Southwest Austin - Dripping Springs Edition | December 2023

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Southwest Austin Dripping Springs Edition VOLUME 16, ISSUE 9 DEC. 21, 2023JAN. 30, 2024

This year, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport ocials saw nine record-breaking days of passenger volumes.

GRANT CRAWFORDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Airport sta expect another record-breaking year

passenger levels would not return to what they were prior to the pandemic until 2024. Instead, the total passenger count from 2022 rose above what it was in 2019 by about 20%.

In 2022, the city-owned airport experienced its busiest year on record. Ocials anticipate that 2023 will break this record as passenger volumes continuously soar. In June of 2020, ABIA ocials projected that

BY ELLE BENT

As Austin’s population grows, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport ocials are working to modernize and expand the airport to accommodate the needs of passengers over time.

CONTINUED ON 20

Also in this issue

Impacts: Oak Hill Social coming soon (Page 6)

Government: Dripping Springs solicits feedback on park (Page 13)

Development: St. Elmo, Menchaca district updates to know (Page 18)

Community: Two dozen ways to volunteer (Page 24)

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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS 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. About Community Impact

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Reporters Brittany Anderson Elle Bent Amanda Cutshall Kameryn Griesser Sierra Martin Katy McAfee Haley McLeod Hannah Norton Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson

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Impacts

183 4 Way South Food Park The food park celebrated its grand opening Nov. 11. Way South Food Park has a selection of vendors, including Oui Thai Kitchen, Blast Cups, Calaveras Tacos y Mas, Doxa Coffee Roasters and Bravo Company BBQ. • Grand opening Nov. 11 • 11300 Old San Antonio Road, Manchaca • www.waysouthfoodpark.com 5 VCA Animal Hospitals Urgent Care-South Austin 2 Ollie Birds The fast-casual restaurant is owned by local husband- and-wife team Nathan and Amanda Hamilton. Ollie Birds serves rotisserie chicken as well as an assortment of salads and pita wraps. • Opened Nov. 7 • 8906 Brodie Lane, Austin • www.olliebirds.com 3 El Alma The Mexican restaurant and bar opened its second Austin location at the former site of Hyde Park Bar & Grill, which closed in September. El Alma offers a variety of breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner items. • Opened Nov. 10 • 4521 West Gate Blvd., Ste. B, Austin • www.elalmacafe.com The hospital offers same-day veterinary care for urgent needs, seven days per week year-round. The animal hospital also offers free, 24-hour teletriage, which directly connects a client to a team of on-call credentialed veterinarian technicians. • Opened Oct. 10 • 8400 Brodie Lane, Ste. 104, Austin • www.vcahospitals.com/urgent-care-south-austin 6 Radfish Radfish is now open outside of record store End of an Ear serving shrimp and fish tacos, fish sandwiches, and burgers. The food truck will be open Wednesday through Saturday from noon-7:30 p.m. • Opened Nov. 10 • 4304 Clawson Road, Austin • www.radfishtx.com

BARTON CREEK BLVD.

360

MOPAC

CLAWSON RD.

290

1 8

290

COUNTRY WHITE LN.

1826

MOPAC

South Austin

1626

MAP NOT TO SCALE

including cotton candy, coconut, Texan pecan salted caramel, lemoncelo and more. • Opened Oct. 21 • Market Fair, 5400 Brodie Lane, Ste. 235, Sunset Valley • www.andinogelato.com

Now open

1 Andino Artisan Gelato The gelato shop is family-owned by Carlos and Carola Bejarano, and offers an assortment of gelato flavors,

“Our children feel deeply loved, appropriately challenged, and personally known.” Free K-12 Classical School

– Valor South Austin Parent

NEW CAMPUS COMING TO SOUTHWEST AUSTIN • LOTTERY DEADLINE JANUARY 29 • VALOREDUCATION.ORG

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY ELLE BENT & AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Coming soon

Now open

7 Playa Bowls Playa Bowls will open a location in Lantana Place in 2024. Playa Bowls offers açaí, pitaya, coconut bowls and smoothies. The franchise only has three other locations in Texas. • Opening 2024 • 7415 Southwest Parkway, Bldg. 6, Ste. 600, Austin • www.playabowls.com 8 Painted Tree Boutiques The boutique will open a location in Sunset Valley in spring, according to an Instagram post. Painted Tree Boutiques offers a wide variety of home decor and clothing from an assortment of vendors. • Opening spring 2024 • 5400 Brodie Lane, Austin • www.paintedtree.com 9 Barbers Elite The luxury barbershop offers men’s haircuts and a wide variety of fade types. Barbers Elite also offers beard trims, designs, hot towel shaves and charcoal face masks. • Opening in December • 1807 W. Slaughter Lane, Ste. 635, Austin • 737-302-9468 10 Oak Hill Social A new cocktail and coffee bar is coming soon to the former Metcalf BBQ at Graceland. Construction in and around the new bar is ongoing. • Opening fall 2023

