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Leander Liberty Hill Edition VOLUME 1, ISSUE 7 NOV. 7DEC. 7, 2023
Old Town, new scene
Night Owl Bar owner Danny Parrott said with the new Old Town Master Plan approved, he expects more people to frequent the area to enjoy local businesses and bars like his in the downtown district.
ZACHARIA WASHINGTONCOMMUNITY IMPACT
Master plan looks to re-envision Old Town area by investing in businesses; adding parking, infrastructure
“We did that in hopes that the city would continue to invest in this district.” Before this can happen, city ocials said they need to tackle parking and other infrastructure issues.
The Sept. 22 opening of Night Owl Bar—with more to follow—aligns with the notion that bars and enter- tainment venues will keep moving into the area. “I think we were on the very forefront of this mas- ter plan,” Night Owl Bar owner Danny Parrott said.
BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON
Leander ocials said they are looking forward to Old Town blossoming into a lively, walkable down- town district over the next several years under the recently approved Old Town Master Plan.
CONTINUED ON 20
Also in this issue
Impacts: Basketball training facility moves to Liberty Hill (Page 9)
Government: Child care centers face loss of federal funding (Page 13)
Community: Leander-based business repurposes military uniforms (Page 25)
Nonprofit: Area organizations oer volunteer opportunities (Page 26)
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Impacts
2 Soccer Pups The indoor soccer training facility for children oers soccer classes, an academy, training, youth soccer leagues and private birthday parties. The programs aim to progress alongside a child’s development, from learning basic motor skills to training for club-level competition, Soccer Pups founder Noel Rubert said. • Opened Aug. 1 • 115 S. Lakeline Blvd., Cedar Park • www.soccerpups.com 3 The Little Gym of Cedar Park A gym geared toward children between the ages of 4 months and 12 years opened in Cedar Park in October. The business oers classes, such as gymnastics, dance, sports skills and karate. • Opened Oct. 30 • 1335 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. T-160, Cedar Park • www.thelittlegym.com 4 Salons by JC The salon suite company oers customers a variety of beauty and wellness services, such as haircuts and coloring, natural hair care, nails, waxing, massages, tattoos, lashes, and more. Salon professionals renting suites will receive assistance building their brand and client base. • Opened early October • 11620 Hero Way W., Ste. 230, Leander • www.salonsbyjc.com 5 Results Physiotherapy The physical therapy business provides manual therapy and dry needling to help patients with chronic pain or recovering from an injury. With locations in several states, the Leander clinic is directed by Keith Yerkes. • Opened Nov. 6 • 11620 Hero Way W., Ste. 120, Leander • www.resultspt.com 6 Texas Original The Austin-based medical cannabis company opened its fourth prescription pickup location in Cedar Park. Texas Original provides Texas-grown medical cannabis to its clients throughout the state and oers one-on-one customer service to its patients.
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MAP NOT TO SCALE
N TM; © 2023 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
and treatment, contact lens tting, prescription glasses, LASIK consultations and emergency visits for 45 TOLL
Now open
urgent eye issues. • Opened Sept. 18
1 Wink Optical and Eye Care Owned and operated by Dr. Riddhi Gohel, the business provides comprehensive eye exams, dry eye evaluation
• 3651 US 183, Ste. 190, Leander • www.winkopticalandeye.com 620
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY AMANDA CUTSHALL, KAMERYN GRIESSER & CLAIRE SHOOP
• Opened Sept. 27 • 10222 Pecan Park Blvd., Ste. 3, Cedar Park • www.texasoriginal.com 7 True Test Leander The health and wellness provider specializes in testosterone and hormone replacement therapy, medical weight loss, IV vitamin therapy, and nutritional supplements. The business oers free consultations to help create personalized treatment plans. Owned by Tyler and Cara Parsons, this is the rst True Test store in Texas. It joins four others across the nation. • Opened Sept. 25 • 1735 N. US 183, Ste. 202, Leander • https://truetesthrt.com
Now open
Coming soon
11 The Spinning Wheel ATX The craft studio oers 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 12 Jamba and Auntie Anne’s Pretzels A dual-brand location owned by Bradley Davis and Amanda Lorimer will oer smoothies, pretzels, pretzel nuggets and pretzel dogs. Another dual-brand location opened last year in Cedar Park. • Opening in November • 13920 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Leander • www.jamba.com, www.auntieannes.com 13 The UPS Store The business will oer notary, fax, printing, passport photo, document shredding and shipping services. • Opening in spring 2024 • 11620 Hero Way W., Ste 130, Leander • www.theupsstore.com
14 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 oer family-friendly activities, such as a 65-foot Ferris wheel, a 16,000-gallon saltwater aquarium stocked with 600 sh, a wildlife mountain and an interactive arcade. • Opening in fall 2026 • New Hope Drive between 183A Toll and US 183 • www.scheels.com
