The e-edition is an exact replica of the newspaper with interactive and searchable articles from all your favorite sections.
Pugerville Hutto Edition VOLUME 19, ISSUE 12 AUG. 9SEPT. 10, 2024
Driverless semis take on Texas
INSIDE
22
The truck's technology uses sensors, cameras and mapping software to adapt to road conditions, according to Kodiak Robotics.
One of the self-driving truck companies, Kodiak Robotics, is already carrying freight on SH 130 running through Pugerville and Hutto.
COURTESY KODIAK ROBOTICS
Also in this issue
Subscribe to our free daily email newsletter!
Impacts: New indoor pickleball facility opens in Pugerville (Page 8)
Dining: Sushi Zoa oers unique dining experience in Hutto (Page 27)
2
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Request a Quote
Andy’s ™ Vanilla Frozen Custard blended with Peanut Butter Cup, Almonds and Crème Caramel
QUICK & EASY ROLL-OFF DUMPSTER RENTALS Any project, big or small Easy and convenient set-up We will find the right size for you Call TDS or scan the QR code to learn more and get a quote!
ROUND ROCK | PFLUGERVILLE | CEDAR PARK | AUSTIN
Hey ! FREE
CONCRETE
WHEN YOU DOWNLOAD THE ANDY’S APP*
737-236-7067 | TexasDisposal.com
*After first visit, new members only.
LEASING OPPORTUNITIES NOW AVAILABLE!
512.852.7936 BRETT CARR
1,500 SQFT - 30,000 SQFT retail, dining and entertainment space for lease
EastVillageATX.com Scan the QR Code or Visit Us Online at:
Located on E. Parmer Lane Between IH-35 and Hwy. 130 Across from Samsung Austin Semiconductor
3
PFLUGERVILLE - HUTTO EDITION
SEE BETTER!
Frustrated with hair loss?
PFLUGERVILLEVISIONCARE.COM @PFLUGERVILLEVISIONCARE
DR. STEVEN THOMAS - DR. AMIE BETHEL - DR. TARI THOMAS
There’s a clinical research study for men enrolling here in Austin! This study is seeking men aged 18+ that are experiencing mild to moderate hair loss. There’s no cost to participate and you may be compensated up to $1200
Comprehensive Eye Exams for the whole family
Contact Lenses for all prescriptions
Dry Eye Evaluation and Treatment
INSURANCE ACCEPTED
To learn more call 512-349-0500 or visit getinastudy.com
16303 YELLOW SAGE ST. • PFLUGERVILLE 512-251-4099
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
As Central Texas continues to grow, the Mobility Authority’s dedication to maintaining and enhancing water quality remains unwavering. From temporary construction measures to permanent best management practices along all our roads, we’re committed to exceeding expectations of water conservation and cleanliness.
Preservation During National Water Quality Month
Here are some things you can do to help maintain water quality in the region: • Dispose of medications, paint, oil, antifreeze, trash, and other chemicals properly. • Clean up after your pets. • Maintain water and wastewater lines at your home. • Use fertilizers without phosphorous.
More than Miles
Visit www.MobilityAuthority.com to learn more. More than Miles
4
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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
Market leaders & metro team
Reporters Brittany Anderson Amanda Cutshall Dacia Garcia Kameryn Griesser Sarah Hernandez Parks Kugle Haley McLeod Hannah Norton Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Amira Van Leeuwen Gracie Warhurst Zacharia Washington Chloe Young Graphic Designers Alissa Foss Gloria Gonzalez Melissa Johnson Sabrina Musachia
Amy Leonard Bryant General Manager abryant@ communityimpact.com
Minh Nguyen Joseph Veloz Managing Copy Editor Beth Marshall Publisher Travis Baker Managing Editor Darcy Sprague Senior Art Production Manager Haley Grace
Grant Crawford Editor gcrawford@ communityimpact.com
Heather Hall Account Executive hhall@ communityimpact.com
Contact us
16225 Impact Way Pflugerville, TX 78660 • 512-989-6808 CI Careers
Proudly printed by
Join CI Patron for exclusive newsletters and swag.
communityimpact.com/careers linkedin.com/company/communityimpact pfhnews@communityimpact.com pfhads@communityimpact.com communityimpact.com/advertising
Press releases
Advertising
© 2024 Community Impact Co. All rights reserved. No reproduction of any portion of this issue is allowed without written permission from the publisher.
Email newsletters
communityimpact.com/newsletter
CHAMBER CONNECTION Register your business for the 2024 Pflugerville Pfamily Expo Submit your booth application on the chamber website now; space is limited! SAVE THE DATE: Sat., Oct. 26 at Typhoon Texas
Aug. 13 Monthly Chamber Luncheon 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Spare Time Texas 1724 FM 685 Speaker: Tx. Assoc. of Business Executive Director Stephanie Hale Matthews $25 Members, $35 Future Members
Aug. 30 Morning Edition 8-9 a.m. Location TBD Hosted by Pflugerville ISD & the Pflugerville Education Foundation Free • Open to the public Sept. 5 Business After Hours 5-7 p.m. Hawaii Fluid Art 1513 Stone Hill Drive Free • Open to the public
Join us! Events Calendar
Aug. 16 Time with the Mayor 8-9 a.m. Pflugerville Chamber 101 S. 3rd St. Free • Open to the public
Aug. 20 Small Business Initiative, Topic: Human Resources 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Pflugerville Chamber 101 S. 3rd St. Speaker: Renae Mitchell Free • Open to the public • Includes lunch
101 South 3rd Street | Pflugerville, Texas 78660 | 512.251.7799 | info@pfchamber.com
5
PFLUGERVILLE - HUTTO EDITION
Impacts
• Opened July 1 • 4000 Sunrise Road, Round Rock • www.thehilltopacademy.com
2
Round Rock
4 Play Street Museum Camron and Kaitlyn Adams own and operate the local franchise, which features outdoor adventure-themed activities for kids 8 and younger. Parents can reserve play sessions and host parties or events for their kids to enjoy a range of immersive exhibits. • Opened June 22 • 3021 S. I-35, Ste. 210, Round Rock • www.roundrock.playstreetmuseum.com 5 Prime Market The combination gas station, grocery market and taqueria opened its doors in Round Rock in early July. The newly rebuilt gas station is located at the corner of Logan and Mays streets, formerly home to a Shell gas station. • Opened July 2 • 801 S. Mays St., Round Rock • Facebook: Prime Market at Mays St & Logan St 6 TorresBee Brazilian Cafe & Restaurant The Brazilian cafe and restaurant held a soft opening in Round Rock in early July. The restaurant offers cuisine like coxinha, a fried soft dough with pulled chicken and Brazilian cream cheese, and classic Portuguese pizzas. The restaurant also serves desserts like carrot cake with brigadeiro topping and churros. • Opened July 15 • 1901 Town Centre Drive, Ste. 150, Round Rock • Facebook: TorresBee
ROCKIN J RD.
