North - Northwest Austin Edition | December 2023

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

North Northwest Austin Edition VOLUME 17, ISSUE 11 DEC. 27, 2023FEB. 1, 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: The Bougie Foodie now serving sweet treats (Page 6)

Government: Phase 1 of HOME proposal passes (Page 9)

Community: 19 senior living options in Austin (Page 22)

Business: Petrol Lounge oers car concierge service (Page 26)

For children and women in Austin, everything changes. More comprehensive care for children and women in Austin.

LIFE�CHANGING CARE COMING TO AUSTIN In February ��, everything changes for children and women in Austin. The life-changing care from Texas Children’s Hospital is coming to your neighborhood to serve patients with all kinds of needs—from the simple to the most complex. A city driving global change deserves life-changing care.

See why the difference is life-changing at texaschildrensaustin.org.

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Impacts

2 Anthology of The Arboretum The Gateway neighborhood senior living community provides assisted living and memory care services based on personalized care plans with 24/7 staff. • Opened mid-December

PECAN PARK BLVD.

45 TOLL

RUTLEDGE SPUR

LAKELINE MALL DR.

• 10001 Stonelake Blvd., Austin • www.anthologyseniorliving.com

620

3 Rails The Los Angeles-based clothing brand opened at Domain Northside, offering apparel for men and women from dresses to sleepwear, swimwear, denim and more. • Opened Dec. 16 • 11621 Rock Rose Ave., Ste. 100, Austin • www.rails.com 4 Dr. Golf Studio Sukjoon “SJ” Yoon opened the indoor golf facility this fall, providing customers with premium golf lessons and six bays holding practice technology such as Trackman and GC Quad. • Opened Nov. 27 • 13776 N. US 183, Ste. 107-A, Austin • Instagram: Dr.GolfStudio 5 Coin Shop The shop was opened in early December by local Giorgio Rossinni. Coin Shop focuses on buying and selling rare coins, gold and silver. • Opened Dec. 1 • 12636 Research Blvd., Ste. 108-B, Austin • 512-998-9892 6 The Bougie Foodie The dessert food truck offers a variety of sweet treats, from cookie “mountains” and bars to pound cake and waffles. The business also sells beverages such as fresh- squeezed lemonade and cold brew coffee. • Opened Nov. 4 • 5002 Hamilton Road, Austin • https://the-bougie-foodie-north-austin.square.site 7 Godavari Austin Opened by locals Avinash Abbineni and Koushik Koganti, South Indian restaurant Godavari Austin began serving a

WELLS BRANCH PKWY.

LAKE CREEK PKWY.

POND SPRINGS RD.

CENTURY OAKS TERRACE

620

WILSON PARKE AVE.

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY DR.

JOLLYVILLE RD.

MOPAC

HAMILTON RD.

WALNUT CREEK PARK

ALTERRA PKWY.

GREAT HILLS TRL.

SPICEWOOD SPRINGS RD.

STONELAKE BLVD.

360

2222

SPICEWOOD SPRINGS RD.

183

CAPITAL OF TEXAS HWY.

ANDERSON LN.

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wide range of South Indian and Chinese dishes for both vegetarians and meat eaters in September. • Opened Sept. 1 • 12233 RM 620, Ste. 205, Austin • www.godavarius.com/food-menu-austin 8 The Loretta The affordable housing complex began leasing in October to families making 30%-60% of the area’s median family income for its 137 units.

• Opening March 1 • 3405 Steck Ave., Ste. 106, Austin • www.mealbux.com

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Relocations

13 Wise The international money transfer service provider relocated its Austin office from 14205 N. MoPac to a 28,000-square-foot space on the 23rd floor of Domain Tower II. Company officials said the move is a first step in growing its Austin team in 2024. • Nov. 1 • 10025 Alterra Parkway, Austin • www.wise.com

• Started leasing in October • 13649 Rutledge Spur, Austin • www.foundcom.org/theloretta

9 The Happy Cat Hotel & Spa The business offers short- and long-term overnight boarding for cats, with 27 themed suites ranging from 30-60 square feet with bedding, windows, climbing equipment, toys and more. • Opened Nov. 11 • 13581 Pond Springs Road, Austin • www.happycathotel.com/austintxnorth 10 The Retreat by Mantra Yoga Collective A new yoga studio offering a wide range of classes, events and a full-service coffee and kombucha bar opened its doors in North Austin in mid-December. • Opened Dec. 12 • 3300 W. Anderson Lane, Ste. 300, Austin • www.mantrayogacollective.com

