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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 4 AUG. 9SEPT. 6, 2023
Leander animal hospital treats exotic species EDUCATION EDITION 2023 SPONSORED BY • Next Level Urgent Care
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District data
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School officials work to add armed guards
Education
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Molly Alexander has spent the last 20 years driving buses for school districts. She recently noticed a considerable shortage in bus drivers as well as other auxiliary staff positions. (Zacharia Washington/Community Impact)
Interactive golfing club aims to promote game
Area districts navigate shortages in auxiliary sta
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Pull the newest teaser from CC Libraries
BY GRANT CRAWFORD & ZACHARIA WASHINGTON
Both Leander and Liberty Hill ISDs are experiencing auxiliary worker shortages, forcing the districts to adapt and make do with the sta they do have so programs and ser- vices are not interrupted. Molly Alexander, a long-term bus driver in Liberty Hill ISD, said the respect and regard for bus drivers and other auxiliary positions alike
has diminished over the years. She said 20 years ago, it was dicult to get a job working in school-support positions, such as a bus driver. Now, school districts are nding it hard to ll those positions. It’s been an ongoing issue for LISD as Superintendent Bruce Gearing said the district is still CONTINUED ON 30
While teachers have been in short supply throughout Texas in recent years, area school districts are facing shortages in bus driv- ers, custodial sta, maintenance workers and child nutritionists— the behind-the-scenes positions needed to keep campuses aoat.
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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION • AUGUST 2023
about RETREAT AT HERO WAY If lovely Hill Country views, comfort and convenience, and a simply relaxing lifestyle sound like perfection, then homes embraces the best of low maintenance living and is ideally situated in Leander, TX, minutes from Tollway 183A and Leander Metro Station, which means no matter where you need to be you can get there quickly. Starting in the mid $300's with you’ll love our charming cottage home community, The Retreat at Hero Way by Blackburn Homes. This intimate gated community of just 83 cottage about RETREAT AT HERO WAY If lovely Hill Country views, comfort and convenience, and a simply relaxing lifestyle sound like perfection, then
about RETREAT AT HERO WAY If lovely Hill Country views, comfort and convenience, and a simply relaxing lifestyle sound like perfection, then you’ll love our charming cottage home community, The Retreat at Hero Way you’ll love our charming cottage home community, The Retreat at Hero Way by Blackburn Homes. This intimate gated community of just 83 cottage homes embraces the best of low maintenance living and is ideally situated in Leander, TX, minutes from Tollway 183A and Leander Metro Station, which means no matter where you need to be you can get there quickly. Starting in the mid $300's with homes embraces the best of low maintenance living and is ideally situated in Leander, TX, minutes from Tollway 183A and Leander Metro Station, which means no matter where you need to be you can get there quickly. Starting in the mid $300's with about RETREAT AT HERO WAY If lovely Hill Country views, comfort and various floorplans and gorgeous finishes. Call today to learn more! CONTACT US TODAY (512) 341-9212! convenience, and a simply relaxing lifestyle sound like perfection, then various floorplans and gorgeous finishes. Call today to learn more! CONTACT US TODAY (512) 341-9212! DIRECTOR OF SALES SEAN MOTALEBI seanm@blackburnhomes.com you’ll love our charming cottage home community, The Retreat at Hero Way by Blackburn Homes. This intimate gated community of just 83 cottage homes embraces the best of low maintenance living and is ideally situated in Leander, TX, minutes from Tollway 183A and Leander Metro Station, which means no matter where you need to be you can get there quickly. Starting in the mid $300's with about RETREAT AT HERO WAY If lovely Hill Country views, comfort and convenience, and a simply relaxing lifestyle sound like perfection, then you’ll love our charming cottage home community, The Retreat at Hero Way by Blackburn Homes. This intimate gated community of just 83 cottage homes embraces the best of low maintenance living and is ideally situated in Leander, TX, minutes from Tollway 183A and Leander Metro Station, which means no matter where you need to be you can get there quickly. Starting in the mid $300's with by Blackburn Homes. This intimate gated community of just 83 cottage various floorplans and gorgeous finishes. Call today to learn more! CONTACT US TODAY (512) 341-9212! DIRECTOR OF SALES SEAN MOTALEBI seanm@blackburnhomes.com NEW HOME SALES HALIE MARKUM hmarkum@blackburnhomes.com DIRECTOR OF SALES SEAN MOTALEBI seanm@blackburnhomes.com about RETREAT AT HERO WAY If lovely Hill Country views, comfort and convenience, and a simply relaxing lifestyle sound like perfection, then convenience, and a simply relaxing lifestyle sound like perfection, then you’ll love our charming cottage home community, The Retreat at Hero Way by Blackburn Homes. This intimate gated community of just 83 cottage by Blackburn Homes. This intimate gated community of just 83 cottage homes embraces the best of low maintenance living and is ideally situated in Leander, TX, minutes from Tollway 183A and Leander Metro Station, which means no matter where you need to be you can get there quickly. Starting in the mid $300's with homes embraces the best of low maintenance living and is ideally situated in Leander, TX, minutes from Tollway 183A and Leander Metro Station, which means no matter where you need to be you can get there quickly. Starting in the mid $300's with about RETREAT AT HERO WAY If lovely Hill Country views, comfort and you’ll love our charming cottage home community, The Retreat at Hero Way
NEW HOME SALES HALIE MARKUM hmarkum@blackburnhomes.com
DAY (512) 341-9212!
