Cedar Park - Far Northwest Austin Edition | November 2023

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Cedar Park Far Northwest Austin Edition VOLUME 1, ISSUE 7 NOV. 14DEC. 13, 2023

Aldea Verde School is one of many local centers that received pandemic aid.

COURTESY ALDEA VERDE PRESCHOOL

Local child care centers struggle with losing pandemic aid

Westigard said she is in a dicult position. “I am very sad that I don’t qualify for anything and we’re not getting anything else … because we really needed it to survive,” Westigard said.

otherwise, from ood-resistant turf for her Span- ish-immersion preschool to indoor renovations. Westigard also used these funds to increase sta pay and oer more training. As the expiration date of these funds approaches,

BY GRACE DICKENS

As the founder and director of Aldea Verde School, Luisi Westigard used pandemic relief funds distributed to child care centers to take on improve- ment projects she never would have been able to

CONTINUED ON 30

Also in this issue

Impacts: Scheels coming soon to Cedar Park (Page 6)

Education: New ACC Chancellor outlines priorities (Page 17)

Community: 23 ways to volunteer in your community (Page 26)

Dining: Fez in Cedar Park celebrates one year (Page 37)

For children and women in Austin, everything changes. More comprehensive care for children and women in Austin.

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Impacts

2 The Spinning Wheel ATX The craft studio offers more than 80 arts and crafts activities using recycled materials. The business provides customized workshops for individuals and groups, corporate events and birthday parties for all ages. Owner Rakhi Mutreja said the 2,500-square-foot studio is split into separate work areas, including a pottery section and an outdoor space. • Opened Sept. 10 • 2205 S. Bagdad Road, Leander • www.instagram.com/thespinningwheel_atx 3 Wink Optical and Eye Care Owned and operated by Dr. Riddhi Gohel, the business provides comprehensive eye exams, dry eye evaluation and treatment, contact lens fitting, prescription glasses, LASIK consultations and emergency visits for urgent eye issues. • Opened Sept. 18

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Coming soon

4 Results Physiotherapy The physical therapy business provides manual therapy and dry needling to help patients with chronic pain or who are recovering from an injury. With locations in several states, the Leander clinic is directed by Keith Yerkes. • Opening late November 5 The Shoppes at Bell Boulevard Fruition Developments owner Mohan Marchetty said he plans to open a mixed-use development in Cedar Park by late 2025 featuring more than 36,000 square feet of retail, office, medical and restaurant space. The groundbreaking is set for mid-2024 at the location on Bell Boulevard. • Opening late 2025 • 1804 N. Bell Blvd., Cedar Park • 952-456-2277 • 11620 W. Hero Way, Ste. 120, Leander • www.resultspt.com/leander-texas 7 Hyundai Leander Penske Automotive Group broke ground on the new car

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45 TOLL testosterone and hormone replacement therapy, medical weight loss, IV vitamin therapy and more. The business offers free consultations to help create personalized treatment plans. Owned by Tyler and Cara Parsons, this is the first True Test store in Texas. • Opened Sept. 25 • 1735 N. US 183, Ste. 202, Leander • https://truetesthrt.com

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Coming soon

6 Scheels A 240,000-square-foot, employee-owned sporting goods store will be built in the upcoming CedarView development near the H-E-B Center. In addition to 75 specialty shops inside, the location will offer family-friendly activities, such as a 65-foot Ferris wheel, a 16,000-gallon saltwater aquarium stocked with 600 fish, a wildlife mountain and an interactive arcade. • Opening fall 2026 • Off New Hope Drive between 183A Toll and US 183 • www.scheels.com dealership Oct. 19. The 7-acre dealership is expected to have more than 70 employees and 400 parking spaces for new and used vehicles. • Opening in November 2024 • 9550 183A Toll, Bldg. 2, Leander • www.hyundaiusa.com 8 ISI Elite Training Cedar Park Owner Charles Yeager will open the workout facility offering 50-minute workouts for all fitness levels that the company’s website says are designed to burn up to 1,000 calories and focus on a different muscle group each day. ISI also offers an Inbody Body Composition Analyzer that allows the member to track results, as well as monthly seminars to help members stay focused on health and wellness beyond the gym experience. • Opening late 2023

