North Central Austin Edition | October 2022

The e-edition is an exact replica of the newspaper with interactive and searchable articles from all your favorite sections.

NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 7 OCT. 24NOV. 20, 2022

Austin mayor, half of City Council up for election in November

Local chain Ramen Tatsu-Ya celebrates 10th anniversary

Thirteen events around Austin in October-November

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More than 30 candidates are competing for a council seat at City Hall, located on Second Street downtown. (Ben Thompson/Community Impact)

VOTER GUIDE 2022

BY BEN THOMPSON

The current council has elded criticism for its level of community engagement and several controversial poli- cies, such as reallocating police funding. A crowded eld of more than 30 candidates are vying for the chance to participate in the next council. “It’s going to be unique for voters because of term limits. A lot of familiar names are not on the ballot,” said Brian W. Smith, a political science professor at St. Edward’s University. “... For voters, what that means is, we're going to have to do a little bit of homework." CONTINUED ON 28

Austin City Council is poised for its most signicant turnover in nearly a decade as the city continues to con- front questions surrounding aordability, public safety, mobility and growth. Several members of Austin’s inaugural 10-1 council will be leaving as new council terms begin in January. The geographic district-based system has been credited by some for ushering in council members who share demographics with and are closer to the communities they serve.

Sample ballot

Once ‘lifeless’ downtown district transformed into health care hub

INNOVATION DISTRICT GROWTH The Innovation District is a health care- focused area northwest of the Texas Capitol.

Austin local pairs coee shop with martial arts & punk music 31

BY KATY MCAFEE

downtown has transformed into a health-focused innova- tion district—complete with a state-of-the-art teaching hospital known as Dell Seton Medical Center at The Univer- sity of Texas at Austin, and UT Health, Dell Medical’s clinical practice—and ushered in new oce space, Waterloo Park and the Moody Center.

Five years ago, the now demolished University Med- ical Center Brackenridge sat empty; plans to close the Frank Erwin Center were well in the works; and Waterloo Greenway, then called Waller Creek Conservancy, had just broken ground on the Water- loo Park project. Since then, northeast

DOWNTOWN AUSTIN

CONTINUED ON 32

THE WASTEWATER AVERAGING PERIOD IS ABOUT TO BEGIN! Check your current bill for your billing cycle and find out when your wastewater averaging period starts and ends.

The readings for wastewater averaging are taken over the course of three winter months. They line up with seasonal low water use, when most households naturally cut back on outdoor water use.

How does Austin Water measure how much you pay for wastewater? We use a method called wastewater averaging! It’s based on meter readings for the clean water you use.

Cut back on outside water use during the wastewater averaging period and lock in the best wastewater rate possible! Runs mid-November through March

Since your wastewater average is calculated when your waster use is typically lowest, you’ll receive the best possible fixed monthly wastewater fee. It won’t go up, regardless of how much water you use the rest of the year.

We average the amount of wastewater you use over three months to get you the best rate possible.

Wastewater contains everything that goes down your drain. It requires treatment to keep Austin’s rivers, creeks, and streams free of pollution.

austinwater.org

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Curious what is selling in your neighborhood? Scan me *All prices shown are list price

ACTIVE

realtyaustin.com/p/6609904

realtyaustin.com/p/6667050

realtyaustin.com/p/6263275

realtyaustin.com/p/2669132

$399,900

$590,000

$675,000

$700,000

2 bds

1 ba

0,885 sq ft

3 bds

2 ba

1,489 sq ft

3 bds

2 ba

1,646 sq ft

3 bds

2.5 ba 1,650 sq ft

1800 Wheless Ln #A, Austin, TX 78723 Rita Little | 512-844-0420

1420 Cloverleaf Dr, Austin, TX 78723 Rick Rabon | 512-626-0877

2503 Ashdale Dr, Austin, TX 78757 Aaron Nann | 512-923-3355

1931 E 38Th 1/2 St #72, Austin, TX 78723 Holly Hughes | 512-387-5377

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realtyaustin.com/p/5296692

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realtyaustin.com/p/9833279

$750,000

$825,000

$1,249,000

$1,400,000

3 bds

2 ba

1,205 sq ft

3 bds

3 ba

1,344 sq ft

4 bds

2.5 ba 2,017 sq ft

4 bds

3 ba

2,796 sq ft

810 E 47Th St, Austin, TX 78751 Jen Berbas | 512-655-3371

1204 W 51St St #1, Austin, TX 78756 Kim Fodor | 512-809-3844

4006 Greystone Dr, Austin, TX 78731 Ben Pierson | 512-567-0929

3805 Rockledge Dr, Austin, TX 78731 Joe and Cara Keenan Team | 512-200-2469

ACTIVE

PENDING

SOLD OVER ASKING

realtyaustin.com/p/9801588

realtyaustin.com/p/9163040

realtyaustin.com/p/4913891

realtyaustin.com/p/5108513

$1,749,900

$4,250,000

$740,000

$650,000

5 bds

4 ba

3,031 sq ft

5 bds

5.5 ba 4,997 sq ft

3 bds

2 ba

1,627 sq ft

4 bds

3 ba

2,008 sq ft

1201 Alguno Rd, Austin, TX 78757 Dora Martinez | 512-565-9909

5102 Beverly Skyline, Austin, TX 78731 Brian Copland | 512-576-0288

8700 Melshire Dr, Austin, TX 78757 512 Team | 512-293-9860

7305 Bucknell Dr, Austin, TX 78723 Jennifer Henry | 512-217-1887

Creative Ways to Finance Your Next House

A house is a big investment. That’s why when it comes time to start your search, you’ll want to figure out the best financing option for your situation. Did you know there are different payment options other than the traditional fixed-rate mortgage? Scan the QR code

to learn from experts about a variety of ways to pay for your home.

NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • OCTOBER 2022

at Blanco Vista

AT BLANCO VISTA, YOU GET IT ALL. The perfect house isn’t perfect unless it’s in the right location, with easy access to work, school, and shopping. Located on 575 acres of prime land in northern San Marcos, Blanco Vista has everything you want in a master-planned community. You get a neighborhood elementary school, a swimming pool, a stocked fishing pond and lots of parks and trails, all tucked along the banks of the Blanco River. The best part? Beautiful homes from Central Texas’ best builders including Terrata, CastleRock, Empire, Pacesetter, Perry, and our newest builder Dream Finders. With modern styles and floor plans, we have a home that fits the way you live. Check it out at BlancoVista.com or come by for a visit and see how rich life can be!

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR BUILDERS AND HOMESITES

BLANCOVISTA.COM 4040 Trail Ridge, San Marcos, TX 78666

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact Newspaper 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 30 localized editions across Texas to more than 2.4 million residential mailboxes. MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Deeda Lovett EDITOR Darcy Sprague REPORTERS Katy McAfee, Ben Thompson GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Don Grabowski, Joseph Veloz ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Stephanie Johnson METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Travis Baker MANAGING EDITOR Amy Denney COPY CHIEF Andy Comer SENIOR ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Haley Grace CONTACT US 16225 Impact Way, Ste. 1, Pugerville, TX 78660 • 5129896808 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES ctanews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING ctaads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter PODCAST communityimpact.com/podcast 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

ANNOUNCEMENT: COMMUNITY IMPACT REBRANDING & NEWSROOM COMMITMENT

2005 Total mailboxes 60,000 1 Journalist

2015 Total mailboxes 1,495,000 40 Journalists

2022 Total mailboxes 2,450,000 75 Journalists

The CI Local Pin Incorporated into our main logo, the CI Local Pin symbolizes our focus on local and making an Impact in every community we serve.

The new mission statement is: “Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets,” which speaks to both the editorial content and business ads that our communities love and use. The vision statement was created by all Impacters and speaks to what we hope to accomplish with each day of our work: ”Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team.” There are no changes to the company’s purpose and values, and Community Impact is committed to living those out every day. CI’s purpose is: “To be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other.” The company’s values , or stones that are physically awarded internally for a job well done each month are Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity. The company’s updated logo features the signature CI red and gray, but lighter, brighter and bolder. CI also incorporated a new design element—the CI Local Pin , a simple recognizable icon—into the new logo to further solidify its focus on local news and making an impact in every community it serves. The design of the new logo more accurately reects CI’s design philosophy, Creative Director Derek Sullivan said. “Less is more—we always aim to keep it clear, clean and concise,” he said. “In addition, the new CI Local Pin helps us visually connect the main brand with our other internal and external initiatives. For example, the pin is part of our IRG logos (Impacter Resource Groups promoting equity, diversity and inclusion), and the pin is shifted upside down to become an ink drop in our new CI Printing logo." Vice President of Sales and Marketing Tess Coverman said CI’s updated name speaks to the company’s robust product line and allows for continued innovation in the future. “As new ideas come up, as long as they lter through our updated mission statement and core values, we can more easily introduce them to the Community Impact audience,” she said. “For example, hosting events is a recent request by some CI Patrons as a benet to the community and a new revenue stream, which we might consider in 2023.” With this brand update and newsroom expansion, CI prides itself on being the largest community journalism newsroom in the state, covering local businesses, transportation and road projects, development, health care and government.

No longer just a newspaper company, Community Impact is rebranding to better align with one of its core values: innovation.

Although many readers may know CI for its monthly, full-color print newspapers, the company is much more than just a printed newspaper. Since its inception in 2005 in the gameroom of John and Jennifer Garrett’s home in Pugerville, Texas, the company lived up to its entrepreneurial roots, creating its own in-house customer relationship management software, building a printing plant, launching email newsletters and podcasts, and expanding its reach to four Texas metros and more than 2.4 million homes. To reect its entire product line and continue to allow for future growth, the media company has changed its name from Community Impact Newspaper to Community Impact. This process began in early 2022 when leadership at CI completed a workshop with Je Hahn of Hahn Public to strategize their next innovative move. Following the workshop, CI made the decision to update its entire brand schematic, including the logo, colors, tagline, mission statement and vision statement. "Since 2005, Community Impact has been a trusted source for local news as we have built the largest community journalism news organization in Texas,” CEO and founder John Garrett said. “Our award-winning monthly newspaper and our innovative daily digital products will be the focus of the investment Jennifer and I are making in local news for—God willing—years to come. Our team is committed to helping all Texans we serve, regardless of your socioeconomic status or political aliation, to get news you can trust to help you connect to your community." In an eort to produce even more local journalism, CI has already promoted 10 editorial team members since January and will add more newsroom positions in the coming months to maintain its status as the leading newsroom in the state. A portion of this growth is attributed to local CI advertisers along with CI’s reader-funded Patron program that launched in 2020. The company plans to expand with a corporate Patron program in 2023 based on similar demand. As part of the rebrand, the company’s new tagline , News Everyone Gets, was shortened from Local. Useful. Everyone Gets It. to mirror what CI does best—simplify complex information into various news formats in a delivery method and tone accessible to anyone. Plus, CI created a new mission statement and updated its vision statement to reect both present-day and future goals.