Coming soon
8 The Brass Tap The craft beer bar and eatery will serve draft beers, oering a mix of local, regional and international brews. The food menu includes shareables, wings, pizza, 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 9 Hyundai Leander Penske Automotive Group broke ground on the new car 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 10 Unity Rec Center Amir Maknojia will open a recreation center next year with several sports amenities, such as pickleball courts, volleyball courts, basketball courts and more. • Opening in May • 802 Old Mill Road, Cedar Park • Phone number or website not yet available
Closings
15 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 oered 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.truthfamily¦itness.com
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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Impacts
BY KAMERYN GRIESSER, CLAIRE SHOOP & ZACHARIA WASHINGTON
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couples Justin and Tina McGuire, and Nathan and Rachel Curley, the business will oer coee, tea, beer, wine, baked goods and appetizer-style shareables. • Opening Dec. 1 • 103 Forest St., Liberty Hill • www.forrest.coffee 6 Cornerstone Chiropractic Center Owned by Walt Scott, a chiropractor of more than 18 years, the business’s care emphasizes posture rehabilitation and will oer other treatments, including compression sleeves, nutrition, stretching and massage, exercise and red light therapy. • Opening early December • 201 St. Joseph Court, Ste. 120, Liberty Hill • www.cornerstonechirocare.com 5 Freestyle Community Center Owned and operated by Ayla and Jasper Eden the business oers basketball skills development programs through group classes, private lessons and camps. Previously located at 300 Brushy Creek Road, Cedar Park, Ayla Eden said the larger space will have a permanent food truck park opening in November, host additional community events, and include future elds and batting cages. • Relocated Oct. 1 • 75 Seward Junction Loop, Liberty Hill • www.freestyletx.com
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SEWARD JCT. LOOP
can choose to purchase individual washes or join the business’s unlimited monthly membership program. The brand has more than 130 locations across 10 states. • Opened in mid-August • 13238 W. Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill • www.clubcarwash.com Punchy Pop Balloons & Event Decor The business oers decorations for baby showers, bridal showers, birthday parties, weddings and corporate events. Owned by Presley Turner, Punchy Pop specializes in balloon garlands and arches, champagne walls, marquee letters, LED neon signs and photo backdrops. • Opened early August • Mobile-based business in Liberty Hill • www.facebook.com/punchypop
Now open
1 Moonshine Yoga The Cedar Park-based yoga studio has expanded to Liberty Hill. Owned by Smile Owen, the business oers aerial yoga classes and yoga training in areas that include breathing and meditation, posture breakdown, applied anatomy, and all levels of vinyasa. • Opened Nov. 1 • 15050 W. Hwy. 29, Ste. 130, Liberty Hill • www.moonshine.yoga 2 Foils & Fades Owned by Krystal Burrows-Deleon and Mary Ledezma, the salon oers a variety of services, including haircuts, fades, balayages, eyebrow tinting, facial hair removal, perms and styling for both men and women. • Opened Sept. 5 • 1201 Main St., Ste. 400, Liberty Hill • https://foilsfades.square.site 3 Club Car Wash The business oers four levels of car wash options, each of which include towel and vacuum usage. Customers
Coming soon
4 Forrest Coee House After originally being scheduled to open in September, new local coee shop Forrest Coee House is anticipated to open in December due to construction-related setbacks, co-owner Justin McGuire said. Owned by
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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION
Government
Liberty Hill council OKs citywide comprehensive plan Liberty Hill council approved the 2023 comprehensive plan Oct. 11, which will help navigate growth, development and redevel- opment in the city through 2040. Sorting out details In the plan, the city’s consultant team recommended: • Improving the city’s street network • Exploring alternative road routes • Enhancing the pedestrian experience • Creating spaces for community gathering • Connecting services to neighborhoods • Building a variety of housing types • Oering more aordable housing
WilCo commissioners consider improvements at county justice center At a meeting to discuss capital improvements Oct. 3, Williamson County Commissioners Court debated whether to fund improvements to the county’s justice center and jailhouse as ocials are considering a potential relocation for both facilities in the coming years. What’s happening? Williamson County Precinct 3 Commissioner Valerie Covey cited the necessity for greater capac- ity in the center in downtown Georgetown. She also said the long-range plan for the justice center involves connecting the justice center and jail. Commissioners discussed whether downtown provides enough space for an expansion. The alternative to a downtown expansion entails combining the justice center and jailhouse