NEW HOME SALES HALIE MARKUM hmarkum@blackburnhomes.com NEW HOME SALES HALIE MARKUM hmarkum@blackburnhomes.com
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL TO BE THE 1 ST TO KNOW
various floorplans and gorgeous finishes. Call today to learn more! CONTACT US TODAY (512) 341-9212! various floorplans and gorgeous finishes. Call today to learn more! CONTACT US TODAY (512) 341-9212! various floorplans and gorgeous finishes. Call today to learn more! CONTACT US TODAY (512) 341-9212! various floorplans and gorgeous finishes. Call today to learn more! CONTACT US TODAY (512) 341-9212!
NEW HOME SALES HALIE MARKUM hmarkum@blackburnhomes.com
DIRECTOR OF SALES SEAN MOTALEBI seanm@blackburnhomes.com
NEW HOME SALES HALIE MARKUM hmarkum@blackburnhomes.com
DIRECTOR OF SALES SEAN MOTALEBI seanm@blackburnhomes.com
NEW HOME SALES HALIE MARKUM hmarkum@blackburnhomes.com
DIRECTOR OF SALES SEAN MOTALEBI seanm@blackburnhomes.com
DIRECTOR OF SALES SEAN MOTALEBI seanm@blackburnhomes.com
PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY
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THIS ISSUE
MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Denise Seiler EDITOR Claire Shoop REPORTERS Grant Crawford, Zacharia Washington GRAPHIC DESIGNER Alissa Foss METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Travis Baker MANAGING EDITOR Amy Denney COPY EDITOR Kasey Salisbury ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Rachal Elliott CONTACT US 16225 Impact Way, Ste. 1, Pugerville, TX 78660 • 5129896808 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES llhnews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING llhads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter SUPPORT US Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today. We have expanded to include hundreds of team members and have created our own software platform and printing facility. CI delivers 35+ localized editions across Texas to more than 2.5 million residential mailboxes.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH
FROM DENISE: As we gear up for the students to head back to school, we wanted to take a look into not only the teacher shortages the districts are facing but take it a step further to address other areas in schools that are experiencing sta shortages. In this annual Education Edition, you will read about how districts are lacking in behind-the- scenes employees and what they are doing to address these issues. Denise Seiler, GENERAL MANAGER
FROM CLAIRE: This paper contains Community Impact’s annual Education Edition, which focuses on public education. Our front-page story talks about how Leander ISD and Liberty Hill ISD are navigating stang shortages in departments such as transportation, child nutrition and custodial services. We also have stories about a new law that requires an armed security guard to be located on every campus (see Page 19) and the recently revised Texas Education Agency A-F rating system (see Pages 24-25). Wishing students and families the best as they head back to school! Claire Shoop, EDITOR
CORRECTION: Volume 1, Issue 3 Clare Losey joined the Austin Board of Realtors as its housing economist in March.
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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION • AUGUST 2023
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
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COURTESY AGAVE VETERINARY CARE AND EXOTIC ANIMAL HOSPITAL
FEATURED IMPACT NOW OPEN Pet boarding center Paws Landing held a soft opening July 2. Located at 1673 US 183, Leander, Paws Landing oers boarding services for dogs and cats. Owner Pam Register said the business plans to add dog day care and grooming in August. The business also provides 24-hour monitoring, an indoor exercise room, indoor and outdoor play areas, and kennels of various sizes. 512-548-6736 www.pawslandinglh.com Paws Landing oers cat and dog boarding services. COURTESY PAWS LANDING
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COURTESY COLBURN CHIROPRACTIC
COMING SOON 6 Construction on a Chili’s location in Bar W Marketplace is anticipated to begin by the end of the year. Slated to open in May 2024, the Chili’s will serve fajitas, burgers, steaks, pasta, chicken, quesadillas and desserts. While an exact address is not yet available, it will be at the southeast corner of Ronald Reagan Boulevard and Hwy. 29. www.chilis.com 7 Trippiez Smoke Shop is planning to open its fth Austin-area location in Leander in August. The business oers a variety of vapes, THC pens, CBD and delta-8 products as well as water pipes, ashtrays, grinders, hookahs, kratom, shisha, lighters and backpacks. The shop will be located at 11699 Hero Way W., Leander. www.trippiez.com 8 Construction on a second Leander location of Appliances Club is sched- uled to begin in early 2024. Located at 186 Mourning Dove Lane, Leander, the home improvement store will oer cabinets; ooring; roong; and appli- ances, such as refrigerators, washers, dryers and microwaves. The store is anticipating a late 2024 opening. www.appliancesclub.com
