Southwest Austin - Dripping Springs | November 2024

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Southwest Austin Dripping Springs Edition VOLUME 17, ISSUE 8 NOV. 26DEC. 26, 2024

Furthering food access

Austin, Travis County cement community plan for more resilient food system

Qualifying area residents can pick up nutritious food at the Central Texas Food Bank’s mobile FARMacy pantry, launched last year in response to local food insecurity.

BEN THOMPSONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

and improving lacking food access for residents. “This food plan sets a historic precedent that equitable access to safe, nutritious food and the land in support of that is something that we all deserve and have a right to,” Joi Chevalier, The Cook’s Nook owner and Austin/Travis County Food Policy Board member, told county leaders in October.

The work came in response to widespread food system setbacks and shortages amid the COVID-19 pandemic and Winter Storm Uri, and in anticipation of future climate disruptions. Residents, local groups and governments will pursue dozens of strategies laid out in the “plan of plans” through the 2020s and beyond to ll the cracks in Central Texas’ food system by encourag- ing more local production, addressing disparities

BY BEN THOMPSON

After several years and with input from thou- sands of residents, Austin and Travis County’s rst-ever food plan was approved by local leaders this fall. It’s meant to address access and production issues experienced countywide, where less than 0.1% of food is grown locally and more than 1 in 10 people regularly struggle accessing healthy food.

CONTINUED ON 34

Also in this issue

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Election: See unocial results on local races from the Nov. 5 election (Page 14)

Nonprofit: Check out a variety of volunteer opportunities (Page 27)

Time to add another hidden gem to your list. Discover why Austin’s best-kept secret is an ER. It’s a better ER experience that flies under the radar and goes beyond your expectations. Available 24/7 with short wait times, free parking and a welcoming vibe. All part of our full-service hospital, and all right here in Southwest Austin.

Learn More

Oak Hill near 290 & Mopac

Photography may include models or actors and may not represent actual patients. Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers or Baylor Scott & White Health. ©2024 Baylor Scott & White Health. 09-AU-1099300-AMC ED 25

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Medical Center - Austin sits in a unique part of town, wait times are usually shorter, generally allowing for our patients to get care faster. “Our wait times are usually short to see a provider, and we generally get to people at a very quick pace”, Dr. Corley said. When patients see a physician on the medical staff in the ER, they will receive quality care from experienced individuals. “The combined level of experience of our nurses in the ER on any given day is decades”, Dr. Corley said. “I think that is a big difference. When you’re looking for a place [to receive medical care], you want experienced

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Impacts

Southwest Austin BARTON CREEK BLVD.

360

MOPAC

183 household items, snacks and more. The business also has a butcher shop and kitchen serving tacos, tortas and soups. • Opened Nov. 3 • 11118 S. First St., Ste. 100, Austin 4 Casa Grande Supermercado The supermarket offers groceries such as produce, 5 Culture Club The classic rock-themed restaurant and bar is now open in Menchaca Park. The business is owned by Justin Knoch, who also owns the speakeasy concept 1922 in El Paso. Culture Club serves pizza, wings and more, and features an outdoor patio, lawn games and vintage pinball machines. • Opened Nov. 2 • 12000 Menchaca Road, Bldg. 2, Ste. A, Austin • www.cultureclubaustin.com 6 Merfolk’s Specialty Coffee The new coffee shop is owned by Justin Monroe and will offer coffee, cold brews and espresso drinks. The business is also partnering with Greater Goods Coffee Roasting Co. in Dripping Springs. • Opened Nov. 12 • 4930 S. Congress Ave., Ste. C-304, Austin • Facebook: Merfolk’s Specialty Coffee 3 Maeve House The private social club is now open. Locally owned by Sierra Bailey and Adam Fujawa, Maeve House serves as a coworking space for members to work and socialize. Maeve House also holds private and public events. Non- members can visit on a limited basis. • Opened Oct. 29 • 1200 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin • www.maevehouse.com 7 Bricks & Minifigs From locals Becky and Tommy White, Bricks & Minifigs buys, trades and sells new and used Lego sets and pieces. • Opened Nov. 16 • 5207 Brodie Lane, Ste. 130, Austin • www.bricksandminifigs.com 8 Another Broken Egg The brunch spot will open its newest Austin location

