Lake Travis - Westlake Edition | January 2024

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Lake Travis Westlake Edition VOLUME 14, ISSUE 12 JAN. 23FEB. 21, 2024

2024 Annual Community Guide

The changing Hill Country

Construction on the Travis Club development can be seen from the Angel Bay neighborhood in Spicewood.

KAMERYN GRIESSERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Developers, residents weigh environmental concerns for projects

nearly 4,000 homes—Travis Club and Thomas Ranch—received approval from Travis County to begin construction in 2023, despite ongoing pushback from residents.

backyard has changed that. In recent years, multiple developers have eyed untouched areas of the Hill Country to build resort- style neighborhoods near the lake. Two large developments promising to bring

BY KAMERYN GRIESSER & APRIL KELLEY

Siesta Shores resident Linda Pollock said she moved to the Lake Travis area for its sleepy, scenic roads lined with vacation homes. Now, construc- tion on a new housing development in her own

CONTINUED ON 22

Also in this issue

Impacts: Harbor Health now open in Westlake (Page 8)

Annual Community Guide: Lake Travis area snapshot (Page 25)

Government: Bee Cave centralizes trash collection (Page 10)

Education: Eanes ISD approves aordable housing (Page 14)

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LAKE TRAVIS - WESTLAKE EDITION

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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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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.

Market leaders & metro team

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

Taylor Caranfa Stover General Manager tstover@ communityimpact.com

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

April Kelley Editor akelley@ communityimpact.com

Jacqueline Harris Account Executive jharris@ communityimpact.com

Email newsletters communityimpact.com/newsletter Support us Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron

16225 Impact Way, Ste. 1 Pflugerville, TX 78660 • 512-989-6808 CI Careers communityimpact.com/careers Press releases ltwnews@communityimpact.com Advertising ltwads@communityimpact.com communityimpact.com/advertising

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Impacts

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4 Austin Retina Associates A Central Texas eye care clinic plans to open a second location in the Lakeway Medical Village in the spring. The business offers diagnostic imaging and advanced treatments for a range of retinal conditions, including diabetic eye disease; age-related macular degeneration; and retinal holes, tears and detachments. • Opening Spring 2024 • 101 Medical Parkway., Ste. 240, Lakeway • www.austinretina.com 5 Southern Steer Butcher The Florida-based butcher shop Southern Steer Butcher is slated to make its Texas debut this summer. Located within the Lohman’s Crossing shopping center in Lakeway, the shop will offer premium meats, sides, desserts, craft beers and wine, as well as preassembled meal packs. • Opening June

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HILLDALE

MAP NOT TO SCALE

• 2300 Lohmans Spur Road, Lakeway • www.southernsteerfranchise.com

MOPAC

In the news

2 Harbor Health An express and primary care clinic opened in Westlake, offering an array of health care services through in-person visits and telehealth, including behavioral health, chronic disease management and pediatric care. • Opened in September • 500 N. Capital of Texas Hwy., Reserve Bldg. 6, Ste. 125, Westlake • www.harborhealth.com 3 SkinSpirit The medical spa chain SkinSpirit opened a new location at the Westlake Market retail center offering noninvasive cosmetic treatments, such as Botox, fillers, micro-needling and laser resurfacing; as well as body

Now open

6 Steiner Ranch Steakhouse Steiner Ranch Steakhouse celebrated 15 years of offering fine dining, live music and panoramic views of Lake Travis in December. The menu boasts a variety of prime steaks, wagyu, fresh seafood and an extensive wine collection. The Western-themed restaurant was established in 2008 by the Steiner family, who owned the original 5,200 acres of ranch land and the Steiner Rodeo Company. • 5424 Steiner Ranch Blvd., Austin • www.steinersteakhouse.com

1 Aerial Yoga Austin Fitness studio Aerial Yoga Austin opened in its first location in Lakeway. The studio is owned by Michelle Frank and offers classes in a variety of disciplines, including vinyasa, yin, hatha, Reiki and aerial yoga. The two-story building includes a boutique, a cacao bar, a sky lounge, yoga space and a mirror studio. Classes are available for kids, teens and adults. • Opened Sept. 16 • 107 RM 620 S., Ste. 108, Lakeway • www.ayaartofyoga.com

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Now open

In the news

7 Popeyes Chicken The popular fried chicken chain is now open in the upper level food court at Barton Creek Square Mall. The chain is known for its fried chicken offerings, including the classic and spicy chicken sandwiches, wings and combo meals with sides that include a biscuit, Cajun fries, coleslaw and more. • Opened Dec. 10 • 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin • www.popeyes.com

