San Marcos - Buda - Kyle Edition | July 2023

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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION

VOLUME 13, ISSUE 3 JULY 20AUG. 16, 2023

HOME EDITION 2023

Truly Pure Rellery adds craft bar to its rell shop

Take a pottery class at Inspired Minds Art Center

HOME EDITION 2023

Real estate data

Home price increases slow, stabilize while inventory begins to rise Balancing the market Homes are staying on the market longer as active listings increase and more potential buyers are priced out of the market. In the San Marcos subdivision Trace, new single-family and multifamily units are under construction. (Derek Hailey/Community Impact)

Pho Tháison oers Vietnamese cuisine in Kyle

Pull the newest teaser from CC Libraries

BY ERIC WEILBACHER

Texas A&M University Real Estate Research Center shows an increase in the number of homes listed to sell and the average amount of time it takes for a home to sell. Large spikes in demand that took o at the beginning of the pan- demic—which helped contribute to the rapid rise in prices—have begun to wane, according to the data.

Buda, for example, had a reported zero months of inventory available in May 2021, but by May of this year, that local market had nearly three months’ worth of homes. Months of inventory are how long real estate agents estimate the num- ber of homes available at any given time will take to sell. CONTINUED ON 24

While home prices in San Mar- cos, Buda and Kyle have largely pla- teaued in recent months from their meteoric ascent since prior to the pandemic, a number of indicators show the real estate market cool- ing down from a seller’s market to a more balanced one. For each market, data from the

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July is Parks & Recreation Month! We have plenty planned for Summer in our parks, at our pool, and at the new Public Safety Center!

Dive-In Movie at James Adkins Pool Come take a dip and and watch Luca at sundown with our Dive-In Movie on July 21st! Pre-registration is encouraged as registration has a capacity. To register, visit TeamSideline.com/Kyle For more information on Summer events, visit CityofKyle.com/Calendar

Splash Pad Groundbreakings Two of our parks are getting splash pads in the near future! Join us July 27th at 9 AM at Steeplechase Park or 10 AM at Gregg-Clarke Park to celebrate the first step in bringing some new spots to chill in Kyle. Art in the Park Find your artistic side August 5th at 10 AM in Mary Kyle Hartson Park! Movies in the Park Enjoy fresh air and a fun time for the family August 11th at sundown in MKH Park with a showing of Minions: Rise of Gru .

Trivia Night Join us 6:30 PM every Monday at Centerfield Bar & Grill. Participation is free and no registration is required. Paint & Sip July 12th at 7 PM in the Krug Center. Registration and fee of $30/person is required. BYOB for those 21 and over. Skate Night at Ash Pavilion Get your family or friends together July 14th and August 11th at 7 PM for a great night of skating, music, and lights!

Public Safety Center Ribbon Cutting We’re celebrating the new home of the Kyle Police Department on July 20th at 5 PM! Join us at 1700 Kohlers Crossing for refreshments, music, and for the first looks at the brand new Public Safety Center.

SAN MARCOS - BUDA - KYLE EDITION • JULY 2023

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*All eligible sales must be original contracts with Highland Homes signed on or after July 1, 2023 and on or before September 30, 2023. Valid for all Highland Homes new builds and quick move-in homes in any community in Austin. Must apply for a loan with Highland HomeLoans, LLC within 5 days of entering your contract and must close and fund that loan within 12 months of contract date to qualify. Highland Homes to contribute up to $10,000, which can be used towards lender fees, borrower requested discount points, rate lock extensions, upfront mortgage insurance, title policy, recording fees, and other closing costs (some costs may be excluded). Amount will be reflected on the Closing Disclosure. To participate in the promotion, Buyer must finance through Highland HomeLoans. Buyer is entitled to finance through other lenders, but shall not be eligible for this promotion unless HHL is Buyer’s lender. This is not a commitment to lend, vailability subject to change without notice or prior obligation. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Exclusions may apply. Highland Homes reserves the right to change or cancel this promotion at any time. All rights reserved. ©2023 Highland HomeLoans (NMLS: 124684). All loans are subject to borrower qualifications, including income, property evaluation, and final credit approval. Rates and fees subject to change. Equal Housing Lender. High - land HomeLoans is a subsidiary of PlainsCapital Bank and exempt from mortgage banker licensing in Texas. Highland HomeLoans is an affiliated business arrangement between Highland LoanSource, Ltd. and PrimeLending Ventures Management, LLC. Highland LoanSource, Ltd. is affiliated with Highland Homes, LLC and Huntington Homes.

