Lake Travis - Westlake Edition | August 2024

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Lake Travis Westlake Edition VOLUME 15, ISSUE 7 AUG. 21SEPT. 20, 2024

A portion of wastewater pipe buried beneath Barton Creek by Zilker Park is being assessed for environmental impacts as development constraints persist.

KAMERYN GRIESSERCOMMUNITY IMPACT Barton Creek sewage line removal may prompt redevelopment

to come into the modern times and be ready for the future,” Ellis said. “There’s no excuse to leave aging infrastructure in place and pretend that there’s not a problem.”

resolution, hopes the replacement of a new, larger line outside the environmentally-sensitive area will make way for more development—including the revitalization of Barton Creek Square. “This is really a generational project for me, and a way for these 1970s, 1980s builds to be able

BY KAMERYN GRIESSER & BEN THOMPSON

Austin will begin evaluating the removal of a decades-old wastewater pipe that runs along Bar- ton Creek in response to concerns about possible contamination from the line. Council member Paige Ellis, who authored the

CONTINUED ON 26

Also in this issue

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Impacts: Want to try something new? Pepita’s Cafe and Bar opened in July, serving up Mexican- American cuisine. (Page 8)

Transportation: Here’s what you need to know about a new emergency evacuation route in Steiner Ranch. (Page 22)

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Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

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All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. All measurements and square footages are approximate. Exact dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage. Compass is a licensed real estate broker. Equal Housing Opportunity. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. All measurements and square footages are approximate. Exact dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage. Compass is a licensed real estate broker. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. All All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. All

As Central Texas continues to grow, the Mobility Authority’s dedication to maintaining and enhancing water quality remains unwavering. From temporary construction measures to permanent best management practices along all our roads, we’re committed to exceeding expectations of water conservation and cleanliness.

Preservation During National Water Quality Month

Here are some things you can do to help maintain water quality in the region: • Dispose of medications, paint, oil, antifreeze, trash, and other chemicals properly. • Clean up after your pets. • Maintain water and wastewater lines at your home. • Use fertilizers without phosphorous.

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Visit www.MobilityAuthority.com to learn more. More than Miles

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About Community Impact

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.

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PACE BEND PARK

183

Impacts

2769

and pantry-fresh wet and dry dog food, plus treats, a line of supplements, veterinarian-prescribed meals and custom diet plans. • Opened June 24 • 2805 Bee Caves Road, Ste. 416, Rollingwood • www.justfoodfordogs.com 5 Purewash Steiner Ranch The locally owned car wash offers monthly memberships starting at $26 per month and single washes starting at $8, according to the company website. • Opened June 29 • 5145 RM 620, Austin • www.purewashatx.com 6 Rad Sports Rad Sports is a gymnastics center for kids of various ages and skill levels. The gym, led by coach Russell Miller, offers competitive acro and tumbling, cheer, trampoline, ninja warrior and parkour classes, along with camps and after-school care. • Opened July 15 • 22111 W. Hwy. 71, Spicewood • www.radsportstx.com The Dog Wizard Lake Travis The mobile pet training service offers customized, science-driven dog training sessions within the home, franchise owners Terry and Liberty Kenney said. The company also gives free, professional evaluations and lifetime support for dogs that graduate from the

620

LAKE TRAVIS

WILSON PARKE AVE.

620

CANYON RANCH TRAIL

COMANCHE TRAIL

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY DR.

REIMERS- PEACOCK RD.

STEINER RANCH BLVD.

Lakeway

620

LOHMANS CROSSING RD.

2222

EMMA LONG PARK

360

COMMONS FORD RANCH

BEE CAVE PKWY.

West Lake Hills

N. CUERNAVACA DR.

HAMILTON POOL RD.

CAPITAL OF TEXAS HWY.

Rollingwood

Bee Cave

BARTON CREEK HABITAT PRESERVE

MAP NOT TO SCALE

MOPAC

LOST CREEK BLVD.