10 Bahama Bucks The shaved ice shop Bahama Bucks celebrated five years of serving Bee Cave in December. The Texas- based national chain is known for its flavored ice treats and tropical themed drinks. • 3944 Ranch Road 620 S., Bldg. 7, Unit B, Bee Cave • www.bahamabucks.com

12 Corrective Muscle Solutions The physical fitness and treatment center Corrective Muscle Solutions will celebrate five years of business in March. The center helps treat muscle problems and injuries to improve movement, performance and stability. Owner Scott Frost has over 15 years of kinesiology experience.

• 21325 Hilldale, Ste. 103, Spicewood • www.correctivemusclesolutions.com

efforts.” A social media announcement about the closure mentioned that the hospital filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September due to workforce shortages, cost inflation and debt concerns. • Closed Dec. 29 • 5656 Bee Cave Road, West Lake Hills • www.westlakemedical.com 11 Little Country Diner After 19 years in business, Little Country Diner shuttered its doors permanently, according to a Facebook post by the owners. Owners Remzi and Guljan Tireng stated retirement as their reason for closing, but further details about what will happen to the location could not be immediately confirmed.

• Closed fall 2023 • 22000 Hwy. 71, Spicewood • www.littlecountrydiner.com

Closings

8 Claire’s The children’s accessory store permanently closed at the Hill Country Galleria. A company representative did not disclose the reason for the closure. • Closed Nov. 18 • 12701 Hill Country Blvd., Bee Cave • www.claires.com/us 9 The Hospital at Westlake ER The Hospital at Westlake Medical Center closed its emergency room. According to a statement from the hospital, the closure is a part of “ongoing restructuring

13 Lakeside Pizza & Grill The restaurant Lakeside Pizza & Grill closed, according to a property broker for Shops at Steiner Ranch. The grill served hand-tossed pizza, classic American cuisine and cocktails. The owners have not announced a reason for closing. • Closed September 2023

• 2900 N. Quinlan Park Road, Austin • www.facebook.com/lakesidepizzagrill

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LAKE TRAVIS - WESTLAKE EDITION

Government

Bee Cave and TxDOT to upgrade intersection Bee Cave City Council voted in favor of a resolution to create a partnership between the city and the Texas Department of Transportation for intersection improvements at Hwy. 71 and Hamilton Pool Road at a Jan. 9 meeting. The gist The resolution allows the city to partner with TxDOT for costly upgrades that the city would not be able to afford otherwise, according to a news release. The partnership will allow the Bee Cave Eco- nomic Development Corporation to pay for the design of the intersection upgrades, while TxDOT will fund the construction. Improvements at the intersection will be a huge benefit to residents and help to alleviate traffic issues, city leaders said.

Lakeway rezones for new development Lakeway City Council approved the rezoning of approximately 14.87 acres of land located at 18214 Hwy. 71 W. for a new planned unit development, or PUD, at a Dec. 18 meeting. The gist The acreage was rezoned from an office and retail development to a PUD for the Bee Creek Gear Shift development, which will be at the intersection of Hwy. 71 and Bee Creek Road, according to city documents. The plans for the development include 100 luxury car condominiums, 10,000 square feet of medical office spaces and a Walgreens with a drive-thru pharmacy, said Erin Carr, director of building and develop- ment services.

Quote of note “We have a strong relationship with TxDOT and have been able to work with them to give us relief at this major intersection,” Mayor Kara King said. “These improvements could cost as much as $15 million, and to have TxDOT take on this expense is an incredible win for our residents.” What else? Construction will take an estimated five years to complete, according to TxDOT and planning consultants.

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Bee Cave centralizes trash collection

Fundraiser launched for Spicewood library The Lake Travis Community Library Dis- trict launched a fundraiser for the creation of a new library in Spicewood off Hwy. 71, according to a news release. In a nutshell In January, the district purchased the 5,000-square-foot property at 21209 Hwy. 71, the former location of Pizzeria Casa Nostra. The $1 million fundraising goal will support renovation efforts to transform the building into a full-service community library by mid- to late 2024. Get involved For more information on how to donate, residents can visit www.laketravislibrary. org/fundraising.

Bee Cave residents’ quarterly fees Residents will pay lower fees for water under new partnership with Texas Disposal Systems.