LEANDER NOW OPEN 1 Hounds Town opened its rst Central Texas location in Leander on July 29. Operating nationwide, Hounds Town provides day care, boarding, spa groom- ing services and transportation for dogs as well as boarding services for cats. Owned by Chris Duncan, the new facil- ity is located at 10181 E. Crystal Falls Parkway, Ste. 102, Leander. 512-986-7317. www.houndstownusa.com 2 The rst Austin-area location of Curry Fusion opened July 27 at 10824 E. Crystal Falls Parkway, Bldg. 1, Stes. 101-102, Leander. Curry Fusion’s menu features traditional Indian cuisine, such as biryani, curry and masala. The menu also includes American food and drinks, such as sandwiches, burgers, milkshakes and boba tea. Curry Fusion is owned by Ravi Pulicherla. 512-337-7148. www.curryfusionaustin.com 3 Agave Veterinary Care and Exotic Animal Hospital opened May 22 at 10824 E. Crystal Falls Parkway, Ste. 603, Leander. Owned and led by Sarah Miller,
Agave Veterinary Care is a full-service hospital providing vaccines, preventive care, blood work, same-day appointments for sick visits, X-rays, ultrasounds, dentistry services and surgery. In addition to care for cats and dogs, the practice also treats exotic animal species, such as ferrets, guinea pigs and reptiles. 512-559-6300. www.agavevetcare.com 4 Nationwide beauty parlor Salons by JC opened at 11620 Hero Way W., Ste. 230, Leander, on Aug. 3. With over 150 loca- tions, Salons by JC specializes in women’s and men’s services, such as haircuts, coloring, extensions, eyelashes, nails, wax- ing, massages and natural hair care. The business also oers a clothing boutique. 512-524-6228. www.salonsbyjc.com 5 Colburn Chiropractic opened an oce at 2906 S. Bagdad Road, Ste. 230, Leander, on June 5. The practice focuses on pain-relieving care and adjustments using a holistic approach. Patients can receive services such as red-light laser therapy, hydrotherapy and profession- al Theragun massages. The business is owned by chiropractor Devin Colburn and his wife, Marcel Colburn. 512-456-7825. www.colburnchiro.com
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9 Niva Dental Specialists is antici- pating an early November opening at 15141 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 516, Leander. Owned and led by oral surgeon Dr. Shouvik Ponnusamy, the practice will oer multidisciplinary specialty care with treatment in endodontics, periodontics and oral surgery. Ponnusamy said the practice will begin with services such as wisdom teeth removal and dental implants, and as the business grows, it will introduce other specialty services. 512-881-8852. www.nivads.com
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
COMPILED BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON
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Impact Family Wellness
Michelle’s Patisserie
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COURTESY MICHELLE’S PATISSERIE
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7 Michelle’s Patisserie is looking to open its second location at 1908 Loop 332, Liberty Hill, in early December. The bakery specializes in tea parties, custom cakes, wedding cakes and an assortment of desserts as well as catering options, such as a Taste of Asia and a Taste of Summer. Michelle’s Patisserie is owned and operated by Michelle Doyon. The original bakery is located on RM 620 in Austin. www.michellespatisserie.com 8 Auto repair shop Brakes Plus is anticipated to open in January. Brakes Plus provides services such as brake inspections, oil changes, tire rotations and fuel systems cleaning in addition to repairs for air conditioning, steering and suspension, exhausts, and radia- tors. The new shop will be located at 12336 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill. Brakes Plus has locations in several states nation- wide. www.brakesplus.com
COMING SOON 5 Pizza Hut is anticipated to open at 13900 W. Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill, in December, a company representa- tive said. The restaurant chain oers pizza; pasta; wings; cheese sticks; salads; and desserts, such as brownies and cinnamon sticks. This will be the rst Pizza Hut location in Liberty Hill. www.pizzahut.com 6 Building and site plans for thrift store Goodwill were led in July with construc- tion scheduled to start in January. Goodwill is a nonprot organization that sells pre- owned clothing, housewares, jewelry, elec- tronics, shoes and collectables. The thrift store has several locations throughout the Austin area. The Liberty Hill location at 110 Bronco Blvd. will be the rst in the city, and it is anticipated to open in fall 2024. www.goodwillcentraltexas.org
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3 Impact Family Wellness opened its sec- ond location at 9017 W. Hwy. 29, Bldg. 1, Ste. 205, Liberty Hill, on July 17. Owned by Monica McKitterick, the primary care pro- vider provides prescriptions, disease treat- ment and weight loss management services as well as care for chronic diseases, acute illnesses, women’s health and wounds. Im- pact Family Wellness is membership based and does not take insurance. 512-537-2177. www.impactfamilywellness.com 4 Quality Storage Buildings opened at 15570 W. Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill, on June 26. The business specializes in manufacturing and selling portable storage buildings, garages, run-in sheds, barns and cabin shells. Quality Storage Buildings oers free delivery and setups within 50 miles. 512-777-5596. www.qsbuildings.com