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THIS ISSUE

MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Heather Demere EDITOR Eric Weilbacher REPORTERS Zara Flores, Amira Van Leeuwen GRAPHIC DESIGNER Melissa Johnson ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Adrian Martinez METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Travis Baker MANAGING EDITOR William C. Wadsack COPY EDITOR Kasey Salisbury ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Rachal Elliott CONTACT US 16225 Impact Way, Ste. 1, Pugerville, TX 78660 • 5129896808 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES sbknews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING sbkads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising 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 ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today. We have expanded to include hundreds of team members and have created our own software platform and printing facility. CI delivers 35+ localized editions across Texas to more than 2.5 million residential mailboxes.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH

FROM HEATHER: In this annual Home Edition, we share various stories and news briefs regarding the state of the housing market, changes in interest rates, home improvement tips, home inspections and more. We also share a dining feature about a Vietnamese restaurant in Kyle, Pho Tháison (see Page 27). Heather Demere, GENERAL MANAGER

FROM ERIC: The combined rise in both interest rates and home prices locally and nationally is creating a pinch point for homebuyers—and it’s catching up with sellers as well. We spoke to local experts on the changes in the market and what residents needing to purchase or sell a home should expect as well as where the market might be heading (see Pages 24-25). Eric Weilbacher, EDITOR

CORRECTION: Volume 13, Issue 2 On Page 25, St. David’s Foundation donated a mobile dental clinic to the nonprot Kids Tooth Team Outreach.

Every LOCAL business has a STORY to tell. to your marketing mix. Add

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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION • JULY 2023

IMPACTS

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

EDWARD GARY ST.

SAN MARCOS

Ashley Furniture Home Store

Douglas Smith Artisan Soap Co.

AMIRA VAN LEEUWENCOMMUNITY IMPACT

HOPKINS ST.

Unlimited Club—that allows customers to wash their vehicles as often as they like for a monthly price. 833-416-9975. www.clubcarwash.com 4 Dutch Bros Coee , an Oregon-based coee chain, opened at 216 I-35, San Mar- cos, on June 30. Dutch Bros Coee oers a variety of classic coee beverages and cold brew. It also oers its customizable energy drink, Rebel. 541-955-4700. www.dutchbros.com 5 Zablosky Film , a lm-dedicated pho- to lab, opened in downtown San Marcos at 145 S. LBJ Drive on July 1. Zablosky Film is the only photo lab dedicated to developing lm and the only distributor of commercial and independent lm stocks in San Marcos. The photo lab pro- vides processing for lm stocks in a multi step chemical bath, dries and digitizes with high-quality scanners. Zablosky Film is open seven days a week and has drop- o boxes for lm at the shop and at Jo’s Cafe, located at 310 Mary St., San Marcos. 214-235-5597. www.zablosky.com COMING SOON 1979 6 Douglas Smith Artisan Soap Co. , a locally owned soap company, is setting up shop at 208 N. LBJ Drive, San Marcos. The soap company sells a variety of plant-based handcrafted soap and shave products that do not use any synthetic lathering agents or detergents, said co-owner Michael Douglas-Smith, who owns the business with his husband, Kevin Douglas-Smith. The soap compa- ny frequents the San Marcos Farmers Market and other Hill Country farmers markets. The two decided to open a SAN MARCOS RIVER 80 1984

location in San Marcos after building a base with the community. Douglas Smith Artisan Soap Co. is anticipated to open in early August. 713-240-2124. www.douglassmithsoap.com 7 The Joint Chiropractic is coming soon to San Marcos. The studio will be located at 102 Wonder World Drive, Ste. 405. Margie Wojciechowski, the business’s director of public relations and commu- nications, said The Joint Chiropractic is anticipated to open in the third quarter of this year. The Joint Chiropractic aims to provide convenient and aordable chiropractic care, oering a selection of packages and pricing. www.thejoint.com 8 Skip’s Beer, Wine & Liquor is expect- ed to open its second San Marcos loca- tion at 201 Moore St. early this fall. The building was previously home to Twin Liquors. The regional chain has six other locations, including one that opened in San Marcos in 2022. The other stores are located in New Braunfels, Cibolo and San Antonio. Skip’s Beer, Wine & Liquor sells a variety of beer, wine, liquor and more, including cocktail garnishes. www.skipsliquor.com 9 What started as a small-business venture at family and catering events has sprawled into a family-owned and -operated business, Sylvia Pizza , which is slated to open in August at 316 N. Ed- ward Gary St., Unit D, San Marcos. The restaurant space has indoor seating with upstairs and main oor spaces as well as outdoor seating. The menu will feature pizza, salads and Roma-style sandwiches on focaccia bread. 562-208-0674. Instagram: sylvia__pizza

