Georgetown Edition | February 2022

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

VOLUME 15, ISSUE 6 FEB. 16MARCH 13, 2022

ONLINE AT

Georgetown ISD’s retail partners include Goodwill and Five Below.

Angie’s Discount Groceries partners with Bridges 18+.

Chili’s Bar and Grill is one of the restaurants in the program.

IMPACTS

PHOTOS COURTESY GEORGETOWN ISD

TODO LIST

BUILDINGGROWTH Georgetown ISD’s Bridges 18+ has grown steadily over the past four school years. The addition of the Future Ready Learning Complex in 2024 will allow the program to expand to 80 students, all under one roof. The program prepares its young adults for life after graduation by partnering with local businesses in several dierent industries.

STUDENTS ENROLLED

PRIMARY ELECTION GUIDE 2022 SAMPLE BALLOT DEVELOPMENT

2018-19 2019-20 2020-21

2021-22

2024-25

SOURCE: GEORGETOWN ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

ACADEMIC YEAR

Bond-funded project will helpGISDdouble current enrollment for young adultswith disabilities

BY TRENT THOMPSON

approved Jan. 4 GISD’s request to rezone a parcel of land at 5001 Airport Road from a planned unit development to a public facility zoning so the district may use it for school purposes. Once complete, the Future Ready Learning Complex will house the dis- trict’s advanced career and technical programs; the Bridges 18+ Transition Program for young adults; Richarte High School, the district’s alternative school; and the Early Learning Center,

currently known as Eagle Wings, which provides child care for the children of GISD employees and students, accord- ing to a spokesperson. Giving those programs room to grow, in addition to freeing up space at its tra- ditional high schools, gives the district more avenues to improve programs such as the Bridges 18+ program, Spe- cial Education Coordinator Rachael Hull said. CONTINUED ON 25

A Georgetown ISD program that helps young adults with disabilities become more independent will be able to double its capacity by 2024 once a new facility is built using bond funds. In November, GISD voters passed Proposition A, which allocates $333mil- lion for facility improvements and new developments, including the Future Ready Learning Complex. The George- town Planning and Zoning Commission

NONPROFIT

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20 22 STATE OF THE DISTRICT

YOU’RE INVITED FEBRUARY 25

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GEORGETOWN EDITION • FEBRUARY 2022

Curious what is selling in your neighborhood? Scan me

Our newest Schwab branch is here for you in Georgetown.

*All prices shown are list price

ACTIVE

realtyaustin.com/p/5028773

realtyaustin.com/p/2945733

$399,999

$639,999

3 bds

2 ba

1,578 sq ft

3 bds

2.5 ba 1,953 sq ft

104 Parque Vista Dr, Georgetown, TX 78626 Trevor Heuser | 512-998-5111

1501 E 18Th St, Georgetown, TX 78626 Brad Bradburn | 512-228-9531

PENDING

realtyaustin.com/p/1299629

realtyaustin.com/p/3554714

$500,000

$629,000

2 bds

2 ba

1,917 sq ft

4 bds

3.5 ba 2,961 sq ft

100 Aster Cir, Georgetown, TX 78633 Terri Michelle | 512-608-1158

517 Blue Agave Ln, Georgetown, TX 78626 Schaffer Team | 512-202-9643

We are pleased to announce the opening of our new branch in Georgetown. Financial guidance you can trust is now just around the corner. Give us a call at 512-876-2390 .

PENDING

Eric Johnson, CFP ® Georgetown Branch 1225 S. Interstate 35, Suite 125 Georgetown, TX 78626 512-876-2390 schwab.com/georgetown

realtyaustin.com/p/9878070

realtyaustin.com/p/5597988

$650,000

$675,000

3 bds

3.5 ba 2,788 sq ft

4 bds

3 ba

3,159 sq ft

4045 Mercer Rd, Georgetown, TX 78628 Kyle Roberts | 512-828-2139

545 Blue Agave Ln, Georgetown, TX 78626 Ted Esquibel | 512-203-6230

SOLD

SOLD OVER ASKING

262

realtyaustin.com/p/8733209

realtyaustin.com/p/2004678

$540,000

$575,000

1225 S IH 35

3 bds

3 ba

2,114 sq ft

4 bds

3 ba

2,686 sq ft

209 Diamondback Dr, Georgetown, TX 78628 Jackie Horton | 512-706-5951

200 Rocky View Ln, Georgetown, TX 78628 Albert Allen | 512-589-9776

SOLD

realtyaustin.com/p/4472036

realtyaustin.com/p/7558743

$585,000

$825,000

4 bds

3 ba

2,205 sq ft

4 bds

2 ba

2,762 sq ft

725 Pinnacle View Dr, Georgetown, TX 78628 Mahshid Caras | 512-825-8483

1411 E 15Th St, Georgetown, TX 78626 Sally Pierce | 512-656-8441

Be confident and secure in selling your home. Visit RealtyAustin.com/Sell to look up your home’s value.

COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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 2 million residential mailboxes, and it grows each month with new residents and developments.

HIGHLIGHTS FROMTHISMONTH

FROMDENISE: A large part of working for a newspaper is getting involved in the community and cultivating relationships. The Bridges 18+ program believes in the importance of getting involved as well. With the bond that was passed by Georgetown ISD voters in November, a portion of funding is going toward this program, which helps young adults with disabilities gain real-life experience by visiting local job sites that have become great partners. You can read more on the Bridges 18+ program inside (see Page 24). Denise Seiler, 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.

FROMEDDIE: I’ve always admired the camaraderie of the beer industry. There can only be so much shelf space and so many glasses to ll, right? But it’s rarely cutthroat, and time and again I run into folks like the sta at Rentsch Brewery who treat their guests like family and spend their days o at nearby Barking Armadillo Brewing. That aability shines through at Rentsch’s original taproom on NE Inner Loop (see feature on Page 19) and should help guide its new taproom coming to downtown (see Impacts on Page 6). Eddie Harbour, EDITOR

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MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Denise Seiler EDITOR Eddie Harbour REPORTER Hunter Terrell GRAPHIC DESIGNER Chance Flowers ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Ann Miller METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Travis Baker MANAGING EDITOR Amy Denney

BUSINESS &DINING Local business development news that aects you

TRANSPORTATION &DEVELOPMENT Regular updates on area projects to keep you in the know

SCHOOL, CITY & COUNTY We attend area meetings to keep you informed

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CORRECTION: Volume 15, Issue 5 On Page 6, Cookie Co., coming soon to the Summit at Rivery Park, was misidentied as a competing franchise.

Proudly printed by

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GEORGETOWN EDITION • FEBRUARY 2022

IMPACTS

Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding DEL 195 35

WEBB BLVD.

29 tion delay, the business anticipates a March opening. The three-minute auto- mated car wash will feature free vacuums and detail air wands. Suds Deluxe will be located at the southwest corner of West- inghouse Road and FM 1460. www.sudsdeluxe.com Jan. 21 and is the seventh Ascension pri- mary health clinic within a 10-mile radius of downtown Georgetown. Ascension Se- dro Crossing can provide new and existing patients with physicals, screenings such as COVID-19, immunizations, preventive heart care and urgent care. Virtual visits are available. 512-691-6505. www.ascension.healthcare.org 5 Clean Slate Waxing opened its second location Feb. 2 in the Wolf Ranch Town Center, 1019 W. University Ave., Ste. 625, Georgetown. The waxing lounge oers an extensive list of personal care services including skin peels and facials, face and full-body waxing, eyelash and eyebrow tints, massage therapy sessions and exclusive natural nail care. 512-688-5159. www.cleanslatewax.com COMING SOON 6 Suds Deluxe Car Wash is coming to Georgetown. After a six-month construc- 7 Cookie Co. is scheduled to open at The Summit at Rivery Park, 1500 Rivery Blvd., Ste. 310, Georgetown, in mid- March. There will be a pre-launch event shortly before the ocial opening where the store will collect donations for local nonprot We Are Not Broken, according to owner-operator Beverly Querin. www.theocialcookieco.com 8 Sweet Lemon Kitchen and the Georgetown Public Library will open Lit- tle Lemon at the Library in spring 2022 at 402 W. Eighth St., Georgetown. The cafe space in the library has been vacant since October 2020. Little Lemon at the Library will serve fresh coee, pastries and light lunch fare. https://library.georgetown.org/ 9 Rentsch Brewery will open its second taproom inside ThunderCloud Subs located at 814 S. Main St., Georgetown, in spring 2022, according to Rentsch Brew- ery Taproom Manager Matt Davis. One side of the sandwich shop will be turned into a satellite taproom where diners can

SERENADA DR.

NORTHWEST BLVD.