9 Shake Shack The eatery in Cedar Park will offer burgers, fries, shakes and more. The restaurant will also have a drive-thru and patio. Some items on the menu include the ShackBurger made with Angus beef and

ShackSauce on a toasted potato bun; crinkle-cut fries; and shakes in a variety of flavors. • Opening late 2023 • 1905 E. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park • www.shakeshack.com

• 14105 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 101, Cedar Park • www.isielitetraining.com/isi-location/cedarpark-tx

Closings

11 The Truth Family Fitness and Sports Performance The gym closed its location at The Crossover. According to its website, the business is looking to relocate to a larger space in the Cedar Park and Leander area. The Truth offered personal training, free weights, strength training equipment, group classes, dry saunas, and on- site chiropractors and massage therapists. • Closed Oct. 27 • 1717 Scottsdale Drive, Ste. 190, Cedar Park • www.truthfamilyfitness.com

10 The Brass Tap The craft beer bar and eatery will serve draft beers, offering a mix of local, regional and international brews. The food menu will include shareables, wings, pizzas, burgers, tacos, salads and vegetarian options. The franchisee, Ridham Bhatt, co-owns three other Brass Tap locations in Richardson, Rockwall and Sachse. • Opening in December • 15101 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 300, Leander • www.brasstapbeerbar.com

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Impacts

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183A TOLL

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1 Peri Peri Republic The eatery owned by Ashraf Khan in Lakeline Mall serves Portuguese-style chicken dishes with peri peri sauces. Dishes are available in bowls, burgers, wraps and more. Vegetarian options are also available. • Opened Aug. 15 • 11200 Lakeline Mall Drive, Ste. EU01B, Cedar Park • www.periperirepublic.com 2 Class UFC North Austin Owned by local Jessie Ocel, the North Austin gym offers coach-led classes such as boxing and high-intensity interval training for a variety of skill levels including beginners. Personal trainers are also available. • Opened Oct. 28 • 10900 Lakeline Mall Drive, Austin • www.classufcgym.com Top Rail Fence Austin The fence contracting company offers professional fence installation services for business, residential or agricultural properties. A variety of fence types are available, including wooden, chain link, aluminum, vinyl

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3 Lazeez Mediterranean Food A second Lazeez Mediterranean Food restaurant will open on West Parmer Lane. Owned by Bilal AlJalam, the eatery will serve a variety of Mediterranean dishes, such as falafel, dolma, kibbeh and more. The first location will remain open at 6812 RM 620, Austin. • Opening Dec. 1 • 9215 W. Parmer Lane, Austin • www.lazeezaustin.com

5 River Place OB/GYN River Place OB/GYN celebrated its 10th anniversary in October. Dr. John Thoppil started the practice in West Austin in 2013 and opened Pflugerville OB/ GYN in 2018. In September, River Place OB/GYN began offering mammograms in partnership with Onsite Women’s Health. • 6611 River Place Blvd., Ste. 202, Austin • www.riverplaceobg.com

6 Taco Palenque Owned and operated by the granddaughter of the Don Pancho Ochoa family, who opened the original Taco Palenque in Laredo, the restaurant in Lake Creek Shopping Center serves Mexican comfort food, such as parrilladas, antojitos, burritos, tacos and more. • Opened Oct. 12 • 13201 N. RM 620, Ste. S, Austin • www.tacopalenque.com

Closings

4 Shuck Me The seafood restaurant closed its Four Points location Sept. 10 after less than two years of being open. Shuck Me has three other locations in Denton; Southlake; and

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Government

County approves $16.2M in capital improvements Commissioners in Williamson County allocated $16.2 million to improve emergency services, extend roadways and more on Oct. 10, providing funds for county projects slated for 2024. Funds for the projects were approved in the county’s general fund for fiscal year 2023-24, which was approved Aug. 29. Six projects were included, costing from around $500,000-$5 million. Projects that will benefit all of the county include expansions to emergency service coordination infrastructure and an expansion for the county’s vehicle repair building. More details The county also retained an additional $4.2 million in unallocated funds to be used for parks and other capital improvements.

