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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 JUNE 8JULY 12, 2023
HEALTH CARE EDITION 2023
Filling in the gaps
Tomlinson's Feed to open second Leander pet store
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Lake Travis level aects economy, water supply
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HEALTH CARE EDITION 2023
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Health care snapshot
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ST. DAVID'S LOOP
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St. David’s HealthCare will build a full-service hospital at the site of its existing medical oce building and free-standing emergency room.
NELL CARROLLCOMMUNITY IMPACT
Liberty Hill orist creates custom arrangements
Communities face health care scarcity, look toward rst Leander hospital
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Pull the newest teaser from CC Libraries
BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON
hospital and health care options. “It takes longer if we have to go to Georgetown to the hospital; we have to go through [a] busy intersection, … and then we’ve got trac going south into Cedar Park, like horrible trac,” Jackson Sanders said. “So, it’s time for us to have [a hospital].” Prior to the area experiencing an increase in population, it took
Jackson Sanders 20 minutes to drive to a hospital, but now the commute is about 45 minutes. “There are people moving in here, and anytime the population increases, there’ll be a need for health care facilities,” said Mary Poche’, Liberty Hill executive director of eco- nomic development. CONTINUED ON 28
Like many others in the area, Lib- erty Hill resident Kim Jackson Sand- ers receives medical care from Cedar Park Regional Medical Center and St. David’s Georgetown Hospital. However, as the Leander and Lib- erty Hill areas continue to grow, commute times have also increased, causing residents to hope for closer
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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION • JUNE 2023
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE Mobility Authority
Navigating the tolling landscape can be complicated. We’re the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, and we’re here to help you understand important pieces of the tolling puzzle, like what we do and how your toll bill works.
The Mobility Authority is not the only toll operator
Late payment fees do apply
Drivers without electronic tags will receive a Mobility Authority Pay By Mail (PBM) bill. For electronic tag holders, bills generated and mailed by the Mobility Authority are the result of declined responses after multiple attempts to post tolls to a customer’s electronic tag account. To avoid receiving a PBM bill, be sure to check with your electronic tag provider to make sure all of your account details are up to date.
The Mobility Authority is not TxTag
We accept a variety of electronic tags
!
There’s a reason you might get a bill in the mail even if you have an electronic tag
There are payment options everywhere
Keep your electronic tag account in good standing
We use your address on file with the Texas DMV for bills
Tag Account:
Learn what to do when you sell your car
Using the Pay By Mail program costs you more
WE’RE ALWAYS HERE TO HELP
To learn more fast facts about paying your Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority toll bill, visit us at MobilityAuthority.com/Tolling101.
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THIS ISSUE
ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched
MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Denise Seiler EDITOR Claire Shoop REPORTERS Grant Crawford, Zacharia Washington GRAPHIC DESIGNER Alissa Foss ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jamille Souza Madeira METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Travis Baker MANAGING EDITOR Amy Denney COPY EDITOR Kasey Salisbury ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Rachal Elliott CONTACT US 16225 Impact Way, Ste. 1, Pugerville, TX 78660 • 5129896808 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES llhnews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING llhads@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 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
FROM DENISE: I have lived in Texas my whole life and have never been one to su er from allergies, but over the last couple years, that has denitely changed. When they hit, I can’t tell if I’m sick, if I should go to the doctor or if I should just wait it out. In this annual Health Care Edition, we give a breakdown of the most common allergens in Central Texas and when they are most prevalent along with details on symptoms and what causes these allergies (see Pages 24-25). Denise Seiler, GENERAL MANAGER
FROM CLAIRE: In addition to the Allergy Guide, our June issue is packed with useful health care content. For our front-page story, Reporter Zacharia Washington talked with residents and ocials in Leander and Liberty Hill about the growing demand for additional health care resources north of Austin as these communities continue to grow, and provided details on the St. David’s HealthCare Leander Hospital—which is scheduled to open in 2025. We also have information on local urgent cares and ERs that families can access for treatment (see Page 21) as well as regional hospitals (see Pages 18-19). Claire Shoop, EDITOR
Meet Travis Baker
Austin Metro Publisher
What’s your typical day as a CI Publisher? TB: One thing I love about my job is that no two days are the same, each lled with new challenges and opportunities. On average, my day starts with some internal meetings. Next, I am in the eld riding along with a sales rep to help pitch a local business as to why our advertising portfolio is the best investment they can make. Then I’m at a chamber networking event, and throughout the day I may be mixing in some editorial decisions on late breaking content, scheduling future stories, etc. Each day my calendar is booked, but rarely is there a day playing out as planned.
What’s your favorite memory working for CI? TB: I’ve had many great memories over my 13 years. One that sticks out the most is when we launched a paper in my hometown of New Braunfels and saw the emails ooding in after our rst delivery. I started documenting them, and when I got to page seven or eight, I realized it was never going to end. The launch was rewarding for myself and also the community.
Where might CI expand to next in your metro? TB: Good question. We have quite a few fans out there, and they are not shy to let us know where we’re needed. I’ve heard from people in Waco, Killeen, Temple, Bastrop and Highland Lakes, to name a few. I look forward to the day that every community across Texas has Community Impact serving it.
