Round Rock Edition | February 2024

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Round Rock Edition VOLUME 19, ISSUE 6 FEB.3MARCH 5, 2024

2024 Voter Guide

Construction workers prepare one of the server rooms inside Sabey Data Centers in Round Rock. (Grant Crawford/Community Impact)

Data centers converge on area to meet tech needs

Development Corporation. “Most data centers, of any size, are going to put as much as a billion dollars on the ground. There are signicant investments in personal property and capital investment in the building itself. That obviously hits the tax base favorably.”

shape in the area, city ocials and industry lead- ers expect substantial economic investments to the surrounding communities, with an estimated boost in sales and property tax revenue. “[Data centers] tend to be a very strong asset to have in your community,” said Amy Mad- ison, director of the Pugerville Community

BY HALEY MCLEOD

The recent inux of high-tech infrastructure to the Round Rock, Pugerville and Hutto area has underscored the region’s appeal as a hub for digital innovation. With new data center developments taking

CONTINUED ON 26

Also in this issue

Impacts: A Go Go Sushi and Ramen to open in Round Rock (Page 7)

Government: Amazon plans move forward (Page 12)

Election: March 5 primary election guide (Page 14)

Development Google Fiber begins construction (Page 23)

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Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity. About Community Impact

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Brittany Anderson Elle Bent Amanda Cutshall Kameryn Griesser Sarah Hernandez April Kelley Sierra Martin Katy McAfee Haley McLeod Hannah Norton Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Amira Van Leeuwen Zacharia Washington Chloe Young Graphic Designers Rachal Elliott Alissa Foss Gloria Gonzalez Melissa Johnson Sabrina Musachia

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Minh Nguyen Joseph Veloz Copy Editors Adrian Gandara Beth Marshall Managing Editor Darcy Sprague Senior Art Production Manager Haley Grace Publisher Travis Baker

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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

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Impacts

4 Two Hands Fresh Corn Dogs The restaurant offers a variety of Korean-style specialty corn dogs, ranging from traditional options to corn dogs coated in crispy rice puffs, potato cubes and spicy ingredients. They also serve several beverages, including slushes as well as milk and boba teas. • Opened in November • 201 University Blvd., Ste. 540, Round Rock • www.twohandsus.com 5 Trooper Smoke & Vape Gallery The veteran-owned business opened in central Round Rock in January. The smoke and vape shop offers a variety of vaping and smoking supplies. • Opened Jan. 8 • 3141 Eagles Nest St., Ste. 250, Round Rock • Facebook: Trooper Smoke & Vape Gallery 6 Urban Betty Urban Betty opened its third location in Round Rock in January. The Austin-based salon was first opened in 2005 by Chelle Neff. The hair salon offers complimentary beverages to its clients, and is a Green Circle Salon. This means up to 95% of materials previously considered waste, such as hair foils, hair, aerosol cans and other materials, are recycled and repurposed. • Opening Jan. 16 • 3001 Joe DiMaggio Blvd., Ste. 1350, Round Rock • www.urbanbetty.com

130 TOLL

N. A.W. GRIMES BLVD.

Round Rock

110

EAGLES NEST ST.

1431

KENNEY FORT BLVD.

JOE DIMAGGIO BLVD.

130 TOLL

W. BOWMAN RD.

KALAHARI BLVD.

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GREENLAWN BLVD.

HERITAGE CENTER CIR.

45 TOLL

S. A.W. GRIMES BLVD.

LOUIS HENNA BLVD.

MOPAC

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Round Rock

footprint with a new Express Care clinic that opened in January. Diane Plas, a family nurse practitioner with Harbor Health, said the clinic will fill a need for clinics meeting urgent care needs in northeast Round Rock, the next level between the health system’s general practice clinics and local emergency rooms. • Opened Jan. 22 • Located at 455 University Blvd., Ste. 400, Round Rock • www.harborhealth.com 3 Poker House Austin The legal gambling club, bar and restaurant has 25 poker tables and a variety of pay-for-play options. • Opened Jan. 1 • 2400 S. I-35, Ste. 160, Round Rock • www.pokerhouseaustin.com