Owners and founders John and Jennifer Garrett

communityimpact.com

Publisher Travis Baker

@impactnewsatx

@impactnews_cta

linkedin.com/company/communityimpact

@communityimpactaustin

Proudly printed by

If you see a broken streetlight, call 3-1-1 or download the Austin 3-1-1 mobile app to submit your AE street light Issue service request.

*SEE SITE FOR FULL TERMS-EXPIRES 10/31/22

NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • OCTOBER 2022

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

IMPACTS

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

COMPILED BY KATY MCAFEE

NORTH AUSTIN

WOOD HOLLOW DR.

183

Ellie Mental Health

Parker + Scott

COURTESY ELLIE MENTAL HEALTH

COURTESY PARKER + SCOTT

MOPAC

MIDDLE FISKVILLE RD.

290

Wine for the People

Girlstart

COURTESY WINE FOR THE PEOPLE

COURTESY GIRLSTART

201, Austin, and will start taking patients in November. www.elliementalhealth.com RELOCATIONS 5 United Way for Greater Austin relocated Oct. 1 to Austin Community College’s Highland campus at 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin, on the fifth floor. ACC currently partners with United Way for its Parenting Students Project— which financially supports ACC student- parents to help them complete college. The United Way for Greater Austin and United Way of Williamson County merged on Jan. 1. The organization was previously located at 2000 E. MLK Jr. Blvd., Austin. 512-472-6267. www.unitedwayaustin.org 6 Wine for the People will relocate from Southwest Austin to Spread & Co. at 1601 W. 38th St., Austin in Nov. Wine for the People will share the space with Spread & Co. and operate during Wednesday-Sunday evenings. It will serve wine tastings, glasses and bottles paired with Spread & Co.’s cheese and

charcuterie selections. Wine for the People is owned by Rae Wilson. www.wineforthepeople.com ANNIVERSARIES 7 Girlstart —a local nonprofit for girls in STEM—is celebrating 25 years in operation in November. Girlstart began as an after-school program in 1997 and has since grown with summer camps, conferences and special events for girls in fourth-eighth grade. Girlstart has programs in astronomy, ecology, engineering and more. Girlstart is located at 1400 W. Anderson Lane, Austin. www.girlstart.org 8 Public Employees Credit Union is celebrating its 70th anniversary this October. PECU first opened in 1952 to serve state workers and is now open to everyone. PECU has several Austin locations, including one at 1200 W. 42nd St., Austin. www.pecutx.org

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NORTH CENTRAL NOW OPEN

COMING SOON 3 A new restaurant concept from the owners of The Russian House opened in Austin this October. ATX Grill RH serves wild boar, elk and venison from local farmers, sauces made from Siberian berries, steak and brisket. It also serves shareable plates of grilled meat, fish and vegetables for large parties. ATX Grill RH took over 5201 Airport Blvd., Austin, where Sala and Betty was located. 512-645-0215. www.grillatx.com 4 Cindy Matula is opening a location of Ellie Mental Health , a Minnesota-based therapy clinic, in Northwest Hills. Ellie offers customized services like grief and trauma-informed therapy, couples therapy and more. Ellie Mental Health clinic is located at 7719 Wood Hollow Drive, Ste.

1 A sustainability-focused general store called Parker + Scott opened at 2113 W. Anderson Lane, Ste. B, in August. Parker + Scott carries a range of products including skin care and apothecary items. It also has a refill bar where customers can bring in empty bottles and fill them with soaps and cleaners to purchase. Parker + Scott is owned by Ian and Jess Hiasley. 512-730- 0472. www.parkerandscott.com 2 Tide Cleaners opened a new location at 3637 Far West Blvd., Austin, in August. Tide offers drop-off and pickup services for dry cleaning, wash and fold, wedding dresses and more. www.tidecleaners.com

Our Focus is on You Your health is paramount to us. We put your health first with our full range of women’s services. Our dedicated specialists offer advanced mammography, imaging and a variety of non-invasive specialty treatments. No matter where your healthcare journey takes you, we’re here to see you through.

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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • OCTOBER 2022

IMPACTS

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

WEST CAMPUS

MOPAC

Brooke Rodd

Nau’s Enfield Drug

COURTESY KEELYN COSTELLO

KATY MCAFEE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

4 Local pizza truck Sammataro will open its first brick-and-mortar location in December at 900 West 10th St., Austin. Sammataro sells New-York style pies that the owner Issac Flores describes as “wood fired and East Coast inspired.” It will replace 40 North, which closed in October. The food truck will remain open at 1108 E. 12th St., Austin. www.sammataro.love ANNIVERSARIES 5 Westlake Dermatology celebrated its 20th anniversary Oct. 7. The business opened its first location on Bee Caves Road in 2002. The clinic has a team of doctors who specialize in different areas, including plastic surgery, dermatology, dermatopathology and cosmetic consultations. Westlake Dermatology also does advanced spa and laser treatments. Westlake Dermatology has 18 locations in Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. Westlake Dermatology’s downtown location is at 327 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin. 512-615-3280. www.westlakedermatology.com 6 Castle Hill Fitness celebrated its 20th anniversary in October at 1112 N Lamar Blvd, Austin. In addition to traditional gym amenities such as cardio and strength equipment, Castle Hill Fitness offers personal training, workshops and classes all under the same roof. Castle Hill also has spa services such as acupuncture, skin care, physical therapy and more. Castle Hill Fitness has been locally owned by Clayton Aynesworth since 2002. 512-478-4567. www.castlehillfitness.com

