Bastrop - Cedar Creek Edition | April 2025

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Bastrop Cedar Creek Edition VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2 APRIL 29MAY 27, 2025

2025 Charter and Private School Guide

Short-term rentals Bastrop city limits Short-term rental surge prompts rules INSIDE

The rst of its kind in Bastrop, city ocials said the ordinance aims to preserve the city’s small-town feel amid growing visitor demand. 2,223 total listings in Bastrop 161% increase from 2019 to 2024

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Gary (left) and Dani Moss own one of the short-term rentals registered with the city of Bastrop.

AMANDA CUTSHALLCOMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: AIR DNACOMMUNITY IMPACT

Also in this issue Impacts: Read about a Texas Roadhouse coming soon to Bastrop (Page 7)

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INSIDE

Government: Learn about a new solar farm planned for Bastrop County (Page 10)

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BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION

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Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Brittany Anderson Jacquelyn Burrer Dacia Garcia Sarah Hernandez Elisabeth Jimenez Anna Maness Haley McLeod Jamie Moore Hannah Norton Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Gracie Warhurst Chloe Young Graphic Designers Alissa Foss Abigail Hines Sabrina Musachia Karoline Pfeil Sam Schaer

Leslie Bradshaw General Manager lbradshaw@ communityimpact.com

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Impacts

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

In the news

DUFF DR.

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Bastrop

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MARTIN LUTHER KING DR.

BEAR HUNTER DR.

MARTIN LUTHER KING DR.

HUNTERS CROSSING BLVD.

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MAP NOT TO SCALE

7 Bastrop Cafe Christina and Adam Want took over Bastrop Cafe in February, with plans to perk up the menu in the future. Nestled inside the Bastrop Fitness Project, the cafe serves coee made with beans sourced from Bastrop’s Texas Coee Works. The menu also includes teas, refreshers, milkshakes, smoothies, healthy snacks and more. • Inside Bastrop Fitness Project, 303 Martin Luther

• Opening TBA • Sendero, 900 block of SH 71 W., Bastrop • www.einsteinbros.com

Now open Melissa Kay Artistry Bastrop entrepreneur Melissa Hayes launched her photography and makeup business. • Opened in February • www.melissakayartistry.com

4 Carter’s, OshKosh B’gosh The store specializes in clothing for babies and toddlers. • Opening late spring • Burleson Crossing, 773 SH 71 W., Ste. C, Bastrop • www.carters.com 5 PetSmart The pet retail chain sells food, supplies and accessories. • Opening the third quarter of 2026 • Burleson Crossing East, 653 SH 71 W., Bastrop • www.petsmart.com

King Drive, Bastrop • www.bastrop.cafe

Coming soon

1 LongHorn Steakhouse The steakhouse serves a variety of fresh-cut beef, as well as seafood, chicken, lamb and more. • Opening in 2026 • Burleson Crossing East, 653 SH 71 W., Bastrop • www.longhornsteakhouse.com 2 Texas Roadhouse The restaurant is known for its signature hand-cut steaks and whipped honey-cinnamon butter. • Opening in spring 2026 • Sendero, 900 block of SH 71 W., Bastrop • www.texasroadhouse.com 3 Einstein Bros. Bagels The American chain is best known for its bagels, sandwiches, coees and other baked goods.

• 734 SH 71 W., Bastrop • www.chilis.com

Closings

In the news

9 Mr. Brew Coee Jaime Astorga said he plans to open a new Bastrop Mr. Brew with more options, including a drive-thru. • Closed on Feb. 8 • Community Gardens, 1067 SH 71 W., Bastrop • www.mrbrewcoffee.com

6 P. Terry’s The Austin-based burger stand is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. • 484 SH 71 W., Bastrop • www.pterrys.com 8 Chili’s The restaurant celebrated its 50th anniversary in March. The menu features American and Tex-Mex cuisine.

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BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION

Business

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

Bastrop River Co. oers kayak and canoe rentals.

Bastrop River Co. is located along the Lower Colorado River bank inside Fisherman’s Park.

PHOTOS COURTESY BASTROP RIVER CO.

Paddle through adventure at Bastrop River Co.

Formerly known as Bastrop Kayak, Lee Harle purchased the business from an old family friend in 2012.

Bastrop River Co. has been making waves since opening its doors in March 2012. Lee Harle took the plunge into the river recre- ation industry with no experience. Since then, BRC has become a local favorite, with its river camping, group trips and El Camino Real river trail. Diving deeper Harle said the road to success was not always smooth sailing, noting that his background was in nance and sales. Despite the challenges, he navi- gated uncharted waters to learn the ins and outs of the Colorado River and recreation business. “There was a lot of time spent out in the wild getting to know the landscape and learning the river,” he said.