LAKE GEORGETOWN

130 TOLL

LAKEWAY DR.

RIVERY BLVD.

8TH ST.

WOLF RANCH PKWY.

130 TOLL

AUSTIN AVE.

1460

NOWOPEN 1 Clarity Eye Center opened its sec- ond Georgetown location Jan. 25. The oce serves under the network of four ophthalmologists: Dr. Kalpana Jatla, Dr. Ashley Brudnrett, Dr. Tran Nguyen and Dr. Colleen Yard. The team specializes in glaucoma, cornea, refractive and general eye care. The oce also oers LASIK and assisted cataract surgery at 3204 North- west Blvd., Georgetown. 512-244-7200.

www.clarityeye.net 2 The Learning Experience , located at 4816 Williams Drive, Georgetown, opened its second location in the city on Jan. 11. The Learning Experience is an early childhood education day care that teaches children ages 6 weeks old to 5 years old. 512-688-1692. www.thelearningexperience.com 3 Sedro Salon Suites at 4841 Williams Drive, Ste. 107, Georgetown, opened on

1460 4 Ascension Medical Group Seton Pri- mary Care Sedro Crossing , 4853 Williams Drive, Ste. 105, Georgetown, opened on Jan. 24. The space is designed for inde- pendent beauty professionals, such as hairstylists, makeup artists, nail techni- cians, estheticians and others, to have a private space to work. Sedro Salon Suites oers a variety of furnished and unfur- nished spaces ranging from 95 square feet to 355 square feet. 512-771-5555. www.sedrosalonsuites.com

110

Dr. Craig P. Torres D.D.S., Endodontist Board Certified (COL US Army Dental Corps RET) • Non-surgical root canal therapy • Root canal retreatments • Root canal surgery Dr. Gloria T. Torres D.D.S., Prosthodontist (LTC US Army Dental Corps RET) 60 Years Combined Experience (Retired Army Dentists)

Call for an appointment 512-868-5999 Advanced Technology CEREC (one day all ceramic crowns) Endodontic Microscopes Digital radiography/photography CBCT (3-D) scans Oral/nitrous sedation www.Torres-Dental-Specialties.com

• Restorative Dentistry • Cosmetic Dentistry • Full mouth reconstruction

(severe wear/malocclusions) • Complex esthetic and functional cases • Dental implants • Dentures / partial dentures

4402 Williams Drive, Suite 104 • Georgetown, TX • Hours M-F 8-5 • Most insurance accepted

COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

COMPILED BY EDDIE HARBOUR & HUNTER TERRELL

organization that provides transportation for Georgetown seniors, prioritizing their quality of life. It is located at 2995 Dawn Drive, Ste. 106, Georgetown. 512-868-9544. www.faithinactiongt.org IN THE NEWS Georgetown Chamber of Commerce announced Jerry Human as the group’s new interim president in a release Jan. 27. His rst day on the job was Jan. 31. Human will replace Barrie Laing, who took the position on an interim basis last summer as the chamber began its search for a new president and CEO. Human’s professional experience includes several stops across Texas, including as assis- tant manager for the Greater Pasadena Chamber of Commerce from 1966-68 and 1970; executive director for Laporte- Bayshore Chamber of Commerce from 1971-74; president and CEO of the Luin/ Angelina County Chamber of Commerce from 1974-84 and 2004-15; and presi- dent and CEO of the Galveston Chamber of Commerce from 1984-85, according to the release. He is also the co-founder and CEO of Solutions Consulting, which he runs with Charlie Dromgoole, who served as the chamber’s interim president in 2018 during its previous CEO vacancy and search. 512-930-3535. https://georgetownchamber.org/

enjoy one of Rentsch or sister brewery Strang Land’s beers, such as Texas Lager or Austinite Pilz. Rentsch was George- town’s rst brewery and opened six years ago at 2500 NE Inner Loop, Georgetown. https://rentschbrewery.com NEWOWNERSHIP 10 Texas Treats, headquartered in Georgetown, is relaunching its website and expanding its inventory of local products under the new ownership of Rachel and David Barnhart, who took over on Jan. 25. “As new owners, we are so excited to rebrand Texas Treats and are grateful for this amazing opportunity to share Texas friendliness,” Rachel Barnhart said in a release. Customers can choose a specialty box or basket that includes select items that support a certain Texas NEWMANAGEMENT 11 Faith in Action Georgetown an- nounced Lisa Hill as its new executive director. Vickie Orcutt, who led the organization for six years, will retire at the end of February and take on a consulting role as Hill becomes acclimated with the nonprot. “We are very excited to have Lisa stepping into this role,” Orcutt said in a release. “It gives me comfort to know Faith in Action will be in such capable and enthu- siastic hands.” Faith in Action is a nonprot theme. 512-688-5096 www.texastreats.com

Renovations at Heritage Community Garden include 25 in-ground garden beds, 48 raised beds and eight Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant beds. Plot reservations can be made online now.

