Round Rock Edition | February 2022

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ROUND ROCK EDITION

VOLUME 17, ISSUE 6 FEB. 5MARCH 3, 2022

ONLINE AT

PRIMARY ELECTION GUIDE 2022 VOTER GUIDE

IMPACTS

7 TODO LIST

DINING FEATURE

Investigation intoRRISD superintendent latest example of district strife

In January 2022, Round Rock, Hutto and Pugerville ISDs all saw sharp upswings in unlled teacher and sta absences versus previous years. The following data compares unlled absences for each district during the month of January.

ROUND ROCK ISD

HUTTO ISD

PFLUGERVILLE ISD

BY BROOKE SJOBERG

Over the past year, the Round Rock ISD board of trustees has been the subject of numerous contro- versies that caused the district to make national headlines. Issues include the appointment of a Texas Educa- tion Agency monitor, disputes over COVID-19 poli- cies and allegations resulting in the superintendent being placed on leave. In early 2021, ocials and parents began clashing over the district’s mask policies, which led to lengthy regular and special meet- ings so the board could discuss the matter. CONTINUED ON 32 AMASSING HOURS The amount of hours Round Rock ISD ocials have spent conducting meetings in open session increased about 43% from 2019 to 2021.

10 20 30 40 50

JANUARY

*JANUARY 2022 DATA IS FROM JAN. 714

SOURCES: HUTTO, PFLUGERVILLE AND ROUND ROCK ISDSCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

Stang crisis plagues area school districts Lillian Simmons, a substitute teacher at Round Rock ISD for the last two years, said she does not plan to take assignments within the district for the remainder of the school year. Data from Round Rock, Pugerville and Hutto ISDs shows that her story is part of an ongoing trend centered on historic stang and absence issues for area districts. BY BRIAN RASH

• 19 regular meetings: 56 hrs. 8 min. • 11 called meetings: 22 hrs. 13 min. TOTAL: 30 MEETINGS, 78 HRS. 22 MIN. • 16 regular meetings: 56 hrs. 13 min. • 17 called meetings: 26 hrs. 34 min. TOTAL: 33 MEETINGS, 82 HRS. 47 MIN. • 13 regular meetings: 45 hrs. 35 min. • 34 called meetings: 66 hrs. 35 min. TOTAL: 47 MEETINGS, 112 HRS. 10 MIN.

Central Texas saw a substantial spike in COVID- 19 cases and subsequent absences over the 2021- 22 winter break. That led to administrators having to take drastic measures, including amplied class sharing, the suspension of bus transportation at Hutto ISD, and temporary cancellation of all the campus operations and Hutto and Pugerville ISDs. Additionally, district ocials said positions CONTINUED ON 30

December and January spikes in COVID-19 cases throughout Central Texas and beyond combined with the fact that she is immunocompromised make it unsafe for her to return to work, she said. “[RRISD] needs subs. They can’t get enough subs, but I’m just scared of going because I’m scared of catching COVID,” she said. “I do have some lung damage because of my rheumatoid arthritis.”

SOURCE: ROUND ROCK ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

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THIS ISSUE

ABOUT US

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched the rst edition of Community Impact Newspaper in 2005 with three full-time employees covering Round Rock and Pugerville, Texas. We have expanded our operations to include hundreds of employees, our own printing operation and over 30 hyperlocal editions across three states. Our circulation is over 2million residential mailboxes, and it grows eachmonth with new residents and developments.

HIGHLIGHTS FROMTHISMONTH

FROMAMY: School districts throughout our area and beyond have been dealing with stang shortages for several months. Due to another recent spike in COVID-19 cases, the problem has become much worse, and local district ocials are working to mitigate the shortages through a number of initiatives. Read more on this topic in this edition of Community Impact Newspaper . Amy Leonard Bryant, GENERALMANAGER

Community Impact Newspaper teams include general managers, editors, reporters, graphic designers, sales account executives and sales support, all immersed and invested in the communities they serve. Our mission is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our core values are Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.