Looking back In the early days, he tried various experiences and events to attract customers but soon realized that simplicity worked best—leading to a focus on the El Camino Real river trail. “It is at the core of everything we do,” he said. Looking ahead Harle’s plans include re ning services and grow- ing his customer base. For now, he’s going with the ow and grateful to have found his calling. “I’m so extremely blessed that God chose me to be the ‘river guy’ in Bastrop,” he said. “I love what I do, I love this river, and I love this town. Every day is another day in paradise.”

CHESTNUT ST.

1200 Willow St., Bastrop www.bastropriverco.com

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Events

BY DACIA GARCIA

May

Relay for Life of Southern Bastrop County The annual fundraising event hosted by the American Cancer Society will unite the local community to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost to cancer and raise funds for advocacy, research and patient support. • May 3, 7-11 p.m. • Free • Bastrop Erhard Field, 1624 Hill St., Bastrop • https://bit.ly/4iKrIMN LPAC After Dark Community members can look forward to live music by Helen Homan, a silent auction, a featured artist show by Mark Mayeld and the debut of the center’s annual show “Free As A Bird.” • May 3, 6-8 p.m. • Free • Lost Pines Art Center, 1204 Chestnut St., Bastrop • www.lostpinesartcenter.org/events Mother’s Day Pop-Up Show Attendees can enjoy the special occasion with local vendors, food, plants, a bar, a coee shop, kids activities and more. • May 10, noon-5 p.m. • Free • Community Gardens, 1067 SH 71 W., Bastrop • www.cgbastrop.com Luz Pazos at Bastrop Comedy Club The Peruvian comedian has been featured on NBC and HBO Max, and performs at top venues across the country. • May 10, 8 p.m. • $20 • Bastrop Comedy Club, 1600 Chestnut St., Bastrop • https://bastrop.ilmalley.net Lost Pines Card and Collectible Show Attendees can browse tabletop card games, sports memorabilia and cards, Funko pops, toys and comics at the annual event.

19th Annual Fly In Attendees can explore vintage planes and rare aircraft on display, enjoy helicopter rides for purchase, and grab a bite from food vendors. Kids can also take part in a free aerial candy drop. • May 10, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. • Free • Smithville Crawford Municipal Airport, 765 NW Loop 230, Smithville • www.smithvilletx.org

Music in the Park Hosted by Bastrop Parks and Recreation, the Terry Moore Trio and Sarah Price will perform for community members. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair. • May 29, 6-8 p.m. • Free • Fisherman’s Park Pavilion, 1200 Willow St., Bastrop • www.bastroplivemusicfoundation.org/events

• Locations vary • www.flipfloptotheworld.org

• May 24, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., May 25, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. • Free (ages 10 and younger), $7 (one-day admission), $10 (weekend admission) • Bastrop Convention and Exhibit Center, 1408 Chestnut St., Bastrop • www.bit.ly/forceofwillgaming

Bastrop County Pride 2025 Family Festival Bastrop Pride will host its celebration with week-long activities. The main event of the festival will include a jiu jitsu demonstration, contortionist and magician performances and music performances by local bands. • June 7, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. • Free • Bastrop Convention and Exhibit Center, 1408 Chestnut St., Bastrop • www.bastroppride.org

June

Flip Flop to the World New ¢ip ¢ops will be collected for less fortunate communities in Cozumel, Mexico. The annual collection campaign will begin in June with collection barrels placed at Hampton Inn, Living Room Book Store, Garner & Riley Physical Therapy and Bastrop Cafe. • June 1-Aug. 31

BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION

Government

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

County solar project to generate $2M annual revenue boost, 300 jobs

The cost

The county’s local economic boost is expected to deliver $2 million in annual economic benets. “RWE’s investment during the project’s construction phase, from direct employment and associated wages and benets to purchases of local goods and services, will produce an estimated $26 million in new local economic activity,” Kakridas said. Waterloo Solar’s cumulative tax revenue over its 40-year lifetime is projected to hit $49 million, she added. Projected economic impacts $2M annually $26M during construction 300 full-time jobs $49M cumulative over 40-year lifespan

Bastrop County’s upcoming Waterloo Solar farm is poised to boost the local economy with hundreds of new jobs and millions in increased tax revenue. RWE Clean Energy, a German company focused on renewable energy, will begin construction later this year, with an estimated one-year turnaround, said Senior U.S. Manager Patricia Kakridas. Kakridas said the solar farm will spread across 900 acres in western Bastrop County, with a 200-megawatt capacity. According to a March 18 power purchase agreement, 100% of the output will go to Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and other social media platforms. “These collaborations enable us to continue

An exact address is not available, but the project will be located in western Bastrop County.

COURTESY RWE CLEAN ENERGY

investing in communities … like Bastrop County, helping to stimulate job creation and economic prosperity,” Christoph Hunfeld, RWE’s chief commercial ocer, said in a news release.

SOURCE: RWE CLEAN ENERGYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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FM 969 CORRIDOR STUDY

The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) and Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) are conducting a corridor study to identify, evaluate, and recommend potential design improvements for FM 969 from SH 130 in East Travis County to SH 71 in Bastrop County. CAMPO and TxDOT are hosting an open house to introduce the study and collect input from the community on concerns and needs, existing environmental features and constraints, and desired transportation and safety improvements. The open house will include both in-person and virtual options to participate.

