Georgetown Edition | April 2023

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 8 APRIL 19 MAY 16, 2023

15 YEARS IN THE MAKING

The city of Georgetown’s 2008 parks bond funded the rst two phases of renovations at San Gabriel Park as well as the third phase—which is expected to begin in early May. A future fourth phase is not yet funded but was outlined in the 2015 San Gabriel Park Master Plan.

Lark & Owl Booksellers opens bar, bistro

Phase 4

Phase 2

SAN GABRIEL PARK

Phase 3

SAN GABRIEL PARK

Red Poppy Festival to celebrate city's birthday

Phase 1

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LOCAL VOTER GUIDE 2023

SAN GABRIEL RIVER

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

Phase 4

Phase 1 COMPLETED

Phase 2

Phase 3

IMPROVEMENTS: • Sports eld improvements FUTURE PHASE

COMPLETED

IMPROVEMENTS: • Creation of festival space • New concrete skate park • New splash plaza • New restroom and shade canopy • Parking improvements Timeline: May 2023March 2024 Cost: $7.5 million Funding source: 2008 bond CURRENT PHASE

IMPROVEMENTS: • New playground with sensory walk • Improved signage • Restored spring habitat • Intersection realignment • Restrooms and pavilions • Trails and accessibility Timeline: March 2017September 2018 Cost: $2.5 million Funding source: 2008 bond

IMPROVEMENTS: • New basketball court • Disc golf course restrooms • Two new playgrounds • Additional pavilions • Two spring restorations • Trail improvements Timeline: September 2018October 2019 Cost: $4.2 million Funding source: 2008 bond

Sample ballot

• Disc golf improvements • Addition of a picnic and food truck area • Replacement of a low- water crossing Timeline: Unknown Cost: Unknown Funding source: Unknown

SOURCE: CITY OF GEORGETOWNCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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The third phase of improvements to San Gabriel Park is set to begin in early May, bringing new destina- tions to the park 15 years after they were approved and funded by voters in the 2008 Georgetown parks bond. The $7.5 million renovation proj- ect includes building a new plaza area with splash fountains, a skate “[San Gabriel Park] is a beauti- ful place to visit, and it’s denitely something that’s important to our residents,” said Eric Nuner, assistant director of Georgetown Parks & Rec- reation. “We’re real proud of these improvements and what they’ve done to create spaces for people to get outside and enjoy themselves.” CONTINUED ON 30 Next phase of San Gabriel Park project to bring festival space, amenities BY CLAIRE SHOOP park, a restroom and a shade struc- ture as well as transforming open elds into a festival space. This yearlong phase is the penul- timate installment in the project to update the park laid out in the 2015 San Gabriel Park Master Plan. While the rst three phases were funded by the 2008 bond, the nal phase does not have a funding source.

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Homes have changed over the last 60 years

But what a home brings — feelings of comfort and safety, and a place to be happy, connect and belong — remains constant. The Wesleyan is proud to have provided generations in the Georgetown region with senior living communities that feel like home, no matter how their personal needs may have changed.

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GEORGETOWN EDITION • APRIL 2023

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Be ready when storms strike

Eric Johnson Branch Leader

1225 S. Interstate 35, Suite 125 Georgetown, TX 78626 512-876-2390

During severe weather, power outages may occur. Be prepared and know how to report an outage. • Report outages at pec.smarthub.coop • Call 888-883-3379 • Text “outage” to 25022 from the number associated with your account (message and data rates may apply) Stay ahead of the storm with tips and tools at pec.coop/outages.

An investment in a money market fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although the fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in the Fund. Certificates of deposit available through Schwab CD OneSource® typically offer a fixed rate of return, although some offer variable rates. They are FDIC-insured and offered through Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.

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THIS ISSUE

ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today. We have expanded to include hundreds of team members and have created our own software platform and printing facility. CI delivers 35+ localized editions across Texas to more than 2.5 million residential mailboxes.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH

MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Denise Seiler EDITOR Claire Shoop REPORTER Grant Crawford GRAPHIC DESIGNER Alissa Foss ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Dana Smyth METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Travis Baker

FROM DENISE: With election day around the corner, we wanted to make sure you know who is on the ballot! On Pages 18-19, get up to date on the Georgetown mayoral candidates and Georgetown ISD Place 4 candidates as they answered some questions from our editorial team. For more information about what’s on the ballot and where to vote, check out Pages 16-17. Denise Seiler, GENERAL MANAGER

MANAGING EDITOR Joe Warner COPY EDITOR Kasey Salisbury ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Rachal Elliott CONTACT US 16225 Impact Way, Ste. 1, P ugerville, TX 78660 • 5129896808 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES geonews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING geoads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter SUPPORT US Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron

FROM CLAIRE: Georgetown’s signature annual event, the Red Poppy Festival, will continue the celebration of the city’s 175th birthday. Taking place April 28-30, this year’s event will include the return of the BMX bike trick show. For more information, including who’s performing and where to park, see Page 13. And please come say ‘hi’ to the Community Impact sta who will be participating in the parade. I hope to see you there! Claire Shoop, EDITOR

"Our story is just beginning. " JOHN GARRETT, COMMUNITY IMPACT CEO & FOUNDER, AS QUOTED BY TEXAS MONTHLY

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Check out Texas Monthly’s prole on Community Impact, featuring the story of our founders as well as a look at our business model, commitment to local journalism and future plans for CI Texas.