1 Indian grocery store Gandhi Bazar opened at 9101 W. Hwy. 29, Ste. 101, Liberty Hill, in June. The supermarket oers fresh produce, frozen items, spices and condiments, dairy products, grains, in- stant foods, and sweets. The family-owned store has two other locations in Aus- tin. 512-515-3002. www.gandhi-bazar.com 2 Tea2Go TeaN’ergy opened a location at 15050 W. Hwy. 29, Ste. 200, Liberty Hill, on July 8. With several locations across Texas, the store features specialty drinks, such as Skinny Tea, Tropical Sangria and Italian Cream Soda as well as energy drinks. 512-778-4033. www.tea2go.us
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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION • AUGUST 2023
NEW HOMESITES RELEASED P ARMER R ANCH
CHOOSE FROM 60’ LOTS AND 10 FLOORPLANS
Get first pick of new homesites available in Parmer Ranch Steps away from the new amenity center and new Benold Middle School
VISIT US TODAY 2408 Nate’s Place, Georgetown, TX 78633 JERREL REYNOLDS jerrelr@sitterlehomes.com 903-279-7255
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IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
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Top Shot
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expected to open in October. ISI Elite Training provides 50-minute coach- led tness sessions aimed at building self-condence; increasing muscular strength, endurance and explosive power; and improving ¤exibility, speed and agility. 737-900-4768. www.isielitetraining.com CLOSINGS 7 Hedgehog Brewing shut down its operations at 3200 Woodall Drive, Ste. C-1, Cedar Park, on June 9. The brewery and taproom served Cedar Park and the Austin area beers featured at bars and retail locations from Georgetown to Kyle, owner Jonathan Harris said. 8 Lucy’s Fried Chicken closed June 25 at 401 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. A-108, Cedar Park, a representative with the business said. The restaurant served fried chicken, chicken fried steak, burgers, sandwiches and pies along- side a full bar. The remaining South Congress Avenue-area location at 2218 College Ave., Austin, is still open. www.lucysfriedchicken.com
and is expected to open this fall. The 29,000-square-foot facility will include 14 courts, a pro shop, an exercise gym, lockers and a mezzanine level for viewing. www.topshottx.com 5 Austin bagel shop Nervous Charlie’s is expected to open a location Sept. 1 at 410 W. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park. Owners Chris Cunningham and Ali White opened Nervous Charlie’s o North Lamar Boulevard in 2018 after moving to Austin from New York. The shop—named after the couple’s dog Charlie—makes New York-inspired breakfast and lunch sandwiches, cream cheese, and bagels in-house using dough shipped from New York City. Popular menu items include the bacon, egg and cheese or sau- sage, egg and cheese classic sandwich; the pastrami hash sandwich; and the Longhorn Sandwich, Cunningham said.
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Taconmaye’s Lakeline Mall food court loca- tion closed June 26 at 11200 Lakeline Mall Drive, Cedar Park, to shift services to the new restaurant. The locally owned business has a food truck in Georgetown and a kitchen at Red Horn Brewery & Roastery in Leander. www.conmaye.com 3 PopShelf opened in Lakeline Plaza at 11066 Pecan Park Blvd., Bldg. A, Ste. 111, Cedar Park on Aug. 8, after press time. As a discount retail store, the majority of PopShelf’s items cost $5 or less. The chain sells home and seasonal decor, beauty and health products, home cleaning supplies, arts and crafts, household and special- ty items, items for party planning and entertaining, toys, and more. Cedar Park’s PopShelf is expected to hire up to 15 new employees. www.popshelf.com COMING SOON 4 Top Shot , an indoor pickleball and badminton facility, broke ground in May at 840 N. Vista Ridge Blvd., Cedar Park,
1 Petbar , a pet grooming boutique, opened July 21 at 406 W. Whitestone Blvd., Bldg. 2, Ste. 204, Cedar Park. The business provides luxury pet grooming and washing services with a self-service wash- ing option for pet owners. Petbar provides consultations for new pets and counsels pet owners on how to best care for their pets, Sunwest Communications represen- tative Kelly Hunter said. 512-482-6130. www.petbarinc.com 2 Conmaye Mexican Bar and Grill opened June 28 in Northwest Austin at 10700 Anderson Mill Road, Ste. 109, Aus- tin. The new restaurant is the rst dining room and full bar experience by Tacon- maye owners Carlos Zuniga, Angie Zuniga, Daniel Delgado and Stephanie Delgado. Conmaye serves Taconmaye’s al pastor and carne asada tacos, nachos, and birria as well as new items, such as seafood. The full bar features a variety of tequilas and mezcals.