Coming soon

7 Austin Regional Clinic The clinic is planning a third Round Rock location near Greenlawn Boulevard, with completion of the facility tentatively set for 2025, according to ARC Chief Financial Officer Brandon Teenier. Teenier said the new facility is planned as a multispecialty clinic and will include an outpatient surgery center. • Opening TBA • 3207 Greenlawn Blvd., Round Rock • www.austinregionalclinic.com 8 Club Car Wash A new Club Car Wash location is expected to open this spring in Round Rock. The car washing facility will

Now open

1 Big Frog Custom T-shirts & More The locally-owned franchise offers custom T-shirt design in a variety of sizes and colors, as well as custom designs for bags and accessories, headwear, sweatshirts and polos. • Opened Jan. 17 • 206 W. Main St., Ste. 112, Round Rock • www.bigfrog.com/roundrock

2 Harbor Health The health care provider expanded its Round Rock

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offer both individual and subscription-based services, with a selection of tiers based on different levels of cleaning available. • Opening this spring • 901 N. A.W. Grimes Blvd., Round Rock • www.clubcarwash.com 9 Wing Zone Wing Zone is a Las Vegas-based chain that is known for its menu of bone-in and boneless chicken wings, hand- breaded chicken tenders and flavor-rubbed french fries. • Opening in April 2024 • 117 Louis Henna Blvd., Ste. 100, Round Rock • www.wingzone.com 10 HTeaO This will be the second locally-owned Round Rock location for the Texas-based beverage company, which is based in Dallas. HTeaO’s menu offers a variety of tea and coffee options as well as a special menu of drinks named “cotton candy,” “pink flamingo” and more. • Opening this summer • 16419 Ranch Road 620, Round Rock • www.hteao.com 11 Lively Delivery Services The Austin-based courier and storage company offers cartage, air-freight and warehouse space. • Opening June 2024 • 2020 S. A.W. Grimes, Bldg. 1, Ste. 140, Round Rock • https://lively-delivery-services.business.site 12 A Go Go Sushi and Ramen The new Japanese restaurant, owned by Kelvin Ng, will open at the former location of Gino’s Vino Osteria. • Opening in mid-February • 1400 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Ste. 200, Round Rock • 512-852-8111

Now open

14 MACS at Kalahari Resorts and Convention Center The gourmet macaroni and cheese shop sells pasta dishes, salads and various desserts. Kalahari Resorts houses over 20 food and beverage options, as well as a convention center, a salon, retail shopping and a water park. • Opened Jan. 2

16 Spotless Car Wash The car wash is now open in northeast Round Rock, just shy of Hutto’s extraterritorial jurisdiction line. The company provides several service options that range from $8 to $20 for a single wash, and the location is equipped with an express tunnel car wash and team of skilled professionals, according to the business’s website. • Opened Dec. 27 • 4500 University Blvd., Round Rock • www.spotlesscw.com

• 3001 Kalahari Blvd., Round Rock • www.kalahariresorts.com/texas

Dupuy, The Dance Spot offers a variety of classes for both children and adults in dance styles including but not limited to ballet, ballroom, jazz and contemporary. • Opened Jan. 27 • 4400 Sam Bass Road, Round Rock • www.dancespotx.com 15 Round Rock Chamber The Chamber moved operations to a temporary space in the Heritage Carriage House in Round Rock. The organization will operate out of the building until renovations are complete at its permanent home in the Griffith Building. The project is expected to be finished in 2025. • Relocated Dec. 15 • 910 Heritage Center Circle, Round Rock • www.roundrockchamber.org

Closings

17 Bargain Mart of Round Rock Bargain Mart of Round Rock, formerly known as Angie’s Discount Grocery, closed in December. The discount grocery store provided a wide selection of food items at discounted prices. • Closed in December • 206 W. Bowman Road, Round Rock

Relocations

13 The Dance Spot The Dance Spot celebrated its relocation to a new space near Sam Bass Road in January. Construction on the new space began in early 2022. Owned by Kathy

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Impacts

Pflugerville

A.W. GRIMES BLVD.

RED BUD LN.