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GEORGETOWN EDITION • APRIL 2023

DEL WEBB BLVD.

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IMPACTS

Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding

SERENADA DR.

NORTHWEST BLVD.

130 TOLL

Alouette Bistro

Torchy’s Tacos

CLAIRE SHOOP£COMMUNITY IMPACT

COURTESY TORCHY’S TACOS

2338

LAKEWAY DR.

3405

3 Brush Disposal opened in George- town on March 7, oering area residents a place to throw away broken limbs, grass clippings, tree trimmings and storm dam- age. The company accepts brush by the cubic yard or truckload while also oering haul-o services. While no exact address is available for the business, the site is located on Ronald Reagan Boulevard half- way between FM 3405 and Williams Drive. 512-400-4411 4 Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu , located at 4402 Williams Drive, Ste. 160, Georgetown, opened March 20. This is the third Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu location under Fabio Villela, who holds a fourth-degree black belt. The martial arts school oers high-level Brazilian jiujitsu instruction for individuals, families and law enforcement ocials. Instructors help attendees practice discipline, time management and accountability. The club provides classes for young children starting at age 2 as well as classes for juniors, teens and adults. 737-298-2780. www.gbgeorgetown.com 5 Any Lab Test Now opened at 1013 W. University Ave., Ste. 182, George- town, on March 22. Owned by Sean and Sarah Toney, the full-service accred- ited laboratory provides thousands of dierent lab tests, which can be ordered online or in person. The company, which also has locations in Austin, Lakeway, Round Rock, Cedar Park, New Braunfels and San Marcos, oers COVID-19, drug and alcohol, DNA and sexually transmit- ted infection testing with most results available in 24-48 hours. 512-882-0090. https://anylabtestnow.com 6 Jersey Mike’s Subs opened a new location at 3303 Williams Drive, Ste. 1050, 110 110 29 130 TOLL

Dr. Craig P. Torres D.D.S., Endodontist Board Certied (COL US Army Dental Corps RET) • Non-surgical root canal therapy • Root canal retreatments • Root canal surgery Dr. Gloria T. Torres D.D.S., Prosthodontist (LTC US Army Dental Corps RET) 62 Years Combined Experience (Retired Army Dentists) 9 A new Costco Wholesale location at 2201 N. I-35, Georgetown, is set to open in June. The company’s list of new locations coming soon on its website includes the Georgetown location. However, a Georgetown, on March 22. The sandwich chain, which started more than 60 years ago in New Jersey, oers a variety of cold and hot subs as well as catering services. 512-688-1688. www.jerseymikes.com COMING SOON 7 The new H-E-B location at 1010 W. University Ave., Georgetown, is set to open this June, according to a company representative. The 121,000-square-foot store, which the company began hiring for March 10, is meant to replace the 67,000-square-foot store at 1100 S. I-35, which will remain operational until the new store opens. The supermarket, which will have a two-story True Texas BBQ restau- rant, will serve the developing Wolf Lakes Village neighborhood and surrounding community. According to an H-E-B public aairs manager, the company will have additional details involving the store in the coming months. www.heb.com 8 Torchy’s Tacos is slated to open a new location in September, a company employee said. The Mexican restaurant oers an array of breakfast and lunch tacos along with burritos, street corn and churros. The business, which began out of a food trailer in 2006, has expanded to more than 100 locations throughout the country. The new location will be located at Bar W Marketplace at 19392 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 530, Leander. www.torchystacos.com

WILLIAMS DR.

W. 5THST.

RIVERY BLVD.

W.6THST.

WOLF RANCH PKWY.

1460

NOW OPEN 1 Namaste Dine-In , located at 103 N. Austin Ave., Ste. 105, George- town, opened March 10. The restaurant, owned by Dinesh Mishra, oers a menu of Nepali and Indian cuisine, including curry, masala, chow mein, kebabs, naan and more. The dining spot features a lunch buet, while the business also oers catering services. 512-819-1756. www.namastedinein.com

2 Lark & Owl Booksellers’ new restaurant concept, Alouette Bistro , had a soft opening March 25. Located inside the bookstore at 205 W. Sixth St., Ste. 101, the bistro serves coee, wine and cocktails inspired by literature alongside a menu of light bites, salads and sandwiches. Store representatives said the bistro will be oering a limited menu until it is prepared to expand its selections further. 512-688-5582. https://larkandowlbooksellers.com 1460

1431

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COMPILED BY GRANT CRAWFORD

Costco Wholesale

Georgetown Behavioral Health Institute

RENDERING COURTESY COSTCO WHOLESALE

COURTESY GEORGETOWN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INSTITUTE

Jennifer Clark became the new owner of Elite Pet Spa LLC in March.