• Opened May 3 • 701 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Ste. D420, West Lake Hills • www.theupsstore.com 3 Black Rock Coffee Bar The new 2,000-square-foot store is located in Four Points and features space for customers to work, socialize and relax. Black Rock Coffee Bar serves roasted coffees, smoothies, teas and energy drinks. • Opened Aug. 2 • 8300 N. RM 620, Bldg. G, Ste. 300, Austin • www.br.coffee 4 JustFoodforDogs The dog food brand sells human-grade, fresh-frozen

training program. • Opened June 24 • No physical location • www.thedogwizard.com

Now open

1 Pür Life Medical Bee Cave The wellness center offers red light therapy, hormone therapy, sound therapy, microcurrent treatment, IV drips and nutrition planning. Pür Life Medical owns over 40 locations throughout the U.S., including five in Texas. • Opened July 22 • 15500 Hwy. 71, Bldg. C, Ste. 3, Bee Cave • www.purlifemedical.com 2 The UPS Store The new West Lake Hills store is open seven days a week, offering printing, shipping, packaging and more.

Coming soon

7 Dapper Dermatology The new practice in Davenport Village will offer in- person and virtual appointments for conditions such as acne, skin cancer, rashes, eczema, hair loss and more. • Opening Sept. 3 • 3801 N. Capital of Texas Hwy., Ste. J225, Austin • www.dapperdermatology.com

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HomeSmiles Austin The national home cleaning company will expand its mobile services to the greater Austin area. The company offers preventative maintenance including gutter cleaning, exterior window cleaning, pressure washing, solar panel cleaning, dryer vent cleaning and more. • Opening August 19 • Mobile business • www.austin.homesmiles.com Layne’s Chicken Fingers The Texas chicken fingers joint is set to open 15 new locations in the Austin area. Exact addresses for the new locations are yet to be announced. Its menu includes chicken fingers, chicken sandwiches, chicken wraps, grilled cheese and shakes.

Now open

In the news

9 Pepita’s Cafe and Bar The new Rollingwood cafe serves Mexican- American cuisine, cocktails and coffee drinks out of the former Pizza Nizza location. The menu includes a variety of breakfast and dinner options, such as nachos, street tacos, burgers, sandwiches, salads and soups. The cafe is locally owned by self-taught chef and mixologist Nelia Cruz. • Opened July 10 • 2712 Bee Caves Road, Ste. 106, Austin • www.pepitascafeandbar.com

12 Oasis Texas Brewing Company The local Lake Travis craft brewery celebrated 10 years in business in July. The restaurant and event venue celebrated with live music, raffles and its signature beers. • 6650 Comanche Trail, Ste. 301, Austin • www.otxbc.com

• Opening TBD • Locations TBD • www.layneschickenfingers.com

Pvolve Austin Pvolve workouts involve training methods which alleviate pressure on joints and focus on working the muscles instead. In addition to a downtown location, the business is looking at Westlake, Bee Cave and North Austin.

• Opening TBD • Locations TBD • www.pvolve.com

Relocations

locker rooms, Technogym equipment, a yoga/barre studio and a pilates reformer studio. Other renovations at the country club include modernized aquatics facilities, resurfaced tennis courts and six new pickleball courts. • 2612 Lost Creek Blvd., Austin • www.invitedclubs.com/clubs/westlake-country-club

In the news

8 Lake Travis Christian Academy: An Acton Academy The nondenominational private school will begin serving students in a new, permanent facility within Spicewood. The school will serve pre-kindergarten to 8th grade by fall 2025 and high schoolers by fall 2026, Head of School and Co-founder Carla Morgan said. The current location at 5414 Reimers-Peacock Road, Spicewood, will remain operational in the meantime. • Opening fall 2025 • 5410 Reimers-Peacock Road, Spicewood • www.ltchristian.com

10 AutoZone According to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, construction on the new store is set to begin in November and wrap up in March 2025. The auto repair store sells automotive replacement parts, accessories and vehicle maintenance items. • 309 N. RM 620, Austin • www.autozone.com 11 Westlake Country Club Sports Club After 1 1/2 years of construction, Westlake Country Club revealed its sports club’s building renovations at a July 17 grand opening. The building has three floors that include

Closings

13 Hill Country Birds Lake Travis After seven years of providing customers with bird feed and accessories, the Hill Country Birds store closed in July. Co-owners Laura Hopkins and Gary Cobb said they are retiring, and they do not plan on re-opening. • Closed July 20 • 2127 Lohmans Crossing Road, Ste. 316, Austin

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LAKE TRAVIS - WESTLAKE EDITION