FROMBRIAN: The spring 2021 hiring of Round Rock ISD Superintendent Hafedh Azaiez was rocky from the start. Several parents and some district board members opposed hiring Azaiez for numerous reasons. District ocials in January placed him on administrative leave pending an external investigation, and Reporter Brooke Sjoberg has written about the latest developments of the ongoing story. Brian Rash, SENIOR EDITOR

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MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Amy Leonard Bryant SENIOR EDITOR Brian Rash REPORTERS Carson Ganong, Brooke Sjoberg SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jay Jones ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Steanie Bartlett METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Travis Baker MANAGING EDITOR Amy Denney ART PRODUCTIONMANAGER Haley Grace CORPORATE LEADERSHIP GROUP PUBLISHER Traci Rodriguez EXECUTIVE EDITOR Joe Warner CREATIVE DIRECTOR Derek Sullivan SALES &MARKETING DIRECTOR Tess Coverman CONTACT US 16225 Impact Way, Ste. 1, Pugerville, TX 78660 • 5129896808 PRESS RELEASES rrknews@communityimpact.com SUBSCRIPTIONS communityimpact.com/subscriptions © 2022 Community Impact Newspaper Co. All rights reserved. No reproduction of any portion of this issue is allowed without written permission from the publisher.

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CORRECTION: Volume 17, Issue 5 In the Bodies By Design Workout Room business feature on Page 31, the owner’s correct name is Fred Sassani; the correct phone number is 512-514-0042; the address is 15635 Vision Drive, Ste. 103, Pugerville; the business owners work with Communities in Schools to help families in need; and the machine used to test clients is called an InBody machine.

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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

IMPACTS

Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon or relocating

COMPILED BY BRIAN RASH & BROOKE SJOBERG

ROUND ROCK

OLD SETTLERS BLVD.

SANDY BROOK DR.

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Warren and Jenny Smith recently purchased Louisiana Longhorn Cafe.

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Louisiana Longhorn Cafe in 1999 and ran the establishment for 22 years, serving Cajun specialties. The Smiths became the third owners of the Texan Cafe and Pie Shop in Hutto when they purchased it in 2018. It originally opened in 1996. 512-248-2900. www.llcafe.com

NEWOWNERSHIP Louisiana Longhorn Cafe , at 200 E. Main St., Round Rock, is under new ownership as of Dec. 12. An announcement from former owners Melinda and Ray Overstreet states Jenny and Warren Smith purchased the restaurant. The Overstreets opened

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ROUND ROCK NOWOPEN 1 Austin Badminton opened at 1974 Steam Way, Ste. 102, Round Rock on Dec. 10. The badminton academy has 10 Olym- pic-standard courts. 737-278-2788. www.atxbadminton.com 2 Coast Spas Hot Tubs & Outdoor Living opened a showroom at 2701-B Parker Drive, Round Rock, in January. The 10,000-square-foot storefront oers hot tubs, patio furniture and swim spas. 512-893-6768. www.coastpatioliving.com 3 Endeavors , a nonprot organization that serves vulnerable populations, opened a Round Rock oce at 110 S. Lampasas St. in mid-December. The nonprot provides services including rent assistance, housing assistance and employment services. 210-431-6466. www.endeavors.org 4 Hare House of Beauty opened in mid-November at 302 W. Main St., Ste.

104. The beauty studio oers hair col- oring, cuts, and brow and lash services. 737-288-9763. www.harehouseoeauty.com 5 The Kebab Shop opened Dec. 30 at 2800 S. I-35, Ste. 300, Round Rock. The restaurant oers Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fare and has a rewards program for its customers. 737-241-6342. www.thekebabshop.com 6 Merry’s Mud Pottery House held a grand opening Dec. 4 at 306 E. Austin Ave., Round Rock. Merry’s Mud is owned by Merry Smith, who gives pottery class- es and oers coee, tea, hot chocolate and pastries. 512-619-2204. www.merrysmud.com 7 Montessori of University Village opened Dec. 15 at 4001 Sandy Brook Drive, Round Rock. The institution oers Montessori-based education and child care for children 6 weeks to 6 years old. 512-428-4583. www.montessoriuv.com 8 Organica Aesthetics opened Nov. 1 at 100 E. Main St., Ste. 102, in downtown