IN-PERSON OPEN HOUSE VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE

Thursday, May 15, 2025 4 – 7 p.m. Spiderwood Studios 140 Utley Rd, Elgin, TX 78621

May 15, 2025 - June 16, 2025 To access the virtual open house, visit campotexas.org/getinvolved/ or use the QR code .

Comments from the public regarding the study area are requested and may be submitted by any of the methods below. All comments must be received or postmarked by June 16, 2025.

Connect with us today insurance4texas.com 512-303-3008

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS FM 969 Corridor Study Project Team FM 969 Corridor Study, c/o CD&P, PO Box 5459, Austin, TX 78763 CAMPOProjectReadiness@gmail.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY JACQUELYN BURRER & AMANDA CUTSHALL

Child care centers oered50%taxbreak Licensed child care facilities in the city of Bastrop can receive a 50% property tax exemption if they meet criteria set by city council during a March 11 meeting. A closer look Per the ordinance, the exemption would be based on the value of the facility’s property starting in the 2025 tax year, and does not include home-based and nonprot providers. O cials said the property owner must ensure that the rent reects the tax reduction, which can be passed through a monthly or an annual rent credit. Those interested should contact the Bastrop County Appraisal District by phone at 512-303-1930 or email at exemptions@bastropcad.org. Bastrop City Council approves 1st reading of microchipping ordinance Bastrop City Council unanimously approved the rst reading of an ordinance requiring all dogs and cats to be microchipped during its April 8 meeting. The proposed microchipping ordinance would update the city’s animal control code with the goal to reduce the number of unclaimed pets entering the city shelter. Some context Robert McBain, an o cial with Bastrop’s animal control and code enforcement department, said microchipping helps lower shelter costs and save more animals’ lives. “I returned [a] dog to a lady that was visiting her daughter ... [and she] didn’t even realize her dog had gotten out,” McBain said. “We were able to contact them, get the dog back to them in real time, saving the ... city $270 every time we pick up an animal and house it at the shelter.” McBain presented survey results regarding the ordinance, which had gathered 169 responses over two weeks:

2 judges sworn in to serve Bastrop Bastrop city o cials swore in two judges to serve the community during City Council meetings in March. Caroline McClimon will continue her appointment as the presiding judge, while newly instated Jay Caballero will assume his role supporting McClimon as associate judge. Both will serve two-year terms. The details McClimon will be paid $117,371 annually. Caballero will receive a at rate of $150 per event; $400 for each half-day of court; and $50 for each overnight warrant he processes, as outlined in their contracts.

Bastrop microchip rate

Microchip: 51% Collar with ID tag: 38% No identication: 7% GPS tracker: 4%

SOURCE: CITY OF BASTROP ANIMAL CONTROL AND CODE COMPLIANCE COMMUNITY IMPACT

Council approves 290- acre housing project At its April 8 meeting, Bastrop City Council approved development, utility, and wastewater agreements for the Ironwood project, clearing the way for the nearly 290-acre project to move forward under a unique agreement that guaran- tees eventual incorporation into the city. The Ironwood Development, located across the city’s unincorporated areas, will include single-family and multifamily housing, along with public parks and other community amenities. As part of the agreements, the developer, W Land Development Management LLC, will create a municipal utility district, Bastrop County MUD No. 5, to fund water, wastewater and drainage infrastructure. Zooming in Bastrop City Manager Sylvia Carrillo-Trevino said the development agreement is the “rst of its • 34% of respondents cited cost constraints as the reason for not having their animal microchipped • 51% of respondents said their pets are already microchipped “What we’re wanting to do is just close that gap from [51%] to 70-80%, something like that,” McBain said. McBain said it currently costs the city about $270 every time an animal is picked up and housed at the shelter. To help reduce that cost, the city is partnering with Save an Angel to o¥er microchipping services for $22 as opposed to the typical vet microchipping cost of $70-$100, McBain said. Stay tuned The ordinance returned to council for a second reading and nal approval on April 22, after press time.

Caroline McClimon was sworn in as presiding judge on March 11.

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kind” for Bastrop. “Once the MUD debt is completely paid o¥, all of that comes back into the city,” Carrillo-Trevino said. “The Colony is outside of the city’s jurisdic- tional limits ... and therefore while we may show up through shared use agreements ... we don’t collect any city taxes for that.” Carrillo-Trevino said the city’s portion of the MUD tax rate will be $0.13, and at total build-out, the agreement is projected to bring in approxi- mately $597,282 in revenue for the city—compared to zero, had the MUD remained outside city limits.

BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION

Education

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL & BROOKE SJOBERG

BISD receives $80k grant for brain injury awareness

Students launch careers at Acutronic The rst three Bastrop ISD students hired by aerospace, defense and transportation technology company Acutronic through an apprenticeship partnership will be recog- nized at a celebration on May 2. What they oer Part of the district’s Pathways in Tech- nology Early College High School, students can learn from an Acutronic Journeyman

Bastrop ISD representatives announced in April how they will utilize an $80,000 grant from Ascension Catholic Church. The funding will go towards an education and awareness campaign for

Grant funds will be used for:

Curriculum development: Age- appropriate lessons for students in kindergarten through 12th grade on how to recognize and prevent pediatric traumatic brain injuries. Parent education: BISD will provide educational opportunities at community events and schools. Community awareness: The district’s communications department will create public service announcements.

traumatic brain injuries. What you need to know

During BISD’s April 15 board meeting, Mina Elementary School counselor Jennifer Blum addressed the board, stating that the district had determined how it would utilize the Toyota Way Forward Pediatric Trauma-Related Brain Injury Grant Initiative. A total of $170,000 was awarded to Ascension Catholic Church. The church allocated $80,000 to the district. Place 4 Trustee Priscilla Ruiz and Ascension Catholic Church wrote the grant proposal, Blum said.

Technician, earn certi- cations and accumulate 2,000 on-the-job training hours. Acutronic is on track to open Texas’s rst jet engine manufacturing facility in Bastrop by late 2025.

SOURCE: BASTROP ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

About the program The Toyota Way Forward program is an initiative aimed at making access to care and injury recovery support for individuals and their families stronger, with a focus on children with traumatic brain injuries in its early phases.

TECHNOLOGY DR.

MAKE SAFETY YOUR DESTINATION This Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the Mobility Authority encourages you to make safe driving a priority. Taking your eyes off the road for just five seconds at 55 MPH is like driving the length of a football field blindfolded. That text can wait, keep your eyes on the road.

MAKE SURE YOU ARE RESTED BEFORE HITTING THE ROAD

SET YOUR GPS AHEAD OF TIME

PULL OVER TO EAT OR DRINK

OBEY THE RULES OF THE ROAD INCLUDING SPEED LIMITS AND SIGNAGE

SET THE STANDARD MAKE SAFETY A PRIORITY

PUT YOUR PHONE AWAY WHILE DRIVING

www.MobilityAuthority.com

visit www.MobilityAuthority.com to learn more.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY SIERRA MARTIN

Charter and Private School Guide

2025

Readers, welcome to your annual CI Charter and Private School Guide! As a parent myself, I know how important it is to navigate your child’s education. With our family’s experiences in private, public, and charter schools, I’ve seen the unique advantages and challenges each oers. This guide is designed to give you the information you need to make the best choice for your family.

Premium sponsor

What's inside

Check out a list of Charter and Private Schools in the Bastrop area (Page 15)

Leslie Bradshaw General Manager lbradshaw@ communityimpact.com

Valenta Academy www.valenta.school We’re reimagining school for the real world—where curiosity leads and character drives everything.

For relevant news and daily updates, subscribe to our free email newsletter!

Student transfers rising at BISD

are also growing in the area. According to the TEA data, the number of students transferring into the district from other public and private campuses has remained stable.

Data from the Texas Education Agency shows a growing trend of students leaving public school districts for private and charter school options. Although enrollment at Bastrop ISD continues to grow year over year, alternative learning options

Student transfers outside of Bastrop ISD

Student trends in Bastrop ISD

Transfers out

Transfers in

Austin Achieve Public Schools 19 Compass Rose Public Schools

2,500

421

2,000

Harmony Public Schools - Central Texas 34

1,500

IDEA Public Schools

233

1,000

KIPP Texas Public Schools 161

Texas College Preparatory Academies 195

500

The Excel Center (for adults) 14

Valor Education 19 Wayside Schools 36

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION

Curiosity fuels us. Character guides us.

REAL LEARNING. REAL PURPOSE. REAL IMPACT.

At Valenta Academy, we redefine education with an innovative, accelerated learning model that equips students with real-world skills, fosters community engagement, and empowers them to thrive. Our unique approach blends mastery-based academics, hands-on skill development, and meaningful mentorship, ensuring students grow both intellectually and emotionally.

At Valenta Academy kids: LEARN 2x faster in 2 hours BUILD strong habits and character APPLY life skills through real-world projects Now enrolling private K-8 | Bastrop, Texas FIND OUT MORE! www.valenta.school

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL, DACIA GARCIA & SIERRA MARTIN

Charter and Private School Guide

2025

Bastrop

Calvary Episcopal School Type: religious-based Grades served: pre-K through eighth grade Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: athletics, student council, art, newspaper Enrollment: 151 Tuition: $7,500-$10,450 per school year

Good Shepherd Lutheran School Type: religious-based Grades served: kindergarten through sixth Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: chapel, music, Spanish, STEM, art, physical education, Gifted & Talented,

extra educational support, on-site accredited preschool 6 weeks-5 years old Enrollment: 174 Tuition: age/grade-based, inquire school for details • 202 SH 71 W., Bastrop • www.goodshepherdbastrop.org