12 Tomlinson’s Feed Owned by the Click family, the feed store offers pet food, canine dental services, toys, lost pet microchip scans, a self-serve pet wash station and more. The local chain has been expanding its footprint with multiple new stores in the region. • Grand opening held Oct. 14 • 8601 S. Congress Ave., Ste. 220, Austin • www.tomlinsons.com

14 Jabz Boxing Jabz Boxing is a franchise owned by Austin locals Adam and Becky Biehler. The boxing studio offers workouts that incorporate rowing, punching and lifting. According to a press release, the studio has a custom-designed boxing ring and is equipped with over 250 pieces of equipment. Jabz Boxing also has a punch tracking system called Jabz K.O. that allows clients to track their results. • Opened Dec. 16 • 5300 S. MoPac, Ste. 502, Austin • www.jabzboxing.com

offer rolled tacos, burritos, street tacos and quesadillas. • Relocating early January

• 1201 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin • www.oddduckaustin.com

• 3505 Country White Lane, Austin • www.daygossandiegotacoshop.com

15 Catena & Company The salon celebrated its 10th anniversary Dec. 13. Catena & Company features independent stylists and estheticians specializing in color, highlights, haircuts and skin care. • 4534 West Gate Blvd., Ste. 99, Austin • www.catenaandcompany.com

• 8600 Hwy. 290, Austin • www.oakhillsocial.com

In the news

Relocations

13 Odd Duck The restaurant, locally owned by brothers Bryce and Dylan Gilmore, celebrated its 10th anniversary Dec. 10. Odd Duck serves American classics, such as pasta, redfish, burgers, quail, pork shoulder and more. The restaurant also has a full bar with an extensive beer, wine and cocktail list.

11 Daygos San Diego Taco Shop The taco shop will relocate from the former Oskar Blues Brewery site at 10420 Metric Blvd., Ste. 150, to Nomadic Outpost at 3505 Country White Lane in Austin. The food truck is owned by local veteran Dre Johnson, who served as a culinary specialist while in the Navy. It will

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Impacts

BY ELLE BENT & ZARA FLORES

3 Pet Paradise The pet boarding facility in Dripping Springs offers cat and dog boarding, a day camp for pets, grooming and in-house veterinary clinics. • Opened Dec. 15 • 13524 Hwy. 290, Austin • www.petparadise.com/dripping-springs 4 Slice Street Pizza The new pizza shop debuted in Dripping Springs, offering New York- and Detroit-style pizza. Slice Street Pizza is drive-thru, takeout and delivery only. • Opened Dec. 17 • 333 Hwy. 290, Dripping Springs • www.slicestreetpizza.com

FITZHUGH RD.

185

BELL SPRINGS RD.

290

DRIFTING WIND RUN

164

Dripping Springs

1826

162

150

MAP NOT TO SCALE

2 Wolfe Physical Therapy Dripping Springs local and long-time resident Tom Wolfe has opened his own physical therapy practice. The practice offers services and care for a variety of needs like injury prevention, orthopedic-based care and other mobility needs. • Opened Nov. 1 • 27320 Ranch Road 12, Dripping Springs • www.wolfephysicaltherapy.org

Coming soon

Now open

5 Ellie Mental Health Ellie Mental Health will open a clinic in Dripping Springs in January. The clinic will be owned by Rosemary Elizalde and directed by Amy Eskelsen. Ellie Mental Health offers counseling services for children, adolescents and adults. • Opening January • 13341 W Hwy 290 Bldg 1, Ste. 105, Austin • www.elliementalhealth.com

1 Fast Aid Urgent Care The new urgent care center has opened in the Windmill Center. Owned by veteran Charlie Heausler, the urgent care offers pediatric services, physicals, X-ray services and STD testing, and will accept walk-ins. Fast Aid is expanding its footprint in Central Texas. • Opened Nov. 27 • 136 Drifting Wind Run, Ste. 117, Dripping Springs • www.fastaiduc.com

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Government

Ocials seek federal investigation of APD Travis County District Attorney José Garza and Austin leaders on Dec. 4 asked the Department of Justice to investigate the Austin Police Department’s response to the city’s May 2020 protests. Garza also announced protest-related prosecutions against 17 APD ocers will end, while four remain in progress. The specics Ocials requested a federal “pattern or practice investigation,” to determine whether residents were deprived of their constitutional rights. Garza’s update on the APD prosecutions came nearly two years after the indictments. Separately, Austin has paid more than $20 million in injury settlements stemming from the 2020 protests.