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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION • JUNE 2023
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
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COURTESY MERCY VETERINARY HOSPITAL
COMING SOON 6 Hounds Town is planning to open its rst Central Texas location in Leander in early summer. Operating nationwide, Hounds Town provides day care, boarding, spa grooming services and transportation for dogs as well as boarding services for cats. Owned by Chris Duncan, the new facility will be located at 10181 E. Crystal Falls Park- way, Ste. 102, Leander. 512-986-7317. www.houndstownusa.com 7 Construction on Wink Optical and Eye Care began in early May. Wink Opti- cal and Eye Care will oer services such as comprehensive eye exams, treatment of eye diseases and conditions, contact lens ttings, and assistance with pre- scription glasses. Owned and operated by Dr. Riddhi Gohel, the business will be located at 3651 N. US 183, Ste. 190, Leander. The oce is scheduled for a mid-July opening. 512-548-8493. www.winkopticalandeye.com IN THE NEWS 8 The Leander ISD Educational Excellence Foundation announced Coleen Brighton as the new executive director in mid-May. Brighton joined LEEF’s board of directors in 2015 and was hired as the director of operations and development in 2017. Brighton will replace previous Executive Director Jonathan Campbell, who started in early August. Located at 204 W. South St., Leander, LEEF is a nonprot organiza- tion that partners with LISD and other area organizations to aid in achieving district-aligned goals and objectives. 512-570-0027. www.leeftx.org
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FEATURED IMPACT COMING SOON 54th Street Restaurant & Drafthouse is planning to begin construction in Cedar Park in October with an expected opening date in December 2024. The restaurant oers a variety of “scratch made” food from pasta to ribs to Mexican entrees, a bar featuring 54 draft beers and daily happy hour specials. The Cedar Park location at 1320 E. New Hope Drive will include a 10,000-square-foot courtyard for pickleball and yard games, two HD golf and multisport simulators, and patio seating with repit tables. Founded in 1989, the family- owned business has 33 locations in Missouri and Texas, including one in Pugerville. www.54thstreetrestaurants.com The restaurant will include an outdoor space with pickleball. RENDERING COURTESY SHAW HOFSTRA + ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS¥ UR STUDIO
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NOW OPEN 1 A new location of P. Terry’s Burger Stand opened in Cedar Park on May 10. Located at 851 W. Whitestone Blvd. Cedar Park, the restaurant is drive-thru only and the 30th Central Texas location of P. Terry’s, according to a news release. Along with burgers and fries, P. Terry’s serves chicken patties, vegetarian patties, egg burgers, milkshakes and banana bread. 512-456-7109. www.pterrys.com 2 Mercy Veterinary Hospital , a small-animal veterinary practice and lux- ury pet resort, opened May 22 in Leander. The privately owned, 15,000-square- foot hospital provides preventive care, vaccines, testing and diagnostics, dental services, orthopedic surgery, and urgent and emergency care for dogs and cats. The boarding facility also oers day care, overnight suites and grooming services. Mercy Veterinary Hospital is located at 18109 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Leander. 512-890-2000. www.mercy-vet.com 3 Shredding company Grateful Shred LLC held its grand opening May 4. Located at 3200 Woodall Drive, Ste. A2, Cedar Park, the locally owned and -operated
business provides shredding services to commercial and residential customers for the safe destruction of documents contain- ing sensitive information. 512-358-6458. www.gratefulshredllc.com 4 Green Dentistry of Leander opened at 13920 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 210, Leander, on May 8. Owned by Drs. Jihoon Son and Kevin Min, Green Dentistry of Leander specializes in deep cleanings, dental x-rays, braces, Invisalign, dental implants, IV sedation, laser dentistry and oral cancer screening for patients from 2 years old to adults. The dentist oce also oers in-house insurance options for patients who do not have their own. 737-777-6226. www.greendentistryoeander.com 5 Texas Fertility Center opened a new location in Cedar Park in April. Led by Drs. Amy Schutt and Madeline Kaye, the facility oers various types of treatment to increase fertility, such as in vitro fertilization, intrauter- ine insemination and egg donation. The facility is located in the Span- ish Oaks Professional Park center at 13625 Ronald W. Reagan Blvd., Bldg. 7, Ste. 200, Cedar Park. 512-451-0149. www.cedarparkfertility.com
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Tomlinson’s Feed carries pet products, including food, treats and toys.
NOW OPEN 1 Italian restaurant Bella Sera Liberty Hill opened March 27 at 13750 Hwy. 29, Ste. 104, Liberty Hill. Owned by Niki Granit, the restaurant has a broad menu that features dierent variations of pas- ta, such as spaghetti with Italian sausage and cheese ravioli as well as steak and seafood specialties. Bella Sera has multi- ple Texas locations, including in Leander and Marble Falls. 512-548-5019. https://bellaseralibertyhill. godaddysites.com 2 Access Health Urgent Care opened its fourth location in Liberty Hill in February. Through Access Health Urgent Care, patients can receive x-rays, treatment for minor injuries, lab testing, COVID-19 and u vaccinations, small procedures such as lancing, treatment for skin lacera- tions, and treatment for the common cold and strep. Soon the urgent care center will oer IV hydration and branch o to provide specialty care such as for the ear, nose and throat, an employ- ee said. Access Health Urgent Care is located at 13140 W. Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill. 512-615-9868. www.accessurgentcare.io 3 Chisholm Trail Pediatrics opened its third location May 15 at 9017 W. Hwy. 29, Ste. 107, Liberty Hill. The doctor’s oce provides well child checks, immuniza- tions, newborn care and prescription rells for infants up to 18-year-olds. The provider also oers telemedicine services for attention-decit hyperac- tivity disorder consultations, medication checks and follow-up appointments.