290

MOPAC

290

1826

11 13

MOPAC

South Austin

MAP NOT TO SCALE

2 Cabo Bob’s The Austin-based Baja California-inspired restaurant opened in Sunset Valley, offering made-to-order burritos, tacos, nachos and more. This is the chain’s third location in South Austin and the second to open this year. The newest Cabo Bob’s is located at the site of the former Taco Ranch, which closed last year. • Opened Oct. 14 • 5033 W. Hwy. 290, Bldg. C, Austin • www.cabobobs.com

Now open

1 Homesense A TJX Company brand, Homesense, opened next to Ross in Sunset Valley Marketfair, taking over what used to be Buy Buy Baby. The store offers furniture, lighting, decor, home textiles and more. • Opened Oct. 10 • 5400 Brodie Lane, Ste. 400, Austin • www.homesense.com

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Coming soon

Now open

9 Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers The Louisiana-based national chain opened a new location in October in Sunset Valley. The fast- casual restaurant specializes in chicken finger meals and includes crinkle-cut fries, Texas toast and coleslaw as sides. Raising Cane’s is also well known for its signature sauce and sweet tea. Other Cane’s locations can be found across the Austin metro. • Opened Oct. 29

12 Pollo Campero The Guatemalan fast food chain will open on Slaughter Lane in 2025. Pollo Campero serves grilled and fried chicken meals based on family recipes. The menu also features salads, bowls, empanadas, fries and more.

• Opening in early 2025 • 166 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin • www.pollocampero.com

• 5601 Brodie Lane, Austin • www.raisingcanes.com

in the Southpark Meadows shopping center, serving Southern-inspired dishes, such as chicken and waffles. • Opening Nov. 18 • 9600 S. I-35 Frontage Road, Ste. 96C-100, Austin • www.anotherbrokenegg.com

patronage in a message posted to the restaurant website. Plans to close the restaurant were announced in a Facebook post earlier this year. Hao-Hao Restaurant served Chinese and Vietnamese dishes. • Closed Oct. 20 • 1901 W. William Cannon Drive, Ste. 115, Austin • www.haohaosouthaustin.com 14 The Git Out Bar + Kitchen The bar and grill opened in 2019 and served burgers, tacos, wings, beer, cocktails and more. • Closed Aug. 31 • 4930 S. Congress Ave., Ste. C-304, Austin • Facebook: The Git Out

Relocations

11 Austin Eyecare The office will move from its location at 4409 Menchaca Road, Austin to 1901 W. William Cannon Drive, Ste. 135. Owned and operated by Dr. Priyal Desai, Austin Eyecare offers eye exams, treatments and surgeries. • Opening spring 2025 • 1901 W. William Cannon Drive, Ste. 135, Austin • www.austineyecare.net

Coming soon

10 Bluebonnet Tattoo The new tattoo and piercing shop, locally owned and operated by husband and wife Ty and Robyn Pallotta, will open next to Lala’s South Pole.

Closings

• Opening in mid-December • 3008 Davis Lane, Austin • www.bluebonnettattoo.com

13 Hao-Hao Restaurant The family thanked its customers for 35 years of

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Impacts

Dripping Springs

BY SARAH HERNANDEZ & ELISABETH JIMENEZ

• Opened Nov. 8 • 136 Drifting Wind Run, Ste. 121, Dripping Springs • www.monkeesofdrippingsprings.com

FITZHUGH RD.

BELL SPRINGS RD.

185

290

In the news

290

4 Driftwood Axe House & Bar The Driftwood Dugout is rebranding as the Driftwood Axe House & Bar. The ax-throwing facility also has a playground for kids, a food truck and a full liquor bar. • 18992 FM 150, Ste. 203, Driftwood • www.driftwoodaxehouse.co 5 Beerburg Brewing The family-owned company is changing its business model from brewery and restaurant to private venue. Guests can rent the space on its own or select additional catering and bar services starting in 2025.

3 DRIFTING WIND RUN

164

1826

Dripping Springs

162

150

MAP NOT TO SCALE

2 Dutch Bