South Central Austin Edition | March 2024

The e-edition is an exact replica of the newspaper with interactive and searchable articles from all your favorite sections.

South Central Austin Edition VOLUME 16, ISSUE 12 MARCH 28APRIL 26, 2024

The Austin Animal Center is at-capacity and has paused intake of dogs, even for emergencies.

ZARA FLORESCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Austin Animal Center reaches capacity ‘crisis’

Pets group director. An audit from last fall outlined several issues, including poor conditions and conict with commu- nity members, that ocials plan to address this year while maintaining the city’s no-kill policy.

Shelter leaders urged Austinites to consider foster- ing or adopting pets in the face of overcrowding. In the meantime, other shelter and animal group members say they are left to deal with the overow. “I feel they put a tremendous burden on the public,” said Beverly Luna, Austin Lost and Found

BY BEN THOMPSON

After mounting criticism of animal treatment and years of pandemic disruptions, Austin Animal Center leadership is working to improve operations at the city shelter as it reaches a “crisis point." As of March 20, dog intake was closed—even for emergency cases.

CONTINUED ON 18

Also in this issue

Impacts: BOA Steakhouse slated for Sixth Street (Page 8)

Government: City manager search down to 2 candidates (Page 15)

Events: Laugh it up at Moontower Comedy Festival (Page 20)

Business: Anderson's Coee thrives for over 50 years (Page 23)

Our team is committed to delivering for our clients. We celebrate their commitment with initiatives like Sharing Success, which awarded 97% of colleagues additional compensation this year, nearly all in stock. This is the seventh consecutive year teammates received this award, totaling more than $4.8 billion. Everyday dedication meets everyday appreciation

Scan for details

We are committed to being a Great Place to Work for our teammates in Austin and around the globe. This includes providing industry-leading benefits, minimum wage at $23/hr on track to $25/hr by 2025 and opportunities to build a career with us. These are a few reasons we’ve been named one of America’s Most JUST Companies.

David Bader President, Bank of America Austin

Go to bankofamerica.com/austin to learn more.

What would you like the power to do? ®

When you use the QRC feature certain information is collected from your mobile device for business purposes. For the annual Rankings, JUST Capital collects and analyzes corporate data to evaluate the 1,000 largest public U.S. companies across 20 Issues identified through comprehensive, ongoing public opinion research on Americans’ attitudes toward responsible corporate behavior. In determining the top 10 companies for workers, JUST Capital used its Workers Leaders Index which tracks the top 20% of companies in its annual Rankings that perform the best across the five worker related issues evaluated. https://justcapital.com Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Credit Opportunity Lender. © 2024 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

THE My ATX Water PROGRAM Austin Water launched a new smart water meter program called My ATX

Water across the city. This program involves upgrading traditional water meters to digital ones connected to a wireless network. Along with this, a new customer portal is being introduced, offering near real-time water use information, leak alerts, emergency

notifications, water conservation tips, and customizable features.

HOW TO SIGN UP IN THREE EASY STEPS

Type your account number and zip code into this website: austintx.watersmart.com

Locate your account number. You can find this either on your utilities bill or call COA Utilities Customer Care 512-494-9400

Fill out your user profile and start saving!

austinwater.org

SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

More Rebates, More Savings » Find instant savings on energy efficient products at local stores » Get up to $105 in smart thermostat rebates and incentives » Enjoy extra rebates averaging $2,600 on Home Energy Savings projects through April 30 » See if you qualify for free home energy improvements » Monitor your energy use and get savings tips at coautilities.com Learn more ways to save at austinenergy.com/tips

Customer Driven. Community Focused.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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. About Community Impact

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Brittany Anderson Elle Bent Amanda Cutshall Kameryn Griesser Sarah Hernandez April Kelley 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

Deeda Lovett General Manager dlovett@ 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

Zara Flores Editor zflores@ communityimpact.com

Gail Watson Account Executive gwatson@ 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

Proudly printed by

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

communityimpact.com

@communityimpactnews

linkedin.com/company/communityimpact

Hearing her laugh is everything

Find the perfect fit with hearing aids customized to your needs & lifestyle.

ARC Audiology near you at ARC South 1st Specialty & Pediatrics For all ages, newborns to adults

ARChearing.com

SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

SECOND SATURDAYS ART • TALKS & TOURS • MUSIC • PICNICS

APR 13 MAY 12

Designed for spring. Weaving demos, artmaking, curator talks, & more inspired by Anni Albers. 3–8 PM

WALLS: Jute AF-80, Aura® Interior, Matte DOOR: Black 2132-10, Aura® Exterior, Satin

Get Two Free Benjamin Moore ® Color Samples Shop Online. Use the code: FREE SAMPLES WHY TRY ONE NEW COLOR WHEN YOU CAN TRY TWO? SHOP ONLINE. USE THE CODE: FREE SAMPLES . Arbor Trails (512) 373-3129 Downtown (512) 480-8466 IH-35 (512) 351-9300 Koenig (512) 452-6202 Oakhill

Take mom to the museum. Celebrate Mother’s Day with art, cardmaking, roses & rosé, & more. 1–5 PM

Offer valid for two (2) free Benjamin Moore® Color Samples at participating retailer. Products may vary from store to store. Subject to availability. Cannot be combined with other offers or applied to prior purchases. Retailer reserves the right to cancel or modify offer at any time without notice. Expires . Color accuracy is ensured only when tinted in quality Benjamin Moore paints. Color representations may differ slightly from actual paint. ©2022 Benjamin Moore & Co. Aura, Benjamin Moore, and the triangle “M” symbol are registered trademarks licensed to Benjamin Moore & Co. 11/22 XX/XX/XXXX 4/20/2024.