Bee Cave residents will pay less for trash collec- tion in 2024, following the city council’s decision to partner with Texas Disposal Systems at a Dec. 12 meeting. The overview According to a 2022 city survey, Bee Cave residents pay anywhere from $82-$170 quarterly for trash services, and over 70% already use TDS through individual contracts or their homeowners associations. Under the new partnership, all single-family homes will pay $76.77 quarterly for trash collec- tion services. The new services, which could roll out by the second quarter of 2024, will include weekly trash pickup and recycling. It will also include biweekly yard waste pickup. Residents will also have the option to purchase

YEAR

COST

2020

$82-$170 quarterly

2024 (second quarter)

$76.77 quarterly

SOURCE: CITY OF BEE CAVE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

additional cans for $9 each. “When reviewing our options, we wanted it to feel like all residents were receiving an increase in services, not a decrease,” said Rebecca Regueira, executive assistant to the city manager. Mayor Kara King said struggles experienced by residents during the 2021 winter storms informed the decision to centralize Bee Cave’s trash collection.

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LAKE TRAVIS - WESTLAKE EDITION

Government

The Special Olympics Texas Winter Games 2024 on Feb. 16-18 is expected to be the largest one yet in Lakeway and Bee Cave, said Chad Eason, Special Olympics senior director of competition and games. The gist The 2023 Special Olympics Texas Winter Games had 1,200 participants, while the 2022 Winter Games—the first to be held after the height of the pandemic—had only 600. “Each year has been getting bigger and bigger, which is exciting news and a good problem for us to have,” Eason said. Eason said he expects for 2024 to be the biggest Lakeway, Bee Cave to host Special Olympics

An athlete participates in a powerlifting event at the Special Olympics Texas Winter Games in 2023.

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event in Lakeway and Bee Cave yet, with an antic- ipated 1,500 athletes participating from across Texas as well as athletes from Arkansas, Arizona and 32 delegates from Special Olympics Mexico. What else? The city of Lakeway approved $300,000 in hotel occupancy tax, or HOT, funding, while the city of Bee Cave approved $100,000 in HOT tax funding for the 2024 Winter Games. Bee Cave Mayor Kara King said the city is proud to continue hosting the statewide athletes. “This is the third year we have co-hosted and sponsored the games, along with the city of Lakeway, and we have always had incredible support from our residents, who fill the stands and help in any way they can,” King said. “We hope the community will continue to come out and cheer on these athletes in their Winter Games.” Lakeway Mayor Thomas Kilgore said he is delighted that the Special Olympics Texas Winter Games are returning to Lakeway. “The spirit of the athletes, and our community’s support for the games makes me extremely proud

Event locations The Special Olympics Texas Winter Games 2024 will hold events at several locations in Lakeway and Bee Cave. For the full event schedule, visit www.sotx.org/winter-games-schedule.

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volunteers and to fill our volunteer shifts like we do in some of our other major city and state competitions,” Eason said. Anyone interested in volunteering for the Special Olympics Winter Games 2024 can visit www.sotx.org/become-a-volunteer to register.

Eason said one of the best things about hosting the event in Lakeway and Bee Cave is how many members of the community volunteer. “We do not have to struggle to recruit the

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LAKE TRAVIS - WESTLAKE EDITION

Education

Lake Travis ISD community pushes back against book banning Community members spoke out at a Dec. 13 Lake Travis ISD board of trustees meeting after trustees voted to remove three library books in response to a parent’s grievance. Two-minute impact The public outcry follows the reconsideration of three books at a Nov. 12 meeting and the proposal of a new district library policy that would increase parental involvement in library material selection and expedite the reconsideration process for obscene or harmful material. Those opposed LTISD parent Anna Lindsey, one of dozens of speakers opposed to the decision, said the board made a mockery of its current process.

LISD against chaplains as volunteers Chaplains, or clergy members, will not be allowed to serve in Leander ISD. Two-minute impact The LISD board of trustees voted against employing or accepting chaplains as volunteers at a Nov. 30 meeting. LISD will continue providing counseling services through certified school counselors and credentialed mental health specialists, the resolution states.

Challenged books

“I Never” by Laura Hopper

removed

“Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson

moved from middle school to high school libraries

moved from elementary school libraries to the teacher/staff collection

“Bodies Are Cool” by Tyler Feder

SOURCE: LAKE TRAVIS ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

“It’s disappointing to see the board reverse the process that was completed multiple times with the input from parents, librarians and administra- tion,” Lindsey said. Those in favor LTISD parent Jennifer Fleck expressed gratitude for the board’s decision. “We are thrilled about the precedent that this might set,” Fleck said.