Round Rock. The medical spa oers skin care and wellness services such as aes- thetic injectables, advanced skin care and intravenous vitamin therapy. 830-612-0062. www.organicaaesthetics.com 9 Stall Jewelers reopened in November following a Sept. 26 car crash that caused signicant damage to the storefront. Located at 1110 N. I-35, Ste. 500, Round Rock, the jewelry store oers ne fashion and bridal jewelry to its customers. 512-246-9011. www.stalljewelers.com 10 Locally owned Tipsy Liquor held a grand opening Dec. 18 at 300 Hesters Crossing Road, Ste. A8, Round Rock. The liquor store oers a variety of spirits, wine and beer. 512-580-0920.

to be complete in late 2022. Zain, Isha and Saad Fidai own Buddy’s Burger, which has an existing location at 9001 Cameron Road, Austin. www.buddysburger.com 12 Dutch Bros. Coee is bringing a second location to Round Rock at 3589 N. I-35 in the next few months, although a company representative said a specic date has not yet been established. www.dutchbros.com 13 Round Rock’s rst Via 313 location at 2111 N. I-35, Ste. 380, is expected to open in the second quarter of 2022. The restaurant specializes in Detroit-style pies and serves pizza, salads, appetizers and desserts as well as houses a full bar. www.via313.com RELOCATION 14 NAPA Auto Parts moved in Round Rock from 601 S. I-35, in early December. The new store, located at 2000 N. Mays St., Ste. 120, opened Dec. 6 and oers a selection of parts, tools, oil and accesso- ries. 512-215-6530. www.napaonline.com

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11 Buddy’s Burger announced Jan. 4 plans to open a second location at the corner of Old Settlers Boulevard and Sunrise Road. Construction is expected

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ROUND ROCK EDITION • FEBRUARY 2022

IMPACTS

Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding

from a 27,000-square-foot facility at 1007 S. Heatherwilde Blvd., Pflugerville, to a 36,000-square-foot space within One Thirty Business Park at 3813 Helios Way, Pflugerville. Information from the Pflugerville Community Development Corporation states the move will bring 46 more jobs to Pflugerville. 512-982-7777. www.cai-3d.com 4 Gateway Church Pflugerville , which launched in April 2021, is moving Feb. 27 from its location at 15436 FM 1825, Pflugerville, to 1201 S. Heatherwilde Blvd., Pflugerville. Campus pastor Jonathan Eng said the relocation will allow the church to add services Monday through Friday in addition to Sundays. 512-837-2162. www.gatewaychurch.com/pflugerville SCHOOL NOTES 5 Concordia High School opened its new permanent campus at 1201 S. Heath- erwilde Blvd., Pflugerville, for its first day of classes Jan. 31. Founded in 2002, the private Christian high school and college preparatory school was previously locat- ed at 1500 Royston Lane, Round Rock. 512-248-2547. https://chsaustin.org CLOSINGS 6 The Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza at 16123 Dessau Road, Pfluger- ville, permanently closed in January. The

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business offered custom-made pizzas that customers took home and baked themselves. www.papamurphys.com 7 After 26 years in business, Dog Boy's Dog Ranch , located at 2615 Crystal Bend Drive, Pflugerville, closed permanently Jan. 30. Owners Courtney and Bart Em- ken said in a Jan. 5 announcement they sold their 15-acre property. Courtney said a development company purchased the DogBoy's property in mid-December, along with property owned by two of their neighbors, to convert to single-fam- ily residential rental properties. In an email, Courtney said she and Bart "would like to thank the Pflugerville and Greater Austin community for the outpouring of love and support as we share the news." www.dogboys.com

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2 Personal training studio Yokai Strength will open in March at 1019 S. Heatherwilde Blvd., Ste. 120, Pfluger- ville. Founder Evan Le, a personal trainer and nutrition coach, said he wanted to create a studio after becoming frustrated with the mainstream fitness industry. 737-600-0874. www.yokaistrength.com RELOCATION 3 Manufacturing company Cumberland Additive Inc. relocated in December