Austin Community College

COURTESY AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

CLOSINGS 7 Nau’s Enfield Drug —a pharmacy, diner, soda fountain and drug store—is closing permanently at 1115 W Lynn St, Austin. The owners of the building did not renew the lease, which will end in March. Nau’s Enfield Drug has been serv- ing Austinites since 1951. 512-476-1221. Facebook: Nau’s Enfield Drug RENOVATIONS 8 Austin Community College re- opened its Rio Grande campus Oct. 11. In 2017, the campus closed for renova- tions, which were funded through the district’s $386 million bond in 2014. The renovations addressed the wear and tear of the century-old building, including enhancements to its south courtyard, additional irrigation systems and other interior aesthetic changes. The campus is one of seven ACC campuses. The Rio Grande campus is located on 1212 Rio Grande St., Austin. 512-223-3000. www.austincc.edu

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DOWNTOWN/ WEST CAMPUS NOW OPEN 1 In Sept. Room 725 —a semi-private room in Austin’s Fairmount—began offering a new luxury menu called Champagne & Caviar on Friday and Saturday nights. The menu has a range of caviar, including Golden Osetra, Golden Kaluga, Smoked Trout Roe and Vegan Caviar; champagne by the glass or bottle; cocktails; and pre-embargo cigars. Room 725 is located at 101 Red River St., Austin. www.fairmont-austin.com/room725 2 A new fashion and home goods store opened on Oct. 6. Brooke Rodd , named after the boutique’s owner, sells apparel, accessories, candles, books, fragrance and more. The boutique features pieces

from Brooke Rodd’s own clothing line as well as clothes from other brands, such as Midnight Rider, Blue Boheme and Brodie Cashmere. Brooke Rodd is located at 632 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin. www.brookerodd.com COMING SOON 3 London-based company Electric Shuffle is making its way to Austin this fall. Electric Shuffle features a modern twist on the classic game by using camera vision technology—that was invented by a rocket scientist—to keep track of the puck, keep score, and add up to 24 people in a game. The space will also serve craft cocktails, beer, wine and snack plates. The space can also be reserved for parties between 15-250 people. Electric Shuffle will be located at 91 Red River St., Austin, and open Oct. 27. www.electricshuffleusa.com/austin

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MOPAC

SOUTH AUSTIN

Moscot

Ramen Tatsu-Ya

COURTESY MOSCOT

COURTESY RAMEN TATSU-YA

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Lucky Robot

The Trail Conservancy

SOUTH CENTRAL NOW OPEN

floors of the building at 401 S. First St., Austin. RiverSouth is a 372,000-square- foot, 15-story office building that opened in early 2022 with a focus on health and environmental sustainability. www.alertmedia.com COMING SOON 4 Foxtrot , a neighborhood convenience store, will open four locations in Austin in late 2022 and early 2023, including one at 1804 S. First St., Austin. Co-founders Mike LaVitola and Taylor Bloom, who met in Austin, launched the brand in Chicago in 2014. The stores will offer coffee, seasonal cafe drinks, breakfast tacos, smoothies, salads and other grab-and-go meals. The South Austin location will open in late 2022 and will be followed by locations at City Hall, the Drag and North Austin. www.foxtrotco.com ANNIVERSARIES 5 Ramen Tatsu-Ya’s celebrated its 10- year anniversary in September. Ramen Tatsu-Ya has several locations, including one at 1234 S Lamar Blvd, Austin.

COURTESY LUCKY ROBOT

BEN THOMPSON/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Owners described their beginnings as a “bootstrapped passion project” in a strip mall off of US 183. Since then, they have opened four Austin locations and one in Houston. www.ramen-tatsuya.com 6 Sushi restaurant Lucky Robot is celebrating its 10-year anniversary this October. Lucky Robot serves classic Japanese cuisine and is considered the first sustainable sushi restaurant in the state. To celebrate the anniversary, Lucky Robot is holding a month-long pop-up installation with paper lanterns through mid-November. Local Adam Weisberg owns the restaurant which is located at 1303 S. Congress Ave., Austin. 512-444-8081. www.luckyrobotatx.com NAME CHANGE 7 The Trail Foundation—a nonprofit that manages the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake— announced on Sept. 22 it is rebranding to The Trail Conservancy . The name change reflects the organization’s role

in protecting the trail, as it was formally recognized as the primary steward for the trail by the city of Austin in June. The name represents the new responsibilities the conservancy will take on including plant trees, implement trail edge maintenance and restore damaged parts of the ecosystem. It will also play a role in community engagement, offering volunteer opportunities and hosting live music events. The Trail Conservancy is located at 1221 S. MoPac, Ste. 240, Austin. 855- 448-7245. www.thetrailconservancy.org CLOSINGS 8 Hobby Lobby closed its 4040 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin location. In September, it opened a new store at 6600 S. MoPac, Austin, to make way for the Brodie Oaks Shopping Center redevelopment. Hobby Lobby sells a variety of arts and craft supplies, home decor and furniture. There are two other Central Austin Hobby Lobby locations. www.hobbylobby.com