(512) 358-6111 Parmer Lane (512) 356-9965 Westlake (512) 329-8891 ClementsPaint.com

MEMBERS GET IN FREE blantonmuseum.org/SecondSaturdays

Locally Owned. An Austin Institution since 1986.

Support for Second Saturdays is provided by:

Media Sponsor:

Welcome to Whisper Valley, the master-planned community of the future! Where sustainability meets healthy living to create a lifestyle like none other. Where residents enjoy life’s finest pleasures– over 600-acres of parks, trails and organic gardens, a resort pool, fitness center, dog park and playgrounds. And where friendships are nurtured through community events, activities and lifestyle programming built on shared values. Come explore our enriching lifestyle at Whisper Valley today. Just 20 minutes from downtown in East Austin.

LIVE THE GREATER GOOD LIFE.

Good for you. Good for the earth.

PACESETTER HOMES • GFO HOME • THURMAN HOMES • AHA DREAM HOMES • TERRATA HOMES ZERO ENERGY CAPABLE HOMES from the $300s to $600s | whispervalleyaustin.com | 512-720-7467

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Impacts

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL & ZARA FLORES

NORTH AUSTIN

• Opening TBD • Locations TBD • www.eggsupgrill.com

Coming soon

MCCANN DR.

In the news

183

4 Assistance League of Austin The nonprofit will celebrate its 50-year anniversary in April. The Assistance League of Austin provides help to children and adults through a variety of programs. • 4901 Burnet Road, Austin • www.assistanceleague.org/austin 5 Freytag’s Florist Ken Freytag opened the family-owned flower shop in 1974 and celebrated its 50th anniversary in February. The shop has expanded over the years to include multiple locations and offering floral delivery services. • 2211 W. Anderson Lane, Austin • www.freytags.com 6 Memorial United Methodist Church The church celebrated 150 years of services in December. It hosts community events, offers resources for those experiencing homelessness and daycare services.

MOPAC

2 P Thai’s Khao Man Gai Less than three months after closing the Research Boulevard location, P Thai’s Khao Man Gai will reopen at its new spot on Airport Boulevard in April. Serving Thai-Chinese fusion dishes, owner Thai Changthong specializes in khao man gai, or Thai-style Hainanese chicken and rice. Changthong is also the co-owner of Thai Kun at Domain Northside. • Opening in late April • 4807 Airport Blvd., Austin • Instagram: pthaiatx

290

• 6100 Berkman Drive, Austin • www.memorialumcaustin.com

MAP NOT TO SCALE

Closings

North Central

Coming soon

7 The Austin Antique Mall After 40 years, the antique mall will close to make way for an expansion of Playland Skate Center. Its home to nearly 100 vendors selling furniture, jewelry, and toys. • Closing May 15 • 8822 McCann Drive, Ste. 6931, Austin 8 DoubleTake ATX The resale and gift shop closed its doors after 40 years. Funds from the store provided education and awareness resources for Travis County victims of sexual and physical abuse through the Center for Child Protection. • Closed March 3 • 6318 Burnet Road, Austin

3 Solaris House Brandywine Realty Trust and ZRS Management will open Solaris House, a 66-acre mixed-used, multilevel community with 341 residential units. • Opening in late spring • 11501 Burnet Road, Bldg. 906, Ste. 600, Austin • www.solarishouse.com Eggs Up Grill The restaurant will expand its Texas presence with eight new locations planned for the Austin area. Four locations will be opened in the North Austin area by Michael and Rana Bosleah.

Now open

1 Lone Star Circle of Care Adult Medicine The nonprofit health center at Integral Care-St. Johns Clinic provides physical and mental primary care services for people ages 18 and older. There are also plans to expand its services to include pediatric care. • Opened Jan. 8 • 6937 I-35 N., Austin • www.lonestarcares.org

SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

Impacts

5 Jo’s Coffee The Austin-based chain opened at The Waller, a new residential building. The menu includes signature Jo’s coffee drinks, craft beers and mimosas. • Opened March 6 • 1108 Sabine St., Austin • www.joscoffee.com 6 Last Call Tacos Austinites Ben Platzer and Spencer Smith set out to fill a void in the food scene—a late night food spot. Last Call Tacos is open until 2 a.m. every day serving tacos, quesadillas and more. • Opened Jan. 5

Now open

MAIDEN LN.

FRUTH ST.