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MAP NOT TO SCALE

NOW OPEN 1 Ashley Furniture Home Store opened June 26 at the Stonecreek Crossing Shop- ping Center, located at 850 Barnes Drive, San Marcos. The furniture store sells a variety of home items, including mat- tresses, lamps, rugs, bedding, couches and more. There are now more than 60 Ashley Home Furniture Store locations across Texas. www.ashleyfurniture.com

2 Balcón , a new bar and restaurant, opened June 27 at 407 S. Stage- coach Trail, Ste. 201, San Marcos. Balcón will be equipped with a full bar and serves modern Mexican cuisine. www.balconsmtx.com 3 Club Car Wash , opened June 9 in San Marcos at 1508 S. I-35, next to Texas Roadhouse. Club Car Wash oers a selection of car wash packages, includ- ing MVP, Elite, VIP and Rookie packag- es. There is also a members club—the

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COMPILED BY ZARA FLORES & AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Celeste Manz, left, reopened Sign Arts on May 11 following previous owner John Diaz’s death.

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FEATURED IMPACT NEW OWNERSHIP Sign Arts, a sign-making shop located at 205 Cheatham St., San Marcos, reopened May 11 with new owner Celeste Manz after former owner John Diaz died in 2021. Sign Arts will celebrate its 40th anniversary in July. Manz said she aims to carry on Diaz’s legacy. Diaz opened Sign Arts in 1983 and was a highly involved member of the community. He served on the dais as a City Council member and was also involved with the League of United Latin American Citizens. “Over the years, he was very dedicated

EXPANSIONS 10 Truly Pure Rellery, a locally owned rell shop located at 331 W. Hopkins St., San Marcos, celebrated the grand open- ing of its newly renovated Truly Pure Craft Bar on June 10. The shop, which is owned and operated by the McGarvey family, is the company’s rst rell shop in Texas and aims to reduce single-use plastics by encouraging people to bring a clean, dry container; weigh it; rell it with hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, etc. from the store; weigh it again; and then pay. Truly Pure Rellery oers all-natural, nontoxic products, including high-quality skin care products, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, laundry detergent, dish soap, bath salts and more. The McGarveys renovated the storage room to make it the Truly Pure Craft Bar. Customers can

select a recipe from a recipe book and create bath bombs, sugar scrubs and room sprays. The renovations also in- clude a variety of kombucha on tap from Buddha’s Brew, an Austin-based kombu- cha company. www.trulypurerellery.com RENOVATIONS 11 Great American Cookies, Pret- zelmaker at the Tanger Outlets in San Marcos temporarily closed for remodeling June 26. The bakery will be expand- ing to include a Marble Slab location. Great American Cookies oers freshly baked gourmet cookies, brownies and cookie cakes. Pretzelmaker oers hand- rolled pretzels. The store is projected to reopen in late July. 512-392-6989. www.greatamericancookies.com

to the community, to nonprots and to charities,” Manz said. “In our last conversation, he was like, ‘I know you went to school to study accounting, but you were perfect here.’” Sign Arts oers logo creation, lighted signs, vinyl lettering and other promotional products. 512-396-4140

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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION • JULY 2023

IMPACTS

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

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cures and pedicures. 512-615-0099. www.everlynailbarkyle.com 4 Hays Co. Flooring , a full-service, family-owned ooring store, opened in Kyle on May 1 at 1501 Bunton Creek Road, Ste. 104. Hays Co. Flooring sells tile, carpet, luxury vinyl tile and wood. It also oers free in-home consultations, esti- mates and installations. 512-567-2352. www.hayscoooring.com 5 Healthy Pet , a family-owned, Austin-based pet supply store, opened July 10 at 19230 I-35, Ste. 200, Kyle. Healthy Pet sells a variety of dog and cat food, toys, leashes, ea and tick care, and more. The store also has a dog-washing station for customers to use. 512-316-7482. www.healthypetaustin.com 6 Sleep Number opened April 6 at 19220 S. I-35, Ste. 400, Kyle. The chain has more than 500 stores across the coun- try, specializing in its customizable smart beds with adjustable rmness and eleva- tion. The store also sells other mattresses, pillows, bedding and bedroom furniture. 737-248-2099. www.sleepnumber.com 7 StretchLab opened June 16 at 844 Kohlers Crossing, Ste. 200, Kyle. The new business specializes in assisted, one-on-one stretching along with other stretch-related classes and sessions. StretchLab has a team of “exologists” that are certied or licensed in dier- ent functionalities and elds; back- grounds include massage therapists, chiropractors and more. 512-668-9340. www.stretchlab.com 8 Torchy’s Tacos opened July 5 at 19100 S. I-35, Kyle, following months 2001 21