Travis County readies for immigration law costs A new Texas law allowing local governments to arrest and expel undocumented immigrants could have “enormous” nancial impacts on Travis County, according to county sta. Senate Bill 4 passed Nov. 14 and now awaits approval from Gov. Greg Abbott, who said he will

“I think there’s been a perception that the bill would just impact border counties, but any person that’s here that wouldn’t be able to show their

status could be charged with this new oense. You don’t need to be on the border

for that to happen.” INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS OFFICER JULIE WHEELER

sign the bill. The impact

Currently, only the federal government can take on most immigration law enforcement including arresting and expelling undocumented immigrants. The new law could cost millions of dollars locally and put pressure on the Travis County Jail’s already short-staed corrections department that had a 32% vacancy rate in November, county intergovernmen- tal relations ocer Julie Wheeler said. One jailed person costs the county at least

$125-$600 per day, depending on their physical and mental health care needs. That range does not take into account the cost of indigent defense or inter- preters, costs Wheeler expects to go up when SB 4 takes eect. In August, the Travis County Jail saw 318 inmates with immigration detainers, which cost the county $1.65 million, according to data from the Texas Commission on Jail Standards.

Austin creates separate homelessness response oce The city established a new stand-alone Home- less Strategy Oce Dec. 4 after a recent review found its former structure wasn’t eective. The breakdown

Austin’s new stand-alone Homeless Strategy Oce will handle: • The city’s extensive homeless service contracts • Homeless shelter operations • City and community collaborations to make more housing available • Local, state and federal partnerships • Public space management, including cleanups and encampment closures • Homeless response fundraising • City communications

according to Austin ocials. The reorganization came with the promotion of David Gray as Austin’s permanent homeless strategy ocer. Gray took over that role on an interim basis in late September. The new structure will support an upcoming “joint independent assessment” of homeless services and spending by Austin, Travis County and several other community partners.

The city’s homeless strategy division previ- ously operated under Austin Public Health. The oce’s spino is aimed at better focusing the city’s work with the local unhoused community,

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTINCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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COMPILED BY ELLE BENT, KATY MCAFEE, BEN THOMPSON

Austin advances Oracle trade for 50-acre park A new public park is moving closer to opening on Austin’s east side. What happened A proposed trade of the Parks and Recreation Department’s 12-acre Central Maintenance Complex to tech giant Oracle would bring the city 50 acres of new parkland. City officials advanced the deal Nov. 30 with Council Member Alison Alter voting against, citing concerns about the city’s process and the value of the package Austin is receiving compared to the maintenance yard. The background The exchange was made possible after Austinites passed Proposition B in November 2021; state law requires voter approval for any loss of civic park- land, such as the maintenance yard located at 2525 S. Lakeshore Blvd.

Rising 911 calls spur added EMS funding A growing number of nonemergency calls to Austin-Travis County EMS prompted a $1.7 million funding boost from Travis County in an attempt to relieve strains on paramedics and the county’s limited fleet of ambulances. The context EMS Chief Robert Luckritz said most of the agency’s calls are now a result of a growing number of area residents using 911 as their “safety net health care system.” He said up to 35% of calls could be diverted to an alterna- tive responder to free up ambulances and connect callers with appropriate resources. The county’s action funds additional ambulance coverage, the Community Health Paramedics patient resource program, and other costs such as supplies and equipment.

Land exchange explained Austin plans to trade a parks maintenance compound for several civic improvements.

Austin gets:

Oracle gets:

of new parkland at 8400 Delwau Lane publicly appraised at $1.56M 50.02 acres of new maintenance facility to be located at Bolm Road District Park $23.5M minimum value to restore the Fiesta Gardens maintenance yard as parkland $1M

13 acres

Central Maintenance Complex, located next door to Oracle’s headquarters at 2525 S. Lakeshore Blvd. and publicly valued at $35.19 million

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Proposition B noted Austin’s potential acquisition of dozens of acres of new public space, plus: • The construction of a replacement parks depart- ment maintenance complex • Restoring a maintenance area at Fiesta Gardens

Public input sought for new Dripping Springs park

185

D .