Government

BY KAMERYN GRIESSER

Lakeway changes golf noise ordinance

Moving forward

First local tee times

Lakeway-area golfers may be able to hit the green earlier thanks to a new amendment to the city’s noise ordinance. Passed at a July 15 City Council meeting, the amendment permits The Hills Country Club golf courses to operate lawn tools like mowers and leaf blowers at 6:30 a.m., rather than 7 a.m., during summer months. Lawn maintenance often began at 6 a.m, but was pushed to 7 a.m. after receiving direction to comply with the ordinance. While the change is minimal, sta with The Hills Country Club said it’s an important change that will allow the club to keep its competitive early morning tee times. “What we’re trying to do is be the best partner that we can be to the golf courses that are impacted by this as well as make as many people happy as possible,” council member Kelly Brynteson said.

Keith Rader, tournament sales director for The Hills Country Club, said adhering to the 7 a.m. start time during hot summer months would present safety concerns for lawn maintenance personnel working among active golfers. Alternatively, moving the rst tee time past 8 a.m. could cost the city around $50,000 in lost tax revenues, Rader said. Dozens of residents testied before council about the changes. Those who spoke against the ordinance change told stories of sleep challenges due to loud lawn equipment, but others said early-morning noise is just part of buying a house near a golf course. Council plans to revisit the amendment in October.

The Hills Country Club 8 a.m.

Falconhead Golf Club 6:45 a.m.

UT Golf Club

7:30 a.m.

Westlake Country Club 8 a.m.

River Place Country Club 7:40 a.m.

SOURCE: THE HILLS COUNTRY CLUB, FALCONHEAD GOLF CLUB, UT GOLF CLUB, WESTLAKE COUNTRY CLUB, RIVER PLACE COUNTRY CLUBCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Rader said it’s important that The Hills keep its rst tee time of the day at the industry standard.

KAMERYN GRIESSERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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BY KAMERYN GRIESSER

Bee Cave weighs growing capital projects costs Between a new library, public safety building, Central Park improvements and dozens of road projects, a lot is on the horizon for Bee Cave. However, in the past three years, estimated costs have climbed from a total of $104 million to $158 million, giving city leaders pause as they head into budget season. What happened The Capital Improvements Plan, approved in 2021, identifies financial sources and timelines for 42 projects related to roads, pedestrian infrastruc- ture, building and facilities projects through fiscal year 25-26. At a July 17 workshop, the council reviewed updates to the CIP with the intention of identify- ing new priorities going into FY 24-25, according to a staff report from the city.

Lakeway to install license plate readers In the coming months, the city of Lake- way will install cameras with license plate readers along major roadways such as RM 620 and Hwy. 71. The technology has become increasingly popular among Austin-area law enforce- ment, allowing police to identify license plates associated with criminal activity, Lakeway Police Chief Glen Koen said. Lakeway first installed LPRs inside its fleet patrol cars in March as a part of a pilot program to test the technology. Since then, Koen said the department has identified eight actionable hits, including missing person reports and stolen vehicles. Koen said the process could take two to six months to implement, partly depending on which software is chosen.

Increasing costs The dollar figure in each category represents the original project cost estimate in 2021 and the new projected cost in 2024.

2021

2024

Public roads

Pedestrian trails

Building & Facilities

Total

SOURCE: CITY OF BEE CAVE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

The breakdown While the original CIP envisioned the creation of a new city hall, the scrapping of those plans decreased estimated project costs by $10.6 million. The council is required to propose a new tax rate and budget for FY 24-25 by September.

Lakeway kicks off budget, higher tax rate discussions Lakeway City Council kicked off budget discus- sions for fiscal year 2024-25 at an Aug. 5 meeting. The workshop touched on the possibility of a higher tax rate and plans to dedicate more savings towards future capital improvement projects. The rundown 23-24 tax rate was $0.1440 per $100 valuation. This new tax rate would generate about $644,000 in new revenue for the city, according to the document. City Manager Joseph Molis said if the city

Lakeway tax rate

$0.1996

$0.1625*

$0.20

$0.15

$0.10

adopted the no-new-revenue rate instead, the council would have to cut $1.1 million out of the operations budget as it is today. A final review will take place Sept. 3, and the budget ordinance will be adopted Sept. 16.