17 Little Kitchen Academy The Montessori-style cooking academy is designed for children ages 3-18, and offers three options for attending classes, including multiclass sessions, seasonal and single sessions. • Opened Dec. 11 • 10515 N. MoPac Expressway, Ste. 135-A, Austin • www.littlekitchenacademy.com/locations/austin

In the news

14 Balenciaga The store is planning to open a new store in The Domain in late 2024, offering women and men’s apparel, shoes, bags and more, per filings with the Texas Department of Licensing and Registration. • 11501 Century Oaks Terrace, Ste. 101, Austin • www.balenciaga.com 15 Nespresso A new Nespresso location will open in The Domain early next year, according to state filings, offering coffee capsules, brewing machines and accessories. • 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Ste. C03A, Austin • www.nespresso.com 16 TruWest Financial Service Centers TruWest Credit Union renamed its local branches to TruWest Financial Service Centers on Dec. 1. • 13609 N. I-35, Bldg. 4, Austin • www.truwest.org Toni’s Toffee The treat business celebrated its fifth anniversary in November, offering locally produced toffee treats in various flavors, holiday options, custom gifts and more in some local stores such as Austin Gourmet Popcorn

and through nationwide shipping. • www.tonistoffee.com

Coming soon

Closings

11 Veterinary Regional Orthopedic Center Austin native and board-certified veterinary surgeon Dr. David Allman will partner with surgeons from across the nation to open VROC in late 2024 in North Austin. • Opening late 2024 • 13805 RM 620, Austin • No website or phone as of press time 12 MealBux The specialized lunch delivery service offers Halal- certified boxed meals for individuals and groups.

18 Smokin’ Oak Wood Fired Pizza and Taproom The pizza and beer eatery focused on individually sized pizzas made in a wood-fired oven. • Closed in October • 8300 RM 620, Ste. K-200, Cedar Park • www.smokinoakpizza.com

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Government

BY BEN THOMPSON

Austin moves to allow 3 homes on single-family properties

Officials moved to: • Adjust the allowed size of some housing units under HOME, and their distances from neigh- bors and property lines; • Encourage the preservation and planting of trees on residential lots; • Include preservation and sustainability bonuses to encourage retaining older structures; • Require regular, detailed reporting on HOME’s impacts in Austin What’s next While HOME will be in effect by late December, new development under the policy won’t be allowed until February to give city staff time to prepare for the updates. HOME’s second phase—cutting minimum lot sizes for residential construction, potentially by more than half—is set to be considered in the spring.

The first phase of a plan Austin officials hope will help tackle the city’s housing affordability crisis was approved by council on Dec. 7. Their 9-2 approval of Phase 1 of the “HOME” policy capped months of often-contentious debate over a plan allowing up to three homes on single-family properties. Additionally, City Council voted for an increase in the number of people who can live together. Supporters said they hope the update will allow smaller and more affordable homes to address the need for middle-income housing. Along with concerns about fueling gentrification and displacement, opponents said the plan was rushed, ill-conceived and may strain the city’s infrastructure and resources. The details Council passed HOME Phase 1 with several of their and the Planning Commission’s amendments.

Tracking the proposal Council members supporting HOME say the two-part plan will promote more middle- income housing by reducing development barriers and potentially allowing less expensive homes to be built.

Phase 1: Allow up to three housing units on single-family properties Status: Passed

Phase 2: Reduce minimum lot sizes for residential construction by more than half Status: Under consideration in the spring

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Government

BY BEN THOMPSON

Federal investigation of APD sought by leaders Austin leaders joined Travis County District Attor- ney José Garza on Dec. 4 in asking the Department of Justice to investigate the Austin Police Depart- ment’s response to the city’s social justice and police brutality demonstrations of late May 2020. In addition to requesting the federal review, Garza also announced that 17 APD officers indicted for their actions during the protests will have their charges dismissed. His office’s prosecutions against four other officers will continue. The breakdown Garza, Mayor Kirk Watson and interim Austin City Manager Jesús Garza on Dec. 4 asked the Jus- tice Department’s Civil Rights Division to conduct a formal investigation of “policies, practices and procedures” related to APD use of force during the 2020 protests. In a statement, Watson likened the process to a “performance review.”