The city began outreach about the park and its future in December with a public meeting and informational booth during Christmas on Mercer Street. Input can also be provided during a stakeholder workshop in March, on Founders Day in April and at a second public meeting in May. In June, the Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council will receive a presentation on the vision for the park.

Residents can now provide input on what they want to see from a new city park. The details Dripping Springs is planning for the future 300-acre Rathgeber Natural Resource Park. The site, located adjacent to the Headwaters subdivision, was donated to the city by philanthropist Dick Rathgeber and the Rathgeber Investment Company.

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Winter Weather PREPAREDNESS TIPS For updates and instructional videos visit: austinwater.org

Locate your water shutoff Make sure everyone in your residence knows where the water main shutoff valve is located and keep it clear of debris and obstacles at all times. In an emergency, Austin Water recommends you always try to shut off your water at your property owner’s cutoff valve first. For most homes in our service area, the property owner’s shutoff valve is on your side of the water meter at the meter box. If you are not sure where, check the property inspection report from when you purchased your residence. For renters, please consult with your property manager. If you cannot find your shutoff valve or if it is damaged, then you should be prepared to access the City shutoff valve in the meter box. You may need a water meter key to open the meter box, during an emergency, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. Keep out cold air Tightly close doors and windows to the outside. Make repairs to broken or drafty windows, doors, and walls. Seal all leaks in crawl spaces and basements. Winterize unheated spaces and close garage doors for the duration of the freeze. Exposed pipes and water heaters Insulate pipes in unheated and drafty areas, such as an attic or garage. Also check Also check manufacturer recommendations for your tanked and tankless water heaters. Hardware and plumbing supply stores carry insulation to help keep pipes from freezing. Outside faucets Turn off outside faucets. Remove all connected hoses and wrap faucets with towels or a Styrofoam insulator. Turn off and drain automatic sprinkler systems. Prepare before leaving town If you plan to be away during a time when freezing temperatures are possible, turn off your water at the meter and set your thermostat to 65 degrees or higher.

EMERGENCY SUPPLIES to have on hand

■ WATER METER KEY to access your meter box if necessary ■ INSULATION

■ Battery powered RADIO and FLASHLIGHT ■ Have enough water

for 1 GALLON PER PERSON PER DAY FOR 7 DAYS

for indoor and outdoor pipes

■ HOSE BIB COVERS for outdoor faucets

In the event of an emergency and you can’t access your meter box, please call Austin Water’s Emergency Dispatch at 512-972-1000.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Transportation

BY APRIL KELLEY

Streak of daily traffic fatalities reaches 23 years in Texas

Nov. 7 marked 23 years of daily traffic fatalities on Texas roadways, according to the Texas Depart- ment of Transportation. The gist According to TxDOT, Texas has not had one day without a traffic fatality since Nov. 7, 2000. On average, the state sees 10 deaths on Texas road- ways each day. As of Dec. 13, 3,871 fatalities have occurred as a result of 3,491 fatal crashes, according to TxDOT’s Crash Records Information System. A total of 4,481 traffic fatalities occurred in 2022 in Texas, down 16 from the 4,497 that occurred in 2021, according TxDOT. Traffic fatalities, however, were higher in 2022 than they were in 2020, which saw 3,896 total traffic fatalities. Background TxDOT launched its #EndTheStreakTX cam- paign Nov. 15, 2016, to raise awareness of daily

5K 4K 3K 2K 1K 0 Traffic fatalities 2003-2023

*AS OF DEC. 13

17.24% increase from 2003-2022

SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT

traffic fatalities and to encourage safe driving, with the goal of ending the daily streak of deaths. TxDOT asks all Texans to: • Make the best and safest decisions behind the wheel. • Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

• Always obey traffic laws. • Always wear a seat belt.

• Post pictures on social media with a download- able sign using the hashtag #EndTheStreakTX. • Share personal stories on social media of loved ones who died in a crash using the hashtag #EndTheStreakTX.

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Education

BY ELLE BENT

AISD superintendent lone finalist named After more than a year without a perma- nent superintendent, the Austin ISD board of trustees named interim superintendent Matias Segura as the lone finalist on Dec. 14. The gist In a closed door meeting Dec. 7, trustees reviewed six applications ultimately selecting Segura as the top candidate. "[Segura] is Austin ISD's first homegrown superintendent. He's a product of Austin ISD, the son of a beloved Austin ISD teacher and a proud parent of two Austin ISD students. [Segura] is a shining example that anything is possible for Austin ISD students," board member Kathryn Whitley Chu said Dec. 14. The board plans to vote on Segura's contract on Jan. 25, following community feedback events.