3
1431
1
35
R
T
A.W. GRIMES BLVD.
9
8
130 TOLL
123
79
13
620
10
12
5
G
6
7
DEER RIDGE DR.
11
14
TOWN CENTRE DR.
45 TOLL
4
MOPAC
MAP NOT TO SCALE
N TM; © 2024 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Round Rock
J. Crew Factory and Converse stores. The business sells a wide variety of men’s and women’s footwear. Customers will also find outerwear, bags and accessories, such as wallets, hats, sunglasses and more. • Opened July 3 • 4401 N. I-35, Round Rock • www.colehaan.com 3 The Hilltop Academy Locally owned by Ryan Hill, the daycare offers extended hours for flexible scheduling and age-based curriculum. For children ages 6 weeks old through 5 years old, the academy offers infant care, toddler care, preschool education and kindergarten programs. Programs available include STEAM education, language immersion for Spanish and Mandarin, yoga and mindfulness, arts and music, and garden and nature learning.
Now open
Coming soon
1 BK Tacos The taco truck opened in Round Rock in June, offering a variety of breakfast tacos, protein bowls, pancakes and waffles. • Opened in June • 3566 Rockin J Road, Round Rock • www.bktacosatx.com/menu 2 Cole Haan The luxury shoe and accessory retailer opened in the Round Rock Premium Outlets, located between the
7 Scooter’s Coffee The drive-thru coffee shop chain is expected to open three new locations in Leander, Round Rock and Austin this fall. Leander residents Mitch and Lori Linder will own the three new franchise locations and said they hope to eventually open 12 Scooter’s Coffee shops in the greater North Austin area, Mitch Linder said. The couple opened their first location in Leander in October. • Late October (Round Rock)
Ages 0-5 enroll now! August openings limited! Research proves bilingual kids have supercharged brains. Comprehensive Curriculum Real Spanish Immersion Social & Emotional Readiness
Book tour now
50% OFF First Tuition Limited time - terms apply
Upbeat Teachers Ages 0-7, Full day 7:30-6:00
INIC-edu.com Book tour now
6
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
• 1601 S. I-35, Round Rock • www.scooterscoffee.com
Now open
Closings
Layne’s Chicken Fingers The College Station-based chicken restaurant is planning to open 15 locations around the Austin metro over the next several years, according to a representative for the company. Other details, such as exact addresses or expected open dates for the restaurants, are not yet available.
• Opening TBD • Locations TBD • www.layneschickenfingers.com
Relocations
11 Chick-fil-A Locally owned by Carlos Gindi, Chick-fil-A Great Oaks is the franchise’s fourth location in the city. The fast-food chain serves chicken sandwiches, nuggets, wraps and chicken strips. The breakfast menu includes chicken biscuits, burritos and scramble bowls, and for dessert patrons will find milkshakes, brownies and cookies. • Opened July 11 • 113 Deer Ridge Drive, Round Rock • www.chick-fil-a.com
13 Smokey Mo’s BBQ On June 24, the barbecue restaurant closed its Avery Ranch location at 10621 W. Parmer Lane, Austin, consolidating the restaurant location to 17280 N. RM 620, Ste. 100, Round Rock, which opened in October. Smokey Mo’s has eight other locations in northern Austin suburbs, including Cedar Park, Round Rock, Jollyville, Leander, Liberty Hill, Georgetown and Hutto. • Closed June 24 • 10621 W. Parmer Lane, Austin • www.smokeymosbbq.com
8 Carlot Solutions The auto shop completed a relocation from 321 Iron Horse Drive, Bldg. C, Hutto, to a new location in Round Rock in May, owner John Marnell said. The locally owned car shop offers collision and dent repair as well as auto body painting. Marnell said the relocation was required after his Hutto location was damaged in a tornado in 2022. • Relocated in May • 3742 CR 123, Ste. No. 3, Round Rock • www.carlot-solutions.com
In the news
retailer sells discounted, refurbished Dell computers and computer accessories. The Austin-based business is
Closings
9 Chuy’s Austin-based Tex-Mex restaurant Chuy’s is set to be acquired by Orlando-based Darden Restaurants, the company announced in July. The Darden brand owns over 1,900 restaurants worldwide, including Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen and Bahama Breeze, among others. Chuy’s was founded in Austin in 1982 and has grown to feature 101 restaurants in 15 states, according a news release. • 2320 N. I-35, Round Rock • www.chuys.com 10 Discount Electronics Discount Electronics marked 15 years of operation in July. The store first opened its doors July 7, 2009. The
owned by Rick Culleton. • 1001 S. I-35, Round Rock • www.discountelectronics.com
14 Dazzle Coffee & Smoothies The Round Rock location of the coffee stand permanently closed in July. Co-owner Corey
Wertenberger said the original location at 100 N. Second St., Pflugerville, which Wertenberger and his partner, Mike Scheschuk, have operated since 2006, will remain open. • Closed July 9 • 2651 Gattis School Road, Round Rock • www.dazzlecoffee.com
12 Cordovan Art School The Round Rock location of Cordovan Art School celebrated 15 years of operation in May. Artist John Howell first opened the art school in 2009 in the same facility where it still operates today. • 3810 Gattis School Road, Ste. 108, Round Rock • www.cordovanartschool.com
Our Gold Standards: • Comfortable, Modern Office • On-Time Scheduling • Conservative Treatment • Same-Day Crowns • Fun for Kids • Insurance Friendly • Monthly Payment Plans • Emergencies Seen Promptly • Sedation Dentistry Available
Our Gold Standards: • Comfortable, Modern Office • On-Time Scheduling • Conservative Treatment • Same-Day Crowns • Fun for Kids • Insurance Friendly • Monthly Payment Plans • Emergencies Seen Promptly • Sedation Dentistry Available
Celebrating 15 years of serving our community
2-846-2646
512-846-2646
HuttoPremierDentistry.com HuttoPremierDentistry.com 60 Chris Kelly Blvd. Hutto TX 78634 See our10 Gold Standards on our website! Keely Long, DDS
60 Chris Kelly Blvd. Hutto TX 78634
HuttoPremierDentistry.com
mie Chen,
Teri L. Marek, DDS John F. McEntire, DDS, FAGD Keely Long, DDS
Keely Long, DDS Teri L. Marek, DDS
Tyler Birk, DDS
7
PFLUGERVILLE - HUTTO EDITION
Impacts
Pflugerville
138
137
Now open
A.W. GRIMES BLVD.