• 606 Maiden Lane, Austin • www.lastcalltacosatx.com

SABINE ST.

where the chef selects the day’s menu. The owners are the same team behind Sazan Ramen. • Opened March 6 • 609 W. 29th St., Austin • www.sushiendo.com 4 Sushi Roku The California-based upscale sushi restaurant features an extensive sashimi list, rolls and entrees, such as the grilled salmon with teriyaki glaze. The menu also includes an Austin-specific item called the Waterloo Ichi Roll made with tuna, yellowtail and snow crab. • Opened Feb. 16 • 405 Colorado St., Austin • www.sushiroku.com 3 Mexta Nestled inside the historic Littlefield Building, Mexta uses contemporary cooking techniques to create traditional Mexican dishes, such as tetela Oaxaca, shrimp aguachile and more, along with curated cocktails, such as the Mole Old Fashioned and the Palomazo. The restaurant is owned by Jonatan Gómez Luna Torres, Mikel Alonso Garcia, Jesús Chávez, Benjamin Arriola, and Rodrigo Quintanilla. • Opened March 22 • 106 E. Sixth St., Ste. 110, Austin • www.mextarestaurant.com

Coming soon

7 Downright Austin The renaissance hotel will have 367 guest rooms, five suites, two dining and cocktail concepts. This hotel is part

COLORADO ST.

of the Marriott family. • Opening this spring • 701 E. 11th St., Austin • www.downrightaustin.com

S. CONGRESS AVE.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

8 BOA Steakhouse The California-based steakhouse will open in the former Gloria’s Latin Cuisine space. BOA’s current locations serve dry-aged steaks, Japanese wagyu, sides and salads. • Opening mid-2024 • 300 W. Sixth St., Austin • www.boasteak.com

Downtown/West Campus

Now open

1 Arriba Abajo Rooftop Cantina The restaurant replaced the shuttered Wax Myrtle’s, offering food, drinks and events in an indoor dining room and on the rooftop pool deck. • Opened March 1 • 506 San Jacinto Blvd., Ste. WM, Austin • www.arribaabajoatx.com 2 Endo Chef Endo Yasuhiro, Taika Wakayama and Darrell Oribello debuted 20-course sushi omakase restaurant,

Relocations

9 Li’l Nonna’s The vegan pizza food truck, owned by Rob Lordi, relocated from 7107 E. Riverside Drive, Austin, serving New York-style pizzas and garlic knots. • Relocated Jan. 4 • 2908 Fruth St., Austin • www.lilnonnas.com

RICK COFER AUSTIN’S GO-TO CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

COFERCONNELLY.COM • 602 W. 11 TH ST., AUSTIN, TX 78701 • 512-200-3801

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Coming soon

Now open

MOPAC

5 The Diamond Reserve A third location of the Denver-based jewelry company is slated to open in Lamar Union. Kaeleigh Testwuide has helmed the company for nearly a decade, offering custom bridal and fine jewelry using lab grown diamonds. • Opening April 1 • 1100 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 1145, Austin • www.thediamondreserve.com

Relocations

6 Art for the People Gallery The local art gallery, founded by Deanna Worden, relocated from 1711 S. First St., Austin, to Good Dad Studios. Since its inception in 2015, the gallery has showcased original art, jewelry, prints, writing and more from emerging and experienced artists.

States location, offering a trifecta of workouts. FS8 allows for low-impact workouts with Pilates and yoga moves meant to improve balance and strength. • Opened March 2 • 3601 S. Congress Ave., Bldg. E, Austin • www.fs8.com 4 LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue The Austin-based food truck opened a brick-and-mortar restaurant, offering barbecue and drinks. Behind the restaurant are co-owning couples Evan and Lindsey LeRoy, and Sawyer and Nathan Lewis. The business now has space for beer and wine, packaged barbecue goods 3 Hattie B’s The Nashville-based hot chicken restaurant Hattie B’s opened in the former Maria’s Taco Xpress space. The menu features hot chicken sandwiches, wings and tenders with varying heat levels, pimento mac and cheese, crinkle-cut fries, baked beans and potato salad. The space features a 78-seat indoor dining room and large outdoor patio. • Opened Feb. 28 • 2529 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin • www.hattieb.com

FORT VIEW RD.

• Relocated March 9 • 2801 S. I-35, Austin • www.artforthepeoplegallery.com

EMERALD FOREST DR.

In the news

W. STASSNEY LN.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

7 Austin Aqua-Dome Founded by Gary Coffman, the Austin Aqua-Dome has been a go-to for fish and fish tank purveyors. In February, the business celebrated the completion of its $90,000 exterior renovation, encasing the dome of the building with a new, blue coating.

South Central

Now open

• 1604 Fortview Road, Austin • www.austinaquadome.com

1 Face Foundrie Founder Michele Henry opened a new location of her “all- inclusive” facial bar, which seeks to make skin care more accessible. Face Foundrie offers regular and mini facials, brow waxing and lamination, massages, and more. • Opened March 7 • 1221 S. Congress Ave., Ste. 110, Austin • www.facefoundrie.com

Closings

8 Outdoor Voices The athletic clothing brand has closed all of its brick- and-mortar stores in order to focus entirely on online- based business. The brand was founded in 2014 in New York City. • Closed March 17 • 1204 S. Congress Ave., Austin • www.outdoorvoices.com

and merchandise. • Opened Feb. 28 • 5621 Emerald Forest Drive, Austin • www.leroyandlewisbbq.com

2 FS8 The Australian fitness studio opened its first United

SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

TEXAS STATE PARKS MONTH APRIL IS

Turn Renting Into Owning

+ + +

Extra Low Interest Rate Up to $10K in Closing Costs Appliances & More!

