North Central Austin Edition | March 2023

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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 12 MARCH 30MAY 3, 2023

South Central Waterfront ready to rise

Second H Mart to open in North Austin

BUILDINGS NOT TO SCALE ILLUSTRATION BY JOSEPH VELOZ

Fiesta season hits San Antonio, plus 10 local events

Plans for several high rises in the South Central Waterfront district—south of downtown and east of Auditorium Shores—are underway. The projects include residences, a hotel and commercial space. (Courtesy Bryan Schneider) Vertical, mixed-use transformation underway in lakefront district with condos, restaurants, a hotel and community spaces. Several other projects are also moving ahead.

Pedestrian, bike project underway around Zilker Park

Since the entire neighborhood is not being redevel- oped in one pass, stakeholders said successfully setting up plans for the South Central Waterfront’s future is nec- essary. If that work takes place as envisioned, it could soon become a walkable district home to prime lake- shore and recreational access, shopping opportunities, and transit connections. “The decisions that we’re making today are going to last with us for decades to come,” said District 9 Council Member Zo Qadri, who represents the area.

BY BEN THOMPSON

Austin’s South Central Waterfront District is set to wel- come a wave of new development as decades of planning are reshaping what many hope will be one of the city’s signature districts alongside Lady Bird Lake. One of the area’s centerpiece properties, 305 South Congress, received city approval in late 2022 to move ahead on its transformation into a series of high-rises

Transportation

LOCAL VOTER GUIDE 2023

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2 0 2 3

LOCAL VOTER GUIDE

Austinites to vote on clashing police oversight items in May

Learn more about the May 6 election

BY ELLE BENT

Pull the newest teaser from CC Libraries

PROPOSITION A

PROPOSITION B

Two propositions, both titled the “Austin Police Oversight Act,” will appear on the ballot in May, yet each would achieve dierent results in regards to external accountability of police misconduct if approved. The conicting oversight mea- sures are brought to Austin voters amid an expiring contract between

• Goals: deter police misconduct and brutality through strengthened civilian and city oversight and increased transparency • Author: Equity Action, a criminal justice political group

• Goals: to strengthen the city’s system and civilian police oversight system • Author: Voters for Oversight and Police Accountability, a political group with funding from the Austin Police Association

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTINCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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THIS ISSUE

MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Deeda Lovett EDITOR Darcy Sprague REPORTERS Elle Bent, Katy McAfee, Ben Thompson GRAPHIC DESIGNER Joseph Veloz ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Stephanie Johnson METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Travis Baker MANAGING EDITOR Amy Denney COPY EDITOR Kasey Salisbury SENIOR ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Haley Grace CONTACT US 16225 Impact Way, Ste. 1, Pugerville, TX 78660 • 5129896808 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES ctanews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING ctaads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter SUPPORT US Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today. We have expanded to include hundreds of team members and have created our own software platform and printing facility. CI delivers 35+ localized editions across Texas to more than 2.5 million residential mailboxes. ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH

FROM DEEDA: It seems like every day we’re learning of a new high rise to add yet another stair step to our climbing Austin skyline. In our front-page story, we explore the redevelopment of the South Central Waterfront of Lady Bird Lake. While we’re used to reporting skyscrapers one at a time, in this case, like stairs, sometimes you have to take them two at a time to cover it all as this project will add at least six new towers. The sky really is the limit! Deeda Lovett, GENERAL MANAGER

FROM DARCY: This month, we delved into the police contract negotiations and two police oversight ballot measures knowing the topic has invoked strong political feelings. As always, our goal is to provide you with the facts. Our hope is that you read our front-page story and walk into the ballot box understanding what you are voting and which way you wish to cast a ballot—for Proposition A, Proposition B, both or neither. Check out Page 22 for more info. Darcy Sprague, EDITOR

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

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6 Korean grocery store H Mart will open its second Austin-area location. The store will be located at 5222 Burnet Road, Ste., 500, Austin, in the North Loop Plaza, which was previously home to Sav- ers. There is no timeline for the store’s opening, but it is in the design phase. www.hmart.com CLOSINGS 7 The food truck Fat City Stacks closed in December. The owners posted ina- tion, rising labor costs and bad weather over the previous year led to the decision. The truck was located at Yard Bar at 6700 Burnet Road, Austin. 8 Top Drawer Thrift will close its 7101 Woodrow Ave., Unit B, Austin, location April 1. The donation-driven store provides revenue to Project Transitions—a nonprot that oers hospice, housing and support- ive care to people living with HIV. Top Drawer’s original location on Road will remain open. www.topdrawerthrift.org