1 Pecan Creative Flex , a multiunit com- mercial development located at 2508 FM 1825, Pflugerville, should deliver its first available units by this fall. The devel- opment’s three buildings will facilitate medium-size businesses that include spe- cialty retail, personal workshops, creative office spaces and studios. 512-490-6666. www.pecanflex.com

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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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tient physical therapy, occupational ther- apy and hand therapy clinic that provides care to treat a variety of musculoskeletal disorders, injuries and conditions. The Austin-based clinic has 11 locations across Texas. 512-642-9101. www.endeavorrehab.com 3 The Kiddie Academy location at 480 Chris Kelly Blvd., Hutto officially opened Jan. 18. Kiddie Academy offers education-focused child care for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years, with curriculum individualized for the needs of different age groups. 737-252-0999. https://kiddieacademy.com 4 Meraki Salon Studios opened its second location Jan. 5 at 531 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Ste. 160, Hutto. The facility con-

tains 18 private, move-in-ready studio spaces available for licensed beauty professionals to lease, three of which are occupied as of opening day, a repre- sentative said. Contact information for individual stylists is available on Meraki’s website. 512-710-0299. www.meraki-salonstudios.com 5 Salt and Waves Salon opened a Hutto location in mid-December at 2100 Muir- field Bend Drive, Ste. 120, Hutto. Owner Libby Bednarek said the salon offers hair styling services from cuts to colors to extensions as well as a selection of hair care products. The opening in Hutto marks the first expansion for the business since the original Salt and Waves opened in Leander in 2019. 512-846-4025. www.saltandwavessalon.com

1 Libby Bednarek and her family opened craft coffee shop Dwell House Coffee and Tap in mid-December. Located at 2100 Muirfield Bend Drive, Ste. 125, Hutto, Dwell House serves coffee and cold brew and has a rotating selection of craft beers on tap as well as wine, seltzers and cock- tails. Dwell House has an indoor dining space and a drive-thru. www.dwellhousecoffeeandtap.com 2 Endeavor Physical Therapy opened a Hutto location at 210 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Ste. 250, on Jan. 3. Endeavor is an outpa-

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ROUND ROCK EDITION • FEBRUARY 2022

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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

TODO LIST

February events

COMPILED BY BRIAN RASH

WORTH THE TRIP Feb. 13 Take the family to a kids show at a nightclub Antone’s Nightclub in Downtown Austin is hosting a concert for the whole family. The Rock and Roll Playhouse will play the music of The Beatles for kids. Seating is limited and available on a rst-come, rst- served basis. Noon. $12 (in advance), $15 (at the door). Antone’s Nightclub, 305 E. Fifth St., Austin. 512-814-0361. www.antonesnightclub.com

FEB. 12

ATTENDAMULTIVENDOR EVENT GALLERY ONE POINT FASHION

FEB. 19 MAR. 11

SEEWORK FROMACCLAIMED TEXAS ARTISTS PFLUGERVILLE LIBRARY

Head to an event celebrating African-American heritage and Valentine’s Day in Pugerville. Several vendors will be in attendance selling products including clothing, stationery, unique hair supplies and homemade soaps. 2-6 p.m. Free. Gallery One Point Fashion, 401 W. Pecan Street, Ste. E, Pugerville. 512-428-5710. www.galleryonepoint.com

The Pugerville Arts Council is putting on a multiartist exhibit Feb. 19-March 11. Featured artists include Rhea Pettit, Tim Woolsley, Akirash, Steve Gore, Joey Shaw, Hailey Gearo and Je Keith. Opening reception 2-4 p.m. Free. Pugerville Library, 1008 W. Puger St., Pugerville. 512-990-6375. www.library.pugervilletx.gov