IN THE NEWS 11 Brittney S. Dick took over as CEO of the Georgetown Behavioral Health Institute on Feb. 15. Located at 3101 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown Behavioral Health Institute is a 118-bed acute care hospital oering behavioral health services to adults, teens and children in the Georgetown and Austin area. Dick, who will now lead the team at GBHI, previously served as the CEO for Glen Oaks Hospital in Greenville. Prior to that, she was the CEO of Perimeter Behavior- al Hospital of Dallas in Garland, where she was responsible for the renovation of the 120,000-square-foot building. She also worked with Mayhill Hospital in Denton as the chief operating ocer and director of business development. www.georgetownbehavioral.com

Costco representative would not con¥rm a speci¥c opening date due to construction schedules and city requirements making opening dates subject to change. Plans for the new location have been in the works with city of Georgetown ocials since 2019, and the Planning & Zoning Commis- sion approved the site plans for Costco in September 2022. www.costco.com 10 Wine and mixology bar lounge Perfect Pair Sips & Boards is now under construction and is anticipat- ing a summer opening. The business will oer meats, cheeses, nuts, fruits, vegetables and breads from a diverse range of cultural cuisines coupled with old- and new-world wines and cocktails. Located at The Summit at Rivery, Perfect Pair Sips and Boards will be at 1500 Rivery Blvd., Ste. 2125, Georgetown. www.perfectpairsipsandboards.com

GRANT CRAWFORD£COMMUNITY IMPACT

FEATURED IMPACT NEW OWNERSHIP Elite Pet Spa LLC , located at 104 Woodmont Drive, Georgetown, is now under new ownership. Jennifer Clark took over the company March 4 after previously working as a groomer for the business. The stylists and sta, who have also remained with the pet spa, provide dog and cat grooming, bathing and more. While appointments should be made for full grooming, walk-ins are welcome for services such as ear cleaning and nail clipping, Clark said.

“It’s the same people customers enjoy coming to, just dierent owners in the shop,” Clark said. The spa is open Tuesdays-Fridays from 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 512-869-4630 www.elitepetspallc.com

WOODMONT DR.

BEAT THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL RUSH AND SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT NOW! BEAT THE SUMMER RUSH AND SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY!

195

4507 Williams Drive Georgetown • 78633

512.869.4100 GtownKids.com

Dr. Travis Hildebrand • Dr. Kenny Havard Dr. Lisa Jacob • Dr. Aaron White

GEORGETOWN EDITION • APRIL 2023

TODO LIST

April-May events

APRIL 21 THROUGH 23, 28 THROUGH 30 SEE LIVE THEATER Southwestern University’s Theatre Department will present several showings of “Ride the Cyclone,” a musical in which members of the Saint Cassian High School Chamber Choir are given a chance to return to life after they die on a roller coaster ride. 7:30 p.m. (Fri.-Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sun.). Free (Southwestern students, faculty, sta ); $14.40-$18. 1001 E. University Ave., Georgetown. 512-863-1378. www.southwestern.edu 22 SUPPORT A LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT The Weir Volunteer Fire Department will host its annual barbecue and bake sale. The department serves residents living in Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 6, which is located east of Georgetown and north of Hutto. Noon-3 p.m. $6 (children age 12 and under), $12 (adults). 450 RM 1105, Georgetown. www.weirfd.org 23 REMEMBER THE HOLOCAUST Jack Fingerhut from Sun City’s Congregation Havurah Shalom will talk about how his father’s Catholic neighbors hid him in their barn during World War II at the Georgetown Public Library for Yom HaShoah, Holocaust

Remembrance Day. After the war, he emigrated to Germany and then the U.S. 2-4 p.m. Free. 402 W. Eighth St., Georgetown. 512-930-3551. https://library.georgetown.org 28 DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY In line with the Red Poppy Festival, Georgetown Parks & Recreation will host one of its Dances for Adults with Disabilities. Each attendee must have a family member or caregiver with them. Activities include concessions, a photo booth and games. 7-9 p.m. Free. Georgetown Community Center, 445 E. Morrow St., Georgetown. 512-930-3595.https://parks.georgetown.org 28 THROUGH 30 SPEND A WEEKEND ON THE SQUARE The Red Poppy Festival includes three days of fanfare celebrating Georgetown with vendor booths, food, and live music and performances. On Saturday, the Red Poppy Parade and Car Show kicks o the day, and Jamestown Revival—the event’s headline performer—will wrap it up with a live concert. Other activities scheduled for the weekend include a kids zone, a BMX stunt show, a pet parade and more. 6-9 p.m. (April 28), 10 a.m.-11 p.m. (April 29), 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (April 30). Free. Downtown Georgetown. 800-436-8696. https://poppy.georgetown.org

ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS GAREY PARK

EXPERIENCE A ROCKET LAUNCH STONEWALL, TEXAS

APRIL 22

MAY 05

Georgetown Parks & Recreation is inviting the community to Family Nature Fest. The event will include a number of activities and demonstrations providing education on the environment and connecting families to nature. 1-4 p.m. $2 (resident), $4 (nonresidents) Garey Park entry fee; some activities may have an additional fee. 6450 RM 2243, Georgetown. 512-930-3595. https://parks.georgetown.org/ family-nature-fest

Georgetown ISD’s rocketry students will launch seven rockets as part of the Rockets2023 event. This event is the capstone of SystemsGo, the hands-on rocket and aeroscience curriculum taught in GISD. Over the course of the curriculum, students researched, designed, ordered parts for and built their rockets. The event will also be livestreamed. Time TBD. Free. 2187 Double Horn Road, Stonewall. www.systemsgo.org

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

COMPILED BY CLAIRE SHOOP

28 THROUGH MAY 28 ADMIRE ABSTRACT ART Diane Sandlin, an abstract painter based out of a Georgetown studio, will have her mixed-media paintings on display at the Georgetown Art Center. There will be an artist reception May 6 from 4-6 p.m. and an artist talk May 7 at 2 p.m. The exhibit is available during art center hours. Free. 816 S. Main St., Georgetown. 512-930-2583. www.georgetownartcentertx.org MAY 06 CRUISE THROUGH A CLASSIC CAR SHOW The Georgetown Texas Area Car Club 16th annual Car Show and Charity Bene©t will showcase more than 225 classic vehicles. Cars will be judged in about 40 di erent classes with awards presented to the top three in each class. Other activities include ra«es, food, vendors and music. 8-9:30 a.m. (check- in), 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (judging), 3 p.m. (awards). Free (spectators); $30 (entry fee, preregistration required). Sun City Social Center, 2 Texas Drive, Georgetown. www.gtacc.org 06 TRAVEL BACK IN TIME The Williamson County Museum in partnership with the city of Round Rock will host the 17th annual

13 RAISE MONEY FOR MEALS ON WHEELS

Pioneer Days at Old Settlers Association. Attendees will have the opportunity to dip candles, churn butter and make corn husk dolls. Other activities include re-enactments, chuck wagon areas, historic house tours, games and live music. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. 512-943-1670. https://williamsonmuseum.org 09 PLAY AT THE PARK Georgetown Parks & Recreation’s Rec on the Go! program brings activities to neighborhood parks throughout the city. This event at Old Town Park will include obstacle courses, sports, lawn games, relays, hula hoops and bubbles as well as music and giveaways. 4-6 p.m. Free. 1262 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown. 512-930-3595. https://parks.georgetown.org 10 LEARN ABOUT THE STATE OF FRESHWATER Jonathan Seefeldt with the Texas Living Waters Project will present on environmental history and how it a ects the current and future state of freshwater in Texas. The Williamson Museum’s The Salon at Wild©re series invites community leaders to speak about art, science, history and technology. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. 812 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown. 512-869-3473. https://williamsonmuseum.org

Opportunities for Williamson & Burnet Counties, the local Community Action Agency that provides Meals on Wheels services, is hosting its Sip & Shop fundraiser. This event includes a luncheon with beer and wine tastings, a fashion show, and on-site vendors. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $50 (individual), $350 (table of eight). 305 Buena Vista Drive, Marble Falls. 512-763-1400. www.owbc-tx.org 20 SOAK UP SUMMER SAFETY Water Safety Day through the Georgetown Parks & Recreation department teaches attendees about drowning prevention, water rescue skills and proper life jacket use. Those in attendance can stay and swim without daily pool fees. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Village Pool, 370 Village Commons Blvd., Georgetown. 512-930-3595. https://parks.georgetown.org 21 HEAR MUSIC FROM THE MOVIES The Central Texas Philharmonic’s Cinematic Symphony will include tunes from “Around the World in 80 Days,” “Vertigo” and “E.T.” 4-6:30 p.m. $10 (students), $35 (general), $40 (premium). Klett Center for the Performing Arts, 2211 N. Austin Ave., Georgetown. 512-766-0091. www.centraltexasphilharmonic.org

With more than 100 events, Fiesta takes place annually in San Antonio. WORTH THE TRIP April 20-30: Fiesta San Antonio , the annual springtime celebration, oers more than 100 events citywide featuring food and entertainment, including parades, festivals and galas. Proceeds from each event benet participating Fiesta Commission member organizations as well as numerous nonprots and causes. Event times, admission prices and locations vary. www.estasanantonio.org COURTESY FIESTA SAN ANTONIO

Find more or submit Georgetown events at communityimpact.com/event-calendar. Event organizers can submit local events online to be considered for the print edition. Submitting details for consideration does not guarantee publication.