This Spring, Brohn is rolling out the red carpet for home buyers during our Spring Forward, Move Upward Sales Event! Every detail of this promotion says “Welcome Home.”

2024

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. 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. Everyone’s situation is different and it’s best to be pre-approved for a range of potential prices, payments or loan programs. Clayton Properties Group, Inc. Formerly known and Qualified to do business in Texas as CMH Parks Inc. DBA Brohn Homes reserves the right to make changes to pricing, floor plans, specifications, features, dimensions, elevations, 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 © 2024 Clayton Properties Group, Inc. Formerly known and Qualified to do business in Texas as CMH Parks Inc. DBA Brohn Homes. HomeWithBrohn.com | 512-580-8199

LEARN MORE

Emily Warren Roebling In 1872 Roebling took over the completion of the Brooklyn Bridge when her husband fell ill. She is credited as one of the first female engineers.

In support of this national observance, the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority joins in celebrating the vital role of women in American history. We applaud the accomplishments of the many women working in transportation and seek to help amplify women’s voices throughout Central Texas and around the country. women who paved the way women’s history month

Helen Schultz

Carmen Turner

Shultz launched the first woman-owned bus line, Red Ball Transportation Company, in 1922.

Turner made history as the first Black woman to lead a major transit authority when she became General Manager of the Washington Area Transit Authority in 1983.

MobilityAuthority.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

EAST AUSTIN

Impacts

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL & KATY MCAFEE

script, font and pre-drawn flash tattoos. • Opened Dec. 14 • 908 E. Fifth St., Ste. 108A, Austin • Instagram: toobadtattoos

MUELLER BLVD.

Now open

ALDRICH ST.

6 Holey Moley The Australian-based mini golf concept offers nearly 30 uniquely themed holes and other amenities like an outdoor stage area for live entertainment, a karaoke room, a restaurant and bar. • Opened March 22

• 807 E. Fourth St., Austin • www.holeymoley.com

183

Coming soon

along with trims for eyebrows, beards and mustaches. • Opened Dec. 1 • 4600 Mueller Blvd., Ste. 1003, Austin • www.barbertiesbarberstudio.com 4 Filthy Dogs Owner Sophia Cruz offers Mexican-style hot dogs loaded with Cheetos, cotija cheese, pineapple, grilled onions, bacon and other toppings. • Opened Feb. 7 • 1405 E. Seventh St., Austin • Instagram: filthydogs 5 Too Bad Tattoo Tattoo artist Bree Hagler opened her own tattoo studio in east Austin at the end of 2023. Hagler offers custom, 3 Cafe Corazon The cafe’s menu features over a dozen specialty drinks, including pistachio lavender, honey cinnamon, Nutella and PB&J lattes. They also offer cookies that pair with the special latte flavors, such as the pistachio lavender white chocolate chip cookie and Nutella-stuffed chocolate chip cookie. All Cafe Corazon items are made using natural ingredients, and vegan and gluten-free options are available. • Opened Jan. 8 • 1701 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Ste. 103, Austin • www.cafe-corazon.square.site

7 Bark House Social Founders Sandra Tanaka and Christian Vargas moved to Austin to start the 1-acre, private off-leash dog park. Membership options will be available, in addition to a bar and cafe. • Opening in late summer • 5022 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin • Instagram: barkhousesocial

C O

973

Expansions

MAP NOT TO SCALE

8 SC4Kids The natural hair salon more than doubled its number of chairs, added shampoo bowls and installed high-tech dryers. The salon is owned by Austin local Hepsiba Barar. • Expanded in December • 1000 E. 11th St., Ste. 110 and 120, Austin • mysite.vagaro.com/sc4kids 130 TOLL

East Austin

Now open

1 Bambino The team behind Italian restaurant L’Oca d’Oro opened an all-day pizzeria. Main dishes include a burger of the day and a variety of “13-ish”inch pies. • Opened March 14 • 979 Springdale Road, Ste. 153, Austin • www.bambinoaustin.com 2 Barber Ties Barber Studio Owner Josue Ballejo opened the barbershop in late 2023 offering haircuts, hair designs and nose waxing, 71

Closings

9 Lick It Up Founder and chef Edgar Delfin closed the Austin food truck to focus on his original spot in downtown El Paso. Lick it Up Austin served plant-based Mexican street including tacos, burritos, flautas and more. • Closed Dec. 31 • 2421 Webberville Road, Austin

Hello, Neighbor!

Destination: AUS AIRPORT OPEN HOUSE 2024 Saturday, April 27, 2024 10:30am – 1:30pm Montopolis Recreation Center austintexas.gov/airport/openhouse

105 W 8th St STE 1A, Austin, TX 78701 CALL 512 456-3590

TAX SERVICES• SMALL BUSINESS ACCOUNTING PAYROLL• QUICKBOOKS CONSULTING www.jdacpa1.com

SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

Education

BY ELLE BENT

AISD officials working around budget deficit As Austin ISD officials plan for the fiscal year 2024-25, district officials are working amid a projected budget shortfall. Current situation Superintendent Matias Segura said that because the basic student allotment—the amount school districts receive from the state based on student enrollment and attendance—did not increase this year and hasn’t since 2019, cuts would have to be made alongside any proposed budget increases for fiscal year 2024-25. The basic allotment is currently at $6,160. AISD officials say current enrollment is at 72,800, with a 92% attendance rate. Going forward with budget planning district officials will keep the following in mind: • Lowering the 20% fund balance would be “risky” due to decreasing enrollment