“If the goal is to move somewhere else, I don’t know that we need to pour a whole lot of money into the jail and justice [center]. So
that might be something that we consider holding o on.” VALERIE COVEY, WILLIAMSON COUNTY PRECINCT 3 COMMISSIONER
into one building on a 150-acre property outside of the downtown area but still within city limits. Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell ques- tioned the future of the county headquarters being tied to the city of Georgetown. “I love Georgetown, you know. As a kid, I grew up coming here, but also don’t know that it’s the highest and best use of the county to build in this area,” Gravell said. Regardless of current space, plans for renova- tions or a potential new site are not projected to begin for at least three years.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY HALEY MCLEOD & ZACHARIA WASHINGTON
City ocials discuss, update drought plans Liberty Hill City Council voted Oct. 11 to post- pone approval of the city’s new Drought Contin- gency Plan due to it being “too restrictive.” The gist Director of Public Works David Thomison said the goal was to ensure the city’s new plan was as eective as the city of Leander’s, which is where Liberty Hill receives its water. However, Thomison said Liberty Hill’s proposed plan is actually more restrictive than Leander’s plan to help with conservation eorts. In other news Leander City Council approved the city’s updated Water Conservation and Drought Contin- gency Plan at its Oct. 10 meeting. The updates, listed below, aim to lessen peak water usage periods, ocials said.
Ocials approve capital project dollars Williamson County Commissioners Court approved on Oct. 10 a list of capital improve- ment projects to fund. The breakdown Commissioners selected $16.2 million in capital improvements to kick o in scal year 2023-24. Ocials identied a number of street and county facility projects: • Tracy Chambers Lane extension: $5.2M • Backup 911 center: $4.5M • New radio tower for public safety: $3M • Carlson Cove Tower maintenance for emergency communications: $1.5M • Williamson County Fleet building expansion: $1.5M • Taylor Tax Oce remodel: $457,425
Liberty Hill’s proposed plan City Council voted to postpone approving the plan, but sta will bring it back at a later date.
Base conditions Once-weekly watering is allowed; no irriga- tion between the hours of 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Water use reduction Once-weekly watering is allowed; no irriga- tion between 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; no car washing Water emergency Only handheld hose watering allowed; no watering between 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 3
Water system failure Use of water restricted
Phase 4
SOURCE: CITY OF LIBERTY HILLCOMMUNITY IMPACT
• Removing “no water” Mondays • Removing the split between residential and commercial watering days • Updating watering hours to be midnight-7 a.m. • Requiring annual audits for large irrigation systems
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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Government
BY ELLE BENT & CHLOE YOUNG
Early childhood care providers—those serving children under 5 years old—in Leander and Liberty Hill are anticipating lingering nancial problems from the COVID-19 pandemic to become exasperated as federal relief expires Nov. 30. About $4 billion in Child Care Relief Funds— issued through the American Rescue Plan Act—was distributed to nearly 11,000 child care providers by the Texas Workforce Commission between 2021-22. By Nov. 30, providers must spend the funds they received, a majority of which were used to help pay sta. While this short-term solution allowed child care centers to stay aoat during the height of the pandemic, the lack of long- term nancial support has raised concerns for local centers. Child care center funding to end
The Williamson County impact
The big picture
A survey of 36 child care providers in the county found more than 80% of centers would raise tuition after relief funding ends. Percent of programs responding "yes"
In an August survey of over 1,800 child care administrators throughout the state conducted by the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children, 26% reported they are likely to close when funding runs out, while 31% are likely to remain open, and 43% are unsure of their fate. In response to the survey, 25% of Williamson County child care administrators said their programs are likely or very likely to close without additional funding while almost 53% are “unsure.” “I think we are still seeing eects of the pan- demic,” said Cathy McHorse, vice president of Success By 6 for United Way for Greater Austin. “We see costs are increasing, and now [early child care providers are] losing any kind of pandemic support that they had.” Barbara Campbell, owner of Sunshine Place Learning Center in Liberty Hill, was among those locally who were eligible for and applied for the funds. She said they have helped her business stay open.