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GEORGETOWN EDITION • APRIL 2023

TRANSPORTATION UPDATES

WilCo to issue debt for 2019 road bond

UPCOMING PROJECTS

LEFT TO FINISH Of the eight uncompleted projects that need more funding from the 2019 road bond, ve are in Leander, Georgetown and Liberty Hill.

RROWST

175

2243

CREEK MEADOW COVE

BY GRANT CRAWFORD

N. AUSTIN AVE.

IMPROVING

Due to rising ination and construction costs, the Williamson County Commissioners Court voted March 7 to issue short-term debt to help tackle eight uncompleted projects from the 2019 road bond. After discussing possibly delaying projects from the bond—a $412 million package meant to fund road construction and expansion—the court approved a cost amount of $237.4 million for the uncompleted projects as well as overage costs on the expansion of the Williamson County Juvenile Detention Center. To help cover those expenses, the county will issue no more than $150 million in tax anticipation notes— which allows government entities to issue debt and repay it with future tax collections—this scal year. Of that amount, $70 million will go to right-of- way purchases, the price of which has skyrocketed, Precinct 2 Commissioner Cynthia Long said. “This is a unique challenge that we’ve not had— at least in the 16 years that I’ve been doing this,” Long said. Ocials said the remaining funding could come from more tax anticipation notes or a future bond, for which a committee was formed March 28.

HERO WAY

LEANDER RD.

2 Hero Way/RM 2243 from 183A Toll to Southwest Bypass 1 CR 175 from RM 2243 to Creek Meadow Cove

Austin Avenue bridge projects The city will start a project to rehabil- itate and improve the Austin Avenue bridge and roadway over the San Gabri- el River. The bridge’s sidewalk will be removed, widening existing lanes and adding shoulders. A separate pedestri- an and bicycle bridge will be built. Timeline: late 2023-mid-2025 Cost: $11.5 million Funding source: 2021 Georgetown mobility bond

2243

SOUTHWEST BYPASS

183A TOLL

2243

CONSTRUCTING

4 CR 214 to connect to US 183 in Liberty Hill 5 Liberty Hill Bypass to connect RM 1869 to CR 279 3 Southeast Inner Loop from Hwy. 29 to Patriot Way

PATRIOT WAY

130 TOLL

SAM HOUSTON AVE

OAK RIDGE RD.

3405

1869

332

214

183

279

SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF MARCH 17. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT GEONEWSCOMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. DB Wood Road widening A 1.4-mile portion of the two-lane DB Wood Road from University Avenue to Oak Ridge Road is set to be widened to four lanes. The project’s design makes it a major arterial, adding a shared-use path for bicycles and pedestrians. A separate project will widen a northern section of DB Wood from Oak Ridge to Williams Drive. Timeline: late 2023-mid-2025 Cost: $18.4 million Funding source: 2015 Georgetown transportation bond

Improvements planned for many I35 bridges

KEY

Ongoing project

Upcoming projects

BY CLAIRE SHOOP

with improvements on the way are I-35 at Hwy. 29, I-35 at Leander Road and I-35 at Westinghouse Road. He added the Hwy. 29 and Westinghouse Road overpasses will be com- pletely reconstructed, while the Leander Road intersec- tion will be improved. “Over the next multiple years, we are going to have

one section of I-35 where one of our roads crosses over to be under construc- tion,” Morgan said. Bradley Wheelis, Southwest communica- tions director at TxDOT, said each of these inter- section projects is in the early planning stages, and funding for construction has not been identi ed.

WILLIAMS DR.

The Williams Drive

diverging diamond intersection is the rst of four proposed projects to improve Georgetown’s I-35 crossings. City Manager David Morgan said during the 2023 State of the City presentation Feb. 15 the other three intersections

AUSTIN AVE.