www.nervouscharlies.com 6 Construction for ISI Elite
Training-Cedar Park began in July at 14105 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 101, Cedar Park. The boutique tness fran- chise’s new Cedar Park location is
Give them a Clearer Picture
lakelinevision.com
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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION • AUGUST 2023
TO DO LIST AUGUST 16 DRINK MOM OSAS
COMPILED BY CLAIRE SHOOP
26 SUPPORT FORMER FOSTER YOUTH Bates Mission, a Leander-based nonpro¡t organization that provides household necessities, mentorship, and job training and placement to young adults who aged out of the foster care system, will host its two-year anniversary party. The event will include dinner, prizes and a silent auction. 5-8:30 p.m. $16 (age 12 and younger), $30 (age 13 and older). Tickets must be purchased by Aug. 17. Hill Country Bible Church Lakeline, 12124 N. RM 620, Austin. 512-591-8321. www.batesmission.org 26 SPEND A NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM The Williamson Museum is inviting families from around the county to solve the mystery of the missing gem. The event will include a variety of crafts and activities. 6-9 p.m. $5 (children members), $8 (children nonmembers), $10 (adult members), $12 (adult nonmembers). 716 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown. 512-943-1670. www.williamsonmuseum.org 26 CELEBRATE NATIONAL DOG DAY Lucky Rabbit will host a national dog day party with a variety of local vendors. The event will include Texas Humane Heroes on-site with dogs available for adoption, mobile dog groomer Haute Dawgz, pet
food truck A Pup’s Life and boarder Liberty Hill Dog Ranch. 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Free (admission). 18626 RM 1431, Jonestown. 512-382-5035. www.luckyrabbitbar.com SEPTEMBER 07 LEARN ABOUT THE LOCAL MARKET The Leander Real Estate Summit will bring together local Realtors, developers and industry leaders to discuss the latest real estate news from throughout the city. This year’s event will feature keynote speeches from Mayor Christine DeLisle and Mark Sprague of Independence Title as well as breakout sessions. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $75 (members), $95 (nonmembers); sponsorship opportunities available. Life Church, 1393 E. Woodview Drive, Leander. 512-259-1907. www.leandercc.org 10 ATTEND AN EDUCATION FUNDRAISER The Liberty Hill ISD Education Foundation will host Derby on the Hill, a fundraiser event that will include designer purse bingo, ra§e drawings, giveaways, games and other activities. Funds raised at the event will go toward the education foundation’s mission. 1-5 p.m. $95; sponsorship opportunities available. Lone Star Oaks, 3354 CR 236, Liberty Hill. www.lhisdeducationfoundation.org
The Turquoise Peacock Boutique will host its third annual Mom-osa Bar to coincide with many area students heading back to school. Customers are invited to sip on a mimosa while shopping the store’s summer sale. 10 a.m.-noon. Free (admission). 660 S. Bagdad Road, Leander. 432-853-1253. www.turquoisepeacockboutique.com 19 BECOME A BREAD EXPERT The Williamson County AgriLife Extension Oce will host an interactive bread baking workshop that will teach participants how wheat goes from crop to food, how to sustain yeast starters, how to mill our and how to bake bread. Online registration is available. 9 a.m.-noon. $30. 100 Wilco Way, Georgetown. 512-943-3300. https://williamson.agrilife.org 25 JAM TO R&B R&B group Jodeci will perform at the H-E-B Center. The group, made up of members JoJo, K-Ci, DeVante Swing and Mr. Dalvin, got back together in 2021. The Cedar Park performance will also feature guests Joe and Tamar Braxton. 6:30 p.m. (doors open), 7:30 p.m. (show begins). $69 and up. 2100 Ave. of the Stars, Cedar Park. 512-600-5000. www.hebcenter.com
WORTH THE TRIP Aug. 26 Get batty Austin’s 17th annual Bat Fest will be held at Congress Avenue Bridge, where guests can watch 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats head out for their nightly ight. The event will include live music from George Birge, Tim Dugger and Mike Jones as well as a bat costume contest with a $100 prize. 4 p.m.-midnight. Free (age 10 and under), $25 (early bird tickets), $30 (general admission). 100 S. Congress Ave., Austin. 512-441-9015 www.roadwayevents.com/ event/bat-fest COURTESY AUSTIN BAT FEST The annual event celebrates the 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats that live in Austin.
Find more or submit Leander and Liberty Hill events at communityimpact.com/event-calendar. Event organizers can submit local events online to be considered for the print edition. Submitting details for consideration does not guarantee publication.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
TRANSPORTATION UPDATES Mobility Authority anticipates 39% more revenues
UPCOMING PROJECTS
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RISING REVENUES Revenues for the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority are anticipated to rise about 39% for scal year 2023-24.
according to Mobility Authority documents. The FY 2023-24 budget runs from July 1 to June 30. Budget explained: The organization antici- pates revenues to rise 39% in FY 2023-24 to $257.19 million, compared to $184.88 million in FY 2022-23. The largest percentage increases are from toll tag revenue and video toll collection, with 21.9% and 68.8% increases, respectively. Expenses are also anticipated to rise 19.7% in FY 2023-24 to $168.7 million, compared to $140.9 million in FY 2022-23. Most of the increased expenditures come from maintaining roads, which increased around 30%.