Program will reduce sta Program will cut wages Program will raise tuition
81%
44.44%
42%
Program will reduce sta benets Program will serve fewer children Program will compromise quality Program will very likely have to close
28%
28%
22.22%
14%
Program has not been aected
6%
SOURCE: TEXAS ASSOCIATION FOR THE EDUCATION OF YOUNG CHILDREN COMMUNITY IMPACT
The cost of sta
Only
early childhood educators in Texas earns a living wage* 1 in 10
A closer look
When the pandemic hit, Campbell decided to provide child care services out of her home instead of at a center. The funding kept her in-home center aoat by paying for part of her mortgage, utilities and supplies, she said. “I could still benet from additional funding because of ination,” Campbell said. “Yes, I have raised ... tuition, but I feel like I can only do that so much each year. I think the cost of everything has jumped more than what I have raised my rate by.”
Priscilla Jones, owner and director of Amazin Kidz in Leander, said the funding allowed her to give bonuses to her sta and aord more supplies. Losing it has led her to cut her own pay. “I was able to do a lot of things that I can’t do now that it’s stopped,” Jones said. “I still have made all these commitments about higher pay and bonus structures, so I’m still doing those, but because we don’t have that additional cushion it is a lot harder.”
The average early childhood educator in Texas earns only $12 per hour
SOURCES: PRENATALTO3 POLICY IMPACT CENTER, TEXAS ASSOCIATION FOR THE EDUCATION OF YOUNG CHILDREN¡ COMMUNITY IMPACT *THE STATEWIDE AVERAGE LIVING WAGE IS $16.41 PER HOUR
Moving forward
Child care providers in the area said they hope to receive more government funding in the future. Such funding shouldn’t be an exception during times of crisis but the standard, Ritcherson said. “It’s our children,” Ritcherson said. “It would be nice if they could give them funds because they need it, not because COVID[-19] is happening or in£ation is happening.”
About 80% of the 36 Williamson County- area child care providers surveyed said they have already raised or will raise tuition as a result of funds ending. That’s a concern for Georgetown-area parent Jessica Ritcherson who spends over $1,000 a month to send her son to day care. “It would denitely make us struggle more than we’re already struggling,” Ritcherson said.
“We’re not going to see a dramatic closure like everything goes dark in November, but we’re going to have this insidious decline that is easy to overlook.” CATHY MCHORSE, VICE PRESIDENT OF SUCCESS BY 6 FOR UNITED WAY FOR GREATER AUSTIN
13
LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION
Education
Bilingual population nearly doubles in LHISD The number of emergent bilingual students in Liberty Hill ISD grew from 461 in the 2021-22 school year to 683 at the end of the 2022-23 school year, Jessica Solis, bilingual English as a second language coordinator, said at an Oct. 16 board meeting. Additional data provided by Solis showed the number of emergent bilingual students has grown over the past several months with 712 recorded in August. As of Oct. 19, that number had increased to 862 students, making up almost 10% of the district’s enrollment. Zooming in Emergent bilingual students in LHISD receive ESL or dual-language instruction in both English and Spanish. Over 45 languages were represented within the district and almost 70% of all students were at elementary campuses last school year, Solis said. The majority of these students receive
Students surveyed for new school mascot
Growing population group
0 200 400 600 800
The Liberty Hill ISD community may welcome another cat mascot into Panther Nation as the district opens its second high
school in 2024. The big picture
August 2022 August 2023
SOURCE: LIBERTY HILL ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT
Liberty Hill ISD Superintendent Steven Snell presented the results from a survey of Santa Rita Middle School students on their preferences for the mascot for Legacy Ranch High School at an Oct. 16 board of trustees meeting. The percentage of students who found each category very or somewhat appealing is as follows: • 81% for cat nation
content-based ESL instruction in which all of their core classes teachers are ESL certied. About a third of students receive ESL instruction only by their English and language arts teacher, while some students receive bilingual instruction. Moving forward, the district is aiming for all elementary teachers as well as English and language arts teachers at the middle and high school level to be ESL certied, Solis said. She said the district submitted 32 waivers and exceptions allowing uncertied sta to teach ESL and bilingual educa- tion last school year.