NORTH CENTRAL NOW OPEN

treats patients experiencing a wide range of symptoms including back and joint pain, digestive issues and fatigue. The clinic uses specialty lab testing to determine the root cause of a patient’s issue and oers lifestyle, nutrition and supplement recom- mendations. CAIM Chiropractic is located at 5501 N. Lamar Blvd., Ste. C111, Austin, inside the Body Collective yoga studio. www.caimchiropractic.com 3 The Soup Peddler —a cafe serving up healthy soups, smoothies and pressed sandwiches—opened its seventh Austin location March 1. The new cafe is located at 3720 Far West Blvd., Ste. 105, Austin, and replaces Daily Juice. The Soup Peddler opened 21 years ago when owner David Ansel made his rst bicycle soup delivery in the Bouldin Creek neighborhood in South Austin. www.souppeddler.com

4 Austinite Gabriel Alvarez opened Hair Labs in the Crestview neighborhood March 6. The salon oers cuts, colors and styles. Stylists can rent chairs for short- or long-term use. The salon is at 7413 Burnet Road, Ste. B, Austin. www.hairlabsonline.com COMING SOON 5 The Brass Tap —a craft beer bar chain with restaurants throughout the coun- try—will open a location in the Triangle in June. The bar, owned by Steve Sheets, will serve pub food and over 60 beers on draft. The Brass Tap will be located at 815 W. 47th St., Ste. 103, Austin, in the former Flying Saucer Draught Emporium space. www.brasstapbeerbar.com

1 Voodoo Doughnut opened its North Austin location March 3. The store, located at 5408 Burnet Road, Austin, is the second Austin location for the chain, which is based in Portland, Oregon, and the 17th in the country. Voodoo Doughnut’s menu features items such as the Bacon Maple bar and the Ring of Fire, a spicy, devil’s food cake doughnut. 737-977-6669. www.voodoodoughnut.com 2 A new chiropractic and functional medicine center called CAIM Chiropractic + Functional Medicine opened in mid-February. The clinic—owned by partners Saira Burney and Shaina Nolley—

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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • MARCH 2023

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

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shoes handcrafted in Italy. The store will be located at 908 W. 12th St., Austin. www.kikiprice.com ANNIVERSARIES 8 Better Half Coffee & Cocktails cele- brated five years in business in February. The cafe and bar—helmed by Matthew Bolick along with Matt and Grady Wright of Brew & Brew—serves burgers, sand- wiches, salads, biscuits, cocktails and more. Better Half Coffee & Cocktails is located at 406 Walsh St., Austin. www.betterhalfbar.com CLOSINGS 9 Nau’s Enfield Drug —a pharmacy and burger joint that had been an Austin staple since the ‘50s—closed in March as the owners decided not to renew their lease. Nau’s Enfield Drug was located at 1115 W. Lynn St, Austin, and owned by husband and wife duo Kathleen and Lambert Labay since 1971.

5 New pizza restaurant Allday opened at 3111 W. 35th St., Austin, on March 1. Allday serves New York-style pies made to order or by the slice. Allday serves specialty pies, such as the white pizza with roasted broccolini, garlic and lemon pepper seasoning, as well as salads, cold brew coffee and gelato. Allday is owned by locals Daniel Sorg and Townsend Smith. Instagram: @allday.atx COMING SOON 6 A new cocktail bar and seafood restaurant called Bill’s Oyster is opening at 205 W. 3rd St., Austin, in April. The restaurant—founded by friends Stew- art Jarmon and Daniel Berg—will serve lunch, dinner and weekend brunches. The menu consists of oysters, crudo, caviar, a signature burger and salads. www.billsoyster.com 7 Kiki Price —a luxury women’s shoe company—will open its first brick-and- mortar store in Austin in April. The company, owned by Kimberly Baltzell and Lucy Price, sells comfortable high heel