1 New York eyewear company Moscot opened its first brick-and-mortar Austin location Sept. 22. Moscot creates traditional hand-made frames inspired by the designs and colors the company used in its beginnings in the 1930s. The company also sells prescription and nonprescription sunglasses. The store is located at 1206 S. Congress Ave., Austin. 737-239-0141. www.moscot.com 2 Total Men’s Primary Care opened its first stand-alone building in Austin in September. Total Men’s offers all primary care needs, such as physical exams, vaccinations, STD labs, testerone testing, eating disorder care and more. The clinic is just for men and accepts most forms of insurance. Total Men’s new clinic is located at 2701 S. Congress Ave., Austin. 512-641- 2290. www.totalmens.com 3 AlertMedia , a threat intelligence and emergency communication provider, opened its 68,000-square-foot headquarters at RiverSouth on Sept. 20. The company occupies the top two

NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • OCTOBER 2022

DIA DE MI PARQUE IT’S MY PARK DAY SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH austinparks.org/impd

Foster & Adopt &

Volunteer & Advocate & Donate & Care.

Payment Options:

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Explore your options at MobilityAuthority.com/pay-your-toll/options

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In Person

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IMPACTS

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

COMPILED BY KATY MCAFEE

290

Marufuku Ramen

Pure Barre

DARCY SPRAGUECOMMUNITY IMPACT

COURTESY PURE BARRE

and a selection of new books. Vintage is located at 101 E. 11th St., Austin, in the Haehnel Building at a registered historic landmark that was built in 1880. Owner Jean Buckner says the name Vintage is a homonym that refers to both the decor in the shop and the year grapes are harvested for wine production. 512-551- 9215. www.vintagebooksandwine.com 4 A Japanese comfort food restaurant called Tiny Diner opened in East Austin on Sept. 7. Tiny Diner is run by chef Domonic Candy and serves classic Japanese dishes such as okonomiyaki and uy egg sandwiches. Tiny Diner is located in Native Bar and Cafe at 804 East 4th St., Austin. @tinydineratx 5 Este , a seafood restaurant from the team behind Suerte, opened Oct. 3. The menu highlights coastal Mexican cuisine and charcoal cooking. Some of the dishes available include oysters, ceviches, aguachiles, a seafood platter and fried sh tacos. The restaurant has inside seating, including bar and chef counter spaces, and patio seating. Este is located at 2113 Manor Road, Austin, at the site of the former Eastside Cafe. www.esteatx.com 6 Marufuku Ramen opened Oct. 12 at 1900 Aldrich St., Ste. 180, Austin. This is the rst Austin location for the restaurant, which was founded in San Francisco in 2017 and has seven existing locations across California, Texas and New York, serving Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen. The menu includes several dierent ramen options, including pork, chicken and vegetable options, as well as appetizers and rice bowls. 512-503- 5003. www.marufukuramen.com

ColdTowne Theater

COURTESY COLDTOWNE THEATER

EAST AUSTIN

973 box theater, a patio, classroom space and a full bar. ColdTowne will focus on its weekend shows during the rst few weeks of opening and return to daily shows in early 2023. The theater will also oer classes and corporate workshops virtually and in person. 512-814-8696. www.coldtownetheater.com CLOSINGS 8 Cenote closed its Windsor Park 130 TOLL COMING SOON 7 After closing in 2020 due to the pandemic, 16-year-old ColdTowne Theater is reopening in a new location Nov. 3. The new building, located at 1700 E. Second St., Austin, will have a black location in September. The restaurant was located at 6214 Cameron Road, Austin, and oered breakfast options as well as sandwiches, burgers and salads. The original Cenote location at 1010 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin, will remain open. www.cenoteaustin.com

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EAST AUSTIN NOW OPEN

2 Rachel Thwing opened a Pure Barre at 1401 E. Sixth St., Unit 101, Austin. Pure Barre is a low-impact, high-intensity workout studio on Oct. 17. Pure Barre oers 45- to 50-minute classes from Monday through Friday. Classes are set to high-energy music and designed to tone muscles and improve strength, agility and exibility. www.purebarre.com 3 A new hangout spot for book readers and wine drinkers opened Oct. 15 in East Austin. Vintage Books and Wine features a global selection of wines, local beers, Nespresso coee and tea,

1 Karisha One , a community wellness center, opened in Sept. at 4926 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin. Karisha One oers personal medical care as well as wellness services such as yoga, acupuncture, massage therapy and mindfulness classes. The East Cesar Chavez location will be a temporary space until Karisha One relocates in fall 2023. Karisha One is owned by fourth-generation doctor Amina Haji. 512-686-0377. www.karishaone.com

Ca h NOW for college MEET WITH ACC FINANCIAL AID austincc.edu/fafsa2023

NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • OCTOBER 2022

A CHRISTMAS CAROL “ Packed to the rafters with spirit, soul, and funk! ” Austin Chronicle Written by Charles Dickens | Adapted and Directed by Dave Steakley