• 74% for ranch theme • 69% for alliteration
14
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY 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 Ocer 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 nalized in December following a vote from the board, Disler said. Community members may give 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 modications are needed, Disler said.
LISD announces 2024 graduation dates District ocials 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 HEB 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
Oct. 27: district releases zoning scenario Oct. 27-Nov. 10: district receives community input 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 ISDCOMMUNITY 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 ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT
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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION
Education
BY CHLOE YOUNG
Fewer students are vaping in Leander and Liberty Hill ISDs amid heightened consequences for electronic cigarette use. A new state law went into eect Sept. 1 requiring students using, possessing or selling e-cigarettes, marijuana or THC at school to attend a disciplinary alternative education program, or DAEP. Prior to the law, Leander and Liberty Hill ISDs already sent students to DAEP or juvenile programs for marijuana and THC oenses. Though ocials expressed concern about implementing the requirement for e-cigarettes due to capacity concerns at the DAEP, both districts have seen a decrease in their use and adjusted policies to only require repeat oenders to attend DAEP. E-cigarette use declines in local school districts
A closer look
Center, which serves as both districts’ DAEP, would not have enough seats to accommodate the amount of students vaping in years prior. As of mid-October, one student in each district attended the LEO Center for e-cigarettes this year.
In light of the new law, Bryan Miller, executive director of student support, said Leander ISD has seen an almost 30% decrease in nicotine vaping incidents from mid-August to mid-October last year compared to this school year. Liberty Hill has also seen a decrease, Chief of Schools Travis Motal said. Almost 180 students received disciplinary action for e-cigarette or tobacco use in Leander ISD in the 2022-23 school year, 91 of whom had more than one oense. Miller said he’s pleased to see a drop in vaping incidents as the Leander Extended Opportunity
“We’ve had less incidents at the start of this year so far than we’ve had in the last two years.” TRAVIS MOTAL, LHISD CHIEF OF SCHOOLS
The approach
Moving forward
The districts have taken the following disci- plinary approach to e-cigarettes to keep more students in the classroom and have capacity at the center, Miller said. • First-time oenders attend in-school suspension. • Second-time oenders are required to attend the LEO Center. • A 10-15 day placement is required compared to the typical 30-45 DAEP placement. • Districts discuss future consequences with students and parents of rst-time oenders. “Our ultimate goal is for the kid not to be vaping, so if we can take a less harsh approach for that to happen, I think that’s a better option for us for the rst oense,” Motal said.
Motal said Liberty Hill ISD hopes to open its own DAEP in the next year or two. Despite a decrease in nicotine vaping oenses, he said capacity at the LEO Center continues to be an issue for the district as it has a limited number of seats. “Our seats for LEO are full right now for other oenses that are not vapes,” Motal said. This year, Leander ISD Director of Counsel- ing Services Steve Clark said he’s requested that the School Health Advisory Committee review and recommend an evidence-based vaping and substance abuse curriculum for the district to potentially adopt.
E-cigarette use in Leander ISD
Number of students with e-cigarette incidents
Total number of incidents
60 50 40 30 20 10
0
Aug.-Oct. 2022 Aug.-Oct. 2023
SOURCE: LEANDER ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Transportation
BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON & CHLOE YOUNG
City may close low-water crossing portion of CR 177 After several residents spoke out, Leander City Council is reconsidering whether to close the low-water crossing on CR 177. What happened Due to its narrow, poor condition, city sta pro- posed permanently closing the low-water crossing over Brushy Creek. In the last ve to seven years, there have been a total of 24 accidents on CR 177, ocials said at an Oct. 10 Council meeting, four of which have been due to the low-water crossing. Sta said there have also been several occasions of drivers cutting the gates when they are closed. Council took no action on the proposed closure, and sta will come back with options for widening the road. If approved in the future, the city would change existing signage to say “no outlet” leading up to the low-water crossing.