DOWNTOWN/ WEST CAMPUS NOW OPEN

If you see a traffic signal that needs maintenance, call 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000 to submit the Traffic signal maintenance service request. 3 Austin’s first multilevel H-E-B opened at 2652 Lake Austin Blvd., Austin on Feb. 15. The 97,000-square-foot store has ful- ly underground parking, multiple eleva- tors and escalators for carts and people. In addition to regular grocery items, the store features a full-service pharmacy, Lake Austin’s Coffee Spot, SouthFlo Pizza, a True Texas BBQ restaurant and a full bar. www.heb.com 4 Flo’s Wine Bar & Bottle Shop opened March 1 in Tarrytown. Owners Flo Clem- ons and Adair Belisle—Austin natives and childhood best friends—describe the bar as a comforting place to relax while drinking wine or grab a bottle to go. Flo’s has over 190 bottles of wine to choose from and over 20 wines served by the glass. Flo’s Wine Bar & Bottle Shop is located at 3111 W. 35th St., Austin. www. floswinebar.com

1 Garbo’s Fresh Maine Lobster opened a restaurant at A 626 North Lamar Blvd., Austin, in the former Counter Café space on March 1. Garbo’s sells lobster rolls, caviar, crab cakes and other small plates. Garbo’s also opened a new food truck at B 823 Congress Ave., Austin, in early March. www.garboslobsteratx.com 2 F45 Training —a global fitness studio franchise—opened on the eighth floor of the Hilton Austin hotel on Feb. 13at 500 E. 4th St., Austin. F45 provides functional, 45-minute circuit workouts to residents and hotel guests. F45 members have access to a rooftop pool, a hot tub, a sauna, a steam room and free parking. www.f45training.com

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Momofuku alumnus Richard Hargreave and will be located at 1600 S. First St., Austin. www.underdog-atx.com 4 Andino Gelato —a gelato shop family owned by Carlos and Carola Bejarano—will open a new location at 2214 S. First St., Austin, in early April. Andino Gelato makes 32 flavors of gela- to that are made daily in small batches, a quarter of which are fat free and dairy free. All of Andino Gelato’s products, including its cookies and waffle cones, are made from scratch using recipes that were passed down for generations. www.andinogelato.com 5 Modern Animal —a Los Angeles-based veterinary clinic—will open two Austin locations in mid-2023. Modern Animal is a membership-based clinic that offers a full range of veterinary services, including 24/7 virtual care. The South Central clinic will be located at 1100 S. Lamar Blvd., Bldg. 1, Ste. 1105, Austin, and will open in late 2023. The North Central clinic, located on Burnet Road, will open in mid- 2023. www.modernanimal.com RELOCATIONS 6 Companion Tattoo relocated from 3314 S. Congress Ave. to 4309 S. First St. in the beginning of March. Companion Tattoo is an LGBTQ-friendly shop with artists who specialize in custom designs and come with over 10 years of industry experience. Companion Tattoo is owned by artists Dylan Mott and Chloe Dansfiell. www.companiontattoo.com

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ANNIVERSARIES Ian’s Cleaners —a local laundry deliv- ery service—will celebrate five years in business in May. The business, owned by Austin native Ian Noble, offers wash and fold and dry cleaning laundry delivery services to ZIP codes throughout Austin. www.ianscleaners.com CLOSINGS 7 Rivers and Reefs closed at the end of February. The pet supply store, located at 2008 S. First St., Austin, had operated for 34 years. 8 Austin Eastciders shuttered its 1530 Barton Springs Road, Austin, taproom and restaurant March 8. The taproom served coffee, pizza, sandwich- es, and cider and cider cocktails. The Austin Eastciders Collaboratory Taproom located at 979 Springdale Road, Ste. 130, Austin, in the Govalle neighborhood will remain open. www.austineastciders.com