of construction on the new build. The Kyle Planning and Zoning Commission approved a conditional-use permit in January 2022 for the 4,000-square-foot restaurant that features a drive-thru, which is a rarity for the restaurant chain. Torchy’s is known for its array of break- fast and regular tacos, chips and queso, craft beer selection, cocktails, and more. 737-248-0830. www.torchystacos.com 9 Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming , a professional pet grooming and dog bakery, opened in Kyle at 5401 FM 1626 on June 14. The Florida-based franchise oers a variety of grooming services from full grooming to creative grooming. It also oers ear cleansing, teeth brushing, blueberry pie facials and more. Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming sells puppy-approved dog treats made from high-quality ingre- dients as well as cakes to celebrate a dog’s birthday or adoption day. 512-256-5038. www.woofgangbakery.com COMING SOON 10 The Lash Lounge , an Austin-based lash salon, is projected to open Feb. 1 in Kyle at 2255 Kohlers Crossing, Ste. 200. The salon provides a variety of lash ser- vices, including lash extensions, lash lifts, brow laminations, lash and brow tinting, threading, and permanent makeup. The Lash Lounge has three other locations in Westlake, Cedar Park and Mueller. www.thelashlounge.com EXPANSIONS 11 Austin Regional Clinic Center Street , located at 22420 I-35, Ste. 203, Kyle,

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MAP NOT TO SCALE

NOW OPEN 1 Buda’s Healthy Nutrition held a soft opening July 1 at 1949 FireCracker Drive, Ste. 110, Buda. Work on the shop began in early 2022. Buda’s Healthy Nutrition oers protein waes and sandwiches as well as shakes and coees. The shop also sells iced teas with vitamins and other ingredi- ents for digestion. Facebook: Buda’s HN 2 Einstein Bros. Bagels , located at 19220 I-35, Ste. 200, opened July 19 in

Kyle, District Manager Nick Cassiano said. Einstein Bros. Bagels sells hot and iced coee with gourmet, signature and classic bagels. The bagel shop also oers dier- ent bagel lunch options, several dierent avored spreads and a variety of sweets. 737-327-8134. www.einsteinbros.com 3 Everly Nail Bar opened in early July at 5160 FM 1626, Ste. 110, Kyle, as part of the Kyle Crossing 2 development. The new nail salon oers a variety of pampering services, such as mani-

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Sleep Number

Torchy’s Tacos

Lawrence Martinez, known to customers as the “one-handed bandit,” cuts a midskin fade on one of his longtime clients Santos Calderon.

AMIRA VAN LEEUWENCOMMUNITY IMPACT

expanded its services to oer endocri- nology as a new specialty. Dr. Farheen Yousuf joined the sta June 30 and is board certied in internal medicine and endocrinology. Yousuf also holds fellow- ships from the University of Cincinnati in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism. ARC Center Street also oers family med- icine, pediatrics, dermatology, and ob- stetrics and gynecology. 737-404-0437. www.austinregionalclinic.com/clinics/

AMIRA VAN LEEUWENCOMMUNITY IMPACT

FEATURED IMPACT NOW OPEN South Austin style is now in Kyle after On The Money Barbershop , a traditional full-service barbershop located at 5141 Cromwell Drive, Ste. 106, opened in Kyle during the rst week of May. Owner Lawrence Martinez graduated from Hays High School and is familiar with the area. Martinez, who has been cutting hair since 1999, said he caters to Kyle residents. “We’re here to serve community,” Martinez said. “Our doors are open to everybody.”

The locally owned barbershop oers beard trims, straight-razor shaves, haircuts and more. 512-210-4561. https://bit.ly/3D2TK3r

arc-center-street CLOSINGS

The Lash Lounge

COURTESY LASH LOUNGE

oered various sides, a kids menu and daily lunch specials. Community Impact reached out to Mama Fu’s Asian House for comment but had yet to hear back as of press time. www.mamafus.com

12 Mama Fu’s Asian House , located at 151 Evans Drive, Ste. 111, Kyle, closed June 27. The restaurant was known for its Asian cuisine and served pad thai, lo mein, stir fry, orange chicken, brisket jala- peno fried rice and Vietnamese vermicelli with chicken. Mama Fu’s Asian House also

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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION • JULY 2023

