State officials are considering making the closing of the street in front of the Texas Governor's Mansion permanent.
The Austin American-Statesman reports security officials are planning to keep Colorado Street in front of the 1856 mansion closed permanently as part of the mansion's restoration.
The street's been closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic since the June 2008 arson fire that gutted the mansion.
The plan is drawing criticism from Austin city officials and historical preservationists, who question whether closing the street would significantly add to the mansion's security.
City Planning and Zoning Commission Chairwoman Betty Baker said, "Closing more and more streets is not an answer, I don't think."
Copyright AP - Associated Press