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SOUTH CENTRAL NOW OPEN 1 AUSTEA —a family-run, inde- pendently owned tea shop—opened in South Austin on Feb. 25. The shop, owned by Vu Tran, Ann Vu and Tony Kha, offers items such as coffee, boba teas and smoothies. The family-run, independently owned establishment is at 500 E. Ben White Blvd., Ste. D 700, Austin. www.austeashoppe.com 2 Songbird , a fried chicken sand- wich food truck, opened at Meanwhile Brewing Co. on Feb. 3. The food truck serves a range of sandwiches, salads

and snacks using sustainably sourced ingredients. Songbird is helmed by chef Joshua van den Berg, who previously ran Michelin-starred restaurant Aldea in New York and won the Food Network show “Chopped.” Songbird is located at 3901 Promontory Point Drive, Austin. Instagram: songbirdaustin COMING SOON 3 Underdog —a wine bar, restaurant and retail space—will open in the Bouldin Creek neighborhood this spring. The menu consists of “eclectic” wines and Korean dishes, such as handmade noodles and crispy potato and leek pancakes with caviar. Underdog is led by Claudia Lee and

NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • MARCH 2023

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As drought conditions continue, it’s important that we all help conserve our precious resource. The new My ATX Water Program provides the tools to help you save water and money. Your new City of Austin water meter, along with the My ATX Water Customer Portal , will give you access to near-real- time water use data so you can maximize the savings.

Benefits of My ATX Water 6 Continuous usage and leak notifications 6 Personalized alerts 6 Water budgeting features 6 Customized water-saving tips and rebate information Don’t have your new meter yet? Don’t worry! You can still join the My ATX Water Customer Portal now to access monthly water use data and other benefits at myatxwater.org .

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IMPACTS

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2 The team behind Golden Castle and Golden Tiger opened a new food truck called Golden Grill in early March. Golden Grill serves hamburgers, hot dogs, chili cheese fries and deep-fried chicken wings. The truck is open daily at The Liberty bar at 1618 E. 6th St., Austin. 512-420-6969. https://goldentigerneverdie.square.site 3 San Diego-based climbing gym Mesa Rim opened in its rst Texas location on March 7. Mesa Rim oers a 55-foot climbing wall, bouldering and rope climbing. Mesa Rim also oers yoga and tness classes as well as youth pro- grams. Mesa Rim is located at 205 Shel- don Cove, Bldg. 3, Austin. 512-284-9043 www.mesarim.com/austin 4 Sweetgreen opened in Mueller on Feb. 28 at 1900 Aldrich St., Ste. 140, Austin. A fast-casual eatery, Sweetgreen features salads, such as kale Caesar and Garden Cobb. It also oers warm bowls, such as Curry Cauliower and Chicken Pesto Parm. 737-377-3825. www.sweetgreen.com 5 Unchained.art —a contemporary art gallery—opened in its rst Austin location at 1601 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin, on March 18. The gallery features paintings, photography, sculptures and other me- diums from artists around the world with a focus on Europe. The gallery will host regular events and exhibits throughout the year. www.unchained.art 6 New cocktail bar Mama Dearest opened at 515 Pedernales St., Austin, in late December. The bar, which sports

Mama Dearest

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BEN THOMPSONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

973 a rustic, country vibe, is owned by the team behind Red-Headed Stepchild and is considered the “mother” of that concept. Instagram: Mama Dearest 7 Olde Soul Barbershop opened at 4524 Mattie St., Ste. 102, Austin, in Feb- ruary. Olde Soul opened in its rst Austin store in 2019, and the Mueller location is its third. The shops oer haircut and shave services as well as grooming and 130 TOLL

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Want Wingy sells “chicken lollipops” with a variety of seasonings and sauces, such as lemon pepper, sweet chili and spicy pineapple. The business, owned by Texas native Neil O’Quinn, now has three loca- tions throughout the Austin area. www.tommywantwingyatx.com

8 Nonprot arts organization Women & Their Work will celebrate 45 years of supporting female artists and educating Austinites about contemporary art in April. The gallery is located at 1311 E. Cesar Chavez St, Austin. 512-477-1064. www.womenandtheirwork.org

1 Tommy Want Wingy opened a new food truck at 1300 E. 6th St., Austin, at The Lucky Duck in late February. Tommy

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TODO LIST

April & May events

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APRIL 14 THROUGH 16

GET READY FOR RACING The MotoGP Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas will bring some of the fastest motorcycles in the world to Austin. The race is the nal race of the year for the league. Times vary. Three-day tickets start at $99. Circuit of the Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Austin. 512- 301-6600. www.circuitoftheamericas.com 16 RUN FOR IT During the 46th Statesman Cap10K, participants will race down Congress Avenue, past the Capitol and throughout downtown Austin. The event is one of the largest 10K races in Texas. There will also be a virtual race. 8 a.m. (race start). $55 (youth), $65 (adults). 305 S. Congress Ave., Austin. www.cap10k.com 28 THROUGH MAY 29 SHOP LOCAL Over 100 regional artists will showcase their work at May Market, an annual, family-friendly spring shopping event by Blue Genie Art Bazaar. The market will be open every Friday-Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Free. 6100 Airport Blvd., Austin. 512-222-7303 www.bluegenieartbazaar.com