Begins November 16

tickets. zachtheatre.org

Photo: KirkTuck.com

Carolyn and Marc Seriff Bettye Nowlin

Official Healthcare Sponsor

This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Texas Commission on the Arts, and the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

TODO LIST

October & November events

COMPILED BY KATY MCAFEE

NOV. 19

SUPPORT PUPS IN NEED THE FAIRMONT

NOV. 19

SEE SOME SOCCER ACTION Q2 STADIUM

NOV. 24

GOBBLE, GOBBLE AS YOU RUN THE LONG CENTER

The Austin Humane Society will host its annual Rags to Wags Gala—including a cocktail hour, auctions and a seated dinner. It will benet Austin animal shelters. The gala will be ’70s-themed in honor of its 70th anniversary. 6 p.m. Sponsorships start at $500. 101 Red River St., Austin. www.ahsragstowags.org

Q2 Stadium will host an exhibition match between German Bundesliga soccer teams FC Koln and VfB Stuttgart. This will be the rst match between two European sides on Q2’s pitch. 3 p.m. $32-$130. 10414 McKalla Place, Austin. 512-953-2858. www.austinfc.com

The 32nd annual Thundercloud Subs Turkey Trot 5-mile and 1-mile run will return this year. The proceeds benet Caritas of Austin, a nonprot dedicated to ending homelessness in Austin. Event begins at 7 a.m. $12-$30. The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin. www.thundercloud.com

04 THROUGH 06 ENJOY THE CULINARY ARTS Try some new bites this fall at Austin’s annual Food and Wine Festival, a three day celebration oering food and drinks from top rated chefs in Central Texas and throughout the country. The event will include grill demonstrations and a taco competition from the nation’s top chefs. Three-day tickets start at $625. Age 21 and up only. Auditorium Shores, 900 W. Riverside Dr. Austin. www.austinfoodandwinefestival.com 04 THROUGH 13 CELEBRATE SAUSAGE Take part in this annual German-style festival in the heart of New Braunfels. Guests can enjoy German food, music, dancing, beer and more during the 61st Wurstfest Celebration. 4-11 p.m. (Nov. 4), 11 a.m.-midnight (Nov. 5 and 12), 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (Nov. 6 and 13), 5-10 p.m. (Nov. 7-10), 5-11 p.m. (Nov. 11). Free (Nov. 7-10 and 3-10 p.m. on Nov. 13, children age 12 and under), $20 (general admission). 120 Landa St., New Braunfels. 830-625-9167. www.wurstfest.com 05 WALK FOR A CAUSE The Huntington Disease Society

08 HEAD TO THE POLLS Austin voters have the opportunity to weigh in on the governor, attorney general, state senators, county judge, and many other contested races this fall. Early voting ends Nov. 4. Polls are open on Election Day from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Learn more at www.votetravis.com 11 SEE HORNS SHOOT HOOPS The University of Texas women’s basketball team will play at the newly opened Moody Center against Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns. Previously, UT basketball has called the Frank Erwin Center home since 1977. 7 p.m. $9-15. 2001 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin. www.moodycenteratx.com 27 LIGHT UP THE TREE The 56th Zilker holiday tree lighting will take place the Sunday after Thanksgiving. A tradition started in 1967, the illuminated tree is made up of light strings meeting at the top of the moonlight tower in Zilker Park. Children ages 5-10 may take part in an art contest, with submissions due Nov. 1, to win the chance to help light the tree. 5:30 p.m. Free. Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin. www.austintexas.gov

OCTOBER 31 ATTEND A PUMPKIN PARADE Lake Travis Community Library will host a spooky library parade. Children are encouraged to wear a costume and parade around the library to visit dierent spooky stations. The library will provide sweets, snacks, treats and prizes. 10-11 a.m. Free. Lake Travis Community Library, 1938 Lohmans Crossing, Austin. 512-263-2885. www.laketravislibrary.org WALK THROUGH A FIELD OF LIGHT The Lady Bird Johnson Wildower Center is the site of renowned artist Bruce Munro’s art installation, “Field of Light.” The nature-themed installation is made up of 28,000 colorful, ber- optic lights placed in the eld. This seasonal event is held weekly Thu.-Sun. 6:15-9 p.m. Free (ages 0-3), $20 (ages 4-10), $45 (general admission), $85 (VIP). 4801 La Crosse Ave., Austin. www.eldoightaustin.com NOVEMBER THROUGH DEC. 30

of America’s South Region will host its annual Austin Team Hope Walk, a grassroots fundraising event to raise money supporting people who live with Huntington’s Disease, a fatal brain disorder. The event is one of 100 walks occurring throughout cities in the United States. 9 a.m. Martin Middle School, 1601 Haskell St., Austin. www.south.hdsa.org 05 THROUGH 06 STOP BY THE BOOK FAIR Downtown Austin will be the site of the Texas Book Festival. More than 250 authors will have their work showcased. Many genres and literature appropriate for all ages will be represented. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Nov. 5), 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (Nov. 6). Free. Texas State Capitol, 1100 Congress Ave., Austin. www.texasbookfestival.org 05 THROUGH 20 CHECK OUT ART Austin Studio Tours will take place across three weekends in November. A self- guided tour around Austin’s many art galleries features installations from 520 artists. Free. Times vary. 916 Springdale Road, Bldg. 2, Ste. 101, Austin. www.bigmedium.org/austinstudiotour

Find more or submit Central Austin 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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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • OCTOBER 2022

TRANSPORTATION UPDATES

GEORGETOWN

183

ROUND ROCK

45 TOLL

Increases on toll rates for portions of SH 130, MoPac, SH 45 North and SH 45 Southeast were paused.