Austin ISD begins work to expand internet access Austin ISD is making progress on a program to increase internet access around several of the dis- trict’s campuses. Construction is expected to begin as soon as winter break, Dec. 25-Jan. 5 and will take about three weeks to complete at each campus. The program-called Project Lighthouse-will bring monopoles, or towers that provide wireless services, to campuses in order to provide better connectivity to students as well as the surround- ing community. The backstory The district estimates that about 30% of students don’t have access to reliable internet at home, which can negatively impact academic performance and families’ communication with school, district officials said.

The following campuses will be the first to receive the monopoles:

Akins Early College High School Austin High School Liberal Arts and Science Academy

Blanton Elementary School Blazier Elementary School Cook Elementary School Graham Elementary School Perez Elementary School Jordan Elementary School

SOURCE: AUSTIN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Communications, a telecommunications company, which will construct the monopoles. The construction and maintenance of the mono- poles will come at no cost to the district. Instead, AISD will receive monthly rental income for any space leased to a mobile carrier which will be used to fund other projects that offer students network access, district officials said.

In November 2021, the board of trust- ees approved a partnership with Branch

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UPCOMING PUBLIC MEETING US 290 from Oak Hill to Dripping Springs Study

VIRTUAL OPTION: Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024 by 5 p.m. www.TxDOT.gov Keyword search: “US 290 from Oak Hill” IN-PERSON OPTION: Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024 6 - 8 p.m. Dripping Springs Ranch Park 1042 Event Center Dr. Dripping Springs, TX 78620

The Texas Department of Transportation cordially invites you to attend a virtual public meeting with in-person option regarding the US 290 from Oak Hill to Dripping Springs Study. TxDOT is in the second stage of a multi- year process to identify long term safety and mobility solutions for the US 290 corridor from RM 1826 in Austin to RM 12 in Dripping Springs, Texas. Part of this process is to consider potential right-of-way footprints and roadway designs that meet the safety and mobility needs of the corridor while reducing impact to the community.

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If you do not have internet access or would like additional information, please call (512) 340-1184. If you would like an email notice when the virtual public meeting goes live, please email US290W@gmail.com or call (512) 340-1184.

YOUR INPUT IS REQUESTED Official written comments will be accepted as follows: EMAIL: US290W@gmail.com

The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried-out by TxDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated Dec. 9, 2019, and executed by FHWA and TxDOT. The virtual public meeting will be conducted in English. If you need an interpreter or document translator because English is not your primary language or you have difficulty communicating effectively in English, one will be provided to you. If you have a disability and need assistance, special arrangements can be made to accommodate most needs. If you need interpretation or translation services or you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation to attend and participate in the virtual public meeting, please contact Melody Goeken at (512) 340-1184 no later than 4 p.m. CST, Tuesday, Jan. 2 2024. Please be aware that advance notice is required as some services and accommodations may require time for TxDOT to arrange. MAIL: Solomon Bekele P.E. PMP, TxDOT Austin District, P.O. Box 15426, Austin, TX 78761 ONLINE: www.TxDOT.gov, keyword search “US 290 from Oak Hill” or visit www.txdot.gov/projects/hearings-meetings.html Comments must be received or postmarked by Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024 to be included in the official record of this virtual public meeting.

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Real estate

Number of homes sold

November 2022

November 2023

Residential market data

30 25 10 11

15 13

-16.67%

-13.33%

78620

78739

While home prices rose by 4.1% in the Austin area, most ZIP codes in Southwest Austin and Dripping Springs still saw decreases.

39 34 46 30

+10%

-12.82%

78735

78745

8 6

-25%

-34.78%

78736

78748

360

MOPAC

20 18

18 16

-10%

-11.11%

78737

78749

290

Median home sales price

2022

2023

2022

2023

78620

78739

+5.89%

+2.5%

$685,626

$820,000

$647,500

$800,000

78736 78737 78748 78749

78620 78735

78739

78745

78735

78745

-7%

-3.16%

$800,000

$460,000

$860,000

$475,000

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY AUSTIN BOARD OF REALTORS 512-454-7636 WWW.ABOR.COM

78736

78748

-43.17%

-3.09%

$416,250

$425,500

$732,500

$439,084

78737

78749

-18.01%

-11.76%

$740,000

$562,500

$902,500

$637,450

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Development

BY ELLE BENT & ZARA FLORES

290 Menchaca’s booming bar scene to see more growth, amenities As Menchaca’s bar scene continues to boom, developers Austin NNN, Investcor and MNO Partners are working to propel the area’s growth with apartments and other amenities. What’s new Future multifamily facility Developers are working to build a ve-story apartment complex with more than 400 units.