Chisholm Trail Pediatrics also has loca- tions in Georgetown and Round Rock. 512-476-1763. www.ctpgt.com 4 New optometrist Vista Family Eye Care opened in Liberty Hill on May 25. Owned and led by Dr. Erica O’Brien, Vista Family Eye Care provides eye exams, contact lens exams, dry-eye treatment and care for eye emergencies for patients as young as 6 months to adults. It is located at 14125 Hwy. 29, Ste. B202, Liberty Hill. 737-707-2155. www.vistafamilyeyecaretx.com COMING SOON 5 Cedar Park-based yoga studio Moonshine Yoga is planning to ex- pand into Liberty Hill in September. Owned by Smile Owens, Moonshine Yoga oers aerial yoga classes and yoga training in areas such as breathing and meditation, posture breakdown, applied anatomy and all levels of vin- yasa. The new studio will be located at 15050 W. Hwy. 29, Ste. 130, Liberty Hill. www.moonshine.yoga 6 International gym Orangetheory Fitness is planning an early fall opening for its Bar W Marketplace location. At Orangetheory Fitness, gymgoers will have the opportunity to participate in workouts such as rowing, cardio and strength training. The new gym will be located at 19380 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 400, Georgetown, and it will be operated by manager Kelsi Han- cock. Orangetheory Fitness has other locations in Leander and Georgetown. 512-553-3035. www.orangetheory.com
COURTESY TOMLINSON’S FEED
FEATURED IMPACT COMING SOON Austin-based pet store Tomlinson’s Feed is anticipating opening another Leander location in the Bar W Marketplace retail center in September. Tomlinson’s carries food, treats, toys, supplements and supplies for cats and dogs. The pet store also oers services such as dental clinics, lost-pet microchip scans and a self-serve pet wash. The new store will be located at 19380 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 410, Leander. www.tomlinsons.com
Orangetheory Fitness
COURTESY ORANGETHEORY FITNESS
7 A new Chase Bank branch location will open in the Bar W Marketplace retail center, which is situated between Leander and Georgetown. Operating in several states nationwide, Chase Bank specializes in a range of services, includ- ing personal banking, credit cards, auto nancing, mortgages, investment advice and small-business loans. While there isn’t yet an address for this new branch, Chase Bank at Bar W Marketplace will be located at the intersection of Ronald Reagan Boulevard and Hwy. 29. A com- pany representative said it is scheduled to open in November or December. www.chase.com NAME CHANGES Marketing consultant Braziel Media underwent a name change and rebranding to The LeBaron Agency in March. Owner Kristan LeBaron said she renamed and rebranded the company to better align with the representa- tion that she brings to clients beyond media planning and buying. Since 2007, the agency has oered market- ing and advertising services such as strategy and planning; copywriting;
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website design; and buying ad space in print and on radio, TV and billboards. The LeBaron Agency is a home-based business in Liberty Hill. 512-550-2462. www.thelebaronagency.com
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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION • JUNE 2023
TO DO LIST
June & July events
COMPILED BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON
JUNE 17 DO SOMETHING NICE FOR DAD McCoy’s Building Supply in Liberty Hill will host its Father’s Day Hammer Painting event. At this event, children will get the opportunity to paint a hammer for their dads. Paint and hammers will be supplied. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. 2505 Hwy. 1869, Liberty Hill. 512-778-7002. www.mccoys.com/ corporate/store-events 17 TASTE TEST AND CREATE ART Whitestone Brewery Liberty Hill Taproom will host its Food Truck Rally, which will feature a variety of food trucks, including Black Sheep Soul, and Van’s Damn Tasty Tacos and Ronburguesas. This event will also have live music. Following that, the taproom will host Paint Nite, during which attendees will have the opportunity to create their own canvas painting. Noon-6 p.m. (Food Truck Rally), 7:30 p.m. (Paint Nite). Free to attend (Food Truck Rally), $35 (Paint Nite). 15390 W. Hwy. 290, Bldgs. 2-3, Liberty Hill. www.whitestonebrewery.com 18 CELEBRATE FATHER’S DAY Texas Bach Festival will host “A Toast To Dads - of All Ages” as part of its 2023 concert lineup. This event features The Artisan Quartet playing music by W.A.