BY GRACE DICKENS
The Central Texas Regional Mobility Author- ity passed its scal year 2023-24 budget June 26, approving a decade-high revenue amount of $257.19 million, or a 39% year-over-year increase compared to FY 2022-23. The background: The Mobility Authority manages transpor- tation systems in Travis and Williamson counties. It oversees several area toll roads, including 183A Toll, 183 North, 290 Toll, MoPac, Hwy. 71 and SH 45 N. Created in 2002, the Mobility Authority has seen continued year-over-year growth in its revenues budget for at least the last 10 years,
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San Gabriel Parkway at US 183 intersection improvements
Total: $184.88M Total: $257.19M
+39.11%
ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF JULY 27. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT LLHNEWSCOMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. Ocials said the project is under review by the Leander planning and engineer- ing departments and is anticipated to go to bid in August. Timeline: fall 2023-early spring 2024 Cost: $530,000 Funding source: Capital Metro Build Central Texas Program The city of Leander is preparing to start a project that will widen eastbound San Gabriel Parkway just before the US 183 intersection and install a right-turn lane to feed southbound trac onto the highway. These improvements are aimed to ease congestion in the area, according to the city. The addition of a right-turn lane will also promote better intersec- tion access for emergency vehicles.
$126.19M
Tag revenue
$153.79M
$38.13M
Video tolls
$64.35M
$15.88M
Fee revenue
$12.96M
$4.68M
*Miscellaneous revenue
$26.08M
SOURCE: CENTRAL TEXAS REGIONAL MOBILITY AUTHORITYCOMMUNITY IMPACT
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11
LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION • AUGUST 2023
DEVELOPMENT BRIEFS
Projects underway in the Leander & Liberty Hill area
BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON
Liberty Hill pauses Heritage Ridge development, cites trac concerns
Due to concerns about trac congestion, Liberty Hill City Council postponed any further movement on the Heritage Ridge development at 13101 W. Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill. What happened: The unanimous vote to pause the development of Heritage Ridge came at a June 28 council meeting, where BCB Liberty Hill Investors submitted an application proposing to construct three buildings for eating establishments with drive- thrus and associated parking on the site. The backstory: The Texas Department of Transpor- tation previously approved Lot 1, which is located closest to the corner of Hwy. 29 and Champion- ship Drive, for two drive-thrus in 2020. However, the addition of the third drive-thru on the lot is what triggered the proposal being postponed at a May City Council meeting.
PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENTS
332
2 3B
Developers are looking to bring multiple eating establishments with drive-thrus to the Heritage Ridge development, which is located near two schools. The development already includes a Starbucks on Lot 2 and will have two additional lots after Lot 3B. 1 Lot 1 (undeveloped)
29
1
3A
NOBLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
2 Lot 2 (developed) • Starbucks
• Popeyes • Wendy's • Unknown third tenant 3A Lot 3A (undeveloped) • Blue Sky Burgers
LIBERTY HILL MIDDLE SCHOOL
N
3B Lot 3B (undeveloped) • Panda Express
SOURCE: CITY OF LIBERTY HILLCOMMUNITY IMPACT
A review determined the change would cause trac counts to increase slightly, prompting developers to plan to add turn lanes into Heritage Ridge from Championship Drive. Liberty Hill ISD, however, has not given approval for the added lanes on the district’s portion of the street.
The action taken : Council voted to postpone the development pending approval from LHISD and written approval from TxDOT stating they’ve reviewed the site and trac counts. Once approvals are obtained, council will host a special meeting on the proposal.
Leander stakeholders consider next steps for Bryson Farmstead Leander City Council in conjunc- tion with the Leander Chamber of Commerce and the Leander Historic Preservation Committee discussed possible plans for the redevelopment of Bryson Farmstead in June. The overview: Ocials laid out plans for the buildings on the property, which is located near the intersection of 183A Toll and San Gabriel Parkway, to act as a gathering space for the chamber. Another idea mentioned was having a hotel convention center near or adjacent to the property.
L
183A TOLL
183
Yellow House Foundation broke ground July 21 in Leander.
N
N
COURTESY YELLOW HOUSE FOUNDATION
Nonprot begins work on new site The Yellow House Foundation held a groundbreaking ceremony June 21 for its new Leander building. Located at 804 Leander Drive, the organization’s new building—set to open Jan. 1—will be larger in size, spanning more than 6,000 square feet, which will allow Yellow House Foundation to meet the demand for
Sta also presented plans for parking on-site, one of which included fewer spaces and a roundabout. While council did not select a specic plan for the historical site, it was agreed city sta will proceed with design work. Bryson Farmstead was con- structed in 1872 by J.C. and Nancy Bryson, who were founding residents of Leander. The city accepted the deed for 6 acres of the property in 2019.
its services and have room for future expansions, Head of Fundraising Hal Cromwell said. The YHF has been serving the area since 1983 by holding weekly meetings to help people with alcohol and substance use recovery. Due to Cedar Park’s Bell District development, the YHF lost its location of 18 years. The orga- nization has been temporarily operating out of a building located at 501 S. Bell Blvd., Cedar Park.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
ENVIRONMENT Community responds as temperatures soar
HEAT-RELATED CALLS ON THE RISE
The number of heat-related 911 calls Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services has responded to has increased consistently over the past three years. Williamson County Emergency Medical Services also responded to more heat-related calls this June versus June 2022.