The budget workshop included a proposed tax rate of $0.1625 per $100 valuation, while the FY

*PROPOSED TAX RATE

SOURCE: CITY OF LAKEWAY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Education

BY ATIRIKTA KUMAR

FAFSA changes, delays lead to decrease in application numbers

Also of note

The delayed rollout of the form in 2023 is likely to impact students from low-income families because affordability comes into question, said Carla Fletcher, a research consultant at Trellis Strategies. “I think we are going to see some impacts on who is completing the FAFSA and then who is moving on to make decisions about their education because their financial aid packages have been delayed,” Fletcher said. “And so that can really impact their decision making. They might not know which school they can truly afford because they don’t know what kind of aid they’re getting.” Students whose parents do not have a Social Security number have also been “adversely impacted” by the recent FAFSA changes, Ashton said. Texans who do not qualify for FAFSA may be eligible to apply for the Texas Application for State Financial Aid. In 2001, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 1528, which allowed students who are not U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents or eligible noncitizens, who are not eligible for federal aid, to apply for state aid at participating higher education institutions. Learn more about TASFA eligibility at www.highered.texas.gov. While this year’s financial aid application forms were delayed, the U.S. Department of Education has said next year’s FAFSA form is set to open on time on Oct. 1.

Fewer high schoolers have applied for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid this year than in 2023, according to data from the National College Attainment Network. The form, which usually becomes available Oct. 1, was delayed by almost three months due to changes made to the application. It was not available for students until Dec. 31. In 2022, U.S. Congress passed the FAFSA Simplification Act. The revamped application came with fewer questions, a new way of calculating how much aid students qualify for, and a direct exchange of data between the Internal Revenue Service and FAFSA, according to the U.S. Department of Education. However, the delayed application process likely caused a decrease in the number of FAFSA applications, and this will have lasting

FAFSA completion rates in Texas 65% 60% 65%

54.5%

54%

0% 50% 55%

SOURCE: TRELLIS STRATEGIES/COMMUNITY IMPACT *THE FAFSA SUBMISSION REQUIREMENT WENT INTO EFFECT IN TEXAS.

effects on graduating seniors, said Bryan Ashton, managing director at Trellis Strategies, a research and consulting firm focused on postsecondary education.

Zooming in

FAFSA completion

Class of 2023

Class of 2024

As of the end of June, 54.5% of Texas’ class of 2024 had completed a FAFSA form, down from about 61% at the same time last year. Despite the decrease in total applications completed nationwide and statewide, Texas is ranked sixth in overall applications completed, according to the National College Attainment Network. Ashton said he believes this is in part due to a state law passed in 2019 requiring all graduating seniors to either complete a financial aid application or formally opt out.

Eanes ISD

436

-9.17%

396

Lake Travis ISD

567

-6.88%

528

Leander ISD, Vandegrift High School*

507

-14.2%

435

*VANDEGRIFT HIGH SCHOOL IS THE ONLY LISD HIGH SCHOOL LOCATED WITHIN LAKE TRAVIS-WESTLAKE BOUNDARIES

SOURCE: NATIONAL COLLEGE ATTAINMENT NETWORK/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Education

BY ANNA MANESS & CHLOE YOUNG

LTISD bans cellphones for pre-K-8 students Prekindergarten through eighth grade students in Lake Travis ISD are no longer permitted to use their cellphones or smart devices on campus following a district announcement in July. The district adopted the new device policy after it was recommended by its School Health Advisory Committee at a June 19 board of trustees meeting. The change is intended to improve students’ learning and prevent bullying, according to district information. What you need to know Beginning the first day of school on Aug. 14, LTISD prohibited prekindergarten through eighth grade students from using smart devices, includ- ing cell phones, earbuds, smart watches and other personal devices. Students must turn off their devices and keep them out of sight throughout the entire school day until dismissal, according to

LISD proposes lower property tax rate Leander ISD may adopt its lowest tax rate in six years; however, some homeowners may see an increase in their property tax bill as property values rise. The district is projected to adopt a tax rate of $1.0869 per $100 valuation for FY 2024-25 at its Aug. 22 meeting, after press time. The tax rate proposed Aug. 8—a $0.0218 decrease from FY 2023-24—would be the lowest tax rate adopted by the district in recent years due to state rate compression. Despite a lower tax rate, some home- owners may pay more in taxes because the average taxable value of district homes rose from $426,517 to $455,926 from April to July. A home with a $635,128 market value and $455,926 average taxable value would owe $4,955 in school property taxes, a $211 increase from the year prior, per the district.