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TODO LIST

July & August events

COMPILED BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

LIVE MUSIC BUCK’S BACKYARD 1750 S. FM 1626, Buda 512-312-9456 www.bucksbackyard.com JULY 28 The Bellamy Brothers, 8 p.m. AUGUST 18 Clay Walker, 8 p.m. THE RAILHOUSE 107 E. Center St., Kyle 512-262-7879 www.railhousebar.com JULY 28 Clutch Kings, 8 p.m. 29 Roy Heinrich & The Pickups, 8:30 p.m. AUGUST 05 Zachary Burnett, 2 p.m. 12 David Winsman, 2 p.m. 12 Ben Zuniga, 8:30 p.m. 18 Amber Lucille, 8 p.m. RILEY’S TAVERN 8894 FM 1102, New Braunfels 512-392-3132 www.rileystavern.com AUGUST 03 John Evans, 7 p.m. 04 Danny B. Harvey and Annie Marie Lewis, 8 p.m. 05 The Hickoids, 8 p.m. 06 Kayla Jane’s Picker’s Circle, 4 p.m. WILLIE’S JOINT 824 Main St., Buda 512-295-0483 www.williesjoint.com JULY 29 Rye Mountain Revelry, 9 p.m. 30 Brit Kerr, 5 p.m. AUGUST 05 Caleb Michael & the Arrested, 9 p.m.

SOAK UP THE LAST DAYS OF SUMMER THE MEADOWS CENTER

THROW SOME POTS INSPIRED MINDS ART CENTER

AUG. 12

AUG. 19

The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment will host a Summer Carnival Family Fun Day at Spring Lake Natural Area. There will be nature-themed crafts, activities and local vendors. The event is family-friendly. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. 201 San Marcos Springs Drive, San Marcos. 5122459200. www.meadowscenter.txst.edu

Inspired Minds Art Center will host The Great Pottery Experience, a 2 1/2-hour art class. Participants will get to practice throwing pots and glaze a piece of pottery handmade by instructor Emily Hohertz. The clay pieces will be red in the kiln. Participants will be notied when they are ready. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $45. 121 Main St., Buda. www.inspiredminds.art

JULY 29 PLAY ‘MARIO KART’ The San Marcos Public Library will hold a Mario Kart Tournament in Meeting Room A (104). This family- friendly event will have four competing categories: ages 5-8, ages 9-12, ages 13-17, and adults age 18 and up. The winner from each age bracket will then compete to claim the 2023 San Marcos Mario Kart Championship. Registration is required. 3-5 p.m. Free. San Marcos Public Library, 625 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos. 512-393-8200. www.sanmarcostx.gov/library AUGUST 01 WATCH A FILM As part of its First Tuesday Film Series, The Price Center & Community Garden will host “Cowboys,” an Austin Film Festival Audience Award documentary showcasing modern working cowboys on 10 of America’s largest, most remote cattle ranches across the West. Filmmakers will be in attendance. There will be beer and pizza. 6:30 p.m. $5. The Price Center,

222 W. San Antonio St., San Marcos. www.rsttuesdaysmtx.com 05 LEARN COMPUTING TRENDS Keeping Communities Connected will host a Keeping Communities Connected Technical Mentorship Program at the Buda Public Library’s Program Room/Craft Room. The course is for teens interested in information technology. They will have the opportunity to explore computer operating systems and programming languages, such as Python, JavaScript, Linux and Go. Participants will also learn how to code with a virtual buddy using CoPilot, Chat-GPT and AI along with building websites, apps and robotic processes for the web. 11 a.m.-noon. Free. Buda Public Library, 405 Loop St., Buda. 512-295-5899. www.bit.ly/3Pjb9fM 12 ATTEND A CONCERT FOR A CAUSE Buck’s Backyard will host Rosefest, a live concert and fundraiser beneting To Cure a Rose Foundation, which works to create hope and treatments for children with rare illnesses. The event will feature live artists, including Alpha Rev, Cory Morrow, Broken Arrow and more. 8-11 p.m. $35-$700. Buck’s Backyard,

1750 S. FM 1626, Buda. 512-312-9456. www.bucksbackyard.com/events 19 THROUGH 20 GO BACKTOSCHOOL SHOPPING Spend the weekend shopping at the San Marcos Tanger Outlets’ back-to-school shopping event. There will be local vendors, vendor giveaways, a rae, face painting and more. The rst 100 shoppers will also get a free back-to- school goodie bag with school supplies. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. each day. Free. San Marcos Tanger Outlets, 4015 I-35, San Marcos. The city of Buda will host its annual Buda Margarita Salsa Festival at the Buda City Amphitheater. There are VIP and general admission tickets available. VIP ticket holders will have access to a private bar and restrooms. Performances by Pat Green, Micky and the Motorcars, Rio Tripiano, and Rochelle & the Sidewinders are scheduled. Children age 12 years old and under are free when with parents. 4 p.m. Free (under age 12), $20 (general admission) $150 (VIP). Buda City Amphitheater, 204 San Antonio St., Buda. www.margaritasalsafestival.com www.tanger.com/sanmarcos 19 MELLOW OUT WITH MARGARITAS

Find more or submit San Marcos, Buda and Kyle 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.