County weighs justice center, jail relocation Williamson County commissioners discussed relocating the county’s jail and justice centers in October. What’s happened? Citing the need for greater space, County Judge Bill Gravell recommended Oct. 3 to relocate the facilities to from central Georgetown to downtown. Plans for a potential new site are not projected to begin for at least three years. “I think we own some precious resources in the downtown area that would be better used to deal with tax revenue.” BILL GRAVELL, WILLIAMSON COUNTY JUDGE

Project breakdown Recently-approved projects that benefit Cedar Park include:

Backup 911 center, $4.5 million • Part of the data-sharing program for first responders to increase coordination between jurisdictions New radio tower, $3 million • One of five new towers intended to integrate the emergency responder data-sharing system Williamson County Fleet building expansion, $1.5 million • An expansion of the county’s vehicle maintenance building, servicing roughly 750 pieces of equipment

SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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New police officer position approved The Cedar Park Police Department will now have a new detective on the force after a City Council decision on Oct. 12. What you need to know The new officer will be dedicated to criminal investigations. Council also approved the conversion of two corporal positions into sergeants, which ensures adequate supervision for certain shifts, officials said. The new detective position and their vehicle will cost the city $219,132 total for 2024, while the conversion of two positions will cost $23,000. Funds for these changes were allocated in the fiscal year 2023-24 budget. The new adjustments went into effect Oct. 13.

Cedar Park begins study for future arts center Cedar Park City Council approved a feasibility study to design a gathering space for the commu- nity to experience and make art on a property near Bell District on Oct. 12. The full story The city’s Type B Board purchased 2.66 acres of land located at 201 Buttercup Creek Boulevard with the goal of developing a community arts center or an art park at the site. “It’s so exciting, because it’s not something that we have and it’s filling so many gaps that I think we’ve all talked about,” Council Member Heather Jefts said. The details Staff is looking to put a 25,000 square-foot center on the property, Deputy City Manager Kath- erine Woerner Caffrey said at the Oct. 12 meeting.

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The facility would offer classrooms, a theater and a gallery that also functions as an event venue. Programming at the center would appeal to kids, adults and seniors, Caffrey said. Looking ahead The feasibility study being conducted by Perkins & Will Inc. will cost $264,100 and take about six months to complete. Caffrey said staff will provide an update on the study in early 2024.

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Government

BY BEN THOMPSON

Residents react to proposed ‘HOME’ plan Hundreds of Austinites registered to testify Oct. 26 on a city land-use proposal that, if approved, could end up bringing added housing density to neighborhoods across the city. The big picture The main topic at hand Oct. 26 was one half of the Home Options for Middle-income Empower- ment initiative drafted by council member Leslie Pool. The act’s first phase now being debated would allow up to three housing units on all single-family property in Austin. Additionally, other city rules related to two-unit projects and regulations governing the number of people allowed to live together could also be changed. Nearly 300 people signed up to share their stances as for, against or undecided on the increased unit allowances in Austin’s single-family areas.

Council taps city manager search firm Mosaic Public Partners will lead the national search for Austin’s next city manager, the appointed head of local government. The details After vetting several interested firms, a City Council subcommittee picked Mosaic to handle candidate recruitment and public engagement for a $150,000 contract. A search timeline isn’t finalized but officials previously said they hoped to install a new manager by next fall. “This is a big, big, big decision on behalf of the city, one of the biggest decisions that we will take on as a group and as a council,” Mayor Kirk Watson said. “We want to make sure we take the appropriate amount of time and we don’t limit ourselves.”

What they’re saying

Proponents of the HOME plan said it would: • Increase affordability • Maintain Austin’s diversity • Give developers more options to reach more buyers Opponents of the HOME plan said it would: • Threaten suburban lifestyles • Exacerbate existing infrastructure problems • Result in high-end multifamily units rather than single family homes

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

What’s next Council will discuss amendments to the plan during the Nov. 28 work session Residents can provide feedback at the Dec. 7 City Council meeting, after which council mem- bers plan to take a vote on the measure.