Discipline procedure Students who violate the policy will receive the following consequences based on the number of offenses.

A student’s device will be confiscated and may be picked up at the end of the school day. A student’s device will be confiscated until their parent picks it up at the end of the school day. Consequences will depend on the enforcement of rules at each campus.

1st offense

2nd offense

3rd offense

LAKE TRAVIS ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

district information. Parents who wish to contact their student may reach out to the school office. The district’s School Health Advisory Committee recommended the new protocol for smart devices at a recent board meeting in which several parents spoke about the negative effects of students using cellphones on campus.

LTISD AP exam scores show improved performance Lake Travis ISD saw a slight increase in the num- ber of students who passed Advanced Placement exams this May, which was discussed at a July 17 board of trustees meeting.

Higher scores

Exams are scored on a 1-5 scale, where 5 is the highest. A 3 or higher may grant college credit.

AP exams are scored on a 1-5 scale, with 5 being the highest. Depending on the college, credit is typically given to scores of 3 or higher, but a specific college’s requirements can be confirmed on College Board’s website. In 2023-24, 30% of students received and 4 and 26% received a 5, compared to 28% and 22%, respectively, the previous year, according to Burbank’s presentation.

79.5%

2019 2020 2022 2021 2023 2024

80.14%

69.8%

Overall, 85.85% of students received passing scores of three or higher in 2024, compared to 84.24% in 2023. Kathy Burbank, LTISD director of accountability and assessment, presented this year’s breakdown of results to the board.

79.26%

84.24% 85.85%

SOURCE: LAKE TRAVIS ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON & KAMERYN GRIESSER

Private School Guide

2024

Considering private education? Here’s the tuition, offerings and classification of several private schools in

Austin

the Lake Travis-Westlake area. This list is not comprehensive.

Austin

Fusion Academy Type: Multipurpose Grades served: 6-12 Religious orientation: N/A Extracurricular activities: Music studio, tech lab, clubs, art studio Enrollment: 100 Tuition: Varies based on course load each semester • 4701 Bee Caves Road, Ste. 101, Austin • www.fusionacademy.com Hill Country Christian School Type: Religion-based, college preparatory, STEM Grades served: pre-K-12 Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: Robotics, Distributive Education Clubs of America, chess, honor societies, Run Club, drumline, Velocity Music Enrollment: 730 Tuition: $14,256-$19,580 annually • 12124 RM 620 N., Austin • www.hillcountrychristianschool.org Regents School of Austin Type: Religion-based Grades served: K-12 Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: Athletics, fine arts, academic teams, various clubs and activities Enrollment: 1,080

Texas Sports Academy Type: Sports Grades served: K-8 Religious orientation: N/A Extracurricular activities: Sports-themed after school programs Enrollment: N/A (opening this fall) Tuition: $25,000 annually • 4402 Hudson Bend Road, Austin • www.sportsacademy.school St. Michael’s Catholic Preparatory School Type: College preparatory, religion-based Grades served: Pre-K 3-12 Religious orientation: Catholic Extracurricular activities: Sports, competitive robotics, dance, cheer, modern bands

Enrollment: 920 Tuition: $14,585-$28,380 annually • Lower School campus: 2500 Wimberly Lane, Austin; Upper School campus: 3000 Barton Creek Blvd., Austin • www.smcprep.org

Bee Cave

Acton Academy Bee Cave Type: Multipurpose Grades served: Pre-K-5 Religious orientation: N/A Extracurricular activities: Art, music, gardening, taekwondo Enrollment: 35 Tuition: $15,125 annually • 14532 Hamilton Pool Road, Bee Cave • www.actonbeecave.org

Tuition: $13,696-$21,857 annually • 3230 Travis Country Circle, Austin • www.regentsaustin.org

CONTINUED ON 18

Kindergarten through 8th Grade Academically Rigorous Accelerated Curriculum Leader in Accountable Education 10:1 Student-to-Teacher Ratio Nestled between Bee Cave and Dripping Springs Founded in Christian Ethics and American Values