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GEORGETOWN

BY ZARA FLORES

The land where the road would go is already owned and could be developed at a future time; there are already three active projects underway nearby. Stacey Benningeld of STV, the prime consultant rm and project manager, said that they are trying to get ahead of the development so that there is exibility in the potential road design and plan. “At some point, that entire area build outs, it becomes very dicult then to get the infrastructure in place,” Benningeld said. The feasibility study is expected to take two years to complete, followed by years of subsequent studies, design and right-of-way acquisition and construction, for a timeline of around a decade. There will be a follow-up open house late summer or early fall that will bring together the feedback provided and oer some potential routes for the road for additional input from the community. Residents can nd more infor- mation about the project, view maps and provide feedback at www.sh45gap.com.

Buda and other area residents were invited to an open house June 15 to learn about the SH 45 gap road project, nearly a year after the Hays County Commissioners Court approved a $2.5 million contract with CP&Y Inc. for engineering services and a feasibility study. This comes just four months after the city of Buda entered into an interlocal agreement with Hays County for the assessment. The gap within SH 45 lies between FM 1626 in Manchaca and I-35 in Buda, in both Hays and Travis counties. Following con- tract approval last August, Travis County commissioners penned a letter to the Hays County com- missioners stating their explicit disapproval of the project and their action, citing the environmental impact the project would have on the Edwards Aquifer. The study began with a meeting between all entities involved including both counties, the city of Buda and property owners within the study boundaries.

The Robert S. Light Boulevard extension opened June 7. COURTESY CITY OF BUDA

183

AUSTIN

Robert S. Light Boulevard extension Nearly two years after breaking ground, the Robert S. Light Boulevard extension project opened for trac June 7. The Texas Department of Transportation began construction in October 2021 to extend the road from South Loop 4 and connect it to FM 1626, creating a shortcut to I-35. The project has been in the works for nearly eight years, following an inux of residents to the area and an increase in cars on the road. The goal with the extension is that it will alleviate trac and congestion on Main Street in Buda and divert trucks and heavy trac away from downtown. The new road is around 2 miles long, has one lane traveling in each direction and also features three new overpasses. Timeline: October 2021-June 2023 Cost: $17.7 million Funding Source: TxDOT

290

MOPAC

130

290

KYLE

SOURCE: MOBILITY AUTHORITYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Austin-area toll road use up 26% annually

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

Thousands of drivers are con- tinuing to use the six Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority toll roads, resulting in just over $18 mil- lion in revenue in April. The Mobility Authority’s board of directors received an update on April’s toll revenues and roadway performance May 31. Chief Financial Ocer Jose Her- nandez said April’s total toll revenue included toll videos and fees, and both toll tag and pay-by-mail revenues are “performing well.” The Mobility Authority manages 183A Toll, 290 Toll, 183 South, SH 71 Toll, SH 45 SW Toll and the MoPac express lanes.

1626

MANCHACA

ROBERT S. LIGHT BLVD.

1626

ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF JUNE 21. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT SBKNEWSCOMMUNITYIMPACT.COM.

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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION • JULY 2023

EDUCATION BRIEFS

News from Hays & San Marcos CISDs

COMPILED BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

QUOTE OF NOTE

School marshal program makes headway at SMCISD SAN MARCOS CISD The board of trustees took another step toward implementing a school marshal WHAT IS A SCHOOL MARSHAL?

HIGHLIGHTS HAYS CISD The school district welcomed new administrative staff members June 26, including Patricia Fuentes, Lehman High School academic dean; Adriana Longoria and Stephen Foster, Lehman High School assistant principals; and Simon Middle School Principal Salvador Vega. SAN MARCOS CISD A $251,937.98 contract was approved June 19 with the company TF Harper to install Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant playground equipment on all SMCISD elementary school campuses. Hays CISD will meet July 24 at 5:30 p.m. at the Historic Buda Elementary Campus, 300 San Marcos St., Buda. 512-268-2141 • www.hayscisd.net San Marcos CISD MEETINGS WE COVER will meet Aug. 7 and 21 at San Marcos High School, 2601 Rattler Road, San Marcos. 512-393-6700 • www.smcisd.net “I WOULD REALLY LIKE US TO BE AS FOCUSED AS POSSIBLE IN THE ASSIGNMENT OF DUTIES TO THE MARSHALS. I REALLY EXPECT THAT THOSE PEOPLE, 99% OF THEIR TIME, WILL BE SPENT ON THE CAMPUS THAT THEY ARE ASSIGNED TO.” ANNE HALSEY, SMCISD TRUSTEE DISCUSSING THE DISTRICT’S SCHOOL MARSHAL PROGRAM