New rule limits city parkland gains A state-mandated change to Austin’s regulations requiring new developments to contribute to the city’s parkland expansion efforts will go into effect Jan. 1. The background House Bill 1526, requiring Texas cities with at least 800,000 residents to update their parkland dedication processes, became law this spring. The changes must be in effect by the start of 2024. The details City Council voted to advance new park- land dedication policies imposed by HB 1526 during their Nov. 30 meeting. These changes are expected to significantly reduce the amount of parkland the city acquires this way, city staff and some officials previously said.

A closer look

in settlements issued those injured during May 2020 police demonstrations Over $20 million

will have their charges dismissed 17 indicted officers

are still being prosecuted by the county 4 officers

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

The context Dozens of people were injured by police on May 30-31, 2020, in the wake of the killing of Mike Ramos by APD officers and the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. More than 50 people were arrested, and nearly two dozen APD officers ended up indicted for uses of force as a result—most of whom will now return to duty with no criminal charges pending.

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Austin leaders stress emergency response progress

Since then, Austin’s utilities, emergency manage- ment office and other relevant departments have been improving their preparedness policies and beefing up their resiliency, officials said. What else? Preparedness pop-up events for residents are also scheduled to take place across city next year.

Ahead of the winter season, Austin-area elected officials on Dec. 1 provided an update on local governments’ preparedness efforts follow- ing Winter Storm Mara earlier in February. The details The storm brought widespread power outages across Austin alongside complaints of lacking communications and response efforts by the city.

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SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Real estate

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

Home sales rise across Austin metro in October, despite high interest rates

What the experts say

The drop in year-over-year median sales prices “pales in comparison” to the housing equity gained over time, ABoR housing economist Claire Losey said. “The region would benefit from reforms and policies that make homes more attainable and buying more accessible for people across different income levels,” Losey said.

After a summer and early fall of higher interest rates, home sales in the Austin-Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area housing market still rose by 4.1% in October, according to the Austin Board of Realtors’ most recent metro data. According to ABoR officials in a news release, there were 2,337 total sales across the MSA in October, indicating that buyers are still “finding value in the market.” Active home listings and pending listings were also up across the metro, increasing by 5.2% and 12% respectively. Median home prices also dipped by 7.5% to $435,000. “Buyers continue to enter the market and are finding more bargaining power throughout the transaction,” said Ashley Jackson, 2023 ABoR president.

In Travis County, year over year:

Sales were down 7.7% with 957 homes sold.

The median home price was down 1.2% to $524,500 .

"While we have seen noteworthy progress from local leaders, there is still so much to be done." ASHLEY JACKSON, 2023 ABOR PRESIDENT

Active home listings were up 9.6% with 4,798 listings.

FOR SALE

Pending sales were down 0.3% with 909 pending.

SOURCE: AUSTIN BOARD OF REALTORS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Number of homes sold

November 2022

November 2023

Residential market data

16 20

12 13

+25%

+8.33%

78727

78758

November data from the Austin Board of Realtors shows that homes in several ZIP codes spent more days on the market compared to the previous year.

13 15

22 33

+15.38%

+50%

78729

78759

45 TOLL

620

MOPAC

13 11

183

-15.38%

78750

Average / Median home sales price

360

2222

2022

2023

78727

-8%

$510,350

$554,950

78727 78758

78729 78759

78750

78729

-11.58%

$441,000

$498,775

78750

+23.39%

$765,000

$620,000

78758

-13.47%

$400,000

$462,250

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

78759

+2.69%

$630,000

$613,500

Education

BY ELLE BENT & BROOKE SJOBERG

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.

AISD improves on special education backlog Austin ISD has met milestones in its agreement with the Texas Education Agency in regards to a backlog of special education evaluations, district officials said in an email sent to families on Nov. 16. The gist All initial evaluations from the 2021-22 school year and older have been completed, according to the email. As of Oct. 31 the district has completed over 98% of initial evaluations and eligibility determinations for students from the 2022-23 school year. The background On Sept. 26, AISD accepted a proposal from the TEA for a state-appointed monitor over the district’s special education department, due to the findings of an investigation of the district’s special education evaluations.

Aside from meeting evaluation deadlines, the district has outlined goals to improve the special education department including: New goals

Increasing professional development opportunities for teachers and administrators Improving data management and reporting systems

SOURCE: AUSTIN ISD/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

Engaging families

The agency found as of March 20, the district had more than 1,800 special education evaluations overdue, meaning 1,800 students were awaiting potential access to accommodations at school. Additionally, the TEA reported 40 instances of “systemic noncompliance” in which AISD did not meet special education needs in a timely manner. What’s next? The board of trustees will receive an update on the district’s progress on special education during a regular board meeting Jan. 25.