ACC proposes free tuition program

The district is working to lessen the deficit through the following: Decreasing the deficit Vacancy savings, or costs saved by a staff position that is not filled

Austin Community College officials are working toward the potential launch of a free tuition program. The overview The proposal would create a zero-cost tuition program for high school seniors who graduate from local school districts and those who have completed General Educa- tion Development, or GED. If the proposal is approved by the board of trustees, set to be voted on April 1, eligible students could qualify for up to five years of free tuition beginning this fall. The program would include Credit and Continuing Education courses and would be paid for with funds already available within ACC’s budget in addition to state appropria- tions from House Bill 8.

Managing overtime expenses Monitoring contract expenses Interest earnings

SOURCE: AUSTIN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

• Adopting a shortfall greater than $30 million would put the district at risk of going below the fund balance in FY 2026-27, but decreasing the projected shortfall to $25 million or less would require multiple budget cuts What’s next? This spring, district officials will propose investments and potential cuts, such as staff, for the FY 2024-25 budget as it is being drafted. The AISD board of trustees will vote on the budget in June.

UT reinstates standardized test scores for applicants

The breakdown

About 73,000 freshmen applied for the fall 2024 semester. Of these: 42% asked to have test scores considered in their application 49% within the top 6% of their high school class asked to have test scores considered 55% of students who shared test scores in their application in 2023 were less likely to have a GPA lower than 2.0 in their first semester.

The University of Texas at Austin is requiring undergraduate applicants to submit standardized testing scores, when applying to the school after four years of test-optional admissions. The overview The university removed the requirement from applications in spring 2020, when testing availabil- ity became scarce due to the pandemic. Beginning

fall 2025, it will no longer be optional when applying for an undergraduate program. UT officials said that the reasoning behind reinstating the requirement is that students who submitted test scores, compared to those who did not, performed better academically in their first semester of college. The university will require a student’s ACT or SAT test scores for Aug. 1-Dec. 1 applications.

SOURCE: THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Transportation

BY ELLE BENT, ZARA FLORES & KATY MCAFEE

Waymo driverless cars debut in Austin Technology company Waymo announced March 5 that it will test drive autonomous vehicles around the city with employees in the passenger seat. The overview The driverless cars will travel within a 43-square-mile radius that includes down- town, Barton Hills, Riverside, East Austin and Hyde Park. In San Francisco, Los Angeles and Phoe- nix, residents can hail one of the company’s driverless cars as a rideshare, through its Waymo One program. Austin may become the fourth city to get this service, but a timeline to roll this out has not yet been announced by company ocials. Those interested can join the Waymo One waitlist at www.waymo.com

Lawsuit over Project Connect moves forward A lawsuit aiming to thwart Project Connect, a plan to build a 9.8-mile light rail system throughout Central Austin, could be resolved by this spring. What happened In November, ve plaintis led a lawsuit against Austin Transit Partnership, the organiza- tion tasked with building and nancing Project Connect. The lawsuit argued ATP’s funding struc- ture, which allows it to receive a stream of cash from the Project Connect tax rate hike approved by voters in 2020 without annual oversight, violates the state constitution. It also argued ATP pulled a “bait and switch” on Austin voters after the project costs increased by $4 billion and subsequently scaled back the plan. In response, ATP led a bond validation petition Feb. 20. The petition allows for an expedited review of its bonds funding process without direct

"Our job here at Austin Transit Partnership is to work day in, day out advancing the project. We do have a vocal few in this community that have tried to try to stop it, and over this past year they have not been successful in that." GREG CANALLY, ATP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

approval from the attorney general. In Texas, all government bonds must typically pass attorney general review. What’s next Approval of the ATP’s funding structure and resolution to the lawsuit led against them could wrap up in the coming weeks as the trial is slated to begin late May or early June. If the ATP gets the green light, they hope to break ground on the rail in just over two years, ATP Executive Director Greg Canally said.

Austin receives $105M for East Cesar Chavez project

connectivity in their current form. The funding will go toward a 5.3 acre cap, or deck built over a lowered highway, from East Cesar Chavez and Fourth streets. Austin is required to match $45 million to fund additional amenities on top of the deck. The city will also seek $193 million from the State Infrastructure Bank for cap and road costs.

The rst chunk of funding for Austin’s plan to add decks with amenities like parks and retail shops over a revamped I-35 came through March 11. The gist Austin was named the lone nalist for the federal $105.2 million Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhood Grant, designed to help cities retrot highways that serve as barriers to community and

The grant will fund amenities across 5.3-acres on top of East Cesar Chavez and Fourth Streets.

RENDERING COURTESY TXDOT

IT’S YOUR TIME Find Your Future with ACC

You Can Participate in a Research Study at Elligo Clinical Research Center.

Vaccines Diabetes Weight Loss COPD Asthma Flu Vaccine COVID-19 Booster Upcoming studies: Studies coming soon: Studies currently enrolling for: Weight Loss Device Studies currently enrolling for: Early Cancer Detection for Healthy Volunteers

Scanto Visit our Website

ENROLL TODAY! Stipends are available for qualifying participants.