COURTESY CITY OF GEORGETOWN

FEATURED IMPACT COMING SOON Heritage Community Garden , 2100 Hutto Road, Georgetown, is accepting plot reservations for its March 1 opening. There are 25 in-ground beds, 48 raised beds and eight Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant beds. Leases run from March 1-Dec. 31. An in-ground bed costs $50 annually for city residents and $75 annually for nonresidents. Raised beds and ADA- accessible beds cost $40 for residents and $50 for nonresidents.

http://parks.georgetown.org/ heritage-community-garden

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GEORGETOWN EDITION • FEBRUARY 2022

TODO LIST

February and March events

MARCH 5

SWIRL SOMEWINE ON THE SQUARE GEORGETOWN SQUARE

MARCH 6

CHASE THE CHIEF GEORGETOWN POLICE DEPARTMENT

The 12th Annual Georgetown Swirl, hosted by the Georgetown Main Street Program, will give patrons the opportunity to choose 10 wine samples as well as food along with a series of retail stops around the historic Georgetown Square and live jazz music by Swing Shift. Attendees will also receive a commemorative tasting glass. Proceeds benet the Georgetown Main Street Facade & Sign Grant Program. 6-9 p.m. $50. 808 Martin Luther King Jr. St. 512-930-2027. https://swirl.georgetown.org/

This 10th annual 5K and fun run will give entrants the chance to chase down Georgetown Police Department Interim Chief Cory Tchida, above left with his predecessor, Wayne Nero, in an eort to raise awareness about the eects of childhood obesity. Packet pickup will be March 2-4 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. at the Georgetown Police Department, 3500 D.B. Wood Road, Georgetown. Noon-5 p.m. $5-$10. East View High School, 4490 E. University Ave., Georgetown. https://chasethechief.georgetown.org

20 CARVE OUT A BIKE TRAIL The Austin Ridge Riders, in conjunction with the Georgetown Trails Foundation, will work on a 1.5-mile section of trail for future riders as part of a larger trail system. Participants are asked to bring their own garden and digging tools. Free. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. San Gabriel Park, 445 E. Morrow St.,

FEBRUARY 18 THROUGHMARCH 20 TAKE INANART EXHIBIT The Georgetown Art Center will host an exhibit by Austin-based multidisciplinary artist Madeline Irvine to consist of installations and mixed media work. An artist reception will be held Feb. 19

recital program at Southwestern University, will present student performances from the Sarom School of Fine Arts at the Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center. The performance will also be livestreamed through the university’s website. 3 p.m. Free (admission). 1001 E. University Ave., Georgetown. 512-863- 1378. www.southwestern.edu/calendar

from 4-6 p.m. and Irvine will give a talk on Feb. 20 at 2 p.m. Hours: Tue.-Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 1-5 p.m., closed Mon. Free. 816 S. Main St., Georgetown. 512- 930-2583. https://georgetownartcentertx.org/ 2022-exhibition-season/ 18 ENJOY AMUSIC RECITAL Musicale, the vocal and instrument

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26 CATCHA SET OF AMERICANAMUSIC Russell Boyd, an East Texas native and Round Rock resident, will bring his brand of Americana music to Barrels & Amps. 9:30 p.m. $10. 718 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown. 512-688-5717. https://barrelsandamps.com/ MARCH 04 THROUGHAPRIL 03 HEAR DOLLY’S SONGS The Georgetown Palace Theatre will present an adaptation of “9 to 5: The Musical” on the Springer Stage, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton. In the musical, three female coworkers plan to turn the tables on their horrible boss. 7:30 p.m. (Fri.-Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sun.). $24- $34. 810 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown. 512-869-7469. www.georgetownpalace.com 14 LEARNABOUT HEALTHY GARDENING The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension will oer a class focused on the benets of organic gardening. The class will be hosted in-person with a virtual option via the website. 7 p.m. Free. 100 Wilco Way, Ste. 226, Georgetown. 512-943-3300. https://williamson.agrilife.org