New TXST partnership to offer no-cost job training A parts manufacturer for street and track vehi- cles will offer no-cost training to Round Rock-area students following a new partnership between Saleen Performance Parts, Texas State University and Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area. What you need to know with Round Rock-based Saleen, a manufacturer of aftermarket and replacement parts for vehi- cles, through Texas State University’s Round Rock campus.

“Our labor market data continues to highlight the community’s need to fill ‘middle skills’ jobs— those requiring more than a high school diploma but less than a four-year college degree.” PAUL FLETCHER,

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Transportation

BY KATY MCAFEE

How did Austin get so many toll roads?

The actions taken

In 2003, House Bill 3588 passed, allowing regional mobility groups to build and operate toll roads. The passage allowed the CTRMA, which was created a year prior, to begin planning its rst toll road. In 2014 and 2015, two constitutional amend- ments dedicated more money from Texas’ oil, natural gas and sales tax to the state’s highway fund. The two amendments have provided billions more dollars to the state highway fund since their passage.

Without adequate nancial support from gas tax revenue, transportation leaders turned to toll roads as a solution. “In the early 2000s the commission said, ‘There’s got to be a better way to do this,’” Bass said. “One way we [did] that is by having our regional mobility authority go to the bond market [to] issue bonds, borrow money, and then collect the tolls and pay back that borrowed money over time.” The CTRMA has worked with the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization to build six toll roads through this process. The Texas Department of Transportation built the other four. Langmore said adding toll roads has gone “amazingly well,” as they’ve given drivers a faster option and generated enough surplus to build more roads in the past two decades.

As Austin’s population started to boom about 20 years ago, local transportation leaders recognized the need for more roadways connecting the region. Many roads were in a “lousy state of repair,” and the state did not have the money to x them or build new ones, said John Langmore, former board member of the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority. At the time, state road projects were funded solely through gas tax—a $0.20 per gallon tax Texans pay every time they’re at the pump. By the early 2000s, the gas tax wasn’t bringing in enough revenue to build all the needed infrastructure projects in Austin. Texas’ gas tax has not gone up since 1991, and it has lost nearly half its purchasing power due to ination, according to CTRMA documents. The growing number of electric vehicles and fuel- ecient cars have also limited gas tax revenue, CTRMA Executive Director James Bass said.

Texas Department of Transportation toll roads Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority toll roads

The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority operates six of the 10 toll roads in the Austin area.

130 TOLL

183A TOLL

COURTESY CTRMA

183

45 TOLL

What’s next

130 TOLL

The CTRMA has a ve-year plan for potential roads it plans to bring to the Austin metro using surplus funding. Bass said the group is looking into adding one or two tolled lanes on MoPac, south of Lady Bird Lake. The CTRMA is also considering extending Hwy. 290 past Hwy. 130 to the east. The CTRMA could also use its surplus funding for nontolled transportation projects, such as shared-use paths or trails. “[We’ve] been at a growth stage, helping bring on new roadways and then stabilizing,” Bass said. “I think we’re close to being at that point of stabilizing, and then maybe bringing on additional roadways, but maybe not, depending upon what the region wants.”

620

Express lane

290

MOPAC

290 TOLL

360

183 TOLL

HAMILTON POOL RD.

130 TOLL

71 TOLL

290

45 TOLL

1826

150

183

45 TOLL

1626

SOURCE: CENTRAL TEXAS REGIONAL MOBILITY AUTHORITY, TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT NORTH NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Development

Health care

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON & KATY MCAFEE

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

February opening planned for Texas Children’s Hospital in North Austin

County to begin design for mental health center The first design phase for a Travis County mental health diversion center will begin in early 2024, costing $2 million and taking about a year to complete. Diving deeper The mental health diversion center, spear- headed by Travis County Judge Andy Brown, will be an alternative to jail for people who commit nonviolent crimes and suffer from mental illness or substance abuse disorders. The facility aims to be a solution to Travis County’s growing jail population and rising rate of recidivism in people with mental illness who commit nonviolent crimes, county officials said. What’s next? While the design phase kicks off, commissioners and project leaders are still ironing out what

Facility outcomes

What’s next?