St. Elmo Public Market, the renovated ware- house that has sat empty while awaiting its fate since its completion in 2022, has been sold and will become a bowling alley, arcade and bar instead of the once-promised public market. The gist Ohio-based company Rise Brands will open gaming venue Pins Mechanical and arcade bar 16-Bit in 2024. The space will include bowling lanes, arcade games and a bar. The property was purchased by SomeraRoad, a commercial real estate investment and develop- ment rm, and will be leased by Pins and 16-Bit, which will begin construction this year. St. Elmo Public Market to become bowling alley

opposed to surface parking, he added. Despite the competitive nature of so many bars on one stretch of road, Dowling said that several of the fellow owners are building bonds together and working toward the same shared goal and benets of more residents in the area. Pickleball courts and a walking trail are also in the works. “This is kind of like the next Rainey Street, but it’s more of a South Austin, laid-back [area],” Dowling said. What’s next? Some permitting is still in the works for the Moontower multifamily project, but Dowling said they expect to break ground in the second half of 2024, with the rst units up in 2026. "I would expect within two years the amount of bars and restaurants and other venues to double," said Frank Navarro, who heads capital raising for MNO Partners.

Moontower Saloon owners Josh Bumb & Richard Veregge opened the area’s rst bar more than a decade ago and are partnering with MNO Partners to create a multifamily apartment complex. The ve-story, 437-unit apartment complex will make way for a transformation of the area that the team believes will lend to greater connectivity and walkability. “We’re bringing all the density here so it’ll be that true live-work-play type of [area],” said Tim Downling, owner of BTM Realty in Austin and Moontower apartment project lead. Features of the apartment complex include a third-oor pool deck and a parking garage, as

The market is located on South Congress Avenue.

ELLE BENTCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Momo by developer United Properties, told Com- munity Impact in April if the public market were to move forward, it would be seen as a resident amenity. The market’s initial developer was Maker Bros., a Dallas-based construction and real estate company, in partnership with Groundoor Devel- opment. The architect was Andersson Wise, based in Austin. The public market was last promised to open in 2021 and was listed for sale in July 2022 for $22.5 million.

The details The original project was marketed as including dozens of food and beverage vendors, and seven restaurants announced plans to become anchor tenants in the market. As plans lagged, all but one—Salt & Time, a full-service butcher shop and restaurant at 1912 E. Seventh St., Austin—dropped out of the project. Ocials with multifamily housing projects close to the St. Elmo Public Market, such as Bishop

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166 Hargraves (512) 432-0186

From the cover

Airport staff expect another record-breaking year

The action taken

What’s happening

On the journey

Spanning over multiple years, the airport’s expansion program consists of projects aimed at creating space and modernizing the airport that was first opened in 1999, said Haynes. Active projects include a new baggage han- dling system for outbound checked bags; the West Gate expansion, which will extend the terminal out past gates 33 and 34 where Spirit Airlines is located; and an airline fuel facility. On Aug. 30, officials broke ground on the West Gate expansion, which will add a total of 84,000 square feet across three levels. In addition, the airport made strides toward its new midfield concourse project in 2023. A new 20-gate concourse, or area in which travelers pass through the airport, will connect to the Bar- bara Jordan Terminal by a tunnel underground, Haynes said. In order to construct the new concourse, the airport acquired the South Terminal from its pre- vious operator, LoneStar Airport Holdings LLC. The previous operator had a 40-year lease on the terminal that began in 2016, and the city settled for $88 million in a lawsuit to end the lease early. Operations of the South Terminal moved over to the city Nov. 1, and the terminal is up for removal by 2025. “This year has been a lot of planning, prepara- tion, sprinkling a little bit of groundbreaking, but it's really a lot of the behind the scenes work that has to get done before we start bringing projects online,” Haynes said. In 2024, airport officials anticipate the comple- tion of its jet fuel facility and a new cargo facility. The year will also see ground breaking on three projects.

ABIA spokesperson Sam Haynes says the growth can likely be attributed to an increased interest in Central Texas. Austin is one of the top 15 largest cities in the United States and Georgetown was the fastest growing city in 2022, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. “The story of Central Texas has always been growth,” Haynes said. “That's why we're doing our airport expansion. It's to meet the needs of today while building out a foundation for long term success for our community.” The multi-year expansion program is funded by airport revenue and federal grants and will address the need of a increasing volume of travelers.

