition will be recommending next steps this week, building on the work in June and earlier, where we focus on the individual people, develop housing and services strategies for each, and then help them move off our streets. The goal is to have no camping in the city, including around the ARCH. Let’s work together to find these people homes.

Austin Public Health is spending $54,000 on the sidewalk improvement project.

They said:

The indoor and outdoor renovations at the ARCH are to offer better building services and a safe environment for the staff and clients using and/or traveling to the ARCH. The building opened in 2004 and renovations to the building and the area are needed considering its heavy use. Outdoor renovations are needed in order to update the area with the surrounding sidewalk design. We will continue to partner with area agencies and outreach teams who are engaging and connecting with those in need of services. These are ongoing projects and the public will be updated as more projects are approved.