Leander ISD mental health services

100

school counselors

school psychologists Ratio: 1:360-460 students Ratio: 1:1,000 students

SOURCE: LEANDER ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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LISD creates webpage tracking projects Leander ISD community members can now track the progress on around 60 bond projects worth over $760 million. In a nutshell The webpage, www.leanderisd.org/bond- constructionprojects, features information on each project, including its scope, status and details, including phase, estimated timeline, funding source, estimated project budget and contractors.

EISD trustees approve affordable housing partnership for staff The Eanes ISD board of trustees is searching for potential properties that will offer affordable housing to the district’s staff. The gist The board of trustees approved an agreement with the Texas Workforce Housing Foundation for the affordable housing search during a board meeting Dec. 12. The Texas Workforce Housing Foundation is a nonprofit corporation that develops and manages affordable housing projects. Eanes ISD employees were surveyed by district officials last year, and 68% indicated that they would live in a community that provides housing for EISD employees at a reduced rent, Superinten- dent Jeff Arnett said.

“Housing costs in our area are especially high. I also know that many of our teachers and other sta members, including custodial sta, food services sta, bus drivers, maintenance workers and

others, live outside of our district because of the high cost of living.” JAMES SPRADLEY, EISD BOARD PRESIDENT

In 2022, the median family income for the Aus- tin-Round Rock metropolitan area was $110,300 for a family of four, according to the city of Austin Housing and Planning Department. Round Rock ISD and Pflugerville ISD have entered into similar agreements with the Texas Workforce Housing Foundation.

Notable bond projects:

• Elementary School Nos. 30, 31 and 32 • Middle School No. 10 • High School No. 7 • Security projects

• Campus

modernizations

• New special education program building

SOURCE: LEANDER ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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LAKE TRAVIS - WESTLAKE EDITION

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Transportation

BY KATY MCAFEE

How did Austin get so many toll roads?

The actions taken

In 2003, House Bill 3588 passed, allowing regional mobility groups to build and operate toll roads. The passage allowed the CTRMA, which was created a year prior, to begin planning its rst toll road. In 2014 and 2015, two constitutional amend- ments dedicated more money from Texas’ oil, natural gas and sales tax to the state’s highway fund. The two amendments have provided billions more dollars to the state highway fund since their passage.

Without adequate nancial support from gas tax revenue, transportation leaders turned to toll roads as a solution. “In the early 2000s the commission said, ‘There’s got to be a better way to do this,’” Bass said. “One way we [did] that is by having our regional mobility authority go to the bond market [to] issue bonds, borrow money, and then collect the tolls and pay back that borrowed money over time.” The CTRMA has worked with the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization to build six toll roads through this process. The Texas Department of Transportation built the other four. Langmore said adding toll roads has gone “amazingly well,” as they’ve given drivers a faster option and generated enough surplus to build more roads in the past two decades.

As Austin’s population started to boom about 20 years ago, local transportation leaders recognized the need for more roadways connecting the region. Many roads were in a “lousy state of repair,” and the state did not have the money to x them or build new ones, said John Langmore, former board member of the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority. At the time, state road projects were funded solely through gas tax—a $0.20 per gallon tax Texans pay every time they’re at the pump. By the early 2000s, the gas tax wasn’t bringing in enough revenue to build all the needed infrastructure projects in Austin. Texas’ gas tax has not gone up since 1991, and it has lost nearly half its purchasing power due to ination, according to CTRMA documents. The growing number of electric vehicles and fuel- ecient cars have also limited gas tax revenue, CTRMA Executive Director James Bass said.

Texas Department of Transportation toll roads Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority toll roads

The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority operates six of the 10 toll roads in the Austin area.

130 TOLL

COURTESY CTRMA

183A TOLL

183

45 TOLL

What’s next

130 TOLL

The CTRMA has a ve-year plan for potential roads it plans to bring to the Austin metro using surplus funding. Bass said the group is looking into adding one or two tolled lanes on MoPac, south of Lady Bird Lake. The CTRMA is also considering extending Hwy. 290 past SH 130 to the east. The CTRMA could also use its surplus funding for nontolled transportation projects, such as shared-use paths or trails. “[We’ve] been at a growth stage, helping bring on new roadways and then stabilizing,” Bass said. “I think we’re close to being at that point of stabilizing, and then maybe bringing on additional roadways, but maybe not, depending upon what the region wants.”