Georgetown. www.facebook.com/ austinridgeriders 25 THROUGHMARCH 27 SEE FRIENDSHIPS REKINDLEDON STAGE A production of “Sweet Delilah Swim Club,” by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten, will take place on the Playhouse Stage of the Georgetown Palace Theatre. “Sweet Delilah Swim Club” tells the story of ve Southern women who met on their college swim team and leave their lives behind for a weekend to catch up with each other. 7:30 p.m. (Fri.-Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sun.). $24- $34. 810 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown. 512- 869-7469. www.georgetownpalace.com 25 THROUGH 26 LEARNABOUT THE ADOPTION PROCESS A Future and A Hope Conference is an adoption and foster conference to be hosted by Fostering Hope, an Austin-based nonprot. There are one- and two-day options to attend with child care and meals included. There will be two keynote speakers. 6-9 p.m. (Feb. 25), 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (Feb. 26). $30-$50. First Baptist Church of Georgetown, 1333 W. University Ave., Georgetown. 512-953-3421. https://iamfosteringhope.org/

FEB. 26

GAZE AT VINTAGE CARS AND PLANES GEORGETOWN AIRPORT

The 11th Annual Stephanie Nichols’ Car and Vintage Plane show will take place at Georgetown Airport. The family-friendly event will include a swap meet and trophies for car show participants, including Best of Show, Top 20 and sponsor awards. The RE/MAX Skydiving team will perform from 11:30 a.m.-noon, and rides on an assortment of vintage planes, including the Georgetown-based Devil Dog Squadron’s B-25, will be available for a fee. Admission is free for spectators, but donations will be collected for the Epilepsy Foundation of Central and South Texas. There will be food available for purchase and restrooms available on the grounds. 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Free (admission). Georgetown Airport, 500 Terminal Drive, Georgetown. www.stephaniesgtownairportcarshow.eventbrite.com

Find more or submit Georgetown events at communityimpact.com/event-calendar. Event organizers can submit local events online to be considered for the print edition. Submitting details for consideration does not guarantee publication.

GEORGETOWN EDITION • FEBRUARY 2022

TRANSPORTATIONUPDATES WilCo adjusts Corridor I-2 study to connect US 183 toHwy. 29

ONGOING PROJECT

130 TOLL

UNIVERSITY AVE.

BY CLAIRE SHOOP

property owners who would be affected by construction. “When planning for new roadways, it’s important to listen to the property owners and to take into account the regional needs of the area,” Precinct 2 Commissioner Cynthia Long said. “After thorough conversations with the neighbors, discussions with Burnet County and further technical analysis, we have adjusted the study to better address the current needs of north- west Williamson County as well as the current regional needs.” A map of Corridor I-2’s proposed route is unavailable at this time because it needs to be updated to reflect the current discussion surrounding the study, she said. However, Odom said it will be located in the Liberty Hill area, connecting US 183 to Hwy. 29 and to the Burnet County line.

Williamson County has changed the scope of the Corridor I-2 Planning and Right-of-Way Study, which looks at building a connector from US 183 to Hwy. 29 near Liberty Hill, according to a Jan. 7 release. According to the county, the study was “rightsized, meaning it will consider updated alignments and a smaller [right-of-way] foot- print than originally proposed.” County Public Affairs Manager Connie Odom said in an email these updates could change the specific location of the future roadway. Additionally, she said the changes will narrow its right of way—the land needed for the project—which could reduce its overall effect. In the release, the county said changes in the study’s scope were made after officials met with

Georgetown funds $1million project on UniversityAvenue

1431

ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF FEB. 1. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT GEONEWS@COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. Timeline: TBD Cost: $1 million Funding source : Georgetown Trans- portation Enhancement Corp. I-35 lighting upgrades and installation This project stretches north from the Hwy. 79 overpass to Hwy. 29 in Georgetown. The project will include installing and upgrading road lighting. The project will begin in Hays County and extend north over time.

BY TRENT THOMPSON

The city of Georgetown is working toward a $1 million project to con- struct a raised median and continu- ous right-turn lane on University Ave. from the new signal into the H-E-B center to the north and Copper Oaks to the south onto the northbound I-35 frontage road, according to a city spokesperson. The project is funded by the Georgetown Transportation Enhance- ment Corp. 0.5% sales tax.