RED BUD LN.
1
1 Pickleland The indoor facility provides pickleball players a place to beat the heat or avoid inclement weather. Pickleland features nine climate-controlled and fenced-in courts with professional sports lighting. The facility offers both day play and memberships. • Opened Aug. 5 • 21427 Martin Lane, Pflugerville • www.pickleland.com 2 Living Spaces Cafe A cafe is now open to the public inside of the Living Spaces furniture store. The cafe serves entrees, snacks, beer, wine, coffee and soft drinks. The two-story restaurant attached to the furniture store includes an outside balcony, elevator, restrooms and a private
45 TOLL
3
2
GREENLAWN BLVD.
685
6
PFLUGER FARM LN.
35
685
CENTRAL COMMERCE DR.
Pugerville
4
130 TOLL
banquet room. • Opened July 5 • 19024 N. Heatherwilde Blvd., Pflugerville • www.livingspaces.com
BALATON BLVD.
130 TOLL
5
ELMORE LN.
3 AB Fadez The new Pflugerville barber shop recently held a soft
MAP NOT TO SCALE
N TM; © 2024 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Rick Cofer WILLIAMSON COUNTY CRIMINAL LAW ATTORNEY
Defending Your Family, Like I’d Defend My Own.
COFERCONNELLY.COM • 512-200-3801 • PRINCIPAL OFFICE: 602 W. 11TH ST., AUSTIN, TX 78701
8
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY GRANT CRAWFORD, ANNA DEARDORFF & DACIA GARCIA
opening. The shop, owned by Anfernee Friar, offers men's and children’s haircuts. The business plans to have a formal grand opening at a later date. • Opened July 20 • 20205 FM 685, Ste. 175, Pflugerville • 361-676-2536
Now open
Now open
Coming soon
Hannah’s Home Call Grooming A new home-call groomer will open for appointments this August. Customers must provide a space that has water and an outlet. The business offers appointments on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. • Opening Aug. 17 • 325-423-4655
5 PepsiCo The multinational food and beverage company recently opened a new warehouse in Pflugerville. The 153,000-square-foot facility employs about 300 people and is expected to grow its workforce. • Opened July 16 • 3300 Elmore Lane, Pflugerville • www.pepsico.com
6 Morning Ritual The coffee shop is situated inside of The Goat—a two-story restaurant and bar. The coffee shop serves specialty lattes, biscuits and breakfast, coffee flights and more, according to Morning Ritual’s menu. The Goat and Morning Ritual are owned and operated by Lifestyle Communities Pflugerville, an apartment home community. • Opened June 20 • 18612 Pfluger Farm Lane, Pflugerville • www.lcgoat.com/locations/pflugerville
Closings
4 Rio Grande Tex-Mex The restaurant, which offered enchiladas, tacos, fajitas and other Tex-Mex dishes, recently closed in Pflugerville. • Closed June 21 • 15821 Central Commerce Drive, Pflugerville
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION IN PFLUGERVILLE! For ALL Families • God Focused • Mastery Based
• Experiential Learning • Individualized program • Meeting families’ needs with flexible tuition
Call 512.520.4200 | 14400 Immanuel Road CHRISTIAN CURRICULUM • PURSUING EXCELLENCE • EDUCATIONAL FIELD TRIPS • COLLABORATIVE PROJECTS • SAFE ENVIRONMENT • NO UNIFORMS
ESTATE PLANNING | REAL ESTATE | PROBATE
MAKE SURE YOUR FAMILY IS TAKEN CARE OF TODAY AND TOMORROW
READ THESE 5 STAR REVIEWS Attorney Farren Sheehan
August is National Will Month!