130 TOLL

COURTESY TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Toll rates will not increase on Central Texas Turnpike The Texas Transportation Commission voted unanimously to pause increases in toll rates for the Central Texas Turnpike System at its Sept. 22 meeting. The pause will begin Jan. 1. BY HANNAH NORTON by 8.3% in 2023, according to meeting documents. This increase was “unusually high,” said Tracey Johnson, the TxDOT Toll Operations Division director, at the meeting.

AUSTIN

MOPAC

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Pausing the rate increases will give the commis- sion an opportunity to review its toll rate escala- tion policy and rate adjustment options, Johnson said. Toll rates typically increase annually unless paused by the commission. Earlier this year, rates for the Central Texas Turnpike increased by 5.3%.

The tolled portions of the Central Texas Turn- pike include SH 130, MoPac, SH 45 North and SH 45 Southeast. More information about the tolled highways can be found through the Texas Depart- ment of Transportation. Toll prices on these roads were set to increase

BUDA

COFER & CONNELLY FAMILY LAW • CRIMINAL LAW • PERSONAL INJURY Austin H Hill Country H Central Texas Jeffrey Connelly COFERCONNELLY.COM • 602 W. 11 T H ST., AUSTIN, TX 78701 • 512-200-3801 Rick Cofer

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

TxDOT completes I35 flyover project at US 183

RECENTLY COMPLETED

BY KATY MCAFEE

The Texas Department of Transportation completed three yovers between I-35 and US 183. I35 and US 183 yover project

The Texas Department of Trans- portation held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 21 celebrating the completion of three yovers on I-35. The three yovers, or overpasses, will ease trac at the I-35 and US 183 interchange. Construction for the project included a southbound I-35 yover to northbound US 183, a southbound I-35 yover to southbound US 183 and a northbound US 183 yover to northbound I-35. Extensive con- struction was also completed at the existing yover from northbound I-35 to northbound US 183 and on the St. Johns Avenue bridge. Construction of the $124.2 million project began in January 2018 and was completed in August. The project was funded by the TxDOT Texas Clear Lanes Congestion Relief Initiative. The project was completed in an eort to address Texas’ most con- gested points. Prior to construction,

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East Riverside Drive improvements In late September, the Corridor Program Oce completed work on East Riverside Drive between Montopolis Drive and SH 71. The safety and mobility improvements include sidewalk and ramp upgrades and bus stop improvements. The next phase of improvements on Riverside includes work at Wickersham Lane, Coriander Drive, Vargas Road and September 2022 Cost: $412,000 Funding source: 2016 Mobility Bond ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF OCT. 11. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT CTANEWSCOMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. Frontier Valley Drive. Timeline: spring 2022-

Completed yover

the I-35 and US 183 interchange was ranked No. 41 out of the 100 most congested points in the state. “The population of Texas has grown by almost the entire state of Oklahoma just in the last decade,” Texas Transportation Commission Chair J. Bruce Bugg Jr. said at the ceremony. “When you have that kind of population growth in Texas ... we have to think about how we create transportation solutions.” Bugg added that while Austin’s

population continues to boom, the capacity of state highways has only grown 19%. “As Central Texas continues to grow, the I-35 and US 183 inter- change is key to moving people and goods throughout the region,” TxDOT Austin District Engineer Tucker Ferguson said in a news release. “The new yovers ensure better connectivity between the highways and signicantly improve mobility for commuters.”

NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • OCTOBER 2022

EDUCATION BRIEFS

News from Austin ISD, Austin Community College & Texas

Austin ISD Meets Nov. 13 at 5:30 p.m. and Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. 4000 S. I-35, Austin www.austinisd.org Austin Community College Board of Trustees Meets Nov. 17 at 3 p.m. 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin www.austincc.edu MEETINGS WE COVER AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE On Sept. 22, the Austin Community College District board of trustees approved a tax rate of $0.0987 per $100 valuation for 2022-23. DISTRICT HIGHLIGHTS AUSTIN ISD Students will have Election Day, Nov. 8, off following a board vote Sept. 29. It will be a staff development day. The district said the holiday is a safety measure for students because some campuses are voting locations. AUSTIN ISD On Oct. 14, Austin ISD became the first Central Texas district to receive two AAA bond ratings. The rating translates to lower interest rates, according to the district.

Texas aims to tie community college funding to student performance

COMMUNITY COLLEGE FUNDING State lawmakers will consider changing the funding model of community colleges in the 2023 legislative session. State money accounts for less than 25% of funding for community colleges. Current model Schools receive a flat sum of $1.3M Additional funding is based on: • enrollment • growth • operational costs • other factors Proposed model Schools would receive money for credentials of value, which are postsecondary degrees or certificates More funds awarded based on: • more credentials in high-demand fields; and • students who transfer to four-year universities. Adjustments account for higher costs of educating students who need more support. SOURCE: TEXAS COMMISSION ON COMMUNITY COLLEGE FINANCE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

BY HANNAH NORTON

According to the commission, state money accounts for less than 25% of funding for community colleges, alongside student tuition and local property taxes. As a result, colleges are forced to compete for state funds. The proposed finance model eliminates competition and instead [keeps] pace with college’s outcomes,” according to Harrison Keller, commissioner of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Funding would also be adjusted to account for the higher costs of educating students who need more support, such as low- income students, “academically underprepared students” and adults who return to school. State lawmakers will review the commission’s recommendations during the 2023 legislative session, which begins Jan. 10.