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DEVELOPMENT UPDATES

Projects underway in Georgetown

COMPILED BY HUNTER TERRELL

COURTESY WAN BRIDGE GROUP

RENDERING COURTESY PARKSIDE ON THE RIVER

BUILDTORENT COMMUNITY IN GEORGETOWN PROGRESSES, MODELS EXPECTED IN FEBRUARY

LARGE DEVELOPMENT COMING TO FM2243 ON WEST SIDE OF GEORGETOWNNEAR LEANDER

and playground. “Amenities are selected based on individual market and preferences,” Qiao said. “But our houses themselves are the biggest amenity.” Due to material and labor shortages, Wan Bridge is unable to forecast project completion at this time. “Labor and supply shortages have been a big headache for the industry, but the fundamental challenge is meeting workload and market demands,” Qiao said. “Our solution is to be strategic, pay people on time, treat our new and past contractors fairly, uphold our relationships and our reputation.”

With the rst model home expected to be complete by the end of February, the Georgetown Heights neighborhood development has progressed as planned since breaking ground in November. Georgetown Heights, located at 512 Northwood Drive, is being developed by the Wan Bridge Group, a Houston-area builder and operator that has specialized in build-to-rent properties since 2016. “We saw a huge demand for build-to- rent communities in Central Texas,” Wan Bridge CEO Ting Qiao said. “The Austin market is one of the hottest, if not the hottest, housing markets in the U.S.” With several existing communities in Houston and Dallas, Qiao saw Georgetown as an opportunity to expand. “With Georgetown being rst, we have seven or eight other potential projects in our Austin pipeline,” Qiao said. “This represents 40%-50% of our entire market space.” Georgetown Heights will oer 50 pet-friendly, two-story, single-family, duplex-style homes with access to traditional amenities such as a dog park

$737,990. The site plan also includes an amenity center, a swimming pool and other outdoor amenities. The sales team at Perry Homes expects this to be a ve-year project, with its construction beginning by the end of March. According to the Parkside website, Taylor Morrison and Highland Homes are expected to complete their rst models by summer 2022. Coventry Homes will have plans vary from 2,082-3,613 square feet. More details on Parkside on the River are available at www.parksideontheriver.com

Parkside on the River is a 1,500-acre neighborhood being developed by several private builders, including Perry Homes, M/I Homes, Coventry Homes, Highland Homes and Taylor Morrison, on the San Gabriel River between Leander and Georgetown. Homes will vary in size between three to ve bedrooms, two- to four-car garages, and from 2,100-4,127 square feet, according to the Taylor Morrison website. The development will also feature commercial space along FM 2243 as well as multifamily construction along the south side. “This is a very large project for our developers,” M/I Homes Internet Sales Manager Ashley Thomas said. “We started selling our rst section in September, and our rst models will be complete by the end of February.” M/I, based in Columbus, Ohio, only has Parkside on the River as a North Austin project, but has two other properties in Manchaca, one in New Braunfels and another in Kyle. Highland Homes will oer nine oor plans ranging from $647,990-

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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

EDUCATION BRIEFS

News from Georgetown & Jarrell ISDs

HIGHLIGHTS JARRELL ISD The district is seeking applicants to volunteer to represent Place 4 on its board of trustees, according to a release from the district. The seat was previously held by Kenneth Leverett, who resigned in December due to health concerns, according to a district spokesperson. Interested individuals must live within District 4, which runs across the Sun City area, and should contact JISD Superintendant Toni Hicks at 512-746-2426 or via email at toni.hicks@jarrellisd.org. GEORGETOWN ISD After it implemented a voluntary virtual learning program for all students in November, 50 students in kindergarten through eighth grade enrolled despite 700 expressing interest in the program the previous month. There were also 15 enrollees at the district’s alternative high school, Richarte. As of Jan. 19, 27 students remained in the virtual program, and the district no longer tracks enrollment from Richarte. According to a GISD spokesperson, the district will continue the program for the extent of the 2021-22 school year. Georgetown ISD board of trustees Next meets 7 p.m. Feb. 28 Hammerlun Center, 507 E. University Ave.,Georgetown 512-943-5000 www.georgetownisd.org MEETINGSWE COVER NUMBER TOKNOW Georgetown ISD is paying full-time sta $250 and part-time sta $125 as part of a lump sum to provide some relief from job stressors connected to the COVID-19 pandemic. $250

TEAexamines social studies TEKS

THE TEKS PROCESS The Texas Education Agency is starting the ve-year process to update the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for social studies for grades K-12 utilizing State Board of Education guidelines.