Child care centers allowed in more places in Austin Austinites seeking to open child or adult care centers across the city now have more options from which to choose. The breakdown

Expanding child care Some of the changes codified Oct. 19 include:

simplify options for child care development in residential areas citywide. The move is based on a proposal from council member Vanessa Fuentes. The new regulations increase the available space for commercial child care centers in Austin by about 77,000 acres—more than 250%, according to a staff report.

Creating a new zoning designation for child care centers

Expanding land-use allowances for child care centers across the city

In an attempt to streamline the process of estab- lishing child care centers and make services more accessible, City Council voted to greatly expand local land-use allowances for such facilities and

Increasing the number of enrolled members allowed at child care centers

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Education

BY BROOKE SJOBERG & CHLOE YOUNG

District begins zoning process for ES No. 30 Leander ISD has begun the process of creating attendance zones for Elementary School No. 30. What’s happening? LISD Chief Operations Officer Jimmy Disler presented the proposed process and timeline for zoning the district’s 30th elementary campus, which is opening in 2024, at an Oct. 5 board of trustees meeting. The district released a zoning scenario to the community Oct. 27 informed by new data from its demographer. Attendance zones will be finalized in December following a vote from the board, Disler said. Community members gave their input on the scenario from Oct. 27-Nov. 10 through an electronic survey and community forums at Plain Elementary. The district could also consider a second scenario if modifications are needed, Disler said.

LISD announces 2024 graduation dates District officials published graduation dates and times for the 2023-24 school year Sept. 27. Marking a milestone Ceremonies will be held May 24-25 at the H-E-B Center, which is located at 2100 Ave. of the Stars, Cedar Park. The district’s alterna- tive schools will have ceremonies in mid-May at Vista Ridge High School.

Dates to know

Nov. 13 or 27: district creates recommendation Nov. 14 or 28: Long-Range Planning Committee reviews recommendation Nov. 30: district presents recommendation to board Dec. 14: board votes on attendance zones

SOURCE: LEANDER ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

What else? Elementary School No. 30 will open in August 2024 at the intersection of San Gabriel Parkway and North Bagdad Road to relieve capacity at Bagdad and Plain elementary schools. Crews were pouring the building’s slab and building insulated tilt wall panels on-site, which are scheduled to go up over the coming weeks, LISD Superintendent Bruce Gearing said at the Oct. 5 meeting. Additionally, he said the district is working with the city of Leander to develop surrounding roads.

May 24 • Vista Ridge High School: 8-10 a.m. • Glenn High School: noon-2 p.m. • Cedar Park High School: 4-6 p.m. • Vandegrift High School: 8-10 p.m. May 25 • Leander High School: 8-10 a.m. • Rouse High School: noon-2 p.m.

SOURCE: LEANDER ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

RRISD trustees discuss priorities for special session

Legislative priorities

Investing in public education to address pandemic learning loss and increase teacher salaries

updated legislative priorities regarding school funding and accountability. Place 4 trustee Alicia Markum said the updated priorities are intended to break down some of the issues trustees are advocating for on behalf of the district for community members. “Any attempt to defund education has a direct impact on your community,” board President Amber Landrum said.

Round Rock ISD trustees discussed the dis- trict’s legislative priorities for a special legislative session focused on education Oct. 19, calling on lawmakers to provide adequate funding for public schools. What happened? In response to bills under consideration at the state Legislature, trustees discussed some

Prevent use of state funds for private education

Increase school safety allotment

Adjust the Texas Education Agency’s A-F rating system

SOURCE: ROUND ROCK ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Education

BY CHLOE YOUNG

The Austin Community College District has 11 campuses in the Austin area.

COURTESY AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

CHLOE YOUNGCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Get to know Russell Lowery-Hart, ACC’s new chancellor Russell Lowery-Hart began as the new chancellor for the Austin Community College District on Oct. 1 after serving as the president of Amarillo College since 2014. His hiring follows the retirement of former ACC Chancellor Richard Rhodes this year. What inspired you to work in higher education? I think I grew up in a family that was challenging, and some would say dysfunctional, and education was always my safe place. Teachers were always the places of encouragement and support. So I’ve always been drawn to education because of its own impact to me, and I’ve enjoyed the space of education for that reason. What led you to pursue this position at Austin Community College? I’ve always been impressed by and encouraged by the innovation that happens in Austin and that it’s a place that embraces a willingness to try new things. When I heard that Richard Rhodes was retiring, someone that I’ve admired and been friends with for a long time, it’s the only place that I thought had the resources and the talent and the board leadership to be a place of transforma- tion. ... I feel like ACC can be a place that can not