Liberty Hill updates intersection plans Liberty Hill City Council will implement left-turn lanes at the Main Street, RM 1869 intersection instead of the originally planned right-turn lanes. Engineer Curtis Steger said a right-turn lane would cause opposing trac to travel toward each other. The new plan is to have desig- nated left-turn lanes in both directions with a shared right and straight lane. Steger said the construction will not a ect nearby businesses or cause closures or detours. While the project is anticipated to cost $400,895, council suggested that sta work to get the cost down to about $300,000. Construction is slated to begin Dec. 11, and it will take roughly three weeks to complete. On-street parking spaces on Main Street will also be removed, according to the city.
Key
Low water crossing
Gates that can be closed
Potential road closed barricade
175
ROCKPOINTE CHURCH
177
E. CRYSTAL FALLS PKWY.
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What residents are saying During the meeting, several residents spoke out against the closure, saying the road is one of the only alternatives to Ronald Reagan Boulevard. Shayne O’Brien—pastor of RockPointe Church, which is located on CR 177—said the closure would cause trac issues for the congregation. While most residents were opposed to the clo- sure, two were in favor of it due to safety concerns.
Liberty Hill ISD opens new road to Bar W Elementary A new route to Liberty Hill ISD’s Bar W Elemen- tary School is available for parents and guardians dropping o and picking up their students, district ocials said. Current situation Loop, which intersects with Ronald Reagan Boule- vard at a trac light.
268
267
STAMP IRON AVE.
Previously, drivers had to access the school from an intersection without a trac light. A trac light is under design for the intersection of Bar W Ranch and Ronald Reagan. Crews are also working to extend Stamp Iron Avenue to Bar W Ranch Boulevard, which will eventually be extended to Larkspur Park Boulevard.
LARKSPUR PARK BLVD.
BAR W ELEMENTARY
FUTURE TRAFFIC LIGHT
Saddletree Pass opened Oct. 11, allowing drivers to access Bar W Elementary from the campus’s north side. The new street connects to Kau man
N
17
LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION
Real estate
Number of homes sold
September 2022
September 2023
Residential market data
78641
On average, homes in Leander and Liberty Hill sat on the market longer in September compared to the year prior, according to data from the Austin Board of Realtors. Homes that sold in Liberty Hill’s 78642 ZIP code had been on the market for more than twice as many days as homes sold last year, staying for sale for just under four months. In Leander’s 78641 ZIP code, homes saw a similar trend, although they stayed on the market for about a month and half.
182
-32.97%
122
78642
76
183
-11.84%
67
29
183A TOLL
Median home sales price
N
2022
-9.41% 78641
2023
78641
78642
$477,500
$527,107
MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY AUSTIN BOARD OF REALTORS 5124547636 WWW.ABOR.COM
78642
-4%
$485,000
$505,153
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Santa Rita Ranch, 78642 This master-planned community is located in east Liberty Hill o Ronald Reagan Boulevard north of Hwy. 29. While students in the area attend both Georgetown and Liberty Hill ISDs, GISD broke ground on San Gabriel Elementary School, which will be located in the neighborhood, in May. The new school is slated to open in fall 2024. The neighborhood is also located a few miles away from Regency at Santa Rita Ranch, a 55 and older active adult community with a resort-style pool, pickleball courts, gathering spaces and more. • Average square footage: 2,750 • Homes on market: 166 • School districts: Georgetown ISD, Liberty Hill ISD • Amenities: pool, splash park, wellness barn, trails, parks, clubhouse, welcome centers
183
29
RONALD REAGAN BLVD.
N
One of the entrances to Santa Rita Ranch welcomes residents to the sprawling master-planned community, which spans across Ronald Reagan Boulevard north of Hwy. 29.