• 603 Spring St., Bastrop • www.calvaryschool.net

Extracurricular activities: art, music (vocal, piano, ukulele), baking, physical education, tribe athletics, chapel

Private schools

Charter schools

Enrollment: 15 students per class Tuition: $4,950 per school year • 2160 FM 535, Rosanky • www.rosankyca.org Sowing Excellence Type: religious-based, learning center

Bastrop Montessori Type: Montessori Grades served: 18 months old through fourth (adding grades annually through eighth grade) Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: after-school play-based program Enrollment: 68 Tuition: $12,600-$12,900 per school year • 875 SH 71, Bastrop • www.bastropmontessori.com

Compass Rose Harvest Type: traditional Grades served: kindergarten through 9th Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: athletics, agricultural sciences Enrollment: 500 Tuition: free

Grades served: kindergarten-12th Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: ASL, music, culinary arts, ag football, volleyball, cheer Enrollment: 10 students per class Tuition: $250 registration and $435 per month • 1201 Main St., Bastrop • www.sowingexcellence.org Valenta Academy Type: non-traditional private school Grades served: kindergarten through eighth Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: life skills workshops including nancial literacy, public speaking, leadership, entrepreneurship, critical thinking and teamwork Enrollment: 20 Tuition: $15,000 per school year • 303 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Bastrop • www.valenta.school

• 118 Stephen F. Austin Blvd., Bastrop • www.compassrosepublicschools.org

Founders Classical Academy Bastrop Type: traditional Grades served: kindergarten through 12th Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: athletics, clubs Enrollment: not provided Tuition: free

Greenbriar Community School Type: alternative Grades served: kindergarten through 12th Religious orientation: none

Extracurricular activities: blacksmithing, gardening, handicrafts, improvisation, newspaper, wilderness Enrollment: 30 Tuition: $100 registration and $504 per month, sliding scale available • 1411 Old Sayers Road, Bastrop • www.greenbriarschool.org

• 415 Shiloh Road, Bastrop • www.foundersbastrop.com This list is not comprehensive.

Rosanky Christian Academy Type: religious-based Grades served: pre-K through 12th Religious orientation: Christian

BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION

Development

BY JACQUELYN BURRER

BY SIERRA MARTIN

Phase 1 of Sendero mixed-use development breaks ground in Bastrop

Council approves bonds for Valverde master-planned development

The big picture

Bastrop City Manager Sylvia Carrillo- Trevino said the increase in the reimbursement cap, now set at $12.3 million, was due to legal and administrative costs tied to the PID and its delayed bond issuance. “Everybody sees the dirt moving,” Carrillo-Trevino said at the April 8 meeting. “We had negotiations with the multifamily component at the very front in terms of the rates they were subject to pay that did not quite align with our ordinance ... we delayed the issuance they advertised, there were legal fees ... so the total bond amount moved.” As development continues, more agreements and bond issuances will come before the City Council for approval as future improvement areas are built out.

Bastrop is one step closer to having access to more dining, retail, hospitality and wellness options after the groundbreaking of Sendero, a 75-acre mixed-use development. On April 10, Pearl River Companies developers, members of the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce, and local o cials celebrated the groundbreaking of Phase 1 of commercial and retail development at the intersection of FM 969 and SH 71. About the project Mason Mote, a Bastrop native and co-founder and managing principal at Pearl River Companies, said he has put his “heart and passion” into the development. “I hope that when you look at some of the ren- derings, you can see what we’re doing,” Mote said. “We’re really trying to create something special.”

Once completed, Sendero’s conrmed dining options will include a Chuy’s, Jersey Mike’s, Einstein Bros. Bagels, and a Texas Roadhouse, according to Pearl River Co. representatives. The development includes Alta Trails multifam- ily apartments, a hotel and 90,000 square feet of businesses centered around health and wellness. Zooming in “For the city of Bastrop, it’s more than restau- rants and rooftops,” Mayor Pro Tem John Kirkland said. “It also means new jobs. It means tax revenue. It’ll help fund our parks, our streets and our city services.” Phase 1 of the commercial and retail project is anticipated to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2025, according to Pearl River Co. representatives.

During its April 9 meeting, Bastrop City Council approved three items tied to Improvement Area No. 1 within the Valverde Public Improvement District, or PID, which is a 410-acre residential housing development located near FM 969. The bond issuance of $11.9 million helps pay for public improvements and infrastructure in the developments, including streets, water, parks and drainage systems. The city approved the creation of the PID on March 9, 2021, originally under a dierent name of NEU Community Bastrop. Valverde is a master-planned community that will include 1,399 single-family homes and 250 townhome rental units. Improvement Area No. 1, the portion covered

Valverde

Valverde by D. R. Horton

Ocials from Pearl River Companies and the city of Bastrop celebrated the groundbreaking April 10.