620

Express lane

290

MOPAC

290 TOLL

360

183 TOLL

HAMILTON POOL RD.

130 TOLL

71 TOLL

290

45 TOLL

1826

150

183

45 TOLL

1626

LAKE TRAVIS WESTLAKE EDITION

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Real estate

More homes sold in four out of seven ZIP codes in the Lake Travis-Westlake area in December compared to the prior year, according to the Austin Board of Realtors. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

December 2022

December 2023

+36.4%

-40%

+66.67%

+50%

+130%

78669

78732

78733

78734

78735

78738

78746

LAKE TRAVIS

78734

78669

Median home sales price

78732

620

78733

December

2022

2023

78746

$874,900 $860,000 $1,160,000 $603,500 $740,000 $810,000 $2,730,000

$731,000 $745,000 $1,474,000 $866,000 $1,036,250 $840,750 $1,585,000

78669 78732 78733 78734 78735 78738 78746

78738

360

78735

MOPAC

Homes sold by price point

December 2023

$900,000+

$700,000-$899,999

Lake Travis-Westlake

$500,000-$699,999

December

2022

2023

December

2022

2023

$300,000-$499,999

Months of inventory Price per square foot

4.1

142

107

New listings

<$299,999

$360 $371

118

139

Closed sales

Homes under contract

549

628

120

190

Active listings

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

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LAKE TRAVIS - WESTLAKE EDITION

Events

BY APRIL KELLEY

• Feb. 10: The Men of Madam Radar, 2 p.m. • Feb. 17: Denny Herrin, 2 p.m. • Feb. 24: Robert Wagner, 2 p.m. Patrizi’s 1705 Cuernavaca Drive N., Austin www.patrizis.com • Feb. 2: Beth Lee, 7 p.m. • Feb. 3: Tony Garza & The Rolling Thunder, 7 p.m. • Feb. 16: Matt Palmer, 7 p.m. Poodie’s Hilltop Roadhouse 22308 Hwy. 71, Spicewood www.poodies.net • Jan. 30: The Troubadillos, 5 p.m.; Ella Reid, 8 p.m. • Jan. 31: Dylan Robichaux, 8 p.m.

• Feb. 4, 4 p.m. • Free • Lakeway Activity Center, 105 Cross Creek, Lakeway • www.lakeway-tx.gov Lake Travis Education Foundation Fire & Ice Gala The Lake Travis Education Foundation Gala, the largest fundraising event of the year for Lake Travis ISD students, will include a cocktail party, plated dinner, silent auction, DJ and dancing. This year’s theme is “Fire and Ice.” • Feb. 10, 7 p.m. • $325 (individual); $3,000 (table of 10) • Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa, 8212 Barton Club Drive, Austin • www.lteducationfoundation.org

The Lake Travis-Westlake area has plenty of live music events coming up in January and February, including shows by Seattle’s outlaw country queen Darci Carlson and award-winning country musician Dale Watson at Poodie’s Hilltop Roadhouse.

January

Bee Creative: The Art of Calligraphy Learn about the Japanese writing system and write Japanese words mindfully with a brush and ink. • Jan. 31, 5 p.m. • Free • Bee Cave Public Library, 4000 Galleria Parkway, Bee Cave • www.beecavelibrary.com

Live music

Hops & Thyme 2125 Lohmans Crossing Road, Ste. 400, Lakeway www.hopsandthyme.com

• Jan. 31: Dan Whitaker, 6 p.m. • Feb. 1: Scott Strickland, 6 p.m. • Feb. 2: Jacques Grant, 6 p.m. • Feb. 3: Plebian, 6 p.m. • Feb. 4: Ruthie Craft, 1 p.m. • Feb. 8: Scott Strickland, 6 p.m. • Feb. 9: Jacques Grant, 6 p.m. • Feb. 15: Scott Strickland, 6 p.m. • Feb. 16: Jacques Grant, 6 p.m. • Feb. 18: Ruthie Craft, 1 p.m. • Feb. 22: Scott Strickland, 6 p.m. • Feb. 23: Jacques Grant, 6 p.m. Iron Wolf Ranch & Distillery 101 CR 409, Spicewood www.ironwolfranch.com • Feb. 3: Garrett Jay Brown, 2 p.m.