Now open

45 TOLL

137

1 Prost Alehouse Texas The brewery in downtown Pflugerville offers a variety of craft beers brewed in-house, as well as fine wines and nonalcoholic beverages. The food menu includes street tacos, burgers, hot dogs and snacks, such as Bavarian pretzels, elote bowls and tater tots. • Opened Dec. 19 2 Dollar Tree Operating in the former location of a CVS, the store sells a variety of discount goods, including kitchen and home decor, office supplies, toys and crafts, cleaning tools, snacks, drinks, and seasonal decorations. This is the second Dollar Tree location in Pflugerville, with another operating in the city’s Stone Hill Town Center. • Opened mid-November • 1605 Wells Branch Parkway, Pflugerville • www.dollartree.com • 115 E. Main St., Pflugerville • www.prostalehouse.com 3 Down South CaJJun Eats The eatery opened its doors next to Ashley HomeStore

GREENLAWN BLVD.

7 8

LIMESTONE COMMERCIAL DR.

PFLUGER FARM LN.

Pflugerville

MAIN ST.

1825

130 TOLL

MAP NOT TO SCALE

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in Pflugerville. The restaurant will serve flavorful Cajun cuisine, including signature dishes, such as swamp grits, CaJJun boudain egg rolls, gumbo and more. Originally from Beaumont, brothers Jahmaal and Jermaine Dumes founded CaJJun Eats with a desire to bring authentic Southeast Texas- and Louisiana-style food to the area. • Opened Dec. 31 • 15424 FM 1825, Ste. 280, Pflugerville • www.cajjuneats.com 4 Pollo Regio The franchise’s new location is now open for business in Pflugerville. Only the second location in Central Texas, the quick-service restaurant will serve authentic mesquite-grilled chicken as well as a variety of traditional Mexican-style dishes, such as tortas, flautas and tacos. • Opened Jan. 22 • 16123 Dessau Road, Pflugerville • www.polloregio.com 5 Wilsonart Engineered-surfaces company Wilsonart has a new showroom and distribution facility, supplying high- pressure laminates and engineered composite materials used for countertops, office or retail space and furniture. • Opened Jan. 18 • 19101 North Heatherwilde Blvd., Bldg. 4, Ste. 100, Pflugerville • www.wilsonart.com

Coming soon

6 The Goat The dining and gathering space, a component of the 1,050-unit mixed-use development LC Pflugerville under construction near the Stone Hill shopping center, is expected to open by this summer. The Goat, which will be open to the public, will feature food, drinks and live music, according to the company’s website. • Opening this summer

• 18612 Pfluger Farm Lane, Pflugerville • www.lcgoat.com/locations/pflugerville

Closings

8 Gen Korean BBQ House The national restaurant chain will open a Pflugerville location in mid- to late 2024. The company is awaiting permit approval to take over the space previously occupied by Morelia Mexican Grill, co-CEO David Kim said. The menu boasts a variety of freshly prepared meats, seafood and vegetables, as well as traditional Korean ban-chan. • Coming late 2024 • 18900 Limestone Commercial Drive, Ste. 100, Pflugerville • www.genkoreanbbq.com

7 Morelia Mexican Grill The Elgin-based restaurant permanently closed its Pflugerville location after 10 years at Stone Hill Town Center. This comes as two other businesses in the shopping center, Kirkland’s and The Children’s Place, announced early 2024 closures as well. • Closed Jan. 1 • 18900 Limestone Commercial Drive, Ste. 100, Pflugerville • www.moreliamexicangrill.com

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Impacts

Hutto

1 2

Now open

1660

119

1 Sol Center Physical Therapy The physical therapy office helps patients increase strength, alleviate pain, improve balance and more. • Opened Jan. 16

EXCHANGE BLVD.