Excellence in Education

Strength in Character

Best Test Scores in Austin Located on a 96-Acre Ranch

Schedule an information session by calling 512-592-0109 or visiting blazeschool.org

LAKE TRAVIS - WESTLAKE EDITION

Education

• Future address for fall 2025: 5410 Reimers-Peacock Road, Spicewood • www.ltchristian.com

CONTINUED FROM 17

Lakeway

Blaze School Type: Gifted and talented Grades served: K-8 Religious orientation: Nondenominational Christian Extracurricular activities: None Enrollment: About 30 Tuition: $22,090 annually • Between Dripping Springs and Bee Cave on a 96-acre ranch • www.blazeschool.org The International School of Texas Type: International Baccalaureate and Independent Grades served: Pre-K 3-9 Religious orientation: N/A Extracurricular activities: Athletics, robotics, coding, chess Enrollment: 200

Bluebonnet Montessori School of Lakeway Type: Montessori Grades served: Pre-K-3 Religious orientation: N/A Extracurricular activities: Art, Spanish, music Enrollment: 40 Tuition: $14,000-$15,000 (ages 3-5), $16,000 (K-3) annually • 15099 Debba Drive, Lakeway • www.bluebonnetmontessori.com

Spicewood Christian Academy Type: Religious-based

Grades served: Christian Religious orientation: K-12

Extracurricular activities: Journalism/photography, music, aviation science, art, gardening and athletic options Enrollment: About 80 Tuition: $9,000 annually • 9660 E. Hwy. 71, Spicewood • www.spicewoodchristianacademy.org

Spicewood

Lake Travis Christian Academy: An Acton Academy Type: Religious-based

Westlake

Alpha School Type: Multipurpose Grades served: K-12 Religious orientation: N/A Extracurricular activities: Project-based workshops, creative team challenges, life skills curriculum Enrollment: 150 Tuition: $40,000 annually

Tuition: $24,975-$27,975 annually • 15506 Hwy. 71, Ste. C, Bee Cave • www.internationalschooloftexas.com

Grades served: Pre-K 4-8, high school opening fall 2026 Religious orientation: Nondenominational Christian Extracurricular activities: Art, leadership council, community service Enrollment: 50 Tuition: $12,000 annually • Current address: 5414 Reimers-Peacock Road, Spicewood

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON & KAMERYN GRIESSER

• 1201 Spyglass Drive, Austin (K-6), 201 Colorado St., Austin (7-12) • www.alpha.school Guidepost Montessori Type: Montessori Grades served: 3 months-6 years Religious orientation: N/A Extracurricular activities: Sports, robotics, cooking Enrollment: 198 Tuition: Shared with families who attend admission visits • 4613B Bee Caves Road, West Lake Hills • www.guidepostmontessori.com Trinity Episcopal School of Austin Type: Independent Grades served: Pre-K–8 Religious orientation: Episcopal Extracurricular activities: Athletics, choir, robotics, theater Enrollment: 661 Tuition: $14,750 (ages 2–5), $28,600 (grades K–4),

Bee Cave

Westlake

The Magnolia School Type: Multipurpose

St. Stephen’s Episcopal School Type: College preparatory Grades served: 6-12 Religious orientation: Episcopal Extracurricular activities: Fine arts, athletics, student clubs Enrollment: 707 Tuition: $36,050 (middle school), $37,700 (upper school) annually • 6500 St. Stephen’s Drive, Austin • www.sstx.org

Grades served: Pre-K 3-8 Religious orientation: N/A Extracurricular activities: Tumbling, hip hop, games, musical theater Enrollment: 110 Tuition: $9,300-$19,570 annually • 3500 RM 620 S., Austin • www.themagnoliaschoolatx.com

$30,850 (grades 5–8) annually • 3901 Bee Caves Road, Austin • www.austintrinity.org This list is not comprehensive.

