AUSTIN (KXAN) — A community plaza could one day cover a stretch of Congress Avenue, and Austinites have the opportunity to weigh in on what that gathering space could look like. City leaders have proposed a host of what they call improvements along Congress Avenue between Cesar Chavez Street and 11th Street. As part of those proposed upgrades, officials are weighing a possible plaza north of Seventh Street. The Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative has proposed a full revamp of Congress Avenue between Riverside Drive and 11th Street to the tune of an estimated $130 million. The funding for this initial phase of work is anticipated to cost $22 million, with funding courtesy of the city’s 2020 Active Transportation and Safety Bond. KXAN spoke to a number of people downtown with some in favor of the plaza and upgrades to Congress while others were against it. "I think having something like a plaza, mind you making sure we are taking care of the businesses around us, would be great for foot traffic," said Mykel Jewell who works downtown. "My first reaction was how did we get this far," said Eddie Safady who lives and works downtown. "The more that you do to restrict the avenues in which you can get around. The more it dissuades people that want to come." Safady said he is worried about losing roadways in downtown which could mean even more traffic. "How many locals is this truly going to benefit on a daily basis and how many thousands is this going to inconvenience," Safady said. If a plaza is built vehicular access along Congress Avenue would end just north of Seventh Street creating an open plaza for pedestrians, but east-west cross traffic would still continue on Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, 10th and 11th streets. "So I think there is a big opportunity to change the way people travel on Congress and to invite more people to visit those northern blocks," said Anna Martin with the city of Austin Transportation and Public Works Department. Martin said anyone can check out the plans or give feedback about the project on the city's website. "We have been hearing how do I receive deliveries, where do people park? And we have been working one on one with all of those business owners to answer questions and receive feedback," Martin said. All feedback will be summarized and reported back to the community at the end of 2024. The feedback will be used to better align the proposed changes to meet the needs of the community and the goals of the Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative Vision Plan. A final plan is expected in early 2025. Take survey here.