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DEVELOPMENT BRIEFS

Projects underway in the Georgetown area

COMPILED BY GRANT CRAWFORD

First of 2,500 homes built in Parkside on the River with more planned on 1,500 acres Around 150 residents have moved into homes at Parkside on the River in Georgetown, where devel- opers and builders continue to add new houses on the 1,500-acre subdivision. Situated between the San Gabriel River and RM 2243—also called Leander Road—the mas- ter-planned community has a little over 2,500 single-family lots planned for the site. Amy Payne, senior project manager for Blake Magee Co., said projects such as this one—which began in 2018—typically take about 15 years. About 200 homes are already built with Coven- try Homes, Highland Homes, M/I Homes, Perry Homes and Taylor Morrison working on the site. While students in the area will be split between Leander ISD and Georgetown ISD, plans for a GISD elementary school are in the works. GISD con- rmed the district owns land, but said there is no timeline to build a school. Developers will put in a trail to connect to Garey Park, and commercial and multifamily tracts are planned along Leander Road. “It’s also going to have a pretty large river park that’s dedicated to the public,” Payne said.

City observes year-over-year dip in development revenue The city of Georgetown’s planning and devel- opment revenue has slowed in the rst quarter of scal year 2022-23 due to a “signicant decrease in the number of residential building permits issued,” according to the city’s nance reports. The revenue—which comes from residential and commercial building permits, inspection fees and other development services—was down nearly 18.6% compared to the same time last scal year, which could indicate a decline in new houses. DEVELOPMENT DOLLARS Residents could see fewer new houses coming online as nancial records re ect the city has collected less money so far this scal year from building permits, inspection fees and other development services.

PLANNING PARKSIDE ON THE RIVER

Once fully built out, the Parkside on the River subdivision will include more than 2,500 houses, a Georgetown ISD school and a large public park. Multifamily units and commercial uses will be located along Leander Road.

KEY

Future GISD Elementary School Commercial use

Parkside on the River San Gabriel River Park

Green space

Multifamily

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$2.5M $2M $1.5M $1M $500K 0

2021-22

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SOURCE: CITY OF GEORGETOWNCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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GEORGETOWN EDITION • APRIL 2023

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GUIDE Red Poppy Festival Event to celebrate Georgetown’s 175th birthday T his year’s Red Poppy Festival will not only celebrate the owers from which the three-

RED POPPY LAYOUT

BY CLAIRE SHOOP

The Red Poppy Festival includes three stages, vendor areas around the Square and a parade route that circles the downtown area.

Main Stage

Mayfair Stage 2

Celebrate Stage 3

Courthouse

175th birthday- themed events

Parade route

Parking

Handicap parking

Locations where red poppies grow

day celebration is named after, but also the city’s 175th birthday, which passed in March. Cari Miller, tourism manager at the Georgetown Convention and Visitors Bureau, said event organizers are marking the occasion by having all parade participants wear birthday hats and holding birthday-themed activities and photo opportunities in the South Main Arts District. Additionally, this year’s festival— which will take place April 28-30—will be set apart by its lineup of artisan vendors and variety of music perfor- mances, Miller said. “We have a lot of new vendors coming in, and I’m really excited to see what they bring,” Miller said. American folk duo Jamestown Revival will headline the free-to- attend festival, taking the stage at 9:30 p.m. April 29. It will be preceded on the main Red Poppy Stage by performances from Walburg Boys at 6 p.m. and Wynn Williams at 7:45 p.m. On April 28, Dysfunkshun Junkshun, which Miller called a Georgetown favorite, will kick o the festivities at 7 p.m. with a high-en- ergy show featuring a mix of rhythm and blues, hip hop, Motown, and classic rock. Throughout the weekend, other musical acts will take the Red Poppy Stage and the Mayfair Stage. On the Celebrate Stage, local groups slated to perform include Acrotex, Performing Arts Studio, Georgetown Palace

START

W. 3RDST.

The Red Poppy Festival will feature a BMX bike trick show April 30 for the rst time since the 2016 event.

COURTESY RUDY JIMENEZ

Theater and the Sun City Georgettes. The festival will also include a return of the pet parade sponsored by Wag Heaven and a revival of the BMX bike trick show, last seen in 2016. Other festival activities include a car show; a food court; and a kids fun zone coordinated by the YMCA with pedal cars, bounce houses, and arts and crafts activities. For Miller, the 2023 festival marks her 20th year as the event’s orga- nizer. In that time, she said the city has been able to bring more opportu- nities to attendees. While the parade map and parking options remain the same for this year’s festival, Miller said there are changes to the city’s free shuttle service. The shuttle, which will only be available April 29, will run between FBG Church at 1333 W. University Ave. and the Georgetown Library parking lot downtown, she said. “Come prepared to have a great time in some comfortable, cool clothes because hopefully the weather will be really nice and comfortable,” Miller said. A full schedule is available at https://poppy.georgetown.org.

E. 5THST.

END

W.8THST.

E. 10

W. 10THST.

RED POPPY REWIND

The origin of red poppy owers in Georgetown dates back to World War I, when soldier Henry Purl Compton—who was known as Okra—sent home seeds to his mother, who planted them in her lawn on Seventh Street. Since then, the owers have bloomed and spread every year from February-April. SOURCE: CITY OF GEORGETOWNCOMMUNITY IMPACT

W. 11THST.

The Red Poppy Festival celebrates the ower that blooms each year in the city.