Rafael L.

Registration for March 8-Week Classes NOW OPEN ! austincc.edu/spring

Contact our Elligo CRC Recruiting Department

3508 South Lamar Blvd., Suite 300, Austin, TX 78704 Call (512)989-5959 or E-mail PatientEngagement@ElligoDirect.com

SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

Government

BY ELLE BENT & BEN THOMPSON

Garza secures party nomination for DA

Council backs Austin cultural initiatives

Two remain in Austin city manager search City Council narrowed its search for Austin’s next city manager in March. Current situation A national search led 39 candidates to apply for the top local government job in early 2024. After a closed-door March 5 discussion, City Council selected three nalists with city manager experience:

TravCo issues disaster declaration for eclipse Travis County ocials declared a local disaster March 8 for the total solar eclipse April 8. What happened The declaration comes in anticipation of an inux of visitors and trac in April, and potential strains on rst responders the week of the eclipse. Austin’s 911 Emergency Communications Center will increase stang from April 6-9 to address a potential for additional calls. Private property owners in unincorporated areas of Travis County are required to give ocials notice if planning a gathering with more than 50 people. Residents are encouraged to view the eclipse from home, run errands before April 8 and plan ahead for trac.

Local races

“It’s important to keep the momentum going around this issue. Red River Cultural District is a critical

Winner

part of Austin’s vibrant cultural music and arts scene, [and] has a sizable role in the local economy.” ZO QADRI, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER

66.86% José Garza 33.14% Jeremy Sylestine Travis County District Attorney, Democratic Party 56.68% Sherine Thomas 28.7% Susana Castillo 14.63% Madeleine Connor 353rd Judicial District judge, Democratic Party 86.09% Lloyd Doggett 7.88% Christopher “Chris” McNerney 6.04% Eduardo “Lalito” Romero U.S. House District 37, Democratic Party

Incumbent José Garza won the Democratic nomination for Travis County district attorney over opponent Jeremy Sylestine in the March 5 primary election. He’ll face Republican Daniel Betts in the November general election. In other news Sherine Thomas won the Democratic 353rd Judicial District race with over 56% of the vote. Incumbent Democratic U.S. Rep. Greg Casar ran unopposed and will face the winner of a Republican runo for House District 35. Incum- bent U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett won the District 37 Democratic primary and will face Republican Jenny Garcia Sharon. Michael Rodriguez and Steven Wright will compete in the runo May 28 for District 35 Republican race.

Multiple City Council actions last month were aimed at expanding Austin’s support for the local arts, music and cultural scene. What happened After organizers announced the Blues on the Green summer concert series had been canceled in January, it was revived thanks to support from council and HEB in February. Two weeks later, council members voted to send a nancial aid package to downtown’s Red River Cultural District after stakeholders from the entertainment strip petitioned City Hall for help. Both actions were tied to resolutions from council members Natasha Harper-Madison and Zo Qadri, respectively aimed at: • Improving Austin’s partnerships with various local cultural events

• Supporting the city’s multiple cultural districts What’s next Harper-Madison’s item asked city sta to nd new ways for the city to support free, public cultural events and festivals throughout Austin’s arts ecosystem. In addition to calling for a Red River aid pack- age, Qadri’s measure could lead Austin to build a new funding framework for cultural and heritage districts, according to the resolution.

• T.C. Broadnax of Dallas • Sara Hensley of Denton

• Brian Platt of Kansas City, Missouri Platt announced his withdrawal from Austin’s selection process March 10. A public town hall with Broadnax and Hensley is scheduled for March 25, after press time. Council could make a nal decision April 4.

SOURCES: TRAVIS COUNTY, TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATECOMMUNITY IMPACT

BRODIE LANE 4970 Hwy 290 W (512) 366-8260 SOUTHPARK MEADOWS 9900 IH-35 Service Road S (512) 280-7400

Development

BY ZARA FLORES

Long-time staple Frank Erwin Center coming down bit by bit

H-E-B FREE FIRST SUNDAY AT THE BULLOCK Enjoy FREE exhibit admission and family-friendly activities on the first Sunday of every month. See what’s coming up! THE STORY OF TEXAS .COM/CALENDAR Costs for the demolition were anticipated to be around $25 million but Dan Cook, UT’s executive director of Planning, Design and Construction, said that the project is proceeding under budget. Demolition began in September and, due to the size and shape of the facility, the SpawGlass general contractor team is working to tear the site down piece by piece and have opted not to blow it up. announced that the center would be torn down to make way for the University of Texas at Austin Medical Center and an MD Anderson Cancer Center. The adjacent Denton A. Cooley Pavilion, which served as the basketball training facility since 2003, is also part of the demolition. What’s happening Demolition of the Frank Erwin Center has begun and commuters on I-35 are seeing the concrete walls come down, some even asking to keep a piece of the building and its near 50-year history for themselves. The details Nearly $100 million was poured into the center over the years with an initial $34 million for its construction and an additional $55 million spent in the early 2000s for renovations that included new lighting, seating and sound systems. The 500,000-square-foot center spanned upwards to six stories that hosted the University of Texas basketball games, high school and college commencement ceremonies, concerts and other large-scale events. However, the Moody Center’s completion in April 2022 essentially replaced the Erwin Center which held its nal events the following month. In August 2023, the UT board of regents

The concrete walls of the Frank Erwin Center are being torn down, exposing the interior.