BY MAGGIE QUINLAN

of work groups is not set in stone, but for a recent revision of science TEKS, the agency selected roughly 90 work group members. For the social studies revision, sta will look for applicants who have experience in the specic content areas that the TEKS will address, although work group members do not need to be educators. Appli- cations are currently open with an unclear end date. “We try to nd some well-rounded folks who we think would be a bene- t to a work group,” Ramos said. The rst work group, which will focus on personal nance curriculum for high school students, has already been selected. After all areas of the social studies curriculum are reviewed, the next phase of the project is to revise the TEKS during the 2022-23 school year.

TEXAS EDUCATIONAGENCY The state’s process for reviewing social studies learning standards is underway. Roughly 800 people, mostly educators, have applied to join work groups that could shape the new requirements. Social studies Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, or TEKS—state standards for what students should know—are set to change starting in the 2025-26 school year, said Jessica Snyder, Texas Education Agency special projects manager, during a Jan. 13 meeting about the process. TEA sta are sifting through hun- dreds of applications for members of the work groups, which will ulti- mately present suggestions to the state education board this summer, Curriculum Division Director Shelly Ramos said. Ramos said the size and number

Workgroups are formed from a pool of volunteers to review the social studies TEKS. After the review process, the TEKS are revised, and the new standards are adopted by the state. With TEKS revised, instructional materials are reviewed to ensure they are in line with the new standards. After review, the instructional materials are revised, and the new materials are adopted by the board. With new TEKS and instructional materials adopted, the updated curriculum is implemented.

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCYCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

Georgetown ISD to host State of theDistrict address Feb. 25 at theHammerlun Center

GISDapproves pay raise to select sta

BY EDDIE HARBOUR

BY TRENT THOMPSON

of subjects and disciplines as well as showcase a variety of projects

GEORGETOWN ISD The district will host its annual State of the District event Feb. 25 at 10 a.m. at the Hammerlun Center for Leadership and Learning, 507 E. University Ave., Georgetown. In addition to the annual address from Superintendent Fred Brent, the event will also highlight student and sta achievement across the district in an array

GEORGETOWN ISD The district approved a pay raise of $1 an hour to select nonteaching positions at its Jan. 18 meeting. GISD ocials approved the pay increase to reduce the number of resignations brought on by increasing demands due to COVID-19. The roles chosen to receive the pay raise will be those demonstrating the greatest vacancy rates.

and programs funded by the GISD Education Foundation. Tickets for the event are free, but registration is encouraged via Eventbrite.

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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

CITY& COUNTY

News from Georgetown & Williamson County

Georgetown City Council Next meets Feb. 22 and March 8 at 6 p.m. 101 E. Seventh St., Georgetown 512-931-7715 • www.georgetown.org Williamson County Commissioners Court Next meets Feb. 22 and March 1, 8, 15 at 9:30 a.m. 710 S. Main St., Georgetown 512-943-1550 • www.wilco.org MEETINGSWE COVER This reimbursement was processed as a water impact fee credit, which the city originally budgeted for in the 2018 Master Water Plan. This credit will be paid to Plazo Tierra LLC, Georgetown Patio Homes LLC, Aaronson Tierra LLC and Furman Tierra LLC. Applications are due March 10 and can be picked up at the GPD reception desk at 3500 D.B. Wood Road, Georgetown. GEORGETOWN The City Council approved major amendments to the Georgetown re code in a rst reading at its Feb. 8 meeting, including an amendment to the animal care facility code. The amendment was in direct response to a re that claimed the lives of 75 pets at the Ponderosa Pet Resort on Sept. 18. Included in the amendment are requirements regarding sprinkler systems, re alarms, smoke detectors and other measures depending on the size of the facility in question. A second and nal reading on the amendment will be held Feb. 22. GEORGETOWN City Council approved a partial reimbursement to several developers for the installation of a 24-inch water line at its Jan. 25 meeting. Located along Ronald Reagan Boulevard near Sun City and CR 245, the water line will provide water to residential and commercial properties over 377.6 acres. NUMBER TOKNOW Square miles of coverage area that Georgetown Water services 440 CITY HIGHLIGHTS GEORGETOWN The Police Department is now accepting applications for its 2022 Citizen Police Academy. According to a release, the free program is an eight-week, in-person course designed to inform residents about GPD protocols and daily activities. Topics will include laws and code of criminal procedure; criminal and accident investigations; and more. Classes will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays, March 24-May 12.