February

‘The Addams Family: The Musical’ Lake Travis High School Fine Arts will present “The Addams Family: The Musical” with a comical original story that embraces the wackiness of every family. • Feb. 1-3 and 5, 7 p.m. • $15-20 • Lake Travis Performing Arts Center, Lake Travis High School, 3324 RM 620 S., Austin • www.ltisdschools.org Masterpiece Concert Series Join Andrew and Sari Pearce for a performance of classical music by Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Brahms.

Lakeway City Hall Art Gallery Exhibit An art gallery exhibit is now on display in the Lakeway City Hall lobby, featuring local Lakeway artist Gail Threinen who specializes in Chinese brush painting and Chinese calligraphy. • Monday-Friday through Feb. 29, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. • Free • Lakeway City Hall, 1102 Lohmans Crossing Road, Lakeway • www.lakeway-tx.gov

• Feb. 2: Brandon Alan, 7 p.m. • Feb. 3: Guy Forysth, 7 p.m. • Feb. 9: Darci Carlson, 7 p.m. • Feb. 10: Brodie Lane, 7 p.m.

Seattle’s outlaw country queen Darci Carlson will be playing at Poodie’s Hilltop Roadhouse on Feb. 9.

Eanes Education Foundation Every Step of the Way Gala

COURTESY POODIE’S HILLTOP ROADHOUSE

• Feb. 18: Sharon’s 12th Annual Birthday Bash with Tessy Lou and The Shotgun Stars & The Return of The Gladiators, 7 p.m.

The Eanes Education Foundation Gala, the largest fundraising event of the year for Eanes ISD students, will include food, drinks, music and more. This year’s theme is “Every Step of the Way.” • Feb. 24, 6 p.m. • $400 (individual); $4,000-$10,000 (table of 10) • Omni Barton Creek Resort, 8212 Barton Creek Drive, Austin • www.eaneseducationfoundation.org

• Sundays: Mike Gonzales, 6:30 p.m. • Mondays: Anders Drerup, 6:30 p.m. • Tuesdays: Jukebox Heroes, 6:30 p.m. • Wednesdays: James Parker, 6:30 p.m. • Thursdays: Robert Wagner, 6:30 p.m. • Fridays: Howlin’ Waters, 6:30 p.m. • Saturdays: The Chandler Trio, 6:30 p.m.

• Feb. 23: Dale Watson, 7 p.m. Steiner Ranch Steakhouse 5424 Steiner Ranch Blvd., Austin www.steinersteakhouse.com

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

Developers, residents weigh environmental concerns for projects From the cover

What they’re saying

Two-minute impact

Spicewood residents from neighboring areas have voiced numerous concerns about the incom- ing developments. Pollock said the Siesta Shores neighborhood relies on wells for their water, and at least three residents had their wells dry up in early summer due to the drought. “All of us out here have experienced troubles with water capacity and having to redrill our wells,” Pollock said. Kamila Radford, an Angel Bay neighborhood resident, said the increased traffic from the Travis Club development on the curvy, two-lane roads with no shoulders could make evacuation or emergency response difficult.

The Travis Club and Thomas Ranch developments are currently the largest planned for the Spicewood area. Longtime residents voiced concerns to the county prior to approval, fearing that a large influx of residents would create more traffic congestion, strain the dwindling water supply and put the endangered golden-cheeked warbler species at risk of habitat loss. Despite these concerns, developers said they will preserve resources by using reclaimed water for watering golf courses and planting native species. “Protecting the local environment and infrastructure is paramount for us with any project,” Travis Club CEO Leisha Ehlert said in a statement. Joe Rentfro, the managing director for Thomas Ranch, echoed the sentiment, saying, “We are trying to develop a community ... for the enjoyment of future generations by protecting, preserving and conserving the landscape in which people live.”

“It takes a split second for all of these woods around here to catch on re. Things can get really out of hand really quick.” KAMILA RADFORD, SPICEWOOD RESIDENT

"We can't keep wiping out parts of the ecosystem and not expect to have adverse eects to our own well-being." LAURA MORDECAI, BRIARCLIFF RESIDENT

Put in perspective

a 2019 “shot clock” statute, HB 3167, places strict limits on the amount of time the county has to deliver a decision on a new development. Despite these limitations, Howard said she remains optimistic about the ongoing collabo- ration between the county and developers to mitigate resident concerns, which include plans to widen roads and address crowded intersections.