SIERRA MARTINCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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under the newly approved PID items, includes 352 single-family lots and 250 townhomes planned on the east side of the development, according to city documents.

BASTROP 739 State Hwy 71 (512) 308-0250

ELGIN 1100 US-290 (512) 285-2741

GIDDINGS 1920 E Austin St (979) 212-4031

Short-term rental surge prompts rules From the cover

The specics

The overview

Vivianna Andres, assistant to the city manager, said the ordinance seeks to balance regulation, growth and the protection of Bastrop’s character. “Bastrop has a fantastic historical charm with an intimate, small-town feel,” Andres said. “We want to maintain community continuity by educating STR owners about our values so they can pass it on to their guests.” Andres said that in addition to creating a data- base with the city, the policy will also ensure STR properties comply with regulations such as noise restrictions and safety precautions. Bram Gallagher, director of economics and forecasting at AirDNA, which analyzes STR data, said STRs in Bastrop have increased over the years and are not projected to slow down. Gallagher also noted the registration fee in Bas- trop is more aordable than some other locations. “Austin has a proposed $800 registration fee,” council member Cynthia Meyer said during a Feb. 12 meeting. “Twenty-ve dollars is much more

Bastrop STR property types Entire home: 86.45% Private room: 11.18% Shared room: 1.29% Condo: 1.07%

Bastrop short-term rental, or STR, owners and guests can expect changes following the Bastrop City Council’s implementation of the city’s rst-ever registration mandate Feb. 25. The regulations include annual registration with the city; verication of up-to-date hotel occupancy tax, or HOT, funds; and meeting safety standards. Dani and Gary Moss, who own an STR in Bastrop, said they support the policy and were registered with the city before the mandate took e ect. A oor plan with evacuation routes A designated 24/7 local emergency contact The name and website link for reservations Completed application and $25 annual registration fee The number of bedrooms, proposed number of occupants and number of o-street parking spaces Veri cation that the owner has no delinquent hotel occupancy taxes for the current year Registration requirements Short-term rental owners in Bastrop must submit the following to register.

SOURCE: AIRBTICS COMMUNITY IMPACT

friendly to everyone.” During the meeting, City Manager Sylvia Carrillo-Trevino said the regulations are more of a registration process. “We just want to know who’s here, who’s in our midst, who may need help,” Carrillo-Trevino said. “We are asking, ‘Are you registered, and are you paying your HOT taxes?’”

Bastrop short-term rental units

2,223

2,500

1,928

2,000

1,438

+160.6% since 2019

1,500

950

853

805

1,000

500

SOURCE: CITY OF BASTROPCOMMUNITY IMPACT

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

SOURCE: AIRDNACOMMUNITY IMPACT

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The impact

The timeline

Data from STR data site Rabbu shows that Bas- trop STR owners generate more money annually than those in surrounding areas, highlighting the city’s attractiveness for STRs—which can increase HOT funds and sales tax revenue, said Ashton LaFuente, Visit Bastrop director of marketing. Since 2015, STRs have been required to contrib- ute to HOT funds, which Andres said supports assets such as the Bastrop Visitor Center, Bastrop Opera House and Kerr Community Center. LaFuente said 35% of Visit Bastrop’s HOT funds go toward tourism-related events and meetings, which bring overnight visitors and boost sales tax revenue, which benets everyone. While the exact increase in HOT funds from registered STRs is still uncertain, as Bastrop is in the process of collecting data, Gallagher said the overall economic impact is expected to be noticed based on projections.

Annual STR revenue in 2023

Bastrop Public Information Ocer Colin Guerra said no STR owners had registered since the ordinance was enacted as of press time; however, existing owners had until April 26 to comply. STR owners with more than one property must ll out a separate application for each structure on the property. New owners must register within 60 days of opening, according to the ordinance. STR registration will expire after one year or when ownership of the property changes. Under the ordinance, violations can result in nes of up to $500, as determined by a judge.

Smithville $25,700 $16,500 Elgin $16,200 Cedar Creek $27,100 Bastrop

Short-term rental HOT funds Registered STRs will pay 13.75% of the revenue to hotel occupancy tax split between the city, county and state.

City 7%

State 6%

County 0.75%

SOURCES: CITY OF BASTROP, AIRBTICSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

R 55 A

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415 Old Austin Hwy. Bastrop, TX 78602

512-303-3943

BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION

Development

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

Those looking to bury their loved ones in Fairview Cemetery will pay higher fees as Bastrop ocials work to expand availability and options. Ocials said the new prices, which went into eect April 1, will support the cemetery’s expansion to add more plots and a columbarium, a space used to store urns, to accommodate the city’s growing population. City Manager Sylvia Carrillo-Trevino said Bastrop’s population is expected to soar from 14,000 to 20,000 by 2029, making this expansion necessary. “There’s so much growth going on in our community,” said Robbie Sanders, Fairview Cemetery Advisory Board Place 1. “People forget that a cemetery has to accommodate growth, too.” Bastrop Cemetery to expand