110

• 3333 CR 119, Ste. 40, Hutto • www.solcentertherapy.com

199

2 Sky’s Herbal & Wellness The business offers a variety of CBD products meant to help with relaxation, relieve pain or reduce inflammation. • Opened Nov. 5 • 3333 CR 119, Ste. 18, Hutto • 512-608-7818

130 TOLL

Hutto

1660

Coming soon

3 Plaque Panther Dentistry Owned by Dr. Devon Harris, the office will provide a range of services, including gum care, fillings, crowns, dentures, Invisalign, veneers, athletic guards and more. • Opening this spring

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138

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MAP NOT TO SCALE

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• 201 CR 138, Ste. 204, Hutto • www.plaquepanther.com

Coming soon

4 Bumble Bee Pediatric Dentistry The office has its books open to start receiving patients in mid-February. Led by Dr. Amy Albright, the business will provide a variety of dentistry services for children. • Opening in mid-February • 351 Exchange Blvd., Ste. 140, Hutto • www.pediatricdentisthutto.com

In the news

5 Tesla Tesla has taken up space in an industrial building on CR 199 in Hutto, city officials confirmed Jan. 3. It remains unclear how the company plans to use the facility. • 200 CR 199, Hutto • www.tesla.com 6 Hippo Cafe The cafe, owned by Scott and Stacie Feller, reached its five-year anniversary in February. The restaurant serves breakfast and brunch options, such as omelets, French toast, chicken-fried steak, burgers, salads and more.

7 Teapioca Lounge Owned by Eric and Tonya Thomas, the business will offer a variety of boba teas, coffee and lemonades. The franchise also sells smoothies, slushies and

8 Taco Palenque The Mexican restaurant will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner options, ranging from tacos and quesadillas to parrilladas and antojitos. The restaurant, which has locations in Round Rock, Austin and Cedar Park, also serves margaritas, beer and micheladas.

other frozen treats. • Opening in April

• 571 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Hutto • www.teapiocalounge.com

• Opening this spring • 2722 FM 685, Hutto • www.tacopalenque.com

• 109 E. Front St., Hutto • www.hippocafe.com

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Government

Billboard petition fails to meet requirements A petition to ask voters whether Round Rock’s city charter should change to allow electronic bill- boards along highways did not meet the threshold for signatures, according to city officials. What happened Last summer, residents began receiving text messages from WAB Research and later the Keep Round Rock Safe PAC. In recent months, political action committee Keep Round Rock Safe has canvassed area neighborhoods attempting to collect signatures for a ballot initiative to change the city charter. If approved by voters, a city ordinance would have allowed for up to a dozen electronic billboards to be placed along I-35 and SH 45 within Round Rock. However, a large portion of the signatures submitted to the city as part of the initiative were collected from residents outside of the city limits,

Amazon’s Round Rock plans move forward Round Rock City Council approved a planned unit development agreement Jan. 11 with the e-commerce conglomerate Amazon, pushing forward the development of property near Round Rock West. In a nutshell After over a year’s pause on plans for the roughly 150-acre tract of land off CR 172, Amazon submitted a request for annex- ation into Round Rock city limits, coupled with a PUD application detailing plans for the property. The PUD application cites plans for a warehouse distribution center, which was included in the original PUD request file in 2022. Construction of the facility will begin by the end of 2024 and is estimated to be operational by the end of 2025.

3,189 needed to bring measure to a vote 4,203 submitted to city 1,392 determined invalid 1,268 collected outside city limits Billboard petition signatures

SOURCE: CITY OF ROUND ROCK/COMMUNITY IMPACT

specifically from individuals who live in municipal utility districts. The PAC announced in late December it sub- mitted just over 4,200 signatures to the city. Of those, 1,392 signatures were determined invalid. The majority of the invalid signatures—1,268—were from residents outside city limits. The PAC’s petition to alter Round Rock’s policy came after unsuccessful attempts in 2022 and early 2023 by Austin-based advertising company MediaChoice to lobby City Council members to change the sign ordinances.

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County against groundwater annex On Jan. 9, Williamson County Commis- sioners voted to not support a petition to annex parts of Williamson County to a neighboring conservation district. The gist The Aquifer Conservation Alliance, a group formed by Williamson County residents, refiled a petition Sept. 6 with the Clearwater Underground Water Conserva- tion District in Bell County. The petition, which was previously submitted in March 2023, requests to annex the western half of the Williamson County into the CUWCD to manage use of the Trinity Aquifer. However, the Williamson County officials chose not to support the petition, as Bell County would retain a majority of the district board members.