Mozart, Hugo Wolf and Joseph Haydn. The quartet consists of violinist Patrice Calixte, violinist Stephen Redeld, violist Bruce Williams and cellist Douglas Harvey. Complimentary wine, cheese, fruit and desserts will be available at 3 p.m. Concert starts at 4 p.m. $15 (students and military), $25 (seniors), $30 (general admission). HighPointe Estate, 5555 CR 258, Liberty Hill. www.texasbachfestival.org 24 PARTICIPATE IN A SHOP HOP At Leander’s rst boutique hop, shoppers can visit the city’s boutiques, each o¡ering specials, refreshments and pop-up vendors. Participating boutiques include Duvalls A Classic Children’s Boutique, Glow & Grow Salon and Boutique, Jonida’s Boutique, Poppy Avenue Boutique + Clean Beauty Bar, Southern Sugar and Brow and Amethyst Rose Boutique, and Turquoise Peacock Boutique. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Various locations throughout Leander. Facebook: Suns Out Boutique Shop Hop || The Boutique’s of Leander 24 THROUGH 25 CHECK OUT COMIC CON Greater Austin Comic Con will host two full days of cosplay contests, gaming competitions, vendors, a superhero-themed car show and entertainment for children. Comic Con guests will consist of comic book
creators, movie and TV stars, athletes, reputable cosplay artists, and game developers. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (June 24), 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (June 25). One-day tickets cost $15-$20 (ages 6-12), $35-$40 (age 13 and up). H-E-B Center, 2100 Ave. of the Stars, Cedar Park. 512-600-5001. www.hebcenter.com JULY 03 PARTY FOR LIBERTY Leander’s annual Liberty Fest at Devine Lake Park will feature live music, children’s activities, food and a reworks display. This year’s performers are Texas country artist Madison Rodges and Austin-based band Departure ATX. 6-10 p.m. Free. 1807 Waterfall Ave., Leander. 512-528-9909. www.leandertx.gov 25 DONATE BLOOD In partnership with the American Red Cross, Queen of Hearts CPR will be hosting a blood drive. Each pint of blood donated can help up to three people, and the organization’s goal is to collect 50 pints. Participants are encouraged to be well hydrated and eat before donating. Noon-6 p.m. Free. Leander VFW Post, 8760 RM 2243, Leander. 512-818-9601. www.queeno©eartscpr.com
Independence Day Spectacular attendees participate in a snowball ght.
COURTESY CITY OF LIBERTY HILL
FEATURED EVENT Independence Day Spectacular Liberty Hill’s Independence Day Spectacular on July 3 will feature watermelon seed spitting, hot dog eating and homemade apple pie contests as well as a snowball ght. Children’s activities include an obstacle course, a Velcro wall to jump on, and a trackless train. Fireworks will wrap up
the evening. 6-10 p.m. Free Liberty Hill Middle School, 13125 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill www.experiencelhtx.com
Find more or submit Leander and Liberty Hill 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.
Join Us For Summer Fun! Verena at Leander is ready to celebrate this summer.
Guns & Hoses BBQ Benefit for Leander Police & Fire Friday, July 14th • 2:00 5:00pm Join us to celebrate and support the brave men and women of Leander Police and Fire. Tour the emergency vehicles and dance with live music.
RSVP for you and a friend to 512 591 5121. INDEPENDENT SENIOR LIVING 11350 Hero Way West Leander, TX 78641 www.VerenaAtLeander.com
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TRANSPORTATION UPDATES Leander switches gears on Heritage Grove Road City ocials decided to put the ENHANCING HERITAGE GROVE ROAD
COMPILED BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON
ONGOING PROJECTS
previously planned improvements to Heritage Grove Road on hold after parting ways with Cangshan Cutlery Co., which manufactures premium handcrafted cutlery. In early February, Leander City Council voted to terminate a Chapter 380 economic incentives agreement for the Cangshan Cutlery Co. headquarters project, which was supposed to be located at 204 Heritage Grove Road, Leander. Improvements on Heritage Grove Road were a part of the planned Cang- shan Cutlery facility construction, and when council voted to part ways with the company, it “changed the scope of the project,” city ocials said. The Heritage Grove Road improve- ments project was initially designed to add a center turn lane to the two-lane road, city ocials said. It was intended to improve trac caused by larger vehicles and the future development. Federal Atlas-14 information, which provides rainfall data for stormwater
The full reconstruction of Heritage Grove Road won’t take place as planned. Instead, improvements will be completed through the 2023 street rehabilitation program.
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Improvements under the Cangshan Cutlery Co. project: Cost: $3.2 million • Add a center turn lane to the two-lane road • Lessen trac impacts caused by larger vehicles and future development Old plan
Cost: $437,996 Improvements under 2023 street rehabilitation program: New plan • Renish the surface • Repair the shoulders • Fill potholes • Enhance overall quality of the road
South Bagdad Road and Sonny Drive intersection improvements The city installed and activated a trac signal at the intersection of South Bagdad Road and Sonny Drive in Leander in April. Other recent im- provements to the area include road- way reconstruction, adding raised power lines, sidewalk and curb ramp construction, pavement leveling and restriping, and a new crosswalk. The improvements are expected to enhance the safety and trac ow at this intersection for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians. Timeline: December 2022-April 2023 Cost: $566,000 Funding source: city of Leander
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infrastructure, also required the road to be redesigned. At the April 20 City Council meeting, city sta proposed adding Heritage Grove to the 2023 street rehabilitation program, which will include renishing the surface, repairing the shoulders and lling potholes—improving the overall quality of the road for drivers, ocials said. “Heritage Grove is one of the worst roads that we have in town condition wise, and we are trying
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to attract some great taxpayers out there,” Mayor Christine DeLisle said at the April 20 council meeting. City Council formally approved adding Heritage Grove to the street rehabilitation program during its May 18 meeting.
ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF MAY 30. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT LLHNEWSCOMMUNITYIMPACT.COM.
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ENVIRONMENT Lake Travis faces historic low levels
Lower Colorado River Authority ocials said 2022 was one of the worst years for water levels at Lake Travis. Data shows the lake is the lowest it has been since 2015. Near-decade low Historical water levels of Lake Travis
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In ows to Lake Travis in 2022 were some of the worst on record, concern- ing water conservation advocates, res- idents and business owners. Lower water levels have a profound impact on both the local business com- munity and residents because the lake is well known as a spot for watersport vacationing, said Karen Shultz, the president of the Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce. As reduced lake levels fall below the accessibility of public boat ramps, Shultz said those who do not keep their boats at private dock slips in a marina may face some di - culty getting in the water. “It aects the marina business and restaurants,” Shultz said. “People can’t just drag their boats up and get o and come up to the restaurant. It’s a bigger deal.” The trend of low in ows—water entering the Highland Lakes sys- tem managed by the Lower Colo- rado River Authority via rainfall, tributary rivers and groundwater—is also persisting into 2023, data shows. The amount of water owing into both Lake Travis and Lake Buchanan totaled just over 118,000 acre-feet, about 10% of average annual in ows, LCRA Public Information O cer Clara Tuma said. Even recent storm activity has not been enough to raise the lake’s level, LCRA data shows. Impact to local businesses Historical data shows the lake has remained at around 640 mean sea level, just under 32 feet lower than its historical May average. Roland Adams, the general manager of Crosswaters Yacht Club, who has operated multiple marinas on Lake Travis for over 20 years, said closings around the lake during low periods come down to a test of how that business is run and the bond built with the surrounding community. “In reality, if that restaurant was run incredibly well, then people will nd a way to get there,” Adams said. Adams is also president of the Marina Association of Texas and said other marinas may be having dierent experiences based on the lake’s topography. While some may have to
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640
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2013
2014 2015
2016 2017
2018 2019 2020 2021
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NOTE: AS OF MAY 16
Reduced lake levels are caused by decreased rainfall, National Weather Service data shows. Rainfall readings taken at Manseld Dam show 2022 was the worst year for rainfall on record. All-time lows
Monthly rainfall averages for Austin area
The Central Texas area has seen reduced rainfall, as drought conditions persisted for much of 2022, according to NWS data.
14.64 in.
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11.53 in.
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2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
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NOTE: AS OF APRIL 28
SOURCES: LOWER COLORADO RIVER AUTHORITY, NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICECOMMUNITY IMPACT
water levels at Lake Travis, Shannon Hamilton, executive director of the Central Texas Water Coalition, said she is concerned about the region’s water supply as many cities draw water from the Highland Lakes system. “Our biggest concern is there is no plan for a drought worse than the drought of record,” Hamilton said. “We’re highly concerned about the Highland Lakes.” The LCRA manages a network of lakes and dams in Central Texas called the Highland Lakes. Located northwest of Austin, the lakes are in an arid part of the state that is prone to both ooding and drought. Made up of lakes Buchanan, Inks, Lyndon B. Johnson, Marble Falls, Travis and Austin, the series of reservoirs receiving water from the Colorado River and its tributaries, rainfall and groundwater ows provides drinking water to more than 2.5 million people in Central Texas as well as irrigation for ranch and farm operations. The lake system has been designed to weather periods of drought and
relocate based on the lake level, others such as Crosswaters are able to move farther into the lake. “All the marinas on Lake Travis are table anchored, so they have winches and cables,” Adams said. “When you’re letting the marina go up and down, you’re adjusting it side to side, front and back. You’re constantly adjusting.” Roger Duee, general manager of MarineMax Sail & Ski, said he has heard from customers who have had di culty accessing public boat ramps as low water levels prompt closures. As of early May, only two public Lake Travis boat ramps are open. “The challenge is for the people that choose to trailer their boat and use the public launch ramps,” Duee said. “What would be ideal is if Travis County and the LCRA would invest in the infrastructure to extend boat ramps and continue to make the lake accessible for the people who are reliant on trailering.” Conservation e orts Following the yearslong trend of low
ood since its creation in the 1940s, providing a reservoir for local entities to draw from, and is intended to uctuate in this manner, according to the LCRA website. Due to consumer usage and ongoing drought conditions, the LCRA announced in March that some agricultural customers are cut off from receiving water from the Highland Lakes system. The water authority remains in the rst stage of its drought contingency plan, which went into eect in July 2022, when the combined storage of water in lakes Buchanan and Travis reached 1.2 million acre- feet, requiring rm customers, which are mostly municipalities and utility districts, to decrease usage by 5%. Should the combined storage fall below 900,000 acre-feet, the LCRA would move into stage two of its plan and ask rm customers to reduce usage by 10%-20%. Without improved in ows, LCRA sta estimates this low-water threshold could be reached this summer.