512.251.4553 | FarrenSheehanLaw.com | 1601 E. Pfennig Lane, Pflugerville
9
PFLUGERVILLE - HUTTO EDITION
Impacts
Hutto
3 Jersey Mike’s Subs The New Jersey-based chain serves made-to-order hot and cold subs, including cheese steak, Italian, tuna, BLT, veggie and club sandwiches. Customers can order chips and a drink to go with their sub as well as fresh- baked cookies and brownies. The company also offers
Now open
7
1 Skyline Dermatology Board-certified dermatologist Johnny Zhao provides medical, surgical and cosmetic care to all ages. The business offers treatments for a variety of conditions, including acne, eczema, psoriasis and skin cancer. Other services also include cosmetic treatments, such as Botox, chemical peels and microneedling. • Opened July 1 • 120 Chris Kelley Blvd., Ste. 100, Hutto • www.skylinedermtx.com 2 CrossFit GBC The gym, owned by Mickey Krone, will provide training for people of all ages and fitness levels. The business will offer a variety of packages members can choose from, giving them the option to visit two, three or five
catering services. • Opened Aug. 7 • 120 Chris Kelley Blvd., Ste. 200, Hutto • www.jerseymikes.com
Hutto
2
119
In the news
108
4 Chuy’s Construction began July 1 on the new Chuy’s planned for the Townwest Commons development center in Hutto, NewQuest Properties announced. The Mexican restaurant, to encompass over 5,400 square feet, will offer a menu of burritos, tacos, fajitas and enchiladas. The eatery is expected in early 2025. The Texas restaurant chain Chuy’s started in 1982 in an abandoned barbecue restaurant in Austin. The chain has since grown with more than 100 locations in 16 states. Locations can be found in Austin, Round Rock and Cedar Park. • 250 Alliance Blvd., Hutto • www.chuys.com
130 TOLL
5
4
ALLIANCE BLVD.
times per week. • Opened Aug. 1 • 520 CR 108, Ste. 22, Hutto • www.crossfitgbc.com
1 3
6
79
CHRIS KELLEY BLVD.
MAP NOT TO SCALE
N TM; © 2024 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
10
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY GRANT CRAWFORD
Now open
Coming soon
Relocations
5 Teapioca Lounge The business offers a variety of boba teas, coffee and lemonades. The franchise also sells smoothies, slushies and other frozen treats. • Opened July 1 • 571 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Ste. C100, Hutto • www.teapiocalounge.com
6 Mario Esfiha Brazilian Jiu Jitsu The jiu jitsu studio, which has one location in Austin, offers classes for both adults and kids. Classes include instruction on judo, self defense, takedowns and Muay Thai. • Opening in August • 409 W. Front St., Ste. 230, Hutto • www.huttobjj.com
7 All Around Barber School The barber school, owned by John Aldaya, recently moved from its former location in Pflugerville to accommodate more students at its new space in Hutto. The school offers both day and night classes for aspiring barbers and hair stylists. • Relocated in mid-March • 3333 CR 119, Ste. 9, Hutto • www.instagram.com/allaroundbarberschool
FREE EVALUATIONS SATURDAY’S @ 12:30PM
OPENING SOON
WHY WATERLOO? • SAFETY! Chlorinated/UV Filter Pools • Low instructor: student ratios • Curriculum that gets results! • Trained Instructors...we do this year round PROGRAMS AT WATERLOO • Swim Lessons • Private Lessons • Kid and Teen Fitness • Homeschool
• Adult Lessons / Masters • Swim Team (#3 Age Group Team in Texas)
751 PHILLIP WARNER PLACE, ROUND ROCK 78665 � NEAR HWY 79 AND AW GRIMES�WATERLOOSWIMMING.COM
11
PFLUGERVILLE - HUTTO EDITION
GET $100! Hello from PECU, your local credit union! We’ll give you $100 for new account activity when you join through this promo! Scan the code to get started, or bring this ad to any PECU branch. Offer expires 9/30/24.
Experience style and comfort in a beautifully designed Coventry Home and delight in fantastic amenities, coupled with the small-town charm of Hutto, TX. Situated near Highway 130, enjoy easy access to shopping, entertainment and major employers. Final Opportunities from the $490’s Hutto Town Square
More Free Services, Less Fees 350+ Free ATMs 5,500+ Shared Branches Totally Free Checking Auto, Home & Personal Loans
Kids & Teen Accounts Zogo Learn and Earn
512.270.6244 www.coventryhomes.com
512-474-1955 www.pecutx.org
Prices and availability subject to change without notice. Please see community sales counselor for details.
YOUR SAFETY IS OUR #1 PRIORITY!
Pflugervilletx.gov/nno
JOIN THE PFLUGERVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR NATIONAL NIGHT OUT ON OCTOBER PFIRST!
12
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Government
BY GRACIE WARHURST
Pugerville’s landmark water tank to get lighting A project to decorate Pugerville’s water tank with LED light xtures was set into motion after receiving approval from City Council on July 9. Zooming in Pugerville Public Utility Director Brandon Pritch- ett presented the available options from electrical company SA Smart Solutions to the council, which included a base bid and four alternatives. “This is a landmark site for the city, and we want to make sure we have all options on the table,” Pritchett said. City Council approved adding 10 color-changing LED lights around the bowl of the tank and four lights on the support rail, which can be remotely controlled. The lights, each at 50 watts, are expected to last 15 years, SA Smart Solutions Managing Partner Andrew Berteaux said.
City of Hutto to expand trail network The city of Hutto will implement a plan to create a citywide trail network after a trails master plan was passed by City Council on July 18. Zooming in Landscape architecture rm Clark Condon has been working on the plan since it was approved in the scal year 2023-24 budget. The company surveyed Hutto residents, who ranked expanding the trail system as a top priority. The plan includes 35 projects and 27 miles of new trails that will ll in the gaps of the current trail network, totaling an estimated $38.87 million. The plan also identies possible funding strategies such as existing park and recreation city bonds and matching grant opportunities.
A project to decorate Pugerville’s water tank with LED light xtures received approval from City Council July 9.
COURTESY OF THE CITY OF PFLUGERVILLE
What residents should know Although no formal meeting to collect commu- nity input was held, Pritchett said city sta went door-to-door to collect residents’ opinions and received mixed feedback. “It depends on what everyone wants in their backyard, but the intent is to not be so intrusive,” he said. The contract to purchase and install the lights will cost $358,457, paid through hotel occupancy tax funds.
Unmatched Academic Results Come tour a campus and see for yourself!
Aaachooo! New school year, new germs? No worries! Get fast, year-round urgent care for the whole family — anywhere in Texas.
Challenger School offers uniquely fun and academic programs for preschool to eighth grade students. Our students learn to think for themselves and to value independence.