APRIL 1223

LAUGH OUT LOUD THROUGHOUT AUSTIN

MAY 0708

HAVE FUN AT A FESTIVAL THROUGHOUT AUSTIN

29 CELEBRATE EEYORE’S BIRTHDAY This daylong fundraising festival operated by the Friends of the Forest Foundation benets local nonprots. Festival goers can listen to live music and shop at local vendors. All proceeds will be donated to various nonprots. The Austin event has been celebrated since 1963. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Free (admission). 1100 Kingsbury St., Austin. 512-766-4424. www.eeyores.org Bee. Times vary. $150-$275; costs for individual tickets vary by show. Locations vary. www.austintheatre.org Moontower Just for Laughs will bring dozens of comedians to Austin for 10 days of performances. Headliners include Seth Meyers (pictured), Howie Mandel, Leslie Jones and Samantha

MAY 06 SUPPORT A NONPROFIT Love Notes Chorus will hold a free concert called From Morning 'til Night. The nonprot support individuals experiencing early stage memory loss and their partners by providing them opportunities to experience music together. 2 p.m. Free, but donations welcome. St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 8134 Mesa Drive, Austin. www.lovenoteschorus.com The biannual Pecan Street Festival, one of the largest craft fairs in Texas, will be held in downtown Austin featuring artisan vendors, live music, kids activities, food vendors and more. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (May 7), 11 a.m.-8 p.m. (May 8). Free. 6th Street, Austin. www.pecanstreetfestival.org

Fiesta takes place in San Antonio.

WORTH THE TRIP Fiesta San Antonio , the local annual springtime celebration, will oer more than 100 events citywide featuring food and entertainment, including parades, festivals and formal galas from April 2030. Proceeds from each event benet participating Fiesta Commission member organizations and numerous local community nonprots and causes. Event times, admission prices and locations vary. www.estasanantonio.org

Find more or submit Central Austin events at communityimpact.com/event-calendar. Event organizers can submit local events online to be considered for the print edition. Submitting details for consideration does not guarantee publication.

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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • MARCH 2023

AT THE CAPITOL

News from the 88th legislative session

QUOTE OF NOTE

Property tax relief among leading House priorities Two months into the 88th Texas Legislative Session, Speaker Dade Phelan has announced eight priority bills that are likely to pass in the Texas House and include property tax relief and corporate tax incentives. that relocate to Texas. The legislation would replace Chapter 313, a similar program that expired in December. Rep. Andrew Murr, R-Junction, filed HB 19, which would create a state business court system to handle BY HANNAH NORTON STATE PRIORITIES House Speaker Dade Phelan has endorsed several bills as his top priorities for the 2023 Texas Legislature. House Bills 1-20 are typically reserved for the speaker’s priorities, which include:

“TO BUILD THE TEXAS OF TOMORROW, WE MUST CONTINUE THE STATE’S UNRELENTING EFFORTS TO BUILD INFRASTRUCTURE, GROW THE ENERGY SECTOR, IMPROVE JOB TRAINING AND PUBLIC EDUCATION, AND ENSURE HEALTH CARE ACCESS.” GOV. GREG ABBOTT IN HIS STATE BUDGET PROPOSAL FOR 2024-25. UPDATES FROM LOCAL LEGISLATORS STATE REP. JAMES TALARICO District 50 • Democrat • Elected: 2018 HB 21 The bill relates to the powers and duties of the Texas Independent Redistricting Commission; how commission members are appointed; and fairness and integrity in drawing district lines.

lawsuits and regulatory cases. Rep. Gary VanDeaver, R-New Boston, filed HB 8, which would overhaul the funding system for Texas community colleges with a focus on measurable student outcomes, such as graduation rates and credentials earned. The changes were recom- mended by the Texas Commission on Community College Finance. Phelan also endorsed HBs 4 and 18, filed by Reps. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake, and Shelby Slawson, R-Stephenville, respectively. The bills aim to give Texans more authority in how companies collect and monetize data from themselves and their chil- dren. Many minors are overexposed to social media, which can increase suicide rates and other mental health issues, Slawson said.