NEIGHBORHOOD DATA PROVIDED BY ANDIE ANDERSON CENTURY 21 HELLMANN STRIBLING • 4083078408 WWW.CENTURY21.COM
19
LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION
From the cover
Master plan looks to re-envision Old Town area by investing in businesses
Put in perspective
The overview
The rst 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 o er at least 110 additional on-street spots. The following projects are either planned or underway to address ongoing parking issues: • Broade Street restriping to increase the number of parking spaces; scheduled to begin in a year • South Street improvements to add on-street park- ing; in design and will take two years to complete • On-street parking along Bagdad Road; done concurrent with South Street improvements • One-story parking garage near Pat Bryson Munici- pal Hall; projected timeline of ve to 10 years Kimley-Horn, the city’s consulting company for the Old Town Master Plan, also recommended the following projects: • A surface parking lot on vacant land • Redesigned alleys to incorporate head-in parking along the back of business lots • Coordination with nearby schools and churches for shared parking agreements, which could increase the parking supply by roughly 435 spaces
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, ocials 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, creating a walkable, urban district through the addition of parks; gathering space; trails; gateway features; more bars, restaurants, retail space and food trucks; and an increase of pedestrian activity, city leaders said. City ocials and community members said they envision Old Town as a destination with increasing nightlife, weekend activities, festivals and events. However, city ocials said the area’s small-town feel and historic nature will be preserved. “When you create those districts where people come, and it has that special, small-town feel, even if you’re in a big town—that feeling is what people crave in their community,” said Bridget Brandt, the president of the Leander Chamber of Commerce. Through this plan, city sta said they hope to accomplish a series of projects such as pedestrian bridges, trails, murals and the construction of Old Town Park, which will be in the heart of the district. The plan features 10 priority projects, including waynding, a pedestrian trail and sidewalk infrastructure, which are all estimated to take place over the next ve to 10 years. Those projects will cost an estimated $15 million and could be funded through a variety of sources. “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 Grin said. “Adopting this plan is going to help us come up with a framework and improvements to help economic development and generally improve the area.”
183
2243
OLD TOWN LEANDER
N
Coming to Old Town
On-street parking and pedestrian bridges
Revamp Old Town Park with: • Landscaping • Shade structure over stage • Seating area
A playground and additional play areas
Trails and shared-use paths
Banners, gateways and streetscapes
Murals and sculptures
“With more businesses opening, parking will continue to be an issue.” LUKE KRASNIQI, COOWNER OF LEANDER BEER MARKET
Cultural arts programming and events
SOURCE: CITY OF LEANDERCOMMUNITY IMPACT
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20
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON
Also of note
In other news
Although businesses were already moving to Old Town, with the master plan in full swing, ocials said they expect more establishments, particularly bars and entertainment venues, to ock to the area. While the Old Town area had several types of businesses before the plan was approved, more are continuing to lay down roots, such as Night Owl Bar and 5th Element Brewing, which opened in late June. Brandt said the approval of the plan will be a big benet to businesses. “As this district grows into a vibrant, engaging experience, more people are going to come, too,” she said. “While the competition increases, so do the patrons. In order for this to be a successful district, we need all of those businesses to be open because that is what will attract all of the people to it.” Furthermore, the city budgeted $50,000 in scal year 2023-24 for an Old Town incentives fund, which aims to promote investments in the
area, Director of Economic Development Randall Malik said. The fund o ers economic development incentives and supports infrastructure enhancements, ultimately beneting and attracting businesses to the area. Though numerous businesses were already existing or recently opened in Old Town, there are more in the pipeline, including another bar and restaurant. This information is noncomprehensive. What’s in Old Town? Old Town's current standing 24 businesses and restaurants 1 food truck park What’s coming soon? • Shady Brew Garden • Wahoo’s Fish Taco • A King and Queen Bar Thing • Mixed-use building, with potential ofice space
Leander’s neighboring city Liberty Hill is also planning to revitalize its downtown. The city hopes to approve its Downtown Strategic Master Plan by May. The following elements are outlined in the plan: • Signage and waynding • Murals and sculptures • Landmarks and places for photo opportunities • New infrastructure • Additional parking While the plan is not yet approved, the Liberty Hill Economic Development Corp. purchased 1.51 acres of land down- town in September for $1.2 million that will be developed as part of the area’s revitalization, said Mary Poche', Liberty Hill’s director of economic development.
SOURCE: CITY OF LEANDERCOMMUNITY IMPACT
Key dates to remember
Looking ahead
Dec. 2023
Sept. 2021
Sept. 2023 City Council approves the Old Town Master Plan
Rezoning in Old Town is approved to allow more restaurants and entertainment venues
Schedule for implementing projects to be presented to Council
Gri n 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.
Jan. 2023
Jan. 2050
Jan. 2024 Early 2024
April 2022 Council selects Kimley-Horn to develop the Old Town Master Plan
Old Town re improvements— which involve expanding the water system—will be the rst project to be completed
All projects estimated to reach completion
Jan. 2022
SOURCE: CITY OF LEANDERCOMMUNITY IMPACT
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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION
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