WilCo plans for new $90M headquarters

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An interlocal agreement approved Dec. 12 between the city of Georgetown and Williamson County outlines plans for the development of the new county headquarters along Southwestern Boulevard and Southeast Inner Loop in Georgetown. The gist The agreement described the county’s com- mitments for the design and construction of infrastructure related to the project on the roughly 170-acre tract of land southeast of downtown Georgetown—the current home of county services. Williamson County has vouched for a $3 million contribution for the planning, design and right- of-way acquisition for the project, according to county documents. Williamson County Commissioners Court previously approved plans for the relocation of

county services in February, allotting $90 million for a new administration building. What else? Plans for the new headquarters indicate a three-story building with parking circling the structure. The county anticipates breaking ground early this year. According to the county staff, the building will house the tax assessor and collection’s office, county clerk, judge’s office, Commissioners Court courtroom, budget office, public affairs and auditor.

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Election

Voter Guide

2024

To view the full list of all contested state and national candidates, visit www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide. Only candidates in contested elections are included. Visit county election websites for information on uncontested races.

KEY

R Republican

D Democrat

*Incumbent

Presiding judge, Court of Criminal Appeals R Sharon Keller* R David J. Schenck Court of Criminal Appeals judge, Place 7 R Barbara Parker Hervey* R Gina Parker Court of Criminal Appeals judge, Place 8 R Lee Finley R Michelle Slaughter* State Board of Education, District 10

D Roland Gutierrez D Steven J. Keough D Thierry Tchenko U.S. Representative District 10 R Michael T. McCaul* R Jared B. Lovelace D Theresa Boisseau D Keith McPhail U.S. Representative District 17 R Pete Sessions* R Joseph T. Langone U.S. Representative District 31 R Mike Williams R Mack Latimer R John Carnan Anderson

Dates to know

Feb. 5: Last day to register to vote Feb. 20: First day of early voting March 1: Last day of early voting March 5: Election day

Where to vote

Any voter can cast a ballot in the Republican or Democratic primary, but not both. Williamson County residents can vote at any polling location during early voting or on election day. Visit www.wilcotx.gov/elections for a full list of county polling places.

R “DC” Caldwell R Tom Maynard* R Mary Bone D Raquel Saenz Ortiz

Sample ballot

Federal election U.S. President R Ryan L. Binkley R Chris Christie R Ron DeSantis R Nikki Haley R Asa Hutchinson

D “DC” Caldwell Local elections Texas House of Representatives District 20 R Elva Janine Chapa R Terry M. Wilson* Texas House of Representatives District 52 D Jennie Birkholz D Angel Carroll Justice, 3rd Court of Appeals District, Place 2 D Maggie Ellis D Edward Smith* D Melissa Lorber Justice, 3rd Court of Appeals District, Place 5 D Thomas J. Baker* D Karin Crump Williamson County Commissioner Precinct 3 R Valerie Covey* R Mitch Slaymaker Williamson County Constable Precinct 3 R Bert Witcher R Kevin Wilkie R Deke G. Pierce Williamson County Constable Precinct 4 D Perry Travis D Kenneth Guerrero

R John Carter* R William Abel R Abhiram Garapati

D Stuart Whitlow D Rick Von Pfeil D Brian Walbridge U.S. Representative District 37 D Lloyd Doggett* D Eduardo “Lalito” Romero D Christopher “Chris” McNerney Railroad commissioner R Christie Clark R Christi Craddick* R Corey Howell R James “Jim” Matlock R Petra Reyes D Bill Burch D Katherine Culbert Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 2 D DaSean Jones D Randy Sarosdy Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 4 R John Devine* R Brian Walker Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 6 D Bonnie Lee Goldstein D Joe Pool

R Vivek Ramaswamy R David Stuckenberg R Donald J. Trump D Joseph R. Biden, Jr.* D Gabriel A. Cornejo D Star Locke D Frankie Lozada D Armando “Mando” Perez-Serrato