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LAKE TRAVIS - WESTLAKE EDITION

Real estate

Home prices more than doubled for ZIP code 78735 year over year in June, per Austin Board of Realtors data. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

June 2023

June 2024

+62.5%

+13%

+16%

+12.5%

+25.81%

-70%

+12.73%

-4.55%

LAKE TRAVIS

78669

78730

78732

78733

78734

78735

78738

78746

78669

78734

78730

Median home sales price

78732

78733

620

June

2023

2024

78746

$672,000 $1,007,500 $897,750 $1,375,000 $745,000 $890,000 $949,995 $1,650,000

$775,217

78669 78730 78732 78733 78734 78735 78738 78746

78738

360

$1,150,000 $982,250 $975,000 $760,000 $1,499,500 $862,500 $1,638,000

78735

MOPAC

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

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Lake Travis-Westlake

Average days on market

June 2023

June 2024

+5.7%

+51%

+28%

+225%

+38.89%

+113.33%

+12.12%

-3.7%

June

2023

2024

371

346

New listings

178

187

Closed sales

78669

78730

78732

78733

78734

78735

78738

78746

Homes under contract

197

160

Homes sold by price point in June

Months of inventory

6.3

6.9

78669 78730 78732 78733 78734 78735 78738 78746

6 14 5

29 19

$900,000+

$700,000-$899,999

Price per square foot

$360 $350

$500,000-$699,999

$300,000-$499,999

Active listings

1,027 1,305

<$299,999

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LAKE TRAVIS - WESTLAKE EDITION

Transportation

BY HALEY MCLEOD

Emergency evacuation route opens

The why

How we got here

Looking forward

When the need for a new evacuation route arose, the county developed 12 potential options and narrowed it between two—Route B and Route F, according to county documents. Route F was determined to be the most eective route for moving emergency vehicles into the community and personal vehicles out of the community. However, the county ultimately went with Route B as it was fully funded with previously allocated 2017 certicate of obliga- tions bond funds. Route B was lower in cost and could be built in a shorter time frame, according to the county. Compared to the $7.2 million estimated for Route F, this emergency roadway cost $650,000. Construction of the new evacuation route began in February 2023 and was completed earlier this year. Route B is intended to be used only in an emergency event and is closed to all vehicle, pedestrian and bike trac unless the gates are opened by rst responders, according

Although Route F was not chosen initially, the project remains within the Travis County Transportation Blueprint 2024, which serves as the county’s 30-year transportation plan. If funding should become available, Route F could be pursued in the future, according to county documents.

The master plan for the Steiner Ranch devel- opment includes more than 10,000 residents on roughly 4,600 acres. In 2011, the community was faced with a wildre threat that eventually overtook 6,500 acres, according to previous Community Impact reporting. At time time and until recently, North Quinlan Park Road was the only way onto RM 620 from within Steiner Ranch. It took hours for people to evacuate because there was only one way out, Paul O’Brien told Community Impact in previous reporting. O’Brien was the former communications chair of a neigh- borhood coalition created to address concerns about the wildre. After the re, county ocials included the new route in plans for capital improvements. The Austin area has ranked among the top at-risk communities for wildres in recent years, particu- larly along greenbelts, canyons and rural areas, per property information company CoreLogic.

Travis County ocials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a second Steiner Ranch-area evacuation route July 10, approved by county commissioners in 2019. “By building this second evacuation route, we are improving the safety of Steiner Ranch and Montview residents in the case of res or other disasters,” Precinct 2 Commissioner Brigid Shea said. The new route—running from Flat Top Ranch Road to Montview Drive—is designed to provide an additional evacuation route out of the Steiner community in the event of an emergency where evacuation is required, a county press release states. Although not the most ecient route for emergency trac ows as it does not connect directly to RM 620, the route still allows residents a second exit point in an emergency situation, per the county.

COLORADO RIVER

LOW WATER CROSSING RD.

620

Existing route

MONTVIEW DR.

Route F (not chosen)

Outside of emergency circumstances, Route B is inaccessible for regular travel.

This is how we make our community more resilient in the face of growing climate disasters. I’m grateful for the work of our Travis County sta, area residents, [Emergency Services District No.] 6 and many other partners. BRIGID SHEA, PRECINCT 2 COMMISSIONER

Route B (chosen)

COURTESY TRAVIS COUNTY

to the county. While Route F would have created a direct connection to RM 620, Route B is not expected to contribute to trac concerns in the area since it is inaccessible the majority of the time, according to county documents.

STEINER RANCH RD.

FLAT TOP RANCH RD.

N. QUINLAN PARK RD.

BEE CAVE 13015 Shops Pkwy (512) 263-9981

BRODIE LANE 4970 Hwy 290 W (512) 366-8260

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

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