Williamson County approves $250K formental health judge

Williamson County has seen an increase in mental health-related lings since 2014 as two psychiatric hospitals have opened. RISING CASES 2014 2021

+342%

BY CLAIRE SHOOP

318

+875% +420%

WILLIAMSON COUNTY To address an increase in mental health-related cases, Williamson County Com- missioners Court unanimously approved spending up to $250,000 for a visiting judge during its Jan. 18 meeting. The visiting master judge would be a contractual posi- tion with the county and work under the purview of Judge John B. McMaster in the County Court at Law No. 4, which handles civil mental health cases in the county. The approved funding, which comes from the American Rescue Plan Act, would also cover expenses for a visiting court reporter, as needed, and information technology costs, Precinct 3 Commissioner Valerie Covey sad. According to county documents, Williamson County has seen an increase in mental health-related lings and proceedings since 2014 as two psychiatric hospitals have opened in the county since then. Additionally, county commissioners attributed some of the recent backlog to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. When compared to 2014, there was a 342% increase in applications for temporary mental health services in 2021 and an 875% increase in applications for forced medica- tion, including those for inmates at the Williamson County Jail, according to county data. During the same timeframe, Williamson County saw a 109% increase in protective cus- tody hearings and a 420% increase in nal commitment

+109%

Protective custody hearings 11 23

4 39

Applications for temporary mental health services

Applications for forced medication

Final commitment hearings

SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTYCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

hearings, county data shows. These mental health cases were on top of McMaster’s normal docket of probate, civil and family cases, according to county documents. Due to the time-sensitive nature of mental health cases, county documents say McMaster often has to delay his normal docket to address mental health hearings in the time required by law. “This would help [McMaster] get his regular docket addressed as well as not delaying the mental health issues that we have in the county,” Covey said. County Judge Bill Gravell asked the court to be open to increasing the amount of money allocated to address the backlog if the $250,000 does not address the county’s needs. “I think [McMaster] is trying to be really scally respon- sible while dealing with the tsunami—the backlog—that’s in front of him,” Gravell said.

WilCo leaders ask for parity in letter toMobilityAuthority

BY CLAIRE SHOOP

throughout Travis and Williamson counties, according to its website. The agency broke ground on its 183 North expan- sion project Jan. 26. In addition to funding projects at an equal level, the letter requests the Mobility Authority aid in preserving the right of way for future projects and establish a cash reserve that would allow the agency to fund more local projects in William- son County. Precinct 2 Commis- sioner Cynthia Long said that although the Mobility Authority’s rst project, 183A Toll, was built in Williamson County, since then many projects have been in Travis County.

The cafe space at the Georgetown Public Library has been vacant since October 2020. (Hunter Terrell/Community Impact) Little Lemon cafe coming to GeorgetownPublic Library BY HUNTER TERRELL

WILLIAMSON COUNTY Commission- ers Court is asking the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority to fund projects in Travis and Williamson counties at equal levels. This request was outlined in a Jan. 25 letter addressed to Mobility Authority Chair Bobby Jenkins. Williamson County Commissioners Court discussed its priorities for the Mobility Authority and authorized Judge Bill Gravell to sign the letter at its Jan. 25 meeting. The Mobility Authority is an independent gov- ernment agency created in 2002 with the goal of improving mobility

in November after nishing renovations to the cafe space. Miculek received interest from several ven- dors, but with the support of her sta and City Council, she elected to move forward with the team at Sweet Lemon. “We want people to be comfortable here, and part of being comfortable is having access to food and drink in a friendly space,” Miculek said. “Sweet Lemon is known for their quality of products, friendliness of sta, atten- tion to the little details.”

GEORGETOWN After a 15-month vacancy, the Georgetown Public Library will once again have a cafe. Georgetown City Council approved a partnership between Georgetown Public Library and Sweet Lemon Kitchen on Jan. 25. “We are really excited to be partnering with Rachel and Kevin Cummins to open Little Lemon at the Library,” Library Director Sally Miculek said. The library submitted a request for public proposals

GEORGETOWN EDITION • FEBRUARY 2022

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