TEXAS On Oct. 18, the Texas Commission on Community College Finance — a commission created by the Texas Legislature in 2021 — unanimously approved its recom- mendation to overhaul community college funding. The proposed system bases funding on student performance, with a focus on graduation rates, successful transfer to four-year universities and credentials of value. The commission also recommends an increase in need-based financial aid and greater investments in college capacity. Under the current funding system, each community college district receives a flat sum of approximately $1.3 million, then state lawmakers provide additional funding based on enrollment, growth, operational costs and more.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

CITY & COUNTY

News from Austin & Travis County

COMPILED BY BEN THOMPSON

Austin City Council Meets Oct. 25, Nov. 1 and Nov. 15 at 9 a.m. and Oct. 27, Nov. 3 and Nov. 17 at 10 a.m. 301 W. Second St., Austin www.austintexas.gov/ austin-city-council Travis County Commissioners Court Meets Oct. 25 and Nov. 1, 8 and 15 at 9 a.m. and Oct. 27 and Nov. 10 at 1:30 p.m. 700 Lavaca St., Austin www.traviscountytx.gov MEETINGS WE COVER HIGHLIGHTS TRAVIS COUNTY Commissioners unanimously approved sending a letter to Hays County opposing the $2.5 million SH 45 project Sept. 13. The highway project would complete the approximately 3.7- mile “gap” of SH 45 SW between I-35 and FM 1626. Travis County leaders said the project would have a negative environmental effect. AUSTIN The city announced plans Sept. 14 to roll out up to six resilience hubs this year. The hubs, located in community spaces such as recreation centers and libraries, would serve as neighborhood resource centers during natural disasters. AUSTIN City and community representatives launched Texas Supportive Housing Institute—a training program for local homeless outreach groups—Sept. 14. Leaders said the training will help in the city-, county- and community-backed Finding Home ATX initiative to find permanent housing for 3,000 people experiencing homelessness in Austin through 2024. CORRECTIONS: Volume 1, Issue 6 On Page 8, Impact No. 7 should state that Debbie Kung is a doctor. On Page 19, the new grocery co-op from the city and Go Austin/Vamos Austin is the first city-owned co- op, but not the only grocery co-op in Austin.

First of 2 rate hikes OK’d for Austin Energy AUSTIN On Oct. 13, City Council approved an Austin Energy rate increase that will leave the average residential customer paying $15 more per month for power for the next three years ahead of an upcom- ing jump in AE’s base rate that could tack another $15 onto Austinites’ monthly bills. The rate hike stems from an adjust- ment to AE’s pass-through charges and will be effective in November. The utility said the increase was caused by several factors outside its control, including rising energy costs

Effect: $15 monthly increase to the average residential customer* PASS-THROUGH CHARGES

RAISING RATES An increase to Austin Energy pass- through charges was approved in October, while its extended base rate review continues.

Rate review timeline: September-October 2022, effective November 2022

BASE RATE Effect: $15.56 monthly

Rate review timeline: April-December 2022, effective January 2023

increase to the average residential customer*

*ESTIMATE BASED ON TYPICAL MONTHLY USAGE OF 860 KWH

SOURCES: AUSTIN ENERGY, CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

and congestion on the state electric grid, and was needed to recover tens of millions spent on power over the past year. Despite concerns about the effects on ratepayers, City Council voted 7-4 to approve the increase, citing a lack other viable options to cover the energy costs that AE had already spent. Utility representatives said delaying a pass-through adjustment beyond

October would cost Austin between $750,000 to $1 million every day. “To me, this isn’t really optional,” Council Member Kathie Tovo said. “Your publicly owned utility has already expended these dollars to provide you with electricity. ... It is a regrettable vote today.” Officials said they will also review possible relief on AE’s base rate increase before approving it this fall.

Austin affordable housing production remains off target AUSTIN The first four years of a 10-year plan to boost Austin’s housing stock have seen the city remain well short of its housing production goals, especially affordable units. A decadelong strategic targeted number of afford- able housing units had been built by the end of 2021, an annual blueprint progress Ten-year goal Units added, 2018-21 report released by the city and HousingWorks Austin on Sept. 20 showed. Despite the limited progress so far, the new report shows 6,961 income-restricted units are now under construction.

Affordable additions off target From 2018 through

1 2 4 3 6 5 9 8 7

housing plan passed in 2017 outlined a need for 135,000 new housing units to be created in Austin by 2028, including 60,000 spaces available at an affordable level—priced at or below 80% of the local median family income, or MFI. Just 12.67% of the

2021, no council district had met city Strategic Housing Blueprint goals for affordable housing additions, and most remained well off track. SOURCES: CITY OF AUSTIN, HOUSINGWORKS AUSTIN/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

2,000

4,000 6,000

8,000

10,000

Affordable housing units

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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • OCTOBER 2022

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