Record-breaking heat has taken over Central Texas this summer, and weather experts predict this will continue through at least Septem- ber. As a result, ocials are oering to help residents beat the heat. The National Weather Service issued the rst heat advisory of the year for Central Texas on June 13, and the area has been under a heat advisory most days since then. The region reached a record heat index value of 118 degrees June 21, and experts suggested the future will be lled with an increasing number of heat waves. John Moore, a meteorologist for the National Oceanic and Atmo- spheric Administration, conrmed Central Texas has a 50%-60% proba- bility of experiencing above-average temperatures well into September. Mike Knipstein, Williamson County Emergency Medical Services director, also conrmed the hotter-than-normal temperatures in Central Texas. BY AMANDA CUTSHALL & CHLOE YOUNG
“It looks like July is going to be our record-breaking [month] related to heat emergencies,” said Knipstein, explaining Williamson County EMS had responded to 33 heat-related calls as of July 18. The previous record for heat-related calls received by Williamson County EMS in one month was 49 calls, set in July 2022. The department passed that number in July 2023 with a record-setting 50 calls. Additionally, Knipstein said the county has also seen more heat stroke calls in recent years, respond- ing to ve heat stroke-related emergencies in July 2022 and three in July 2023. Anna Madrigal, program manager for Family Eldercare—an organiza- tion that gives free fans to those in need—said nearly 5,000 fans had been distributed this year as of July 21, assisting nearly 200 families in Williamson County. The organiza- tion distributed 7,200 fans in 2022.
Williamson County EMS 911 calls
15 30 45 60 0
June 2021
June 2022
June 2023
SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTY EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICESCOMMUNITY IMPACT
Austin-Travis County EMS 911 calls
50 100 150 200 0
June 2021
June 2022
June 2023
SOURCE: AUSTINTRAVIS COUNTY EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICESCOMMUNITY IMPACT
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
PBM rates are higher than the tag rate to cover the additional processing cost.
Late payment fees do apply
PAY BY MAIL
ELECTRONIC TAG
VS
The Mobility Authority is not TxTag
We accept a variety of electronic tags
If tolls are not paid by an electronic tag account, then they are billed through our Pay By Mail (PBM) process. PBM payments on Mobility Authority operated roads must be paid directly to the Mobility Authority.
There’s a reason you might get a bill in the mail even if you have an electronic tag
There are payment options everywhere
SAVE 33%
Keep your electronic tag account in good standing
We use your address on file with the Texas DMV for bills
Learn what to do when you sell your car
Using the Pay By Mail program costs you more
TOLL RATES
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.
13
LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION • AUGUST 2023
GOVERNMENT New ETJ law lets residents leave city jurisdiction
BEYOND BOUNDARIES Many cities in the greater Austin area have extraterritorial jurisdictions, or areas outside of ocial city limits they have control over.
City limits
ETJs
GEORGETOWN Population: City does not track, but includes several large neighborhoods Size: 77,075.2 acres
BY CHLOE YOUNG
A new state law going into eect in September could largely impact the ability of cities to expand and regulate the land neighboring their city limits. Local leaders have expressed con- cerns that a lack of city control might negatively impact development and place more weight on the county. Zooming out: Senate Bill 2038, which passed in the state legislature in May, allows residents of an extraterritorial jurisdiction to leave the city’s ETJ through a petition or election. The law also prevents city ETJs from expand- ing as cities annex new territories. Bennett Sandlin, executive director of the Texas Municipal League, said ETJs allow cities to regulate the following outside of city limits: • Development standards • Subdivisions • Billboards • Nuances, noise and odors State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, the bill's author, said he wanted it to be an exit path for ETJ residents who are displeased with regulations from city leaders they can’t vote for. Under the law, those who leave an ETJ would only be subject to county rules or could create their own incorporation. “The purpose is to get people out of what eectively is no representation,” Bettencourt said.
ROUND ROCK Population: 60,994 Size: 18,451.86 acres
29
CEDAR PARK Population: 20,116 Size: 4,881.82 acres SOURCES: CITIES OF CEDAR PARK, GEORGETOWN & ROUND ROCKCOMMUNITY IMPACT
35
130
183
183A TOLL
79
and Williamson County expressed concern about the following: • Long-term impact on ability for cities to grow • Future requirements of the county to provide emergency and law Long-term impact on Future requirements of
45
MOPAC
620
N
enforcement services • Unregulated growth • The ability for cities to plan for and deliver utilities • Challenges for future residents in the ETJ wishing to annex into cities In their own words: Williamson County Precinct 2 Commissioner Cynthia Long said she’s concerned about the county’s ability to take over platting, law enforcement and emergency services for new areas. “[The county] will end up having Unregulated growth
to take over, and we don’t currently have the sta, so we’ll have to increase our sta and it’ll drive county costs up,” Long said. Additionally, Georgetown Mayor Josh Schroeder said unregulated development could mean that an area that would usually allow for 300 mobile homes could be built up to 1,000 units. “I think it’s going to just allow
for unregulated, very fast paced growth. It’s a huge impact,” Schroeder said. What’s next: As city and county leaders remain uncertain of what the bill’s full impact will be, Bettencourt said the state legisla- ture would be keeping an eye on the bill’s implications once it goes into eect in September.