Avery Ranch (PS–G8) (512) 341-8000 15101 Avery Ranch Boulevard, Austin Round Rock (PS–G1) (512) 255-8844 1521 Joyce Lane, Round Rock Spicewood Springs (PS–K) (512) 258-1299 13015 Pond Springs Road, Austin
24/7 VIRTUAL URGENT CARE
An independent private school offering preschool through eighth grade
© 2024, Challenger Schools Challenger School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.
NormanMD.com
13
PFLUGERVILLE HUTTO EDITION
Education
What is a charter school? Charter schools are different than both private and traditional public schools. In Texas, charter schools are public schools open to any student, and these schools may not charge tuition, according to the Texas Education Agency. Private and Charter School Guide 2024 Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: fine arts, theater, health and wellness Enrollment: did not provide Tuition: free • 14406 Summit Drive, Austin • www.chaparralstaracademy.com
Stepping Stone School Grades served: pre-k-K Type: private Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: concentrated learning centers, chess, ASL, martial arts, dance, gymnastics Enrollment: did not provide Tuition: Varies by age and schedule • 2301 N. A.W. Grimes Blvd.; 651 Teravista Parkway;
E3 Christian School Grades served: K-8 Type: religion-based
7601 O’Connor Drive, Round Rock • www.steppingstoneschool.com
Round Rock
Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: N/A Enrollment: 7 Tuition: call for information • 14400 Immanuel Road, Pflugerville • www.e3.academy Endeavor Montessori Grades served: pre-k-3 Type: Montessori Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: did not provide
Challenger School - Avery Ranch Grades served: pre-k-8 Type: private Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: varies by campus Enrollment: 450 Tuition: varies by grade level • 15101 Avery Ranch Blvd., Austin • www.challengerschool.com Challenger School - Round Rock Grades served: pre-k-1 Type: private Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: varies by campus Enrollment: 120
St. Richard’s Episcopal School Grades served: pre-k-K Type: religion-based Religious orientation: Episcopal Extracurricular activities: did not provide Enrollment: did not provide Tuition: $700 per month • 1420 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock • www.strichardspreschool.org
Pflugerville
Enrollment: did not provide Tuition: call for information • 18817 N. Heatherwilde Blvd., Bldg. 2, Pflugerville • www.endeavormontessori.com Harmony Science Academy Pflugerville Grades served: K-12 Type: charter Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: athletics Enrollment: did not provide Tuition: free • 121 Wells Branch Parkway, Ste. 200, Pflugerville • www.hsapflugerville.harmonytx.org
Austin Achieve Elementary and Middle School Grades served: K-8 Type: charter Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: did not provide Enrollment: did not provide Tuition: free • 1900 Pfennig Lane, Pflugerville • www.austinachieve.org/elementary-school- pflugerville
Tuition: varies by grade level • 1521 Joyce Lane, Round Rock • www.challengerschool.com
ESTEAM Academy Grades served: pre-k-12 Type: private Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: enrichment clubs Enrollment: did not provide Tuition: $1,200 per month for five-day program
BASIS Pflugerville Grades served: 6-10 Type: charter Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: visual arts, theater and music Enrollment: did not provide Tuition: free • 1217 E. 10th St., Pflugerville • www.enrollbasistx.com/pflugerville BASIS Pflugerville Primary Grades served: K-5 Type: charter Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: engineering and technology,
Marimont Montessori Preschool Grades served: pre-k-K Type: Montessori Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: chess Enrollment: did not provide Tuition: $1,000-$1,200 per month • 801 FM 685, Pflugerville • www.marimontmontessoripreschool.net IDEA Public Schools - Pflugerville Grades served: K-12 Type: charter Religious orientation: none
• 12A Lake Drive, Round Rock • www.esteamacademyrr.com
Kids ‘R’ Kids Grades served: infant-5 Type: private Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: did not provide Enrollment: did not provide Tuition: did not provide • 1455 Red Bud Lane; 4341 Teravista Drive, Round Rock • www.kidsrkids.com Type: religion-based, College preparatory Religious orientation: nondenominational Extracurricular activities: athletics, fine arts, speech and debate, student organizations and clubs Enrollment: 705 Tuition: $8,950-$11,500 • 800 Westwood Drive, Round Rock • www.rrca-tx.org Round Rock Christian Academy Grades served: pre-k-12
visual arts, theater and music Enrollment: did not provide Tuition: free • 1217 E. 10th St., Pflugerville • www.enrollbasistx.com/pflugerville
Extracurricular activities: basketball, baseball, cross country, cheerleading, flag football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, and track and field, among others Enrollment: 1,361 Tuition: free
• 1901 Wells Branch Parkway, Pflugerville • www.ideapublicschools.org/our-schools/ idea-pflugerville
Chaparral Star Academy Grades served: K-12 Type: charter
14
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY BROOKE SJOBERG
Round Rock
Round Rock
Pflugerville
IDEA Public Schools - Round Rock Tech Grades served: K-12 Type: charter, STEM Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: volleyball, basketball, flag football, soccer, track, numerous clubs Enrollment: 1,400 Tuition: free • 3301 Greenlawn Blvd., Round Rock • https://ideapublicschools.org/our-schools/ idea-round-rock-tech
Meridian World School Grades served: K-12 Type: charter, International Baccalaureate Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: around 40 student-led organizations in grades 6-12; sports for grades 7-12; band, orchestra, theatre, Model UN, student council Enrollment: did not provide Tuition: free • 2555 N. I-35 Round Rock • www.mwschool.org
Crosslife Christian Academy Grades served: pre-k-4 Type: religion-based Religious orientation: Lutheran Extracurricular activities: did not provide Enrollment: 95 Tuition: $700-$1,099 • 4109 Kelly Lane, Pflugerville • www.crosslifepf.academy
Pflugerville Montessori School Grades served: pre-k-K Type: Montessori Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: did not provide
Enrollment: 120 Tuition: free • 616 FM 685, Ste. 204-B, Pflugerville • www.premierpflugerville.com Stonehill Christian Academy Grades served: pre-k-8 Type: religion-based
Hutto
The Fellowship Christian Academy Grades served: K-6 Type: religion-based Religious orientation: nondenominational Extracurricular activities: chess club, coding club and soccer club Enrollment: 100
Enrollment: did not provide Tuition: call for information
• 2500 W. Pecan St., Pflugerville • www.pflugervillemontessori.com
Religious orientation: Seventh-day Adventist Extracurricular activities: did not provide Enrollment: did not provide Tuition: $6,945 per year (pre-k, kindergarten), $5,730 per year (grades 1-8) • 4301 Kelly Lane, Pflugerville • www.stonehill.school
Tuition: $7,700 per year • 6655 Hwy. 79, Hutto • www.fellowshipacademy.org
Premier High School Grades served: 9-12 Type: charter Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: N/A
This list is not comprehensive.