FEBRUARY THROUGH 10 SEE A SHOWCASE FROMA LOCAL ARTIST The Pugerville Library is hosting a showcase of works from area artist Erica Lange. The exhibit is open now through Feb. 10, and attendees may stop by the library at any time during operating hours. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Free. Pugerville Library, 1008 W. Puger St., Pugerville. 512-990-6375. www.library.pugervilletx.gov 12 CHECKOUT A CAR SHOW The auto club Clean Culture is holding a car show at Dell Diamond. Models of all types will be featured inside and outside the stadium, and there will be vendors and awards. 3-9 p.m. Ticket prices available through Clean Culture online. Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. 512-255-2255. www.cleanculturereg.com 12 PAINT SOLOORWITHAPARTNER Painting With a Twist is hosting an event at which attendees may paint by

distanced 5K run that begins at the Fleet Feet running store at Gattis School Road and Red Bud Lane. The route goes through the nearby Forest Creek neighborhood, and no registration is necessary. 6 p.m. Free. Fleet Feet, 3750 Gattis School Road, Ste. 500, Round Rock. 512-218-8786. www.roundrocktexas.gov 15 CELEBRATEWORLDHIPPODAY In celebration of World Hippo Day, an international holiday that celebrates the world’s third largest mammal, the city of Hutto will have an array of hippo-themed books, art, snacks and merchandise available for guests who stop by City Hall. Participants can also vote on a name for the Hutto Library hippo and tour the city’s concrete hippos. 4-6 p.m. Free. Hutto City Hall, 500 W Live Oak St., Hutto. 512-759-4015. www.huttotx.gov 20 GET CRAFTYWITH THE FAMILY Kids age 12 and older and their families will have the opportunity to make a chalkboard out of a pizza pan at

the Pugerville Library. Adult Services Librarian Meg Miller is hosting the event. Registration begins online Feb. 6, and space is limited. 2-3:30 p.m. Free. Pugerville Library, 1008 W. Puger St., Pugerville. 512-990-6375. www.library.pugervilletx.gov 25 THROUGH 27 WATCH SOME OFFSEASON BASEBALL The Karbach Round Rock Classic brings the country’s top NCAA Division I baseball teams to compete over three days. Game times vary and can be found online. $16-$73. Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. 512-255-2255. www.roundrockclassic.net 26 SEE IF YOUHAVE ITEMS OF VALUE Homewood Suites by Hilton is playing host to the Round Rock Roadshow, where attendees nd out the value of their gold, silver or other collectibles. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Homewood Suites by Hilton, 2201 S. Mays St., Round Rock. www.premiergoldsilverandcoin.com

themselves or with a partner. Partner projects involve one canvas divided into two sides to make a single image when nished. Wine is included in the price of admission for participants ages 21 and older. Reservations are required. 3-5 p.m. $39 (per person). Painting With a Twist, 1401 S. I-35, Ste. 140, Round Rock. 512-502-5885. www.paintingwithatwist.com 14 GET ROMANTICWITH YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER Round Rock wine bar Wine Sensation is hosting a Valentine’s Day dinner. Services consist of three courses, a wine pairing for the main courses and a sparkling toast. Tickets must be purchased in advance to reserve spots for 5 and 7:30 p.m. seatings. $5 (tickets), $70 (per person for the pre-xe menu). Wine Sensation, 409 N. Mays St., Round Rock. 512-255-0526. www.winesensation.com 14 GO FOR A RUNWITH ROUND ROCK POLICE The Round Rock Police Department is leading a leisurely paced and socially

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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

TRANSPORTATIONUPDATES

COMPILED BY BRIAN RASH & BROOKE SJOBERG

ONGOING PROJECTS

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University Boulevard expansion: A.W. Grimes Boulevard to SH 130 The section of University Boulevard spanning from A.W. Grimes Boulevard to SH 130 will be widened from a two- lane roadway to a four-lane roadway with a median. The project is expected to be completed by late 2022. Timeline: spring 2021-late 2022 Cost: approximately $11.3 million Funding sources: Capital Area Metro- politan Planning Organization, city of Round Rock, Williamson County

KALAHARI RESORTS

WYOMING SPRINGS DR.

FOREST CREEK DR.

VIA SONOMA TRAIL

GATTIS SCHOOL RD,

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

UPCOMING PROJECTS

1 New traffic signal at Hwy. 79 and Africa Lane on the way A project to add a new traffic signal to the intersection of Hwy. 79 and Africa Lane/Brushy Creek Plant Road is one step closer to a start date after Round Rock City Council approved a contract Jan. 13. Austin Traffic Signal Construction Co. will install the signal for $219,953.50. City staff stated the installation near Kalahari Resorts will be easier than others may have been in the past as infrastructure for a traffic signal was built into the intersection when the road was constructed in anticipation of the need for one. Details regarding a timeline for the proj- ect are forthcoming. Timeline: TBD Cost: $219,953.50 Funding source: city of Round Rock 2 Officials approve agreement for relocation of water line Round Rock City Council approved an interlocal agreement Jan. 13 with the Manville Water Supply Co. that will allow the city to proceed with a roads project.