The outlook: Leaders in Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park
14
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
CITY & COUNTY
News from Georgetown, Leander, Liberty Hill & Williamson County
COMPILED BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON
Leander City Council will meet Aug. 17 and Sept. 7 at 6 p.m. at 201 N. Brushy St., Leander. 512-528-2700. www.leandertx.gov Liberty Hill City Council will meet Aug. 9 and 23 at 6 p.m. at 2801 RM 1869, Liberty Hill. 512-778-5449. www.libertyhilltx.gov Travis County Commissioners Court will meet Aug. 15, 22 and 29 at 9 a.m. at 700 Lavaca St., Austin. 512-854-9020. www.traviscountytx.gov Williamson County Commissioners Court will meet Aug. 15, 22 and 29 at 9:30 a.m. at 710 S. Main St., Georgetown. 512-943-1100. www.wilcotx.gov MEETINGS WE COVER HIGHLIGHTS WILLIAMSON COUNTY River Ranch County Park opened to the public July 22, after several years of planning, preparation and construction. Located at 194 Reveille Way, Liberty Hill, the park spans about 1,354 acres and oers amenities, including camp sites, an equestrian area, an interpretive center, hiking trails and restrooms. LEANDER City Council voted unanimously to dissolve the Leander Library Foundation on July 6, leaving its team to focus more on fundraising eorts that support the library. The bookstore that was previously under the foundation will go back to the Leander Public Library, which will now maintain it, and all funding remaining with the foundation will also go to the library. LIBERTY HILL City Council discussed Williamson County’s proposal to begin charging a fee for the police department’s dispatch calls July 26. While no action was taken, council considered implementing a separate system to track routine dispatch calls. If Williamson County goes through with the change it would cost the city more than $400,000 annually.
WilCo opens economic development oce in Korea WILLIAMSON COUNTY O - cials with the Williamson County Economic Development Partnership announced the opening of its oce in Seoul, South Korea, on July 1. WHAT THEY’RE SAYING “We have placed a sign in the sky that says, ‘Williamson
County is open for business.’ This oce gives us boots on the ground locally so that when companies come to [ the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency] wanting to do business in the U.S., they can walk them down the hall to our oces.” BILL GRAVELL, WILLIAMSON COUNTY JUDGE
Some Georgetown water customers under Stage 3 limits GEORGETOWN City ocials announced July 17 residents in the western portion of its water service area will remain under Stage 3 of the drought contingency plan through Sept. 4. This part of the service area is described in a city news release as being southwest of Williams Drive, west of DB Wood Road and west of the Southwest Bypass. In a nutshell: The main purpose of the WilCo EDP’s new oce in South Korea is to pinpoint South Korean companies looking to expand in the United States, and help and encourage them to locate in Williamson County. With construction on the new Samsung semiconductor manufactur- ing facility underway in Taylor, there is a demand for suppliers to locate in Central Texas, WilCo EDP Executive Director Dave Porter said at the July 25 Commissioners Court meeting. The new oce will target industry sectors, such as research, life sciences, automotive and software, in addition to semiconductor suppliers.
A closer look: The new oce in South Korea is colocated with the headquar- ters of the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, or KOTRA, which is a South Korean state-funded trade and investment promotion organiza- tion, according to the news release. Through a partnership with Global Business Partners for stang, the South Korean oce has already produced two leads for the WilCo EDP in the short time it’s been open. One of the WilCo EDP’s South
Council delays Old Town plan approval LEANDER After postponing the approval of the nal draft of the Old Town Master Plan in May due to missing elements in the documents, City Council decided July 20 to again delay approving the item because of several outstanding “errors.” What’s next?: Kimley-Horn engi- neer Jake Gutekunst understood council’s feedback, and he said the revised document will be ready by council’s Sept. 7 meeting. Korean oce’s rst projects includes hosting a half-day seminar Sept. 12 focusing on how to conduct business in Williamson County. Economic development leaders, city man- agers and others from Williamson County will be in attendance, and they are anticipating meeting with 100-150 companies. Movement on this project began in April when the county began visiting South Korea and approved its partner- ship with KOTRA.
AFFECTED AREAS
The west portion of Georgetown’s water service area, which remains under Stage 3 restrictions, includes: • the Parkside neighborhood • the Santa Rita Ranch neighborhood • the Parmer Ranch neighborhood • the Water Oak neighborhood • the Liberty Hill extraterritorial jurisdiction Under Stage 3, residents cannot: • use irrigation systems or hose-end sprinklers • wash their vehicles at home • install turf or grass • ll outdoor spas and hot tubs
SOURCE: CITY OF GEORGETOWN COMMUNITY IMPACT
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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION • AUGUST 2023
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