11
LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION • JUNE 2023
CITY & COUNTY
News from Leander, Liberty Hill, Williamson County & Texas
Leander City Council will meet June 15 and July 6 at 6 p.m. at 201 N. Brushy St., Leander. 512-528-2700. www.leandertx.gov Liberty Hill City Council will meet June 14 and 28 and July 12 at 6 p.m. at 2801 RM 1869, Liberty Hill. 512-778-5449. www.libertyhilltx.gov Travis County Commissioners Court will meet June 13 and 27 at 9 a.m. at 700 Lavaca St., Austin. 512-854-4722. www.traviscountytx.gov Williamson County Commissioners Court will meet June 13 and 27 and July 11 at 9:30 a.m. at 710 S. Main St., Georgetown. 512-943-1100. www.wilco.org MEETINGS WE COVER NUMBER TO KNOW The combined estimated population increase for the cities of Leander and Liberty Hill from July 1, 2021, to July 1, 2022, according to the U.S. Census Bureau 9,589 HIGHLIGHTS WILLIAMSON COUNTY Although the median sales valuation of homes in Williamson County decreased about 12% year over year, Alvin Lankford, chief appraiser of Williamson Central Appraisal District, said in a presentation to Commissioners Court the county’s total market value—including residential, commercial, land and multifamily properties—rose $5 billion from $159 billion in 2022 to $164 billion in 2023. LIBERTY HILL City Council approved an ordinance to amend its city code reecting that council terms are now three years instead of two years at its May 10 meeting. Voters approved changing the length of terms during the November 2020 election; however, the city code was never amended to reect these changes.
6 of the 15 fastest-growing US cities are in Texas TEXAS Six of the 15 fastest-grow- ing cities by percent change in the nation with a population of more than 50,000 people are located in Texas, according to data released May 18 by the U.S. Census Bureau. This includes the fastest-growing city, Georgetown, which held on to the top spot for the second year in a row. Its population increased 14.4% year over year from 75,620 to 86,507. BY CLAIRE SHOOP Rank 1 Georgetown 75,620 86,507 3 Kyle 51,838 57,470 4 Leander 67,093 74,375 Little Elm 51,238 55,357 City Population July 1, 2021 Population July 1, 2022 5
RISING NUMBER OF RESIDENTS The city of Leander ranked fourth in the U.S. Census Bureau’s list of the fastest- growing cities with more than 50,000 residents. This chart shows the six Texas cities that ranked in the top 15.
Percent change
14.4% 10.9% 10.9%
8%
The data released estimates the population as of July 1, 2022 and compares it to July 1, 2021. The big picture: Texas took four of the top ve spots with Kyle, Leander and Little Elm ranking third, fourth and fth, respectively. Diving in deeper: Texas also had six cities on the list of the top 15 cities with the largest population growth
Conroe
95,438 99,032
101,405 104,707
6.3% 5.7%
11 13
New Braunfels
NOTE: DESPITE ITS POPULATION INCREASING BY 39.97% TO 9,099 AS OF JULY 1, 2022, THE CITY OF LIBERTY HILL IS NOT LARGE ENOUGH TO BE INCLUDED IN THE U.S. CENSUS BUREAU’S ANALYSIS. SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU¡COMMUNITY IMPACT
by numeric change. • Fort Worth topped that list, adding 19,170 people from July 1, 2021, to July 1, 2022. • San Antonio ranked third in that
category, adding 18,889 people. • Georgetown—the only city in Texas to rank on both lists—Houston, Dallas and Frisco also made the top 15. Williamson County cities making pitches for bond funding
Old Town plan to enhance parking
PARTS OF THE PLAN A few highlights of the Old Town Master Plan include:
Urban streets with parking improvements that allow for pedestrians and cars Trails and paths connecting to key areas
BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON
LEANDER City Council is set to approve the nal draft of the Old Town Master Plan at an upcoming meeting after a presentation by consulting rm Kimley-Horn on May 18. With plans to develop the area with bars, restaurants and entertainment venues, the Old Town Master Plan looks at improving parking and green space in the district.
BY GRANT CRAWFORD
WILLIAMSON COUNTY Residents could vote on a transportation bond in November as a committee of citizens is assessing the region’s needs. Several cities have sent their project proposals to the Williamson County Citizens Bond Committee, which met throughout May. The committee plans to bring a recommendation by June 27.