just transform our region, but transform higher education across the country, and I wanted to be a part of it. How would you describe your approach to leadership? My leadership is based on care and love—that we are committed to loving our students to success, and that means we have to listen to them, know them, respond to them and engage them in helping us redesign ourselves for their needs. What are some of your priorities for the ACC District? My rst 100 days are built for us to intentionally listen and understand the student experience and the employee experience. Once we have an understanding of how our students receive us and how we as employees engage our students, at the end of that 100 days, I hope that we can identify a clear, big, audacious goal around completion rates or graduation rates; that we will have a clear theory of change that organizes the entire district around how we get to that goal; and that we have deployed data to predict when and how our students need us. Are there any programs you’d like to start or expand? I think what I worry about is that the way our society is changing at such a dramatic rate around issues of AI and automation and robotics and bio- science that we don’t have programmatic responses to those things yet. We have to prepare ourselves and prepare our existing programs to respond to

how these things start impacting the way we live and the way we work. ACC has not raised tuition in 10 years and kept its tax rate low. Is this something you plan to continue? Completely. I think what makes ACC so powerful and an important partner in the region is that we don’t overtax our students or our taxpayers. We’re keeping it aordable while having the most innovative, exciting and important technologies. Our students can come into our spaces and access points of learning that they might not ever see in even some of our country’s nest universities as freshmen and sophomores in college, and for us to be able to do that, by keeping taxes and tuition low, says a lot about our scal responsibility. What advice would you give to yourself in college? It would be to trust myself. I just remember questioning myself and the level of insecurity I had about who I was, and if I was on the right path. I would have just told myself to walk in trust and to not be in a hurry to grow up. The process is always more interesting and important to our personal development than the end result.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. For a longer version, visit communityimpact.com.

CEDAR PARK FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Real estate

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

Housing inventory up in Austin metro

How we got here

ABoR housing economist Claire Losey said in the release that there is still a lack of affordable housing in Austin on top of high mortgage rates, both of which could reflect on current market activity. “While our current market shows signs of health with more housing supply becoming available, they are not necessarily attractive options for first-time homebuyers or those shopping for more affordable homes,” Losey said. “The current inventory level across the [metro] demonstrates that while we’ve seen a steady increase in supply over the past year, many of these homes are not attainable for the average Austin resident.” 2023 ABoR President Ashley Jackson added in the release that it is important for buyers and sellers to understand that the housing market of today is “no longer the housing market of the past few years.”

Housing inventory in the Austin-Round Rock metro hit the highest levels in more than eight years in September, according to the Austin Board of Realtors’ metro data for September. According to ABoR officials in a news release, Travis County and Hays County both had more than four months worth of inventory while Williamson County had slightly more than three months worth. Bastrop County had the highest inventory in the Austin metro with five months worth. Across the Austin-Round Rock metro: • Home sales dropped 18.2%. • Median home prices dropped 4.3%. • Active listings increased by 7.8%.

In Williamson County, year over year:

There were 3.3 months worth of inventory, 0.2 months more than last year.

FOR SALE

Active home listings were down 10.6% with 2,873 listings.

Sales were down 30.3% with 341 homes sold.

The median home price was down 4.3% to $400,000.

SOURCE: AUSTIN BOARD OF REALTORS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Number of homes sold

September 2022

September 2023

Residential market data

83 55

16 7

-33.7%

-56.25%

78613

78729

Home sales were down across the Cedar Park-Far Northwest Austin market in September, according to data from the Austin Board of Realtors.

31 24

21 17

-22.58%

-19.05%

78717

78750

183

45 TOLL

-75%

78726

620

MOPAC

Median home sales price

2022

2023

78613

-11.8%

$450,000

$510,000

78613 78729

78717 78750

78726

78717

-1.95%

$554,000

$565,000

78726

-22.82%

$575,000

$745,000

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

78729

-5.41%

$470,000

$496,900

78750

+31.21%

$702,000

$535,000

Now Selling from the $600s Model Now Op $ p en!