Crews will tear down the steel beams after all the concrete walls are removed.

PHOTOS BY ZARA FLORESCOMMUNITY IMPACT

is at and safe, SpawGlass Project Executive Ryan Syring said. Cook and Syring both said the process is very methodical and doing so, rather than blowing it up, also allows for up to 80% of the building to be recycled. “Everything’s proceeding on schedule and under budget,” Cook said. “It’s all happening at the right speed to support what we need to happen.” The project is slated for completion this fall.

“There is a signicant amount of design eort that’s required to take it apart ... to make sure you’re not taking out a structural component,” Cook said. There are around 70-100 workers demolishing the center, and almost all of the concrete walls have now come down. Crews are also working on abatement, which is the removal of hazardous materials, including asbestos and lead paint. Once the concrete panels are all removed, crews will begin removing the steel frames and beams before leveling the site completely and ensuring it

HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

CITY OF AUSTIN CAREER EXPO

APRIL 11, 2024 ◆ 11 AM - 4 PM Kee� Austi� Hire�! Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd F�e� an� Ope� t� th� Publi�

Complete list of employers at AustinTexas.gov/CareerExpo

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Real estate

The majority of ZIP codes in the Central Austin market saw a year over year increase in homes sold and a decrease in median home prices for February. Residential market data

Number of homes sold in each ZIP code

February 2023

February 2024

-23.08%

+22.22%

+25.93%

+28.57%

N/A

78701

78702

78703

78704

78705

78722

78705 78751 78752 78756

78757

78731

+17.24%

+22.22%

-23.08%

+16.67%

+700%

+56%

290

360

78723

78703

78701

78722

78702

78704

290

183

MOPAC

78723

78731

78751

78752

78756

78757

Median home sales price

Central Austin

February

2023

2024

February

2023

2024

$950,000 $643,500 $1,422,500 $787,550 $430,000

$750,000 $632,000 $555,000 $745,000 $348,200 $662,500 $591,405 $1,013,300 $630,000 $515,000 $859,625 $643,000

78701 78702 78703 78704 78705 78722 78723 78731 78751 78752 78756 78757

356 534

New listings

185 209

Closed sales

Homes under contract

N/A

227 142

$547,701 $1,232,653 $599,999 $641,500 $667,500 $679,455

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

☐ SPRAINS ☐ BREAKS ☐ INFECTIONS ✓ ✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓

☐ LACERATIONS ☐ FEVER ☐ CONGESTION

Open 9am – 9pm 7 days a week nextlevelurgentcare.com Scan the QR code to download our app.

IT’S TIME TO CHECK OUT NEXT LEVEL URGENT CARE.

Next Level Urgent Care is right in your neighborhood and provides fast, affordable quality care. We treat all ages, including newborns, and offer extended hours on nights and weekends.

DOWNLOAD OUR NEW APP, LOADED WITH LOTS OF HELPFUL FEATURES INCLUDING A CHAT OPTION!

SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

Austin Animal Center reaches capacity 'crisis' From the cover

Services explained

Current situation

Sustaining services

Austin Animal Services manages the city’s East Austin shelter, animal control and protection services, and response to animals’ disease and dangerous animals. The center is comparatively one of the best- funded animal services and shelter systems among large Texas cities, with more than 120 staff and a $21 million budget that’s grown nearly 50% in 5 years. A large portion of that budget goes to salaries and day-to-day operations. Despite the increased budget, some animal groups say they're still left to care for a surge of animals in the community. “The taxpayers are paying twice. They’re paying the $21 million [Austin Animal Services budget] and they’re paying out of their own pockets,” Luna said.

The Austin Animal Center has experienced a surge in demand, cramped quarters and staffing issues; as a result, the city will bring in a third party this year to oversee changes. “We’re always in a state of overcapacity. That is a fact of life since the pandemic. We’re no different than any other shelter—with the exception of all of the other shelters in Texas [that] have lost their no-kill status,” Chief Animal Services Officer Don Bland said. “That’s a whole other realm that we have to deal with that others don’t.” People are adopting much less, he said, while pet spaying and neutering dropped as a result of the pandemic. Even puppies, typically the most desired adoptions that quickly moved through the shelter, are now experiencing longer kennel stays, Bland added.

$21.06M

Austin

Population: 975,335

$15.69M Population: 2.3M

Houston

$19.94M

Dallas

Population: 1.3M

San Antonio

$28.48M

Population: 1.47M

$10M

$20M

$30M

Fiscal year 2023-24

SOURCES: CITIES OF AUSTIN, DALLAS, HOUSTON AND SAN ANTONIO; U.S. CENSUS BUREAU 2022 AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY 1-YEAR ESTIMATES/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Capacity constraints

Also of note

The shelter is not accepting any dogs from the community, citing its shortage of space. Capacity Average large dogs sheltered

Safety shift

Another issue officials took on this year was the rising number of animals posing risks to the community. City Council signed off on an expanded national-standard scale for measuring dog bites in February, and a policy change that could make it easier to put down dangerous animals. The change came after the number of severe biting incidents in Austin rose nearly 150% since 2018, and as hundreds of dogs with biting histories ended up leaving the city shelter or being adopted. Bland said the change won’t significantly impact capacity or the number of euthanasias performed. However, some residents are worried the practice could lead to more animals being put down.