Parks and open spaces
Gateway signage to let people know when they are entering and leaving Old Town
SOURCE: CITY OF LEANDER COMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
EDUCATION BRIEFS
News from Leander ISD, Liberty Hill ISD, Georgetown ISD & Texas
HIGHLIGHTS LEANDER ISD Austin Public Health allocated $16,000 to the district to open a pre-K classroom for 3-year- olds. The funding was approved by Austin ocials May 18 and sends a total of $2 million toward workforce development, child care and early childhood education in Central Texas. GEORGETOWN ISD District ocials broke ground May 3 on Elementary School No. 11 in Liberty Hill’s Santa Rita Ranch development. Ocially named San Gabriel Elementary School, the funding for the $49.3 million school comes from a 2021 bond election. TEXAS In April, students across the state began standardized testing through a completely online format for the rst time after legislators called for a revamped test in 2019. The redesigned test features more question varieties and changes to written essay prompts. A TEA spokesperson said the changes aligned the assessment closer to the classroom experience. Leander ISD board of trustees will meet June 8 and 15 at 6:15 p.m. at 300 S. West Drive, Leander. 512-570-0000. www.leanderisd.org Liberty Hill ISD board of trustees will meet June 19 at 6 p.m. at 301 Forrest St., Liberty Hill. 512-260-5580. www.libertyhill.txed.net Austin Community College board of trustees will meet July 10 at 3 p.m. at 6101 Highland Campus Drive, Austin. 512-223-7000. www.austincc.edu MEETINGS WE COVER NUMBER TO KNOW The number of vehicles county ocials expect to travel through Liberty Hill on April 8, 2024, because of the solar eclipse 400K
District looks to defer construction, change zoning LEANDER ISD Administration rec- ommended new attendance zones for some middle school and high school BY GRANT CRAWFORD neighborhoods would fall under Running Brushy Middle School. What’s next: The board of trustees will decide whether to approve this rezoning recommendation at its June 8 meeting, after press time.
• Six neighborhoods would transfer from Four Points Middle School to Henry Middle School. • Six neighborhoods from Henry Middle School would move to Cedar Park Middle School. • Students from 13 neighborhoods within the Glenn High School jurisdiction would move to Leander High School. • Students in 13 neighborhoods from Leander High School and six neighborhoods from Vandegrift High School would move to Cedar Park High School. What else?: Middle school students going into eighth grade for the 2024-25 school year as well as juniors and seniors in high school—and these stu- dents’ siblings—would have the option to remain at their current campus.
Liberty Hill ISD gives students day o for 2024 solar eclipse • Ten neighborhoods zoned for Dan- ielson Middle School would move to Leander Middle School. • Seven neighborhoods would move from Danielson Middle School to Wiley Middle School. • Two Leander Middle School students May 11 as several schools are projected to run out of room in the coming years if attendance zones remain the same. The big picture: LISD passed a school bond May 6 to fund expansions to its facilities. However, rezoning 1,414 middle school students and 1,482 high school students for the 2024-25 school year will maximize the space at its campuses and defer construction of some new schools.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING “The goal of this rezoning is to push [construction of] High School [No.] 8 off the table entirely, which is [an estimated] $500 million. Then, to push out High School [No.] 7 as long as possible, hopefully until 2029. In order to do that, there are some
growing pains that we’re going to have
to go through. “ BRUCE GEARING, LEANDER ISD SUPERINTENDENT
LISD property value projected to increase
CALENDAR CHANGES Todd Washburn, LHISD’s assistant superintendent of schools, presented three updates about the 2023-24 academic calendar. 1 Professional development day moved from April 1, 2024, to April 8, 2024 2 Two professional development days moved from Oct. 16-17 to Oct. 9-10 3 Due to The University of Texas adjusting its spring break, now LHISD, Austin Community College and UT all observe the break March 11-15, 2024
BY GRANT CRAWFORD
LEANDER ISD Based on esti- mates by local appraisal districts, Leander ISD’s overall property value is projected to increase by 9.83%. The gist: The increase means the district will collect more tax revenue in 2023-24. However, it is expected to be oset by LISD’s recapture payment to the state increasing an additional $9.3 million for a total of $58.3 million.
BY CLAIRE SHOOP
LIBERTY HILL ISD Students will be o on April 8, 2024, the date NASA indicated a total solar eclipse will move across North America. Designating this day a profes- sional development day was one of two changes to the already-ap- proved 2023-24 academic calendar trustees made at its May 15 meeting.
SOURCE: LIBERTY HILL ISD¡ COMMUNITY IMPACT
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13
LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION • JUNE 2023
AT THE CAPITOL
News from the 88th legislative session
QUOTE OF NOTE
ERCOT projects record demand for electricity this summer
“WE WILL NEVER STOP FIGHTING ALONGSIDE OUR PARTNERS TO CREATE A FUTURE WHERE TRANSGENDER YOUTH, ADULTS AND THEIR FAMILIES ARE SAFE AND FREE TO EXIST IN THEIR OWN HOME STATE.” MARTI BIER, VICE PRESIDENT OF PROGRAMS AT THE TEXAS FREEDOM NETWORK, ON THE TEXAS HOUSE’S PASSAGE OF SENATE BILL 14, WHICH WOULD BAN TRANSITION RELATED TREATMENTS FOR TRANSGENDER MINORS. THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE PASSED THE BILL, AND GOV. GREG ABBOTT HAS UNTIL JUNE 18 TO SIGN IT.