Zooming in

New fees at Bastrop's Fairview Cemetery

Set for completion in early 2026, Carrillo-Trevino credited cross- department collaboration for achieving a nearly 40% cost reduction. “It was in excess of $1 million when the initial scope was done,” she said. “We did this in-house ... and we are in the $600,000 range, so super cost- saving, super teamwork.” The project will include 682 additional burial plots and 480 columbarium niches—all of which will be toward the back of the grounds. Other features will include: • Parking • Street access • Covered shelter • Benches • Landscaping

Type

Previous New

Single plot, Resident Single plot, Nonresident

$1,500 $2,500

$3,500 $5,000

Columbarium niche, Resident Columbarium niche, Nonresident

N/A

$1,750

N/A

$2,000

Double-depth burial fee

N/A

$1,820

SOURCE: CITY OF BASTROPCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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JUST FORE! YOU

A TOUR OF THE STATE, MADE ESPECIALLY FOR COMMUNITY IMPACT APRIL 2025

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

WEEKENDER: A Big Time in Big Spring CRITTER: Gray Fox MADE IN TEXAS: A Recipe for Stunning Ceramics OUT THERE: Meanwhile, in Texas FEATURE PREVIEW: The Texas Monthly Profile of Scottie Scheffler

Above: Hotel Settles, in Big Spring.

BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION

CRITTER

Gray Fox

HOW CAN I IDENTIFY ONE? Look for a black stripe, typically run- ning down the length of the animal’s back. Gray foxes also have a “bright orange patch on the side of their face and neck,” says Amanda Veals Dutt, a postdoctoral scientist at Sul Ross State University. That distinguishes the species from the slightly larger, non-native red fox (which settlers near Waco introduced for hunting in the 1890s) and two smaller species: the swift fox, found in the Panhandle, and the kit fox, which roams West Texas. WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT IT? It can thrive in a range of habitats, in part because it’ll eat almost anything —mice, small birds, insects—and it seems to enjoy living close to humans. Attacks on us (or dogs or cats) are rare, but rabbits and guinea pigs might make a tasty snack. And if you keep chickens? “They’re basically ice-cream cones running around,” says John Tomeček, a carnivore ecologist at Texas A&M University. ANY URBAN FOX TALES? In October 2021, in front of at least one hundred onlookers at the San Antonio River Walk, firefighters rescued a baby gray fox stranded on a window ledge about 25 feet o¥ the ground. More re- cently, Bethany Snowden, a lieutenant with the city’s animal care services department, sent colleagues to scoop up a fox that had wandered into a court- house. “We enjoy saving urban wildlife,” she says, adding that both foxes were transferred to Wildlife Rescue and Re- habilitation, a local sanctuary. —Rose Cahalan

WEEKENDER

A “Big” Secret in West Texas With a grand hotel and a rich history that includes oil, rail, and Midnight Cowboy , this Permian Basin town holds some surprises. BY COURTNEY BOND

a diner-style room complete with red vinyl– topped chrome stools. At the south end of town, the four-hundred- acre Comanche Trail Park is home to Big Spring’s big spring. Well, what’s left of it. The railroad, the ranches, and all the other busi- nesses of civilization long ago drained the water table, but ocials utilize what they call artificial outflow, making for a nice waterfall that spills into a reservoir. Continue your educational journey during lunch at Local’s, a onetime school building down the street from the park. After lunch, fill up on the town’s more modern history at the Heritage Museum of Big Spring. For supper, pop in at J Jayz Bar and Grill (across from the Train Car) for colorful cock- tails and the kind of food—burgers, quesadillas —needed to soak them up. Or head back to home base and enjoy a whiskey sour and chicken-fried steak from Settles Grill. To read the full story, please subscribe to Texas Monthly .

FRIDAY: If you did nothing else but spend a night at Hotel Settles, your visit would be worthwhile. A dust-colored brick building rising fifteen stories, its glowing red rooftop sign visible for miles, the crown jewel of Big Spring exemplifies the word “landmark.” Catty-corner to the hotel, across Runnels Street, is what appears to be downtown’s most popular restaurant, Devour. Inside a narrow space, patrons pair giant margaritas with hearty American fare that includes burgers, pork chops, and bacon-wrapped quail with green onions and hot honey. After dinner, make tracks two blocks north and one street over to the Train Car Cigar Bar. SATURDAY: The sign outside still says Dell’s Café, but this spare restaurant with the odd name of Neutral Ways serves fat egg-filled tacos and classic American breakfast plates in

The entrance to Comanche Trail Park.

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MADE IN TEXAS

From Wheel to Table Restaurants around the country are turning to this Dallas ceramist for artful dinnerware.