As part of the city’s Driving Progress road program, a segment of Gattis School Road is set to be reconstructed from a four-lane to a six-lane roadway from Via Sonoma Trail to Red Bud Lane. To begin the project, the city and Man- ville will partner to construct and inspect the relocation of a water line in the area. The water line relocation is required to be completed by May 16 to allow for the Gattis School Road project to begin, according to city documents. Total costs for the project are estimated to be $156,995, to be paid for through the city’s transportation and economic development corp. Timeline: January-May 2022 Cost: $156,995 Funding source: Round Rock Transporta- tion and Economic Development Corp. 3 Wyoming Springs extension to begin construction at end of 2022 A project to extend the existing Wyoming Springs Boulevard from Creekbend Boule- vard to Old Settlers Boulevard is expected to complete designing stages and begin

construction in late 2022. Construction is expected to last roughly two years, and city information states the extension will be the same as the existing road, which is a four-lane divided arterial. Plans for the roadway include off-street shared-use paths as well as the creation of a path connecting with an existing trail. Timeline: late 2022-late 2024 Cost: approximately $20.5 million Funding sources: city of Round Rock, Williamson County 4 Contract awarded for northbound A.W. Grimes right turn lane During a Dec. 16 meeting, Round Rock City Council awarded the contract for a project to add a northbound right-turn lane on A.W. Grimes Boulevard. The turn lane will be located at the inter- section of Old Settlers Boulevard and the Chandler Creek development. Timeline: TBD Cost: $611,487.60 Funding source: Round Rock Transporta- tion and Economic Development Corp.

Northeast downtown improvements A zone of segments of Lampasas and Sheppard streets as well as Liberty and Austin avenues will be fully re- constructed through the city of Round Rock. Improvements include the addi- tion of urban asphalt streets, parking, sidewalks and new lighting. Timeline: fall 2020-spring 2022 Cost: approximately $7.8 million Funding source: city of Round Rock

ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF JAN. 26. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT RRKNEWS@COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM.

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ROUND ROCK EDITION • FEBRUARY 2022

DEVELOPMENT UPDATES

Projects underway in Round Rock, Pugerville and Hutto

Officials to consider revisions to LakesideMeadows development

BY CARSON GANONG

different—they work remote.” However, some City Council mem- bers expressed concern that campus industrial zoning would not fit the original vision of the development. “People driving to Pflugerville— are they going to see these big warehouse-type buildings? That just really projects an ugly image for Pflugerville,” Council Member Ceasar Ruiz said. The revisions also include a few changes to roadways in the devel- opment. Previously, Pflugerville Parkway was planned to be rerouted to run through the north section of Lakeside Meadows. The proposed revisions could remove the Pflugerville Parkway rerouting but extend other roads within the development to connect to SH 130 and Weiss Lane. The revisions would also allow for the construction of a bridge or tunnel

Pflugerville officials on Feb. 8 will consider a slew of changes to the 400-acre Lakeside Meadows mixed- use development located south of Lake Pflugerville. Among the revisions is rezoning approximately 61 acres of the development’s corporate campus section to campus industrial, the same designation as the land for the industrial buildings underway. On Jan. 11, Developer James Kerby said the kind of office buildings allowed by corporate campus zoning are in much lower demand now than when the original Lakeside Meadows planned unit development was approved in early 2020. “The conversations that we had when we were thinking about that portion of the project are different conversations than what we have today,” Kerby said. “People work Chamber announces expansion of firm, 50 newhigh-wage jobs

Proposed revisions would add another 61 acres to the campus industrial designation that is already under construction. (Carson Ganong/Community Impact Newspaper)

across Pflugerville Parkway to facilitate walking and biking without disrupting vehicle traffic. Other minor modifications include changes to the density and height requirements of some residential areas. Officials postponed the item on Jan. 11 so staff could address some of the council’s concerns.