BY HANNAH NORTON
hot outside, but the sun has set and winds begin to die down. “We will continue to use every tool available to keep the lights on and the AC running this summer,” said Peter Lake, chair of the Public Utility Commission of Texas, which regulates ERCOT. As a result, Texans could be asked to conserve energy or even face brownouts this summer. Brownouts typically occur when utility companies reduce the ow of electricity to certain areas to prevent a large-scale blackout. Lights may dim or icker, but homes will still receive power. The report states, emergency con- ditions are possible when three things happen simultaneously: extreme heat; low renewable energy output; and widespread outages at dispatch- able power plants. Vegas said there is a less than 1% chance of this happening, but ocials will communicate with Texans if voluntary conservation is recommended or the grid reaches emergency conditions.
SUPPLY AND DEMAND
Texans could experience brownouts due to record demand for power this summer, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas predicted. In a report released May 3, Texas’ power grid operator anticipated peak demand could reach 82,739 megawatts on the hottest days. Due to over two years of reforms following Winter Storm Uri, ERCOT CEO Pablo Vegas said the power grid is “more reliable than ever.” But as Texas’ population continues to grow, ocials said demand for electricity will begin to outpace the amount of available dispatchable power, which comes from sources such as natural gas and coal. This means Texas will need to rely on renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, to keep the lights on. Unlike dispatchable sources, energy regulators cannot always count on the sun and wind to be there. Vegas said the highest-risk periods for the grid will be after 9 p.m., when it remains
During the hottest days this summer, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas expects demand for electricity could surpass 82,000 megawatts. Peak demand in 2022 was 80,038 MW.
Expected peak demand 82,739 MW
Expected total supply 97,138 MW*
*TOTAL PROJECTED SUPPLY OF DISPATCHABLE AND RENEWABLE ENERGY THIS SUMMER SOURCE: ELECTRIC RELIABILITY COUNCIL OF TEXASCOMMUNITY IMPACT TERMS TO KNOW Megawatts: a unit of power equal to 1 million watts. A MW can power 200 homes during peak demand. Dispatchable energy: power sources such as coal, natural gas and nuclear that come from energy plants.
UPDATES FROM LOCAL LEGISLATORS
STATE REP. JAMES TALARICO
District 50 Democrat Elected: 2018
House fails to advance 'raise the age' gun bill
School district tax bill would exclude renewable energy
House Bill 2063 This bill, which would increase safety requirements at kennels, was sent to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk for approval May 18. Talarico said in a news release the bill was inspired by a 2021 re at Ponderosa Pet Resort in Georgetown that killed 75 dogs. The bill mandates kennels notify pet owners if pets will be left unattended or in a facility without a sprinkler system.
In an initial victory for the victims’ families and other gun safety advo- cates, the House Select Committee on Community Safety, which deals with gun-related legislation, passed the bill out of the committee with an 8-5 vote May 8. Republican Reps. Sam Harless, of Spring, and Justin Holland, of Rockwall, voted with Democrats in favor of the bill. Despite the committee’s vote, the bill was not placed on the House calendar and was not debated by the full chamber. Texas House Democrats attempted to add the legislation to other bills through amendments May 11, but the amendments were voted down.
BY HANNAH NORTON
In an unexpected vote May 8, a Texas House committee advanced a bill that would raise the minimum age to purchase semi-automatic weapons. However, lawmakers did not send the bill to the House for consideration by the May 11 deadline. House Bill 2744, by Rep. Tracy King, DBatesville, proposed to raise the minimum age required to purchase semi-automatic ries from 18 to 21. The bill has been pushed for months by the families of the 19 students and two teachers who were killed during a mass shooting in Uvalde last year.
BY HANNAH NORTON
The Texas Legislature passed a bill May 29 that would give corporations signicant discounts on school district property taxes. House Bill 5, by Rep. Todd Hunter, RCorpus Christi, would replace Chapter 313, a popular corporate tax break program that expired in December. The bill seeks to attract businesses to Texas by limiting their property taxes over a 10-year period. The bill would provide incentives for projects that require “an invest- ment in a school district in Texas of more than $1 billion.” Those include supply chain infrastructure, manu- facturing and power grid reliability. Renewable energy projects likely would not qualify for the tax breaks. The Texas House and Senate approved changes to HB 5 on May 30 and sent it to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk. The governor has until June 18 to sign or veto the bill.
STATE REP. CAROLINE HARRIS
District 52 Republican Elected: 2022
Sign up for our newsletter at communityimpact.com for daily updates throughout the session. SUBSCRIBE TODAY House Bill 608 Harris is a joint author of this bill—which was sent to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk for approval May 22—that permits county commissioners courts to allow retail rework sales ve days before the rst day of Diwali through midnight on the last day of Diwali. Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is celebrated in Indian religions, including Hinduism.
OUT OF TIME
House Bill 2744, which proposed to raise the legal age to purchase semi-automatic weapons in Texas, will not be considered by the full Texas House this session.
May 11, 11:59 p.m.
May 8
May 9, 10p.m.
All House bills had to be debated before midnight on May 12.
The House Select Committee on Community Safety passed HB 2744.
HB 2744 was not added to the nal House calendar for debate May 11.
SOURCES: TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE, TEXAS LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE LIBRARYCOMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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