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Transportation

BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON

Cedar Park council greenlights traffic signal A traffic light will be installed near Henry Middle School to increase safety and provide a better experience for drivers and pedestrians who frequent the area. The big picture During its Sept. 28 meeting, Cedar Park City Council approved an interlocal agreement with Leander ISD for the design and construction of a traffic light at the intersection of Vista Ridge Boulevard and Golden Arrow Avenue. With the intersection serving one of the middle school’s primary driveways, the area has substan- tial amounts of traffic during student drop-off and dismissal periods. Crossing guards and an officer from the Cedar Park Police Department direct traffic and help students to cross the road during peak times. Outside of those times, however, there is no

E. WOODVIEW DR.

183A TOLL

HENRY MIDDLE SCHOOL

Road widening work begins in Leander Work to widen Raider Way and East Woodview Drive in Leander began Aug. 15. What you need to know Anticipating completion in Aug. 2025, the $8 million project will widen the road from two to three lanes, along with adding a roundabout and new traffic signal. Two-way traffic on Raider Way will continue through the 2023-24 school year to reduce disruption in school activity.

method of controlling traffic for pedestrians and cyclists trying to cross Vista Ridge Boulevard other than a flashing pedestrian-activated beacon, according to the city. A traffic signal would make the area safer for pedestrians, drivers and cyclists during all times of day, including peak hours, officials said. LISD officials agreed to contribute $500,000 toward the design and construction of the light. The city of Cedar Park will be responsible for any costs that exceed that amount.

Officials approve new Toro Grande Boulevard design Work on the Toro Grande Boulevard improve- ment project is now cleared to begin after Cedar Park City Council’s unanimous approval Sept. 28. The full story

NEW HOPE EXTENSION PROJECT

RONALD REAGAN BLVD. E. NEW HOPE DR.

will span from Whitestone Boulevard to New Hope Drive, which is being expanded to Sam Bass Road as part of the New Hope Drive Extension Project. The southern portion will go from Whitestone Boulevard to Parmer Lane. Additional portions of the project will improve intersections, add turn lanes, add a bridge struc- ture and more. Design on this project is expected to cost $2.6 million.

TORO GRANDE BLVD.

NORTHERN EXPANSION

Council approved a contract with Cobb, Fendley & Associates for the design of the Toro Grande Boulevard North and South roadway improve- ments project. The northern portion of the project

SOUTHERN EXPANSION

W. PARMER LN.

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CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE Mobility Authority

Navigating the tolling landscape can be complicated. We’re the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, and we’re here to help you understand important pieces of the tolling puzzle, like what we do and how your toll bill works.

The Mobility Authority is not the only toll operator

Late payment fees do apply

•Online at www.PayMobilityBill.com •By phone by calling (512) 410-0562 •By mail •In person at one of our convenient locations including the newly opened Ridgepoint location, or at one of several participating stores like HEB or Walmart* •Scanning the QR code on your bill Don’t have an electronic tag? We offer several convenient ways to pay.

Payment options:

The Mobility Authority is not TxTag

We accept a variety of electronic tags

Phone

Online

There’s a reason you might get a bill in the mail even if you have an electronic tag

There are payment options everywhere

XX.XX BILL

XX.XX

Mail

Keep your electronic tag account in good standing

We use your address on file with the Texas DMV for bills

QR Code

Disclaimer: For more information on where you can pay your bill in person, visit MobilityAuthority.com.