The new facility was proposed due to success with similar programs, such as Miami-Dade County, which saw:

Williams said while Texas Children’s owns land in South Austin for a potential future hospital, the initial North Austin project needs to be finished first in order to be able to invest in another campus. “We also know there’s a desperate need down south. There’s less down there,” he said.

68% fewer jail bookings

94% fewer jail days for participants

Texas Children’s Hospital is gearing up to open its first Austin hospital in February. The $485 million project broke ground in early 2021. The new location will mark the system’s fourth hospital expansion and bring upwards of 1,500 jobs, said Russ Williams, senior vice president of the campus. “This is the 10th largest city in the country. There is absolutely no reason a child should ever, with unbelievably rare exceptions, have to leave here,” Williams said. Along with 13 emergency room units and an urgent care center, the hospital is set to offer a wide range of services, Williams said, including neonatal and pediatric intensive care, a labor and delivery unit, gynecological services, a sleep center, a heart center and renal dialysis.

Key features of the hospital

Domain Northside to gain new office tower Domain Northside will gain a new office space in the coming years. The details Consisting of a 400,000-square-foot tower and 600,000-square-foot parking garage, the project is still in its preliminary planning stages, representatives with developer Northwood Retail said. The project name and timeline are still being finalized, the representatives said.

Lower daily costs per bed utilized

10 intensive care unit rooms

Lower total costs per number of individuals diverted compared to traditional programs

Fetal center for fetal surgeries

SOURCE: TRAVIS COUNTY FORENSIC MENTAL HEALTH PROJECT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

LAKE CREEK PKWY

services will be provided when the diversion center does open. Discussions as to what services the center will provide once opened have included: • Suicide prevention or other determent programs • Connecting those admitted with medication, psychiatrists, psychologists or persons with lived experience

183A TOLL

Isolation rooms for very sick patients

45 TOLL

In-house pharmacy

9835 N. Lake Creek Pkwy, Austin

SOURCE: RUSS WILLIAMS, TEXAS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL/COMMUNITY IMPACT

HYMEADOW 12611 Hymeadow (512) 506-8401

NORTH 620 10601 N FM 620 (512) 506-8316

ARBORETUM 10515 North Mopac Expressway (512) 342-6893

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE Mobility Authority

Navigating the tolling landscape can be complicated. We’re the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, and we’re here to help you understand important pieces of the tolling puzzle, like what we do and how your toll bill works.

The Mobility Authority is not the only toll operator

The Mobility Authority is not an electronic tag provider or operator. We encourage all electronic tag customers to log into their account with their tag provider to ensure they are in good standing and to avoid receiving a Mobility Authority Pay By Mail bill in the future.

Late payment fees do apply

Valid Payment Method

The Mobility Authority is not TxTag

We accept a variety of electronic tags

Tag Account:

+ $

There’s a reason you might get a bill in the mail even if you have an electronic tag

Pos ii itive Balance

There are payment options everywhere

Correct License Plate

Keep your electronic tag account in good standing

We use your address on file with the Texas DMV for bills

Vaild Tag

Learn what to do when you sell your car

Using the Pay By Mail program costs you more

* Check with your electronic tag provider for all criteria.

WE’RE ALWAYS HERE TO HELP

To learn more fast facts about paying your Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority toll bill, visit us at MobilityAuthority.com/tolling101.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Events

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL, KAMERYN GRIESSER & AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

January

Water Circus I: Silver Unit This is a water circus show 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

Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure - Austin Trails

Guided from any smartphone, teams will work together to solve clues and complete challenges while learning

about Austin’s history. • Jan. 5, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. • Price per team (up to 5 people) is $44 • Yeti Flagship, 220 S. Congress Ave., Austin • www.urbanadventurequest.com

gathering will involve kite flying, a DJ set, food and dance performances. • Jan. 14, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. • Free (admission) • Lakeline Park, 1510 Alexis Drive, Cedar Park • www.nandgamhaveli.org MLK Day March and Celebration The annual event honoring Martin Luther King Jr. will begin at The University of Texas’s MLK statue with a short program before the community is invited to rally at the south steps of the Capitol. From there, the march will head to Huston-Tillotson University for an afternoon of listening to live music and browsing local vendors. Organizers encourage attendees to bring nonperishable food that will be donated to the Central Texas Food Bank. Free Week Nonprofit Red River Cultural District—which works to protect the interest of local musicians and venues—will offer its 20th annual all-local, multigenre music festival. This year brings more than 60 musicians to nearly 20 downtown venues,

restaurants, retail shops and more. • Jan. 5-6, times vary • Free (admission) • Downtown Austin • www.redriverculturaldistrict.com