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GEORGETOWN EDITION • APRIL 2023

REGIONAL REPORT

I35 North project breaks ground

The I-35 North project will make several changes to I-35 and the surrounding area, including adding a new nontolled high-occupancy vehicle lane in each direction along the length of the project.

CHANGES ON THE WAY

corridor—who ultimately look forward to its completion in 2029. “There’s going to be multiple years of construction, and it is going to be a bit of a challenge as we go through the construction phase of that project, but I think in the long run, once it’s complete, it will be a huge benet to commuters,” said Cynthia Long, Williamson County Precinct 2 Com- missioner and chair of the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. The ocial project groundbreaking occurred March 29. Plan for relief The need for the project arose from studies showing I-35 as one of the most congested roads in Texas, said Bradley Wheelis, a public information ocer for the Texas Department of Transportation. Project funding was approved in September and comes from TxDOT and CAMPO, the region’s transporta- tion planning group. The largest change on the way with the I-35 North project includes the addition of a nontolled high-occu- pancy vehicle lane in each direction. That lane is intended for use by vehicles with more than two people, such as individuals carpooling and buses. This will result in 30-36 minutes saved for HOV lane users in peak trac times, according to TxDOT. The project will also add a lane to the north- and southbound frontage roads along the length of the project. Roughly 18 miles of shared-use paths will be built beside most of I-35’s frontage road for use by pedestrians and cyclists, TxDOT said. Additionally, the I-35 North project will reconstruct six bridges with pedestrian and bicycle paths at Grand Avenue Parkway, Wells Branch Parkway, Howard Lane, Walnut Creek, Braker Lane and Rundberg Lane. Bypass roads will also be built near several intersections to allow drivers to avoid busy areas. Similar to the project underway in Georgetown at I-35 and Williams Drive, TxDOT will build a diverging diamond interchange and new bridge at Wells Branch, Wheelis said. The interchange allows large amounts of turning trac to turn at once by diverting drivers to the opposite side of the road for a short

BY GRACE DICKENS

45 TOLL

Improved mobility is the goal of the $606 million I-35 North project that began on a section of the roadway south of Georgetown in March. Slated to add a main lane in each direction, create a diverging diamond interchange and expand frontage roads, the project on I-35 from Hwy. 290 East to SH 45 N has raised concerns for residents and businesses throughout the project—as well as those who frequently travel the

GREENLAWN BLVD.

KEY

GRAND AVE. PKWY. New bypass lanes Additional shared- use paths Reconstructed bridges New HOV lanes Frontage road widening Existing main lanes

W. PECAN ST.

Number of lanes

DIVERGING DIAMOND The Texas Department of Transportation will construct a new diverging diamond under I-35 at Wells Branch Parkway, allowing two lanes of trac to temporarily shift across the opposite side of the road to move more trac at once. A

WELLS BRANCH PKWY.

MOPAC

HOWARD LN.

WELLS BRANCH PKWY.

3 1

HOWARD LN.

PARMER LN.

TECH RIDGE BLVD.

1 3

HOWARD LANE In addition to new main lanes on I-35, work on Howard Lane will add a northbound bypass lane, widen existing lanes, rebuild the bridge and create shared-use paths in the area. B

183

290

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

COMPARING PROJECTS

The I-35 widening project has three sections for north, central and south Austin. Here is how those projects compare:

I-35 North

I-35 Central

I-35 South

45 TOLL

290

• $548 million • Construction started in November • Two nontolled HOV lanes in each direction • Multiple bridge reconstructions • Bypass lanes at Stassney Lane and William Cannon Drive • 13 miles of shared-use paths

• $4.5 billion • Construction starts in 2024 • Two nontolled HOV lanes in each direction • Remove the upper decks on I-35 • Lower I-35 through downtown • 16 miles of shared-use paths

• $606 million • Construction started in March • One nontolled HOV lane in each direction • 6 bridge reconstructions • 1 diverging diamond • 18 miles of shared-use paths SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION COMMUNITY IMPACT

KOENIG LN.

WILLIAM CANNON DR.

MOPAC

COLORADO RIVER

SLAUGHTER LN.