must be employed and appointed by a district, pass a psychological exam and a written state exam, complete the TCOLE’s training program, have a current handgun license, and more. The details: Some of the regulations governing SMCISD school marshals outlined in the board documents include they can make arrests and exercise all authority given to peace officers but only to the extent necessary to prevent or abate actions that threaten serious bodily injury or death of students, faculty or visitors on school premises. What trustees are saying: Salmi said she was “very opposed” to having marshals at sporting events. Board President Anne Halsey said she was in favor of the language as written but agreed with Salmi regarding the marshals’ campus assignment.

In San Marcos CISD and neighboring districts, school resource officers are typically uniformed city police department or county sheriff’s deputies who maintain a contract with the school district to remain stationed on campus. School marshals serve a different purpose as they: Are employed directly by the school district Do not wear a uniform Carry a concealed handgun Must pass a psychological exam and state written test Use a holster that provides 1 2 3 4 5

program after it approved the Texas Association of School Boards marshal policy language in a 6-1 vote June 19. Trustee Mari Salmi was the single dissenting vote. How we got here: The board initially moved to implement a school marshal program in April. House Bill 1009, passed by the 83rd Texas Legislature in 2013, allows public school districts to appoint school marshals to “prevent the act of murder or serious bodily injury on school premises.” School marshals’ identities are confidential, and they carry con- cealed handguns. To be certified by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement and eligible for appoint- ment as a school marshal, applicants

“adequate” retention Only carry frangible ammunition

SOURCES: TEXAS COMMISSION ON LAW ENFORCEMENT, SAN MARCOS CISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Hays CISD approves contract for athletic facility improvements

ATHLETIC UPGRADES Work on Hays CISD athletic facilities approved June 20, include: • Synthetic turf for baseball and softball fields • Shade structures • Field lighting • Press boxes • And more The improvements were approved as part of the

Other athletic improve- ments include lighting improvements for Hays High School, Barton Mid- dle School tennis courts and a stadium. According to the board, other improvements may be necessary to render the finished Barton Middle facilities to be “equivalent” to that of the high schools. The cost: The funding comes from Proposition B in the May bond and costs about $15.15 million.

HAYS CISD An engi- neering contract with CEI Solutions for Land and Life was approved June 20 for various athletic improve- ment projects. Improvements include new synthetic turf for baseball fields, softball fields and bullpens; the replacement of batting cage synthetic turf;

additional shade struc- tures over batting cages; field lighting; and more. Lehman High School will receive additional improvements, including new restroom and con- cession facilities, baseball and softball grandstands and press boxes, a new dual-tunnel softball batting cage, and more.

SOURCE: HAYS CISD/ COMMUNITY IMPACT 2023 bond totaling $15.15 MILLION

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

CITY & COUNTY

News from Buda, Hays County, Kyle & San Marcos

COMPILED BY ZARA FLORES & AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Buda City Council will meet Aug. 1 and 15 at 6 p.m. 405 E. Loop St., Buda 512-312-0084 • www.budatx.gov Hays County Commissioners Court will meet July 25 and Aug. 1 at 9 a.m. 111 E. San Antonio St., San Marcos 512-393-2205 www.hayscountytx.com Kyle City Council will meet Aug. 1 and Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. 100 W. Center St., Kyle 512-262-1010 • www.cityoyle.com San Marcos City Council will meet July 18 at 6 p.m. 630 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos 512-393-8000 www.sanmarcostx.gov MEETINGS WE COVER NUMBER TO KNOW Kyle spent on holiday decorations for Mary Kyle Hartson City Square Park. $93,671 The amount the city of HIGHLIGHTS HAYS COUNTY Commissioners Court approved a $25,000 contract June 6 with Deblin Health Concepts & Associates to provide mental health services for adults participating in the Hays County Mental Health Court Program. The services, nanced through American Rescue Plan Act funds, aim to support clients who are unhoused; have severe and complex mental health, substance use and social needs; or who may otherwise not be eligible to receive services through the program as structured. HAYS COUNTY Grounds improvements to the Hays County Historic Courthouse, located at 111 E. San Antonio St., in San Marcos, began June 1. According to Anita Collins, executive assistant for Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra’s oce, the sidewalks and tree roots were becoming a tripping hazard and needed to be replaced. The overall cost for the improvements is roughly $374,490, which is funded through the county’s Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 5. Construction is expected to be completed by September. KYLE Council relaunched its citizen academy program, called Team Kyle Academy, and allocated $2,600 for the program June 20. The funding comes from the city’s scal year 2022-23 general fund and will go toward meals, T-shirts and academy supplies, including program packets, eld day supplies, graduation certicates and clipboards. Team Kyle Academy is a seven-week program aiming to inform residents about their community with a focus on public service education, according to agenda documents.

San Marcos to receive $3.4 million in ARPA funds SAN MARCOS City residents now have a better idea how $3.4 million in available American Rescue Plan Act funds will be spent throughout the community. The San Marcos City Council voted BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN PROJECTS COST Uhland Road quiet zone improvements Public service center emergency operations center upgrade $500,000 COST BREAKDOWN Several city projects will be funded with ARPA funds. Below is a breakdown of each project and costs associated with it. $1,324,000

5-1 to receive the funds June 6. The city also allocated an addi- tional $165,000 in addition to $328,600 set aside to fund its compre- hensive needs assessment, reserved for unallocated nonprot funds to be determined at a future date. Those opposed: Council Member Alyssa Garza was the single dissent- ing vote. “I am going to be supportive of— not all of this,” Garza said. “City parks and availability of paths and walking trails were rated excellent or good by seven out of 10 of our residents, so they’re already ne with that.” Those in favor: Council Member Mark Gleason noted sta had done a good

City parks improvements (City Park and Mill Street Park)

$480,731 $445,00 $200,000 $165,000 $128,339 $125,000 $30,000

Generator for San Marcos high school Hays County food bank new facility

Reserved funding for future nonprot allocation

Caregiver support

Support for parent liaison program at SMCISD

Downtown events

SOURCE: CITY OF SAN MARCOSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

job of working with city partners to identify community needs and noted there was “somewhat of a time crunch” to receive these funds. “We need to get this money spent just in case. I mean that’s the reality of it; it could disappear, and this is a project that has been on the radar for a very long time,” Gleason said,

referring to the Uhland Road Quiet Zone improvements. “I’m in support of just moving forward with what we have here, and let’s get it done.” What’s next: Administrative Ser- vices Manager Hayden Migl said ARPA funds have to be approved by December 2024.

City to receive $135K for home acquisitions

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

KYLE The city of Kyle will receive $135,000 for consulting costs related to the acquisition of property for the Limestone Creek Development. The funds come after City Council approved a deposit agreement with Meritage Homes of Texas LLC at its regular meeting June 6. The vote: Council voted 4-3 to approve the deposit agreement with Mayor Pro Tem Michael Tobias and Council Members Yvonne Flores-Cale and Daniela Parsley dissenting. What to know: The approved agreement creates a tax increment reinvestment zone. Several homes within the Quail Ridge subdivision will be acquired to make way for a new road. The residents who will be displaced may be eligible for relocation assistance. That assistance will be paid for by Meritage Homes of Texas LLC.

Buda's historic Stagecoach House is located at 880 Main St., Buda.

Planning begins on future use of historic Stagecoach House

Buda City Council held a work- shop June 6 to discuss the future of the house. The buildings were originally constructed in the 1870s, and additions were made at later dates. Assistant City Manager Wendy Smith said there is $55,000 set aside for the future design of the space in the scal year 2022-23 budget as well as $175,000 for repairs in the FY 2023-24 capital improvements budget. In a presentation, Smith brought forth the potential uses of the space, which include a wedding venue, space for special events, a museum, or space for a nonprot.

BY ZARA FLORES

BUDA The Buda Destination Services Department relocated to 303 Main St., Buda, at the end of 2022, leaving its former home—the historic Stagecoach House—vacant. The buildings known by that name are located at 880 Main St., Buda, but are ocially known as the McElroy-Severn House and Onion Creek Post Oce.

SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION • JULY 2023

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2023

HOME EDITION

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REAL ESTATE DATA

COMPILED BY ERIC WEILBACHER

2022-23 San Marcos, Buda and Kyle real estate market at a glance Over the past year, median home prices in local ZIP codes have continued to inch up, though at a slower rate than previous years, with Buda’s average rising to the highest median price of $447,255. Year-over-year home sales fell in Buda but continued to trend up in San Marcos and Kyle.

78610 78640 78666

SOURCE: FOUR RIVERS ASSOCIATION OF REALTORSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Median home sales price

Number of homes sold

June 2021-May 2022

June 2022-May 2023

June 2021-May 2022

June 2022-May 2023

1,500

$430,000

78610

+4.01%

$447,255

1,200

900

$365,990

78640

+1.1%

$370,000

600

300

$329,500

78666

+7.59%

$355,638

78610

78640

78666

SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION • JULY 2023

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