ARA Chief Leaving for Virginia Job

The Chief Executive Officer of the Austin Revitalization Authority is taking a new job in Richmond, Virginia.  Byron Marshall was sworn in as the new Chief Administrative Officer for Richmond Wednesday evening.

Marshall took over at the ARA in 1999 and leaves behind an agency in transition. The ARA was formed in 1997 to clean up East 11th and 12th streets that had been plagued by crime and blight.After more than a decade the Authority is still not self-sufficient and depends heavily on city funding.

Local business owners on East 11th have criticized the ARA for the slow pace of redevelopment and a decision to demand thousands of dollars in back rent.

"I feel like I'm an island by myself over here sometimes," said Art Gallery Owner Brian Joseph.

Joseph opened The Bydee Art Gallery on East 11th two and a half years ago. 

Thursday empty retail space surrounded him and he said that makes it hard for him to attract the foot traffic he needs to stay in business.

However, city officials are careful to point out the progress made on East 11th Street.  A new plaza, restaurants and stores now sit where prostitutes and drug dealers used to make their living.

"There was prostitution, a lot of dilapitated housing, but when you go over there now, it's far more welcoming," says Austin Chief of Staff Anthony Snipes.

Last year the Austin City Council requested an audit of the ARA's finances.  The results are expected in id-August but Marshall will already be gone.

Marshall starts his new job in Richmond August 1.