Open 9am – 9pm 7 days a week nextlevelurgentcare.com Scan the QR code to download our app.
Next Level Urgent Care is right in your neighborhood and provides fast, affordable quality care. We treat all ages, including newborns, and offer extended hours on nights and weekends. DOWNLOAD OUR NEW APP, LOADED WITH LOTS OF HELPFUL FEATURES INCLUDING A CHAT OPTION!
15
PFLUGERVILLE - HUTTO EDITION
Real estate
Fewer homes were sold in June 2024 compared to June 2023 in the Hutto and Pflugerville area. Residential market data
June 2023
June 2024
Homes sold
Average days on the market
-23.4%
-23.4%
-13.9%
-29.3%
29
78634
130 TOLL
78634
78660
78634
78660
35
79
Median home sales price
45 TOLL
June
2023
2024
78660
$382,995
$390,250
78634
N
MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY AUSTIN BOARD OF REALTORS AND UNLOCK MLS 512-454-7636 WWW.ABOR.COM
$417,981
$412,000
78660
Homes sold by price point in June
Pflugerville | Hutto
78634
78660
June
2023
2024
-
-
$900,000+
315
273
New listings
1
4
$700,000-$899,999
248 189
8
25
Closed sales
$500,000-$699,999
59
81
$300,000-$499,999
Homes under contract
218 162
-
3
<$299,999
Months of inventory
2.3
2.3
Median home price in June
Hutto $390,250
Round Rock $437,420
Travis County $525,000
Price per square foot
$210 $206
Pflugerville $412,000
Austin MSA $450,000
Williamson County $434,000
535
595
Active listings
2023 COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD WINNER ���� ABOR INDUSTRY AWARDS
HOMETOWN HEROES If your company or organization is involved in service, scan to see if you qualify for HUGE savings on buying, selling, or refinancing. 512.922.0873 mjmoorman914@gmail.com
PflugervilleHomeSales.com • HuttoHomeSales.com Miriam Moorman | REALTOR®, MBA, GRI, CRS Lives Here. Gives Here.
Mention this ad to get a complimentary Home Value analysis.
18
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Transportation
BY GRANT CRAWFORD, HALEY MCLEOD & GRACIE WARHURST
Phase 2 of Kelly Lane halfway complete Construction on Phase 2 of the project to widen Kelly Lane in Pflugerville is roughly half- way complete, according to a city of Pflugerville announcement. The details The improvement project on Kelly Lane includes widening the previous two-lane roadway to four lanes and adding a roundabout on Vilamoura Street. Beams for the bridge leading up to the Vil- amoura roundabout have been delivered and installed, marking the project 48% complete. To finish out the phase, six beams will need to be delivered and installed for westbound lanes of Kelly Lane. Once the beams are installed, the contractor will continue constructing the westbound lanes from Vilamoura to just east of Moorlynch. Phase 2 construction is expected to be com- pleted in early 2025. This phase of the project is funded through 2018 voter-approved general obligation bonds. The initial proposed cost of the project came to $17.38 million, but was negoti- ated down to $14.9 million, according to previous reporting. As part of Phase 1, Kelly Lane was already widened west of Falcon Pointe Boulevard. Looking ahead Phase 3 of Kelly Lane construction will extend improvements from Moorlynch Avenue to Weiss Lane. The intersection at Kelly Lane and Cele Road as well as the intersection at Weiss Lane
Limmer Loop, FM 1660 project to wrap A project to widen the intersection at FM 1660 and Limmer Loop in Hutto is projected to be complete in late September. Overview The city of Hutto’s capital improvement project will add dedicated left- and right- turn lanes in each direction at the intersec- tion. At a cost of $7.8 million, the roadwork is meant to improve safety for the current and projected traffic in the area. The city is also planning to build addi- tional sidewalk construction adjacent to the roadway, meant to improve safe pedestrian access in the area. What else The city originally began construction on the project in September 2023. Inclement weather delayed the project in June, before Oncor completed the relocation of utilities in mid-July.
Phase 2 Kelly Lane improvements Expected to be complete in early 2025.
45 TOLL
VILAMOURA ST.
130 TOLL
MOORLYNCH AVE.
FALCON POINTE BLVD.
N
Phase 3 Kelly Lane improvements
MOORLYNCH AVE.
HODDE LN.
CELE RD.
HIDDEN LAKE DR.
N
and Hodde Lane will be realigned. In addition to the road widening, there will be shared use paths and sidewalks on both sides for bicyclists and pedestrians. This phase is currently still in design, with construction planned to start mid 2025. Funding for the design comes from 2018 certificate of obligation bonds and 2020 general obligation bonds.
EXCHANGE BLVD.