183

290

45 TOLL

distance. This interchange will run under the bridge, allowing cross-street trac to enter I-35 more easily. “With [these interchanges], you can move more vehicles through a single signal cycle than a traditional inter- section, and that helps move a lot of left-turning trac,” Wheelis said. Rethink35 is a volunteer-based organization with chapters from San Antonio to Georgetown dedicated to protesting the I-35 expansion projects. Hunter Holder, a member of the Georgetown chapter, said as a commuter, he joined the organization because he sees how the roadway a¡ects people living in the suburbs. The organization advocates for alternative options, including public transportation and rerouting nonlocal trac o¡ I-35. “TxDOT continues to promise that expanding highways is the solution to all our problems, and from experience I know it’s not,” Holder said. Bracing for impact As not only a local route, but an interstate and international commerce

the Central project will displace an estimated 291 homes and businesses, the North section of the project will not displace any homes or business owners, according to TxDOT. Despite not being displaced, business owners in the area said they will be a¡ected by construction, including Cantu Nursery in Round Rock, manager Gaby Cantu said. She said she was not aware of the I-35 North project before construc- tion began, but she added she hopes it will help increase accessibility to her establishment. “We’ve been here for 13 years, going on 14 years, and we’ve seen trac get really bad,” Cantu said. “If [the project is] going to help accessi- bility, it’s going to be a positive thing for us.” Road work ahead Phase 1 for I-35 North involves widening north- and southbound main lanes, installing a new center median barrier, reconstructing the Braker bridge, and constructing a new northbound frontage road over Walnut

Creek, according to TxDOT. The work being done on the road is to ensure riders can have safer, reliable transportation infrastructure, Wheelis said. With Austin’s popu- lation estimated to double by 2045, transportation organizations must nd a way to keep up, he said. Though the project started in March, timelines for phases of the project have not been established, Wheelis said. The most disruptive construction involving lane closures will mostly happen overnight to prevent problems where possible, Wheelis said. Long said as a county commissioner and a member of CAMPO’s execu- tive board, she knows planning for transportation is necessary. And she has learned when funding for such projects is available, it is important to build what you can. “Is it enough? Probably not. But it’s what we can do with the available funding now,” Long said. “Will it provide dramatic improvements? Yes.” Brian Rash and Claire Shoop contrib- uted to this report.

route connecting Mexico to Canada, Long said improvements to I-35 have been the top priority for CAMPO for the past ve to six years. “It’s continued to be our No. 1 pri- ority as we’ve made dicult funding decisions, quite frankly, to delay other projects so that I-35 could move forward,” she said. Georgetown Assistant City Manager Nick Woolery said city leaders are looking forward to the state and federal government investing in these and other I-35 improvement projects, including those closer to Georgetown. “The city of Georgetown is excited about the advancement of these important projects, so people living south of our community can more quickly and safely navigate north and experience all the wonderful amenities found in Georgetown, including the most beautiful town square in Texas,” Woolery said in an email. The I-35 North project is one of three in Central Texas intended to curb trac congestion and improve regional mobility alongside the I-35 Central and I-35 South projects. While

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GEORGETOWN EDITION • APRIL 2023

2023

LOCAL VOTER GUIDE GUIDE Candidates and information for local elections LOCAL VOTER GUIDE

DATES TO KNOW

WHERE TO VOTE

Registered voters in Williamson County may cast their ballot at any county-run polling location. Williamson County is operating 15 full-time early-voting locations— including three in Georgetown. Of the county’s 28 election day locations, ve are in Georgetown. Find additional information on polling locations on Page 17.

April 24 First day of early voting April 25 Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) May 2 Last day of early voting

May 6 Election day May 6 Last day to receive ballot by mail (or May 8 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election)

SOURCES: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE, WILLIAMSON COUNTY ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT COMMUNITY IMPACT

SAMPLE BALLOT

VOTER TURNOUT Williamson County Turnout Registered voters May 2022

*Incumbent

GEORGETOWN ISD Place 4 Marcos Gonzalez Stephanie A. Blanck*

GEORGETOWN CITY COUNCIL Mayor

42,923

402,983

May 2021

Jonathan Dade Josh Schroeder*

40,512

317,836

Georgetown ISD has one other position up for election in May. Anthony Blankenship is running uncontested for Place 5.

May 2019

Georgetown City Council has two other positions up for election in May. Incumbent Council Members Shawn Hood and Jake French are uncontested for District 2 and District 6, respectively.

232,452

19,411

May 2018 20,006 May 2017

308,253

NOTE: NO MAY ELECTIONS WERE HELD IN 2020.

25,429

261,880

Retired GISD Campus and Central Office Administrator Retired Licensed Specialist in School Psychology Child Advocate and Mentor Proven Community Leader Multiple Non-Profit Boards Multiple City of Georgetown Boards 2016 Jesse "Buz" Sawyer Award for a Lifetime of Service and Philanthropy to the Community Founder Exceptional Georgetown Alliance Past President Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education Past President Texas Junior Forums, Inc. Dedicated to making progress in Georgetown ISD - and she's not done yet! Improving and Supporting All Schools in GISD Supporting and Compensating All Teachers and Staff Fairly Promoting High Achievement for Every Learner As your representative on the Georgetown Independent School District Board of Trustees, Place 4, I will continue to work for:

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LIke, follow, and share on Facebook: Blanck4GISD

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