LAKE PFLUGERVILLE

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Pflugerville City Council takes first steps toward FM685 mixed-use development

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BY CARSON GANONG

Fairfield, the development would pri- oritize walkability, with pocket parks and open spaces distributed through- out. The development would feature several internal streets and driveways, including one that connects to the shopping center directly north of the development. Because approval from City Council is required to change PUD zoning for plots of land smaller than 20 acres, council’s action at the meeting only allows Fairfield to request rezoning; council will consider approval of the requested rezoning at a future meeting.

A new mixed-use development may be coming to FM 685 in Pflugerville. At its Jan. 11 meeting, Pflugerville City Council voted to allow land owner and developer Fairfield Residential to submit a planned unit development, or PUD, rezoning application for an approximately 12-acre plot of land on FM 685, just south of Gattis School Road. Fairfield is seeking to use the land for a mixed-use development that would contain approximately 350 urban-style multifamily residential units and for-rent townhomes as well as commercial and retail buildings. As proposed, the development would have a total of six buildings—two for townhomes, two for multifamily residential, one for a combination of retail and multifamily residential, and one for a combination of amenities

BY BROOKE SJOBERG

National development consul- tancy BGE will soon expand its presence in Round Rock, accord- ing to an announcement from the Round Rock Chamber. In addition to the 80 positions it plans to fill by 2025, the expansion will bring another 50 jobs with an average annual salary of $80,000. A release from the chamber states the expansion, which includes an additional 9,781 square feet of office space, will allow the firm to better serve its Austin-area clients. “BGE is committed to expanding our resources in Round Rock and improving accessibility to our clients in the area,” said Rob Har- ris, BGE Central Texas operations leader, in the release. “We value our continued partnership with the chamber and look forward to

SKILLED LABOR

$80,000

Average wage for 50 new jobs BGE representatives said they would bring to Round Rock. SOURCE: ROUND ROCK CHAMBER COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

future opportunities to grow our presence here.” BGE provides several services including engineering, landscape architecture, surveying, transpor- tation, land and site development, public works and construction management for public and private clients, according to the chamber.

138

GATTIS SCHOOL RD.

685

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and multifamily residential. According to materials from

COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Council approves rezone for townhomes to occupy planned unit development

BY BROOKE SJOBERG

Round Rock City Council rezoned a 6.5-acre tract of land to a planned unit development Jan. 13. Located off Old Settlers Boulevard, the property is set to be developed into a townhome community with a maximum of 78 units. The dwellings are planned to be three stories in height, with a minimum 10-foot setback, masonry wall and trees. The units will also be oriented north to south, with the front and back of each unit prohibited from overlooking adjacent property, according to city documents. Amenities to be provided to residents of the development include a dog park, a playground and picnic areas.

OLD SETTLERS BLVD.

Brad Wiseman, Round Rock’s planning and development director, highlighted the details during his presentation of the project. He said multiple homeowners in an adjacent subdivision expressed concerns that the project would allow residents to see directly into their neighbors’ yards. He said in his experience that is a common concern with many residential projects.

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Hutto zones 11 acres for senior living community

BY CARSON GANONG

for senior-oriented housing; the city has one dedicated senior living community. “The waitlist for market-value [senior housing] is over two years, so I feel like this is something that Hutto really can use,” Council Member Krystal Kinsey said. As part of the development, Sage Architecture will contribute to the extension of Live Oak Street, which will run along the north side of the property when complete. Sage Architecture representative Robert Bond said construction on the NorthStar development is expected to begin this summer and take between 16 and 18 months.

A new senior living community is on its way to Hutto following action by Hutto City Council. Council approved planned unit development zoning for an 11.74-acre lot west of Exchange Boulevard at its regular meeting Jan. 6. Developer Sage Architecture plans to use the site to construct an active adult community called NorthStar Hutto. NorthStar Hutto will be a 216-unit multifamily complex intended for residents age 55 and older, and amenities include a clubhouse, a pool and a dog park. Officials said Hutto has a need

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