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 “Welcome To Night Vale” Characters from the fiction podcast will take to the stage with stories, live music, slideshows and more. Based in a small desert town, ‘Welcome to Night Vale’ is hosted by Cecil Baldwin, who gives community updates from the secret police and dark hooded figures, along with local weather announcements and events. Officials said fans and first-timers will both enjoy the show. • Jan. 9, 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show) • Prices vary • Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave., Austin • www.austintheatre.org

• Jan. 15, 11:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m. • Free (nonperishable food donations accepted) • Huston-Tillotson University, 900 Chicon St., Austin • www.mlkcelebration.com 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

Uttarayan Kite Flying In celebration of the Hindu festival Uttarayan, the

NORTH - NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

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. Officials broke ground on the West Gate expan- sion Aug. 30, 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 an 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 to be completed in 2025 • West Gate expansion, which will extend the terminal out past gates 33 and 34, where Spirit Airlines is located Timeline: estimated to be completed in 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

John Kovas & Associates Residential and Commercial Real Estate

Gettin’ it done since 1981

(512) 797-8713 Johnkovas.com

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 compensation 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

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, such as Viva Aerobus, which will offer nonstop flights to Mexico starting in March. ABIA officials said they expect May, June and October to be the busiest months of 2024.

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

START OF SPRING BREAK FOR UT

BEGINNING OF LABOR DAY WEEKEND FRIDAY BEFORE FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND

MONDAY AFTER FORMULA 1

SOURCE: AUSTIN-BERGSTROM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Happy Holidays • On - site x - ray and lab • Online patient portal • Locations near you We’re here when you need us, days, nights, weekends & holidays • Multi - specialty health care • 24/7 phone nurses • Easy, online scheduling

AustinRegionalClinic.com

NORTH - NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Community Senior Living Guide

2023

The North and Northwest Austin areas provide several options for assisted living, independent living, memory care facilities and more.

• 11630 Four Iron Drive, Austin • www.arden-courts.com/austin

Types of communities

Independent-living communities cater to older adults with limited care needs. Most include amenities, such as fitness programs, housekeeping and communal meals. Assisted-living communities specialize in providing care and supervision. These facilities frequently offer a full range of amenities as well as limited medical assistance. Memory care facilities specialize in providing care to seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia and other cognitive issues. Staff members are trained to help residents manage these diseases. Hospice care is intended to relieve symptoms and suffering associated with a terminal illness in those who have been given six months or less to live. The patient must choose to forgo further curative treatment. Nursing home/skilled nursing facilities provide care to those with illnesses or mental conditions requiring full- time monitoring and medical care.

Brookdale North Austin Type: assisted living, memory care Cost: $4,000-$10,000 monthly Amenities: daily meals, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, nurse-call system, 24/7 staff, outings, hair salon, fitness classes, medication management • 5310 Duval Road, Austin • www.brookdale.com

Austin

Anthology of The Arboretum Type: memory care, assisted living Cost: $5,600-$9,100 monthly (assisted living), $8,300 monthly (memory care) Amenities: housekeeping, transportation, daily meals, television, Wi-Fi

The Collinfield House Type: assisted living, hospice care Cost: starts at $5,500 monthly

• 10001 Stonelake Blvd., Austin • www.anthologyseniorliving.com

Amenities: Wi-Fi, medication management, housekeep- ing, laundry, daily meals, physical therapist-owned

Arden Courts of Austin Type: memory care Cost: starts at $7,500 monthly Amenities: laundry and housekeeping, three daily meals and snacks, 24/7 nurses

• 9205 Collinfield Drive, Austin • www.assistedlivinginaustin.com

SPEND YOUR NEW YEAR IN YOUR NEW HOME

Invigorate your life with a brand-new address. Celebrate the new year at Anthology of The Arboretum, where inspiration and friendship are around every corner. Our maintenance-free senior living community will be opening soon and gives you more time for hobbies, activities and simply relaxing. We invite you to see for yourself. Ask about our Charter Club benefits! CALL TO JUMP-START YOUR NEW YEAR: 512-879-1687

CONTINUE YOUR LIFE STORY WITH US ANTHOLOGY OF THE ARBORETUM WELCOME CENTER 9037 Research Blvd., Ste. 700 / Austin, TX Supportive Independent & Assisted Living / Memory Care License Pending AnthologyArboretum.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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