Other bills focus on data privacy, Medicaid eligibility and feminine hygiene products. Rep. Morgan Meyer, R-Dallas, filed House Bill 2, also known as the Property Tax Relief Act. According to a news release, the bill would cut school property taxes by 28% and prevent property values from increasing by more than 5% each year. Phelan’s office said this would be the largest property tax cut in Texas history, with a $460 reduction for homeowners in 2024. If HB 2 is approved, Texans could vote on the policy change during the Nov. 7 general election. Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi, filed HB 5, which would give substantial tax breaks to corporations

HB 2 : Property tax relief

HB 5 : Corporate tax breaks

HB 19 : New state business court HB 8 : Community college funding redesign HB 4 and HB 18 Online data privacy HB 12 : Expanded postpar- tum Medicaid eligibility HB 300 : Tax-free baby and period products

SOURCE: TEXAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

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New Bull Creek Campus Opens Fall 2023

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

TRANSPORTATION

Abridged stories from online

Capital Metro pushes back new MetroRapid routes to 2025

RAPIDROUTE SLOWDOWN Capital Metro is delaying the

290

opening of two new routes to 2025, as electric bus batteries will not last as long as expected and are back ordered.

Mueller neighborhood

Travis County Exposition Center

BY KATY MCAFEE

and consulting with national experts, CapMetro realized to accommodate depot-only charging, it would need to double the original 40 buses planned for the route, Watkins said. She said each electric bus costs roughly $1 million. To cut costs, CapMetro decided to install overhead charging stations at the end of each route that will top buses o throughout the day. How- ever, that plan requires CapMetro to acquire more land at Pleasant Valley and the Travis County Expo Center. The pivot will also require CapMetro to build its Park & Rides—parking lots where travelers can park their cars and hop on a CapMetro bus—sooner than anticipated. Even without the construction hurdles, the MetroRapid would still have been delayed until the end of 2023 due to supply chain issues with electric buses, Watkins said.

Expo MetroRapid Pleasant Valley MetroRapid

Capital Metro delayed the opening of its MetroRapid lines—high-fre- quency transit lines originally slated to open this summer—until 2025, the transportation organization con- rmed in late February. CapMetro’s two transit lines, Pleasant Valley and Expo Center, are among the rst services to be realized in Project Connect—a multibillion-dollar plan to rethink and expand Austin’s transportation infrastructure passed by voters in November 2020. CapMetro CEO Dottie Watkins said the delay is due to a variety of factors, including challenges using all-electric buses, shipping delays and infrastructure changes. Watkins said the original assump- tion was buses would be swapped out with fully charged buses at a depot. However, after scheduling routes

Republic Square

183

290

• CapMetro must buy land for charging stations and Park&Rides at the end of lines • CapMetro will recongure roadways along the transit line • Electric buses are back ordered REASONS FOR DELAYS

Goodnight Ranch

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

SOURCE: CAPITAL METROCOMMUNITY IMPACT

The city of Austin announced in February that it received federal funds to try to reduce trac deaths. FUNDING SAFETY CHANGES

Austin to address trac deaths with $22.8 million federal grant

BY SUMAIYA MALIK

20 hours. In 2022, there were 117 fatalities in Austin, and as of Feb. 13, there had been 11 deaths in 2023, according to the data. The city has identied over 60 areas that could be reworked using the funding, but no sites have been ocially chosen yet, Austin Transportation Safety Ocer Lewis Le said. Areas under consideration include parts of Cam- eron Road and Parmer Lane. Examples of possible improvements include crosswalk markings, lighting and or signal upgrades, Le said.

The $5 billion Safe Streets and Roads for All program is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The city has seen a 31% reduction in fatal or serious injury crashes due to safety improvements since 2016.