1660
N
Colorado Sand Drive extension rolls forward with contract approval in Pflugerville Construction on an extension of Colorado Sand Drive received the green light from Pflugerville City Council July 10, with council members approving a contract with Patin Construction LLC for $6.6 million. The details Construction on the project began at the end of July, with crews working on a connection from Copper Mine Drive to just north of Lone Star Ranch Boulevard, including four new lanes and a roundabout, according to city staff. “This is such a long time coming,” Place 4 City Council member Rudy Metayer said. Originally estimated at only $3.9 million, the project received voter approval in the November 2018 transportation bond program and design of the roadway started in April 2019. The extension is currently anticipated to be completed by winter 2025. However, right of way is still being finalized for one on the properties impacted. “This is a great [new] access to the H-E-B,” Mayor Victor Gonzales said. 130 TOLL COLORADO SAND DR. LONE STAR RANCH BLVD. COLORADO SAND DR. COPPER MINE DR. PFLUGERVILLE PKWY. Future H-E-B N
19
PFLUGERVILLE - HUTTO EDITION
Development
BY GRANT CRAWFORD, BROOKE SJOBERG & GRACIE WARHURST
Heritage Park now open in Pflugerville A grand opening was held Aug. 1 for the opening of a newly renovated park Heritage Park in Pflugerville. What you need to know The park was recently renovated with a new shade structure and playground, accord- ing to the city. Pflugerville city staff have been working to make improvements to the city’s parks and trails, citing an increase in visitation by locals and out-of-towners, alike. Heritage Park, located at 901 Old Austin Hutto Road, Pflugerville, is one of several parks projects identified for improvements, such as the renovation of the Gilleland Creek pavilion; a playground and adult exercise stations on the south side of Lake Pflugerville; and a multi-use court at Stone Hill Park.
Firm to develop 150-acre Taylor site near Samsung Commercial real estate development and investment firm KDC announced June 26 it will market and develop a 150-acre site dubbed Taylor HQ next to Samsung’s semiconductor plant going up near Hwy. 79. The gist KDC “will pursue build-to-suit opportunities for manufacturing office, logistics, warehousing, data center and other uses,” according to a news release. The company is also partnering with real estate agency Transwestern to market the Taylor HQ, which will be located on FR 973 in Taylor. “Taylor HQ offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for companies working with Samsung or that are interested in having a high-profile neighbor next door,” Bill Guthrey, KDC senior vice president of land development, said in the release. “Our build- to-suit experience allows us to pivot quickly and
Underground mural completed on trail A city of Pflugerville trail has been beau- tified with a new mural from the Central Texas-based artists known as Artist Couple, per a July 23 release from the city. What you need to know The mural, called “Train of Thought,” is painted on the interior of the trail tunnel located underneath Railroad Avenue, features visual representations of more than 100 idioms, or figurative phrases in speech. It also features several pop culture refer- ences, per city staff. The trail mural is part of the city’s Art in Public Places program, which seeks to express community values and identity, as well as promote tourism among other goals, per the city.
Pflugerville releases draft for streetscape The city of Pflugerville has released a draft of its Downtown Streetscape Master Plan, a part of a larger Downtown Action Plan to continually revitalize the city. What is it? The new Streetscape Master Plan draft lays out recommendations and analysis of improvement opportunities for Pflugerville’s downtown streets, sidewalks, parking and aesthetics. Pulling on community outreach efforts from last year, city officials have prioritized improvements to Pecan Street and Main Street, totaling $11 million and $12.8 million, respectively. More details Updates to the downtown streetscape are guided by the pedestrian experience, with emphasis on cohesive design elements and
Additional enhancements to Pecan Street
75
973
Taylor HQ
WINDY RIDGE RD.
Shared-use paths
Street trees
Samsung's semiconductor plant
Decorative pavement
Pedestrian-scale lighting
N
SOURCE: CITY OF PFLUGERVILLE/COMMUNITY IMPACT
establishing a strong sense of place, according to the document. The city could use funding from general bond elections, grants, general funds, tax increment financing or a combination of different sources. Recommendations for Pecan Street include varying street widths from 80 to 120 feet, reducing the width of vehicle lanes and acquiring additional right-of-way for landscaping and pedestrian-friendly spaces along the road. Next steps for the city include locating underground utilities and obtaining funding.
develop this acreage for a company seeking any number of uses on this prime spot.” The background The development of the site comes as Samsung’s semiconductor manufacturing plant is under construction. In April, Samsung Electronics signed an agree- ment with the U.S. Department of Commerce to receive $6.4 billion in direct funding, while the company is expected to invest more than $45 bil- lion into the region.
ROUND ROCK 201 University Oaks Blvd (512) 341-9066 ARBORETUM 10515 N Mopac Expressway (512) 342-6893
GEORGETOWN 1013 W University Ave (512) 868-6696 PFLUGERVILLE 19000 Limestone
Commercial Dr (512) 953-4070
Driverless semis take on Texas From the cover
The breakdown
Two minute impact
Automated Driving System crashes in the U.S. Companies who use vehicles equipped with Automated Driving Systems must report crashes to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
In the U.S., 25 states have enacted legislation to deploy autonomous vehicles, while another 12 allow for testing, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. In Texas, over a dozen companies have tested or begun operating some type of self-driving vehicle. Most recently, self-driving car company Zoox announced in July it will begin testing in Austin this summer. Mars Auto, which develops auton- omous long-haul trucks, also announced it will move its operations to Round Rock this year. Autonomous vehicle companies are required to self-report any crash incidents to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Waymo and Cruise, which build self-driving passenger cars, take the lead in collisions among 39 companies, with 335 and 152 crashes respec- tively, according to data collected from July 2021 to June 17 by the NHTSA. Third in line is General Motors, which owns Cruise, with 145 crashes. Goff said autonomous trucks differ from cars as they have more predictable driving patterns and fewer obstacles, such as pedestrians, cyclists and stop lights. Cruise and Waymo also have larger
By the end of the year, Texas drivers could look over to see a semitruck traveling down the highway with no one in the driver’s seat. Leading the charge in the Austin area is autonomous truck company Kodiak Robotics, which is already hauling goods daily in Texas. Currently, Kodiak trucks have a “safety driver” monitoring the truck as it carries freight for hundreds of miles. By the end of the year, Kodiak will send trucks out unmanned. Autonomous vehicles could resolve supply chain issues and make life for truck drivers easier, Dan Goff, head of policy at Kodiak, said. However, John Esparza, president and CEO of the Texas Trucking Association, said officials and trucking companies aren’t looking to eliminate human drivers. “We are improving the safety of our highways and the efficiency by which we move freight,” he said. Part of the effort by state officials to enhance safety includes upgrading a 21-mile stretch of SH 130—running through Pflugerville and Hutto—with new technology to help guide automated trucks.