In planning

• A new multi-level parking garage that will support both short and long-term parking for up to 30 days • A new arrivals and departure hall to expand ticketing and check-in • A new 20-gate concourse, or area which travelers pass through, that connects to the Barbara Jordan Terminal through an underground tunnel

In design

• Improvements to the international facility that will include new baggage carousels and more queuing space Timeline: estimated to begin construction 2024 • Two parallel taxiways to connect the east and west sides of the building • Ticketing-level atrium infill, which will fill in an open space with 13,000 square feet to avoid TSA lines from queuing outside Timeline: estimated to begin construction 2024 • West infill to expand TSA Checkpoint 3, which will add 16,000 square feet and add additional lanes to a TSA checkpoint Timeline: estimated to begin construction 2024

ABIA to break records

AS OF SEPT. 2023, THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF PASSENGERS IS 16.3M

25M

20M

15M

Under construction

• New baggage handling system for outbound checked bags Timeline: estimated completion 2025 • West Gate expansion, which will extend the terminal out past gates 33 and 34, where Spirit Airlines is located Timeline: estimated completion 2026 • New jet fuel facility Timeline: estimated to be completed Oct. 2024

10M

- 2019 -

- 2021 2023

SOURCE: AUSTIN-BERGSTROM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: AUSTIN-BERGSTROM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY ELLE BENT

Some context

Austin control tower staffing

This past year, city leaders and elected officials raised concerns about safety at the airport. On Nov. 9, Austin City Council passed a resolu- tion, authored by council member Vanessa Fuentes, that prompted action to develop a virtual ramp control system that will help navigate planes on the terminal ramp, the area where aircraft are parked and maintained. This came after an airline employee was killed in April and a city airport employee was killed in October due to accidents in this area. “Instead of having a City of Austin employee stationed somewhere where they are looking at the ramp, like unobstructed watching the aircraft move on the ramp, we are simulating that in a room that's actually north of the terminal,” Haynes said of the virtual ramp control system. In addition, Rep. Lloyd Doggett addressed the Federal Aviation Administration in a letter Oct. 16, urging the government agency to address low

staffing of air traffic controllers at ABIA, citing it as a safety issue for the airport after multiple near- misses were reported. “Austin is a growing city, and our airport must grow with it—including staffing up our air traffic control tower,” Doggett told Community Impact in an email. As part of his requests, Doggett suggested increasing ABIA’s rank to a level 10 terminal facility, meaning the airport is classified as high activity, to reflect the airport’s growth and provide more com- pensation to air traffic controllers. Fuentes echoed this in her resolution. “I really believe that [this resolution] will bring the necessary safety changes that the community requires in order for us to have a healthy opera- tional airport,” council member Mackenzie Kelly said Nov. 9. In response to the resolution, an FAA

Total amount of fully certified controllers: 35 Total amount of controllers in training: 8

43 total

The FAA staffing standard for ABIA, based on its size, is

51 controllers.

The minimum staffing level is 42.

STAFFING NUMBERS ARE AS OF PRESS TIME

SOURCE: FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT

spokesperson told Community Impact the agency is committed to safety. “The FAA maintains extremely conservative standards for keeping aircraft safely separated, and multiple layers of safety protect the traveling public,” a spokesperson said.

Busiest travel days in 2023

Looking ahead

April 17 36,253 March 13 36,265 March 10 36,740 Oct. 6 36,460 Oct. 9 37,058 Oct. 16 38,475 Sept. 1 36,290 June 30 35,780 Oct. 23 43,243

START OF SPRING BREAK FOR UT

15 domestic destinations. Despite the canceled routes, the airline will offer 19 additional daily departures on available routes compared to 2019, a spokesperson for the airline said. Travelers will also see new routes from other airlines, including a new nonstop route to Oregon from Allegiant, which will fly out of the South Terminal. Viva Aerobus will offer nonstop flights to Mexico beginning in March.