On Feb. 1, the city of Austin announced that it had received $22.8 million in federal grant money to combat trac fatalities. Austin received the funds through the Safe Streets and Roads for All program that specically targets high-crash sites in cities and counties. Data from Vision Zero—a city initiative to eliminate trac fatalities—shows on average an Austin resident is killed in a crash every ve days, and someone is seriously injured in a crash every

117 people died in car crashes in Austin in 2022.

SOURCES: AUSTIN TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT, VISION ZERO COMMUNITY IMPACT

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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • MARCH 2023

EDUCATION BRIEFS

TRANSPORTATION UPDATES

News from Austin & Dripping Springs ISDs

COMPILED BY TAYLOR CRIPE & BEN THOMPSON

HIGHLIGHTS AUSTIN ISD Damage from Winter Storm Mara has cost Austin ISD an estimated $845,446, ocials said at a Feb. 23 board meeting. The majority of the AISD campuses had tree debris, which caused obstruction to roadways, parking lots and playgrounds. It also knocked out power to 23 campuses and facilities. The board of trustees approved emergency purchases related to the damage at the meeting. The money can come from general funds or disaster relief funds if those become available. Austin ISD will meet April 6 and 27 at 6 p.m. MEETINGS WE COVER NUMBER TO KNOW $770,000 Austin Community College received over $770,000 from the U.S. Department of Education to oer a support program—Austin Community College Ensuring Student Success—for 1,000 students who stopped their education in 2020 due to the pandemic.

City to add shared-use paths by Zilker Park The city of Austin is working to improve access to Zilker Metropolitan Park and Zilker Botanical Garden. The multistage project began in January on a 0.7-mile portion of Barton Springs Road between the garden will add a new shared-use path between Stratford Drive’s intersec- tion at Barton Springs Road and the Austin Nature & Science Center entrance. Finally, Phase 3 of the Zilker initiative will connect the Barton Springs

Search rm to use public feedback to nd superintendent AUSTIN ISD The search rm hired by Austin ISD to nd its next super- intendent wrapped up a series of BY AMANDA CUTSHALL THE SEARCH IS ON Austin ISD began the search process for a new superintendent in ewarly 2023, months after the Stephanie Elizalde resigned.

ZILKER TRANSPORTATION The city is adding shared-use paths near Zilker Metropolitan Park to make it safer for those walking or riding to the park.

ONGOING PROJECTS

BEE CAVES RD.

MOPAC

Upgraded bus stops Pedestrian crossing signal

Phase 2 will add a shared-use path to Stratford Drive.

360

Community input due March 15 March 22 March 25 April 20 May 25 GR Recruiting builds prole

July 1

community town halls in March. GR Recruiting and the district oered the town halls to community members who discussed what they want to see in a new superintendent. At a March 7 town hall, attendees brought up challenges such as teacher support and special education issues. “The problem is that we do not have the support,” Webb Middle School teacher Sandra Flores said. “It’s across the board, really; we just do not have enough teachers, security guards and counselors.” Some of the qualities sought in a new superintendent mentioned by the community during the town hall meetings included being present, doing whatever it takes to be success- ful, equity, resilience, being a role model and someone who is solution oriented. Following the town halls, GR

BARTON SKYWAY

Trustees nalize pro le

Candidate applications due

Lone nalist named

New superintendent hired

MOPAC

MAP project broke ground Feb. 3. Intend- ed to alleviate congestion on local roadways, the project will widen the pavement on the auxiliary lane and merge the entrance ramps for Bee Caves Road and Barton Skyway on southbound MoPac. Weekslong ramp closures are expected on southbound MoPac during construction along with main lane closures during o-peak travel hours from 8 p.m.-5 a.m. Timeline: February 2023-24 Cost: $10 million Barton Skyway ramp widening The Barton Skyway Ramp Relief

SOURCE: AUSTIN ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

ZILKER BOTANICAL GARDEN

Recruiting will put together a prole of what the community wants to see in the next superintendent and share it with the board of trustees March 25, after press time. AISD’s previous superintendent, Stephanie Elizalde, left the district for Dallas ISD in June. After her resig- nation, the district named as interim superintendent Anthony Mays, who left AISD for a Houston-area school district in December. Matias Segura was named interim superintendent in January; however, the board decided he would not be allowed to apply for the permanent position. “When they advertised for an

interim, they wanted someone who would come in and not be considered as a candidate because that could be a deterrent to other potential candi- dates,” Gloria Davis, lead associate with GR Recruiting, said. Davis said potential candidates usually will not apply for the position if they know the interim is also a can- didate because the interim is looked upon as a “shoe-in.” Around the end of May, trustees will select ve to seven seminalists who will be interviewed in person, Davis said. The district is seeking to hire a candidate by July 1.