Learn what to do when you sell your car

In-Person

Using the Pay By Mail program costs you more

WE’RE ALWAYS HERE TO HELP

To learn more fast facts about paying your Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority toll bill, visit us at MobilityAuthority.com/tolling101.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Development

BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON

Leander City Council approved the Old Town Master Plan Sept. 21, which is intended to create a more enjoyable environment for those who visit the area, officials said. It paves the way for the redevelopment and revitalization of the district. The plan aims to build upon Old Town’s current mix of businesses to create a walkable urban district with amenities such as restaurants, retail space, parks and more for increased nightlife and events. However, city officials said the area’s small-town feel and historic nature will be preserved. “When you create those districts where people come, it has that special, small-town feel, even if you’re in a big town,” said Bridget Brandt, the president of the Leander Chamber of Commerce. Through this plan, city staff said they hope to accomplish a series of projects such as pedestrian bridges, trails, murals and the construction of Old Town Park. The plan features 10 priority projects, such as wayfinding, a pedestrian trail and sidewalk infrastructure, which are all estimated to take place over the next five to 10 years, costing an estimated $15 million. “The Old Town Master Plan is a plan that the city has needed to have for a long time,” Executive Director of Development Services Robin Griffin said. Leander’s Old Town Master Plan underway

Put in perspective

The first projects underway are related to increas- ing the parking supply in Old Town. Leander Beer Market co-owner Luke Krasniqi said the existing parking spaces are nearly full early in the mornings before most businesses are open. Old Town has about 300 on-street parking spaces, but a street redesign—outlined in the master plan— could offer at least 110 additional on-street spots along Broade Street, South Street, Bagdad Road and other areas.

183

2243

Coming to Old Town

What’s next?

On-street parking and pedestrian bridges

Revamp Old Town Park with: • Landscaping • Shade structure over stage • Seating area

Griffin said projects outlined in the Old Town Master Plan will take place over the course of the next several decades. Several contractors and developers will work with the city to execute the plan and individual projects will come before City Council for approval before they start, she said.

A playground and additional play areas

Trails and shared-use paths

Key dates

Banners, gateways and streetscapes

Sept. 2023: city approves Master Plan Dec. 2023: Schedule for implementing projects presented to council Early 2024: Old Town fire improvements will be the first project completed Jan. 2050: All projects estimated to reach completion

Murals and sculptures

Cultural arts programming and events

SOURCE: CITY OF LEANDER/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Development

BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON

Hanyang Eng USA to establish headquarters in Cedar Park

What’s next

White said the company plans to soon expand into aerospace, environmental and green energy. The facility will be located at 1635 Scottsdale Drive, Bldg .6, Cedar Park. As part of its upcoming plans, the company will create a 2,500- to 3,000-square-foot clean room—a space free from contaminants used to manufacture electronic elements.

The national corporate headquarters for a multinational engineering consulting firm is coming to Cedar Park. Cedar Park City Council approved the $450,000 performance-based economic development agreement with Hanyang Eng USA on Oct. 26. The company provides products and engineering services to a variety of industries, including semiconductors, power generation and mechanical engineering, according to the city. Hanyang Eng USA has been operating for 41 years and has 1,100 employees worldwide, Director of Economic Development Ben White said.

“I’m excited to have [Hanyang Eng USA] and everybody moving to Cedar Park. It’s wonderful.” HEATHER JEFTS, CEDAR PARK CITY COUNCIL MEMBER

Opening by 2025

Offering 50 full-time jobs

183A TOLL

$450,000 incentive from City Council

SOURCE: CITY OF CEDAR PARK/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Perks on Quick Move-In Homes For Homes Closing in November