Companies included among Texas’ fleet, which also reported crashes to the NHTSA, as of June 17: Semitrucks • Aurora Operations • Kodiak • Torc Cars • Cruise • Nuro • Volkswagen • Waymo
California
Arizona
Texas
Nevada
Florida
SOURCE: NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT
fleets than autonomous truck companies do. “The Kodiak system doesn’t get tired; it doesn’t get distracted; it doesn’t check its phone; it doesn’t have a bad day and take it out on the road,” he said.
The why
Explained
Truck driving limits
Texas roads have been ideal for autono- mous trucking companies, Goff said, as the state has some of the most lucrative freight routes in the nation and legislators have welcomed the new innovation. The supportive culture sprouted from Senate Bill 2205, a law passed by the Texas Legislature in 2017 that prohibits cities from regulating autonomous vehicles. “Trucks lead the country in the technol- ogies and the policies that they adopt and utilize to keep drivers safe,” Esparza said. “And why wouldn’t we? We’re talking about an 80,000-pound vehicle that the driver will drive an average of 100,000 miles a year.” Esparza said that while human drivers can put in many hours behind the wheel, they are still required to rest and limit their weekly driving. Driverless vehicles aren’t limited to these hour requirements. “How much more efficient can we be moving freight, even if it’s just a fraction of freight today?”
Texas law
Autonomous trucking companies such as Torc Robotics, Aurora and Gatik use sensors, cameras and mapping software as safety features, though each company has a different approach. For instance, Kodiak trucks navigate using detailed maps and have 18 sensors that monitor all parts of the vehicle and its surroundings 10 times each second. This allows the semis to respond to changing road conditions, such as accidents. The trucks routinely operate in inclement weather, as its sensors are able to see through rain and fog better than the human eye can, according to the company. During a storm, the semis slow down to match the environment on the road and can pull over to wait it out. Esparza said companies producing the software to manipulate these trucks have built in redun- dancies to mitigate hazardous situations and help vehicles stay in their lanes. “You’re sitting in the back and realizing that this vehicle, with its new-age LiDAR technology, is seeing so much farther than the human eye,” he said.
12 hours of driving within a 15-hour on-duty window 8 consecutive hours of off-duty rest before beginning shift Maximum of 70 hours of driving within 7-day span Drivers must take 34 consecutive hours of rest to reset their cycle
Federal law
11 maximum driving hours within a 14-hour on-duty window 10 consecutive hours of rest required after 14-hour window Drivers can’t work more than 60 hours in a 7-day period No more than 70 hours in an 8-day period Drivers must rest for 34 hours following the 70-hour driving limit
SOURCES: FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, ISAAC INSTRUMENTS/COMMUNITY IMPACT
22
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY GRANT CRAWFORD, HALEY MCLEOD & COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
Diving deeper
What's next
The Texas Department of Transportation and road technology company Cavnue will establish a “smart corridor,” featuring sensors and cameras, on SH 130 from Georgetown through Del Valle in 2025. Amy Madison, former director of the Pflugerville Community Development Corporation, said the corridor can help streamline the transportation of goods and services, and “potentially” save lives.
rates. Meanwhile, operating costs for trucking companies have increased. The average marginal cost to motor carriers per hour, according to a report by the American Trans- portation Research Institute, reached a record high in 2023 at $2.270 per mile. When looking at the average trucking cost to companies per hour, it rose from $66.94 in 2019 to $91.27 in 2023. Additionally, accounting firm PwC estimates— based on a survey of 128 large and mid-size U.S. manufacturers and transportation companies— that autonomous, long-haul trucking could save manufacturers nearly 30% in total transportation costs through 2040.
Abraham Vela, owner of LSA Logistics, a shipping company in Pflugerville, said an influx of under-qualified, or inexperienced, drivers joining the industry in 2020 created a “domino effect.” He said this caused companies to start lowering their rates, in some instances offering to haul loads for 50% less than what was being asked. “Now, if you want to take a load, you take it for way less than what it used to be,” he said. “Then if you don’t have anything [to bring] back, you’re kind of in the negative going back home or going to a different location. It’s just too cheap.” An increase in traffic accidents and damaged cargo, he said, have also led to higher insurance
29
Georgetown
Average marginal costs of trucking per hour
35
183
79
Round Rock
Driver wages Repair maintenance
Fuel costs Permits/license, tires, tolls
Truck/trailer payments Insurance premiums
Driver benefits
45 TOLL
Hutto
Smart corridor Technology along SH 130 will assist navigation of autonomous trucks.
$14.46 $7.37 $8.13 $3.56
$3.99
130 TOLL
Total: $91.06
2023
$31.32
$22.23
290
$3.55
$3.57
MOPAC
Total: $90.79
2022
$29.20
$25.84
$13.37 $7.37 $7.89
183
Austin
Manor
$3.46
$3.61
Del Valle
Total: $74.65
2021
$25.24
$16.78 $11.21 $7.31 $7.04
71
35
$3.55
$3.89
Buda
45 TOLL
Total: $66.87
2020
$22.97
$12.52
$11 $6.94 $6
N
SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION/ CAVNUE/ COMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCE: AMERICAN TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE/COMMUNITY IMPACT
TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY! HOURS: Monday - Friday, 10am - 4pm • Saturday, 10am - 2pm Donations Accepted: Monday - Saturday 8am - 4pm TREASURES
CHARITY RESALE SHOP & BOUTIQUE
DONATE ONLINE AT RRASC.ORG
1099 E. Main Street | Round Rock, TX 78664
23
PFLUGERVILLE - HUTTO EDITION
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20-21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40Powered by FlippingBook