“We are handcuffed,” Travis County Commis- sioner Brigid Shea said during the July 18 meeting to approve Travis Club’s Phase 1 plans. “We hear your concerns; we are just legally limited in what we can do.” Travis County Commissioner Ann Howard said recent legislation, House Bill 3699, prohibits local governments from requiring a traffic impact anal- ysis from a proposed development. Additionally,

Development plans

Green space, golf courses Lots, facilities, utilities and roads

Travis Club 38.2%

61.8%

Location: between Briarcliff and Thurman Bend Estates Average housing density: 2.09 acres per lot Homes: 497 total, including 274 single- family and 223 multifamily units Lake Travis frontage: 10,000 feet Amenities planned: 18-hole golf course, lakefront clubhouse, 30 miles of nature trails, private marina, pool and racket center

Traffic mitigation plans Travis County has plans to mitigate traffic issues that may be caused by the Travis Club development, including adding turning lanes and dedicating roads for right-of-ways.

1 Right-turn lane for westbound Bee Creek Road at Thurman Bend Road intersection: $201,525 • Right-of-way dedication on Bee Creek Road along the property frontage 2 Right-turn lane for northbound Thurman Bend Road at Vizcaya Boulevard intersection: $184,675 • Right-of-way dedication on Thurman Bend Road to accommodate above right-turn lane No stoplights planned yet

THURMAN BEND DR.

Thomas Ranch

TRAVIS CLUB DEVELOPMENT

54%

46%

Location: from Hwy. 71 to the Pedernales River Average housing density: 2.89 acres per lot Homes: 450 to 480 for Loraloma; 3,500 total Lake Travis frontage: 2-plus miles Amenities planned: 18-hole golf course, 40 miles of trails, clubhouse, pool, fitness center and equestrian area

VIZCAYA BLVD.

BEE CREEK RD.

SIESTA SHORES DR.

SOURCES: TRAVIS CLUB, ANN HOWARD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCES: TRAVIS CLUB, THOMAS RANCH/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY KAMERYN GRIESSER & APRIL KELLEY

Zooming in

What else

sparked concerns among residents. Travis County issues permits to allow develop- ers to remove endangered species’ habitat from September to March each year, but cannot stop habitat removal outside of this timeframe. Only the federal government has the authority to stop the removal of habitat outside this time frame.

The Lake Travis area is one of the few remaining breeding grounds for the endangered gold- en-cheeked warbler bird species, which nests in the region’s Ashe juniper forests. A 2022 survey conducted by Blaire Wildlife Consulting around the perimeter of the Travis Club property found 42 of the warblers, which has

The water supply has been a concern around the region since Lake Travis hit a near-decade low in the summer. The addition of thousands of new homes has only increased community concerns. “The drought is not over,” said Shannon Hamilton, the executive director of the Central Texas Water Coalition—a nonprofit organization advocating for policies to preserve the Central Texas water supply. “We have to recognize what is best for the current residents. … These projections of population growth are terrifying.” The Lower Colorado River Authority approved water use permits for both developments and regulates how their wastewater is managed, said Public Information Officer Clara Tuma. The average daily water usage for a sin- gle-family household is 246 gallons, according to the Texas Water Development Board. Travis Club’s 274 single-family homes will use an estimated 67,404 gallons daily, while Thomas Ranch’s 1,618 will use an estimated 398,028 gallons daily.

Forest loss in golden-cheeked warbler breeding areas A 2022 survey tracked the annual decline of forested land cover in Austin and nonurban areas within the warbler breeding range from a 1985 baseline to 2017.

Austin

Nonurban areas

-11.57%

120 90 60 0

-22.84%

SOURCES: LINDSAY ROSA, PAUL SANCHEZ-NAVARRO, BRYAN BIRD, DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Population growth in unincorporated areas

What’s next

1990 2020

real estate, Rentfro said, with the first anticipated move-ins in 2025. While only Phase 1 of Travis Club has been approved, the full plan is not expected to change significantly as future phases go through approval, said David Armbrust, a lawyer for Travis Club.

While the developments will not be completed for years, residents can expect to see changes in the coming year as roads, water systems and amenities are built out. Loraloma, the first phase of Thomas Ranch, has broken ground on the golf course, and is currently selling their initial

11,922

Burnet County

+98%

24,918

111,370

Travis County

+109%

220,513

SOURCE: TEXAS HILL COUNTY CONSERVATION NETWORK/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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