D Dean Phillips D Cenk Uygur D Marianne Williamson State elections U.S. Senator R Ted Cruz* R Holland “Redd” Gibson R R.E. “Rufus” Lopez D A. “Robert” Hassan D Carl Oscar Sherman D Colin Allred D Heli Rodriguez Prilliman D Mark Gonzalez D Meri Gomez

SOURCES: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY GRANT CRAWFORD

Williamson County Commissioner Precinct 3

Why are you running for Precinct 3 County Commissioner? I am seeking re-election to continue the work that I’ve been engaged in since 2006. Several areas have required signicant involvement and direction, including transportation needs, mental health, the regional animal shelter and the Williamson County Conservation Foundation, where we balance endangered species concerns with development. I will continue to use my skills as a CPA to balance the budget, provide resources in a growing county while maintaining a low tax rate and AAA bond rating. First and foremost, the men and women of Williamson County Sheri’s Deputies Association asked me to lend my expertise to this position in order to help them protect the frontlines of our beloved county. That is one facet of my desire to serve. I have been a public servant my entire life and know what it means to be humble enough to understand my position only exists at the will of those I serve. I’m also a believer in term limits to ensure that one’s view is fresh, pure, and in line with that of his constituents.

How should the county manage increased growth in both population and industry? Counties’ authority to regulate development is limited. Counties have no zoning authority or ability to deny permits if the county’s rules are followed. However, we should continue to plan for growth by coordinating with municipalities in the development of WilCo’s [Long Range Transportation Plan]. I have been engaged in implementing WilCo’s strategic plan which emphasizes core duties. We can also encourage certain industries that would provide good-paying jobs and shorter commutes. Managing this explosive growth within our county is not easy but we must be ever vigilant on holding all stakeholders accountable to deadlines and consequences for not meeting them. We must have a clear mutual expectation of results going into any contract. Focus on attracting American-made and -maintained industries to build and develop in Williamson County.

Valerie Covey Occupation: Certied Public Accountant Relevant experience: Precinct 3 County Commissioner, CPA www.valeriecovey.com

Mitch Slaymaker Occupation: Brownwood Police Department sergeant, president of Texas Municipal Police Association Relevant experience: Law enforcement

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 100 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

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Education

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Pending the outcome of a proposal from its new chancellor, some enrolled and prospective Austin Community College students could soon qualify for free tuition. What’s happening? In February, ACC Chancellor Russell Lowery-Hart will propose to the college system’s board of trustees a measure to create a zero-cost tuition program for high school seniors, with the eventual goal of expanding the program to include students at all levels who live in the college system’s service area. Should the proposal be approved, it will go into effect this fall, a Jan. 10 release states. In October, Lowery-Hart described as ACC’s affordability as its source of power and importance as a regional education partner. ACC has not increased tuition rates ACC proposes no tuition for high school seniors

How it works Under the program, $85 per credit hour would be funded for each student for a period of three years, covering several fees paid by students: Resident tuition $67 General fee $15 Success fee $2 Sustainability fee $1 $85 per credit hour allocations Fees that would not be covered include: • Out-of-district fees • Tuition for nonresident and international students • Course- and program-specific fees • Textbook costs

For 55+ Active Adults in Liberty Hill, Texas

SOURCE: AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

for two years of free tuition, the release states. Funds for the program would come from monies already available within the college system’s budget as well as state appropriations from HB 8. “I think this is the first conver- sation to our end goal of making college something for everyone,” Lowery-Hart said in the release. “ACC can be a national model. We have the resources and innovation to do something magical.”

in the last decade. About the program

High school students who reside in the service area and graduate this spring would qualify for up to three years of free tuition, with enrolled ACC students qualifying

Discover north Austin’s newest 55+ community, offering an incredible lifestyle and 15 beautiful home designs to choose from. Enjoy award-winning master-plan amenities plus an exclusive 55+ clubhouse with a resort-style pool, fitness center, pickleball and bocce courts, and more.

RRISD, TSTC partner on program stating that the program is to prepare students for potential careers at companies like Tesla and Samsung.