This past year, ABIA officials recorded nine dates as the airport’s busiest ever. The Monday following Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend, Oct. 23, was the airport’s busiest day, with 43,243 passengers, according to airport data. In 2024, Haynes said passenger’s experiences may change as ABIA is under construction. Airlines are also announcing changes such as American Airlines, which will cut 21 nonstop flights in 2024, including six international and

BEGINNING OF LABOR DAY WEEKEND FRIDAY BEFORE FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND

MONDAY AFTER FORMULA 1

ABIA OFFICIALS EXPECT MAY, JUNE AND OCTOBER TO BE THE BUSIEST MONTHS OF 2024

SOURCE: AUSTIN-BERGSTROM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Events

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

• Tickets are $25 for a 1-day pass, $60 for a weekend pass • Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin • www.golivefast.com/contentsaus.php Shen Yun Performing Arts This performance will showcase ancient China through classical dance, orchestra and costumes. • Jan. 5-7, 7:30 p.m. • Tickets range from $90-$180 • Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin • www.thelongcenter.org Free Week 2024 The Red River Cultural District’s festival will have dozens of musical performances throughout Austin. • Jan. 5-6, times vary • Free admission • Multiple venues within Red River District • www.redriverculturaldistrict.org/free-week 3M Half Marathon The race will have live music and fans cheering along a 13.1-mile course along MoPac to the Capitol. • Jan. 21, 7:30 a.m. • Tickets range from $79-$268 • Regal Gateway, 9700 Stonelake Blvd., Austin • www.downhilltodowntown.com

December

New Year’s Eve Dance with Alvin Crow and Paula Russell & the Silverheels There will be live music from Alvin Crow as well as Paula Russell & the Silverheels. • Dec. 31, 6 p.m.-1 a.m. • Ticket prices TBD • 3201 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin • www.brokenspokeaustintx.net/events-calendar

January

Water Circus I: Silver Unit This is a water circus show at Barton Creek Square that will feature aerial acrobatics and other circus acts combined with a 35,000-gallon water display. • Jan. 4-15, times vary • Tickets range from $15-$55 • 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin • www.cirqueitalia.com/water-circus-silver 21st Annual Star of Texas Tattoo Art Revival There will be tattoo contests and over 50 exhibitors showcasing their tattoo style and work. • Jan. 19-21, times vary

Wedding Capital of Texas Winter Show- case There will be an assortment of wedding vendors, including photographers, caterers and orists. • Jan. 28, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. • Free admission, registration required • 5330 Bell Springs Road, Dripping Springs • www.destinationdrippingsprings.com

RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED BEE CAVE ON ICE OPEN NOV. 10TH - JAN. 15TH AT HILL COUNTRY GALLERIA

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION

Community Volunteer Guide

2023

Austin Pets Alive This nonprofit organization is an animal rescue group that creates programs to promote and provide the resources, education and outreach needed to eliminate the killing of companion animals. • Sample activities: walking dogs, fostering pets, caring for cats, assisting in the medical clinic, helping with digital marketing and data entry • Donations accepted: monetary gifts • 1156 W. Cesar Chavez St., Austin • www.austinpetsalive.org Austin Zoo The nonprofit zoo hosts an array of educational events for the community and supports long-term volunteer opportunities for those looking to help. • Sample activities: doing laundry, restocking restrooms, picking up trash, working in the gift shop • Donations accepted: monetary gifts, fruit, dry dog and cat food, animal toys • 10808 Rawhide Trail, Austin • www.austinzoo.org

Hill Country Conservancy The nonprofit is dedicated to preserving natural areas, such as rivers and scenic vistas, as well as working farms and ranches in the Texas Hill Country. • Sample activities: cleaning up trails, gardening • Donations accepted: one-time monetary gifts, monthly gifts through the Wellspring program • 5524 Bee Caves Road, Ste. G4, Austin • www.hillcountryconservancy.org

Learn more about volunteer and donation opportunities in Southwest Austin & Dripping Springs. For specific volunteer requirements, contact the organization directly. This list is not comprehensive.

Animal and environmental services

Austin Animal Center Volunteers at the city-run no-kill shelter are required to attend a training session and commit to six hours a month. The nonprofit is operating services and opportunities by appointment only. • Sample activities: greeting adopters at the shelter, providing outreach, giving enrichment to dogs or cats, serving as adoption ambassadors, providing medical assistance • Donations accepted: monetary gifts accepted online, item donations can be dropped off at the shelter or ordered through its Amazon wish list • 7201 Levander Loop, Bldg. A, Austin • www.austintexas.gov/austin-animal-center

Education and family

Austin Partners in Education This nonprofit organization provides college and career readiness support through individualized academic and mentoring programs. • Sample activities: volunteering with Austin ISD middle and high school students through math classroom coaching and mentoring programs • Donations accepted: monetary gifts

• 3100 E. Fourth St., Austin • www.austinpartners.org

Austin winters aren’t the same, but I am prepared. I am prepared.

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