New Homes $ 2 5 0s - $ 500s+ HomeWithBrohn.com | 512-580-8199

© 2023 CMG Financial, all rights reserved. CMG Financial is a registered trade name of CMG Mortgage Inc., NMLS #1820 in most, but not all states. CMG Mortgage, Inc. is an equal opportunity lender. Registered Mortgage Banker with the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending. To verify our complete list of state licenses, please visit www.cmgfi.com/corporate/licensing and www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. All loans subject to credit approval and only eligible with CMG Financial, Brohn’s lender partner. This incentive only valid on select spec homes that are contracted on or after 11/1/23 and close by 11/30/23, and finance with CMG Financial. The rates shown above are for educational purposes only, not a commitment to lend, please contact LO to see your qualified rate. Rate may change or may not be available at time of rate lock. If the down payment is less than 20%, mortgage insurance may be required, which could increase the monthly payment and the APR. Estimated monthly payment does not include amounts for taxes and insurance premiums. Adjustable-rate loans and rates are subject to change during the loan term. That change can increase or decrease your monthly payment. The rates shown above are the current rates for the purchase of a single- family primary residence based on a 45 day lock period, 740 credit score and 80% LTV. These rates are not guaranteed and are subject to change. This is not a credit decision or a commitment to lend. Your rate will depend on various factors including loan product, loan size, credit profile, property value, geographic location, occupancy and other factors. Offer is for a limited time only and can be stopped at any time and with no prior notice. Offers only valid when financing through Brohn’s lender partner, CMG Financial. Please see a Brohn Homes Sales Consultant for complete details. Offer may not be available with all programs in all states. All figures are estimates and subject to change at any time. The information here is provided as a general guide to help you determine if a property may be viable for you. Rates, APR’s & programs are illustrations subject to change at any time. These do not constitute a ‘Loan or Good Faith Estimate’ for payments and closing costs. Everyone’s situation is different and it’s best to be pre-approved for a range of potential prices, payments or loan programs. Flex cash offers vary per home and per community. The flex cash amount is contingent on the price of the home and only valid on participating homes and in participating communities. Speak to a Brohn Homes Sales Consultant for details on participating homes and participating communities. If using flex cash to reduce the price of the home, the reduction cannot bring the home price below base price. *Stated rate may change or may not be available at time of rate lock. If you bought a $599,990 home with a 30 year loan at a fixed rate of 5.5% (6.125% Annual Percentage Rate), with a down payment of 5%, for a loan amount of $579,964.00 you would make 360 monthly payments of $3,293.00. Payment stated does not include taxes and homeowners insurance, which will result in a higher payment. These rates are not guaranteed and are subject to change. This is not a credit decision or a commitment to lend. Your rate will depend on various factors including loan product, loan size, credit profile, property value, geographic location, occupancy and other factors. Offer is for a limited time only and can be stopped at any time and with no prior notice. The flex cash amount is contingent on the price of the home and only valid on participating homes and in participating communities. Speak to a Brohn Homes Sales Consultant for details on participating homes and participating communities. The flex cash can only be used in one of the four ways shown in this advertisement, including reduction in purchase price (not being less than base price of home) or applying towards closing costs, or long term rate locks or buying down the interest rate (specific interest rate and associated APR fluctuate on a daily basis and change due to individual situations). A 30 year loan would result in 360 monthly payments. A 20 year loan would result in 240 monthly payments, and a 15 year loan would result in 180 monthly payments. **CMG Home Loans will cover all customary lender fees which are processing fee, administrative fee, tax service fee, appraisal fee and credit report fee. In addition CMG Home Loans will also credit the borrower up to $1,000 towards additional third-party fees. This offer does not cover discount points. Credit cannot exceed total fees. Rate Rebound is only valid on future conventional conforming, government, and jumbo loans in our retail channel (future Construction Loans, All in One, HELOCs, Bond or HFA loans are excluded). There may be additional restrictions based on investor. Offer may not be redeemed for cash or credit and is nontransferable. Offer cannot be retroactively applied to any loans. Offer may not be used with any other discounts, promotions or interest-only/buy-down and second lien products. This offer is subject to changes or cancellation at any time at the sole discretion of CMG Home Loans. Additional restrictions/conditions may apply. This is not a commitment to lend and is contingent on qualification per full underwriting guidelines. Program will be available on loans disclosed between 11/1/22 – 12/31/23, and closed by 3/29/24. Program is applicable for refinances 6 months after closing up to 5 years from original note date and with a net tangible benefit which includes a rate reduction of 0.5%, going from an ARM to fixed rate, reducing loan term, movement to a more stable product, or a lower principal and interest payment. By refinancing the existing loan, the total finance charges may be higher over the life of the loan. This is a limited time incentive program that can be stopped at any time and with no prior notice. Exterior home renderings are for representation purposes only and subject to change. The Brohn Group, LLC (DBA Brohn Homes) reserves the right to make changes to pricing, floor plans, specifications, features, materials, dimensions, and incentives without prior notice. Stated dimensions and square footages are approximate and should not be used as representation of the home’s precise or actual size. Copyright 2023 Clayton Properties Group, Inc. DBA in Texas as Brohn Homes.

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