From the upper $300,000s Quick move-in homes available Five model homes open daily Amenity center coming soon

In partnership with Texas State Technical College, Round Rock ISD students will soon have additional opportunities to explore careers in precision manufacturing. What you need to know District officials announced the partnership Jan. 18, with Superintendent Hafedh Azaiez

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Starting with the 2024-25 school year, juniors and seniors will be able to take free courses making up the program. It will first launch through Stony Point and Cedar Ridge high schools.

Regency at Santa Rita Ranch is a 55+ active-adult community intended to operate under the Housing for Older Persons Act of 1995, as amended. One resident must be 55+. Open Mon 10 am–6 pm; Tue 2 pm–6 pm; Wed–Sat 10 am–6 pm; Sun Noon–6 pm. Brokers welcome. Homes available nationwide. Prices subject to change without notice. Prices shown may refer to the base house and do not include any home site premium, or any optional features. Photos are images only and should not be relied upon to confirm applicable features. This is not an offering where prohibited by law.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY BROOKE SJOBERG

Trustees determined that single-member districts were not a priority for board eorts at this time.

BROOKE SJOBERG/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Board avoids single-person districts

Unmatched Academic Results Join us for an Open House! Thursday, February 15, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and Tuesday, February 27, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

how the switch might impact students. A majority of trustees expressed some doubts about the effectiveness of single-member districts. Place 1 trustee Chuy Zárate and board President Amber Landrum expressed concern about smaller districts potentially inviting more division to the RRISD community. Similarly, places 2 and 7 trustees Mary Bone and Danielle Weston shared doubts about whether single-member districts would bring any benefit for students. Trustees chose to take no vote on the measure.

In continued discussions about exploring the potential of moving to a single-member district model, the Round Rock ISD board of trustees ultimately chose to take no action on the measure. What you need to know Trustees engaged board coun- sel Jan. 18 about whether they should further explore the move. These discussions included the financial impact of holding workshops with the constituents to gain a sense of their appetite for a ballot measure that would see some or all of the seven board seats be tied to a geographic area rather than at-large, as well as Families of seniors looking to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid can attend help sessions held by Round Rock ISD in February and March. What’s happening? Completing a FAFSA is not only FAFSA help sessions offered

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

Help sessions • Feb. 24 and March 2 • 9 a.m.-noon • McNeil High School college and career center

a tool for financial support for post-graduate plans, but also a graduation requirement in Texas. Counselors will be available at these sessions to answer ques- tions about the application.

An independent private school offering preschool through eighth grade

ROUND ROCK EDITION

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

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

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Transportation

BY HALEY MCLEOD

Chisholm Trail Road now open in Round Rock Chisholm Trail Road reopened to trac Dec. 15 as long-awaited construction along this segment of the Heritage Trail West project wrapped up. Sorting out details Construction related to the Heritage Trail West project between Sunset Drive and RM 620 began in July. The closure was estimated to last 90 days. Due to unforeseen utility conicts, the closure was extended until Dec. 15, according to city documents. The Heritage Trail West project, including ele- vated pedestrian bridges, will complete a roughly 1-mile section of the trail system from Chisholm Trail Road to Mays Street, connecting Round Rock West to the downtown area. The city of Round Rock received a $6.3 million grant for Heritage Trail improvements from the Texas Department of Transportation, with state

A.W. GRIMES BLVD.

City, TxDOT agree to improve Hwy. 79 Round Rock City Council approved Dec. 21 an agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation to improve Hwy. 79 from I-35 to A.W. Grimes. What’s happening? The city will take on the design and engineering components of the project. At an estimated construction cost of $28 million, the project includes adding a lane in each direction as well as a raised median.

Chisholm Trail Road is now open to trac between Sunset Drive and RM 620 in Round Rock.

COURTESY CITY OF ROUND ROCK

funding targeting projects associated with bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure development. The trail project, expected to be nished this summer, will cost an estimated $19.5 million and is partially funded by a 2013 city bond. Improve- ments to the trail east of I-35—spanning from the Bathing Beach Park development at Chisholm Trail Road to Mays Street—include new creek overlooks, gathering spaces near Memorial Park, a spiral trail ramp and concrete trail through to Mays Street.

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ROUND ROCK EDITION

Development

BY GRANT CRAWFORD & HALEY MCLEOD

Baylor Scott & White expansion moves ahead The Round Rock Baylor Scott & White Medical Center has reached a construction milestone for its $220 million expansion. What’s happening? The medical center recently reached the top-o phase of construction for a new tower. Located near the existing medical facility cam- pus at 300 University Blvd., the new building and expansion of the medical center will include: • An expanded emergency room

“[Round Rock] is a very business-friendly environment while providing close proximity to the major economic centers of activity in the Greater Austin area.” MIN JUNG KIM, MSS INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT Williamson County Economic Develop- ment Partnership, said Samsung will need roughly 150 more suppliers within an hour’s distance from its Taylor site. Samsung supplier chooses Round Rock MSS International, a supplier of gas sensor and piping to Samsung’s semiconductor supply chain, recently purchased oce space in Round Rock. What else? Dave Porter, executive director of

Google Fiber kicks o Round Rock construction Google Fiber crews began installing ber-optic cables in a few Round Rock neighborhoods in January, with the goal of bringing high-speed internet access to residents by the end of 2024, according to company representatives. The details Representatives said construction started east of I-35 in neighborhoods along SH 45, Gattis School Road and Park Lane. Residents in some of these neighborhoods could see construction of the ber lines throughout the area over the next month. What residents should know Residents may see signs for construction and parking signs along neighborhood streets at least two days before construction begins. Construction will take place from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily.

Townhomes coming to downtown by 2025 Monarch on Main, an upcoming town- home development just o East Main Street in Round Rock, broke ground Dec. 6. Two-minute impact The complex will consist of 60 two-story townhomes with garages and a few com- munity amenities, such as a park area with barbecue pits, said Bryan Bell, vice president of land acquisition PulteGroup’s Central Texas division. “We’re excited to bring [townhomes] here and hopefully provide some of that missing middle [income] housing of a more attainable rst-time home in Round Rock,” Bell said. Construction will take up to one year, with sales expected to begin by late 2024.

BURNET ST.

TTISSCHOO

ROUNDVILLE LN.

45 TOLL

Emergency department visits are expected to grow nearly 19% by 2025, according to a BSWH 2022 report.

COURTESY BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE

Residents should receive a Google Fiber door hanger on their front door notifying them of construction. Crews will mark construction zones with spray paint and ags. If there are issues during construction, resi- dents are asked to call 877-454-6959 to notify the Google Fiber team. Residents can enter their home or business address at www.ber.google.com to be notied when service will become available in their area.

Construction is expected to be completed in 2026. More details According to an annual report produced by the facility, Baylor Scott & White is the largest not-for- prot health care system in Texas. The corporation regularly conducts community assessment surveys to understand the specic health needs of the communities it serves. Emergency department visits are expected to grow nearly 19% by 2025, according to an annual report published by BSWH.

• A new neonatal intensive care unit • Expanded labor and delivery unit • New procedural areas • Additional operating suites • Updates to common areas • Laboratory and pharmacy expansions

ROUND ROCK 201 University Oaks Blvd (512) 341-9066 CEDAR PARK 13530 Ronald Reagan Blvd (512) 986-7681

GEORGETOWN 1013 W University Ave (512) 868-6696

PFLUGERVILLE 19000 Limestone Commercial Dr (512) 953-4070

Real estate

Home sales were up, year-over-year, in three ZIP codes in the city of Round Rock in December, according to the Austin Board of Realtors. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

December 2022

December 2023

+23.33%

+3.39%

-15.38%

+ 53.33%

78664

78665

78681

78717

130 TOLL

78665

78681

Median home sales price

183 TOLL

December

2022

2023

78717

620

45 TOLL

$362,000 $444,000 $475,000 $573,000

$340,000 $399,000 $565,000 $541,000

78664

MOPAC

78664

78665

78681

Round Rock

78717

December

2022

2023

65 52

New listings

Average days on the market

December 2022

December 2023

114

Closed sales

-14.9%

+3.51%

-4.92%

Homes under contract

68 90

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

78664

78665

78681

78717

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