Severe dog bites that require medical treatment or hospitalization increased.

272

302 305 281 339 328 286 355 309 278 327 315 337

Jan. Feb. March April June May Aug. Oct. July Sept. Nov. Dec.

128 131

150

120

0 100 200 300 400

2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY BEN THOMPSON

A closer look

What’s next

center annually, amid a trend of dipping adoption rates and fewer missing animals returned to owners. At the same time, other shelters, foster programs and local groups deal with thousands of arrivals of their own. The ongoing response to last year’s audit will involve work with Austinites to balance their expectations with the city’s as a new strategic plan is charted out.

The center has also faced its share of negative perceptions from the community, especially after last year’s audit dinged the facility’s operations, its handling of capacity constraints and cleanliness. The audit also advised re-evaluating the 95% no-kill benchmark against practical needs of the center’s capacity, though Bland said it is “the last thing” officials hope to consider. Well over 10,000 animals still arrive at the city

Austin Animal Services is working through the updates laid out in the audit report, which should be completed before this winter. Officials anticipate the center’s possible expansion in response to growth and demand—although any such service extensions are likely still a ways off. Staff have explored other sites east and west of I-35 as well as an expansion on Levander Loop as options so far. Community members interested in learning more about the animal center, adopting and volunteering can do so at www.austintexas.gov/austin- animal-center. A coalition of local animal organizations is also planning an April community forum to discuss local issues.

Pet outcomes

19,033

20,000

With longer stays, the shelter has less capacity and animals have fewer outcomes.

15,000

12,817

12,146

11,080

10,979

Adopted Shelter transfer Returned to owner Euthanized Other

10,000

4,524

5,000

2020-21

2019-20

2021-22

2022-23

2023-24*

2018-19

*AS OF MARCH 7 SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Fiscal year

24/7 ON-DEMAND VIRTUAL URGENT CARE It’s like having a doctor on speed-dial

Adult medicine & pediatric doctors

No appointment needed

$0 copay

SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

Events

Social Distortion and Bad Religion Tickets are on sale for the co-headlining concert featuring California punk bands Social Distortion and Bad Religion. • April 20, 6:30 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show) • $42 and up • Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park, 1401 Trinity St., Austin • www.ticketmaster.com Presto Series: Robert Spano Presented by KMFA Classical 89.5, this series will feature renowned people from the classical music scene for an evening of conversations and music, beginning with Robert Spano, music director at the Washington National Opera. • April 25, 7 p.m. • $20 (students), $60 (general admission) • Draylen Mason Music Studio at KMFA, 41 Navasota St., Austin • www.kmfa.org/presto B Scene: Japanese Pop The art party will feature works focused on Japanese pop culture with art and live music by Austin-based band Peelander-Z. Other activities will include art discussions, digital projections, food and drinks. • April 26, 6:30-10:30 p.m. • Free (5 and younger), $5 (ages 6-17), $20 (18 and older)

well as some local favorites. • April 10-21 • Badges start at $150

April

Disney Princess: The Concert Both Broadway and television actors will perform Disney songs and talk about their experiences on the stage. The show will feature animation and theatrical effects to enhance the experience. • April 3, 7-8:45 p.m. • $29.50-$184.50 • At The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin • www.broadwayprincessparty.com Texas Bridal & Wedding Expo Vendors will fill the Austin Convention Center offering services from food and beverage to dance lessons, photography, tuxedos and gowns, decor and more. Bridal fashion shows, as well as cash prizes and giveaways, will happen throughout the day. • April 6, 12:30-5 p.m. • Free (advance), $10 (door) • Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin • www.bridalshowstx-au.com Moontower Comedy Festival The Moontower Just For Laughs Comedy Festival returns with some of the nation’s top touring comics, as

• Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave., Austin • ww.austintheatre.org/moontower-comedy

Staple: The Independent Media Expo The event will feature more than 100 artists selling independently made comics, zines, artwork, crafts and games. Panel discussions and presentations will also be offered throughout the two-day event. • April 13-14 • $12 (advance), $15 (door) • Mabee Ballroom at St. Edward’s University, 3001 S. Congress Ave., Austin • www.staple-austin.org Field Guide Festival Connect with local farmers and chefs, taste seasonal dishes and learn about Austin’s sustainable food system. One ticket covers a day of food and drinks, live cooking, symposium discussions and live music. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Central Texas Food Bank. • April 20, 1-5 p.m. • $120 (ages 21+), $60 (ages 13-20), free (ages 12 and under) • Fiesta Gardens, 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St., Austin • www.fieldguidefest.com

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO GET THE JOB DONE

512-232-5000 EdServices@austin.utexas.edu highschool.utexas.edu

Enroll anytime in UT’s online high school courses to catch up or get ahead. Full-time diploma program and single courses available including Honors and Advanced Placement® subjects available Enroll in courses now! Scan the QR code

Call TDS for turnkey Site Services delivered to you.

Scan to learn more about our Site Services.

737-236-7067 | TexasDisposal.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14-15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28

communityimpact.com