BY AMANDA ALBEE

OUT THERE

was born. He attended St. Mark’s School of Texas, where he fell in love with his ceramics classes. At Southern Methodist University, he fulfilled an elective requirement with a ce- ramics course, in which he learned how to use awood-firedkiln,adays-longprocessthatem- ploys ashes to create one-of-a-kind textures and colors. Ortega turned his hobby into a side business while working in the corporate world. In 2018, when he received an order for more than nine hundred pieces to stock Beverley’s Bistro & Bar, on Fitzhugh Avenue, Marcello Andres Ceramics became a full-time enterprise. Ortega opened his current location, which also serves as an event space, two years later. Ortegafulfillsordersforrestaurantsaround the state and beyond: Tatemó, an intimate Mexican tasting menu spot, in Houston; Texas- centric Isidore, in San Antonio’s new Pull- man Market; and Juniper, an Italian bistro in East Austin. Ortega sees his art as having “a conversation with clay.” Fortunately for us, there are lingering —and beautiful—questions to answer.

YOU WON’T FIND “Do Not Touch” signs in Marcello Andres Ortega’s studio and retail space, housed in a Quonset hut just south of downtown Dallas. The ceramics artist encour- ages visitors to the showroom to feel and hold his plates, bowls, and copitas—small cups used for drinking mezcal, sherry, and other spirits. Formed out of Texas clay and natural minerals and fused in fire in one of the workshop’s five kilns, the appeal of the dinnerware extends be- yond the tactile. The primary palette of creams, taupes, and dark grays invites you to appreciate whatsitsatopeachdish:forexample,anorderof avocado toast’s shock of green against the neu- tral canvas of a plate. “The food is the art,” says Ortega of the earth tones he prefers for dishes. Ortega traces his love of dinnerware to the nightly sit-down family meals of his childhood, a ritual important to his Chilean- born parents, who moved to Dallas before he

Meanwhile, In Texas At a feedlot in Carrizo Springs, a man witnessed a group of cattle pin a coyote against a fence before it es- caped unharmed. An American Airlines flight was evac- uated and delayed for nearly five hours at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport after a passenger alerted cabin crew to a Wi-Fi hot spot titled “there is a bomb on the flight.” Upon discovering an unconventional hunting blind made from a portable toilet, Henderson County game wardens used a hidden camera to catch a man who was using it to hunt deer on private property without the owner’s consent. More than one hundred canisters of nitrous oxide were discovered in the car of a Houston dentist who had sped through town, ignored commands to pull over, led police on a brief chase, and, finally, stopped and allegedly ad- mitted to inhaling the laughing gas as he was driving. Port Arthur authorities announced that a man is under investigation for child endangerment after he posted a video on social media in which he used a baby dressed in winter clothing to wipe snow o his car’s windshield. A man in Travis County told police he “won’t press charges” and just wants his dog back after he was approached near his home by a man who shot him in the foot, grabbed his French bulldog, and fled in a car. —Meher Yeda

Marcello Andres Ortega throwing a sculpture in his studio on February 4, 2025.

BASTROP CEDAR CREEK EDITION

Scottie Scheer at Royal Oaks Country Club.

Palm Beach Gardens home, and ended his own life. As they learned of Murray’s death, some players spoke to reporters and others declined. Sixteen-year pro Peter Malnati wanted to talk. He also was not a big star, but he was aable, articulate, and thoughtful—and he happened to be the contestant who had played with Mur- ray the afternoon before. Malnati struggled to collect his thoughts on national television. The full weight and measure of the singular stresses of the game seemed to wobble him at a tender moment. “This is going to be really hard,” Malnati said, his voice shuddering. “We all want to beat each other.Andthensomethinglikethishappensand you realize that we’re all just humans.” There would be a service for Murray in early June, before the Memorial Tournament, at Muirfield Village Golf Club, near Columbus, Ohio. Brad Payne, who serves as a chaplain on the PGA Tour, helped organize it. He had coun- seled Murray through his personal struggles— anxiety, alcohol abuse—and had talked with him about the pervasive sense of loneliness and dread he just couldn’t seem to shake, even as he achieved remarkable success, rising into the top fiftyintheworldafterwinninginHawaiiatthe beginning of 2024. Before the service, Payne also counseled the players who were sched- uled to speak, a group that included Scottie Scheer,thenumberoneplayerintheworld. To read the full story, please subscribe to Texas Monthly .

ON A FRIDAY afternoon last May, late in the second round of the PGA Tour stop in Fort Worth, Grayson Murray pocketed his ball and toldocialshefeltunwell.Hewithdrewfrom the competition, cleared out his locker, and aimed his courtesy vehicle toward the airport. Few spectators noticed. Murray was thirty years old and had won twice on the tour, which is two more times than most professional golfers ever win, but he was not the kind of incandescent star who drew massive galleries and heavy media attention. He had two holes left to play when he hit the last shot of his life. The next day, word filtered through the old, pecan-lined fairways of Colonial Country Club that Murray had flown to Florida, gone to his

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Great Scottie! Shhhhhhh. Quiet Please. Scottie Scheffler, the world’s most dominant golfer, is approaching the toughest part of the course. BY KEVIN ROBBINS

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