MoPac and the botanical garden entrance. Phase 1 will add new shared-use pathways to that stretch of roadway with landscaped buers between vehicles and pedestrians and cyclists. The work will also upgrade Capital Metro bus stations, and add a new crosswalk and a pedestrian crossing signal outside the botanical garden. The second phase across

and Stratford pathways. Funding for the project comes from Austin’s 2016 and 2020 mobility bonds, the botanical garden, CapMetro, and Austin City Council District 8’s inter- local Quarter Cent funding program. Overall costs are not yet known, but the city estimates Phase 1 will run around $650,000. “The shared-use path will greatly improve safety and access to the area,

Phase 1 • install new shared- use pathways with landscaped buers • upgrade CapMetro bus stations • install new trac signals

Phase 3 will join the two paths.

Funding source: Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTINCOMMUNITY IMPACT

bus,” said Cynthia Klem- mer, with the Austin Parks and Recreation Depart- ment, in a statement.

especially since many people who visit Zilker Botanical Garden arrive on foot, by bicycle or via the

ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF MARCH 10. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT CTANEWSCOMMUNITYIMPACT.COM.

4000 S. I-35, Austin www.austinisd.org

HIGHLAND 5775 Airport Blvd (512) 366-8300 ARBORETUM 10515 North Mopac Expressway (512) 342-6893

CITY & COUNTY

LADY BIRD LAKE USAGE A study by Huston-Tillotson University nds watercraft—including kayaks, canoes and paddleboards—capacity is often exceeded on Lady Bird Lake. Associate professor Amanda Masino oered the city solutions to manage the crowding.

Austin residents concerned about overcrowding on Lady Bird Lake

ELLE BENTCOMMUNITY IMPACT

WHAT IS CAPACITY? Low density of watercraft

BY ELLE BENT

Goal capacity

on peak weekends, including sum- mer holidays, where the average density was 0.5 acres per boat, which is about twice as congested as the target density, according to the study. On weekdays, the capacity is at an average of 2.34 acres per boat. The watercraft density in the MoPac to Lamar Boulevard area was 12-22 times higher than the average density of the entire lake, per the study. Inadequate parking was considered a concern by 49.1% of respondents. More than 58% of those surveyed expressed strong or moderate concern with lake crowding and 57.2% with trail crowding. Of those surveyed 61.4% sometimes experienced a loss of enjoyment due to lake crowding, per the study. Masino recommended several strategies to deal with the crowding, including monitoring human impact on the lake.

High density of watercraft

AUSTIN Lady Bird Lake receives roughly ve million visitors per year and is often overcapacity, according to a study and survey from research- ers at Huston-Tillotson University. The capacity study of Lady Bird Lake was presented at an Environ- mental Commission meeting March 1 by Amanda Masino, associate pro- fessor of biology and chair of natural sciences at Huston-Tillotson. The study looked at watercrafts— such as kayaks and paddleboards—on the lake and surveyed residents on their perception of crowding. The surface area of Lady Bird Lake is 471 acres, with a target density of 1 to 1.3 acres per watercraft, per the study. Over four days recorded in 2022, the study found a range of 188 watercraft on Friday, June 17, to 1,100 on Saturday, July 2. Recreational capacity was exceeded

C D

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

Acres per watercraft

FOUR SAMPLE DAYS IN 2022 = 100 watercraft vessels

MAY 29

JUNE 17

JUNE 18

JULY 2

0.67

2.34

0.42

0.4

Acres per watercraft

HOW TO REDUCE CAPACITY

• Spread out more formal access points, amenities • Increase trail connectivity • Oer activities outside of the congested zones

• Expanding public education • Expand volunteer programs and roles • Increase monitoring of environmental impact

• Strengthen

enforcement of unlicensed vendors and trash policies

SOURCE: HUSTONTILLOTSON UNIVERSITYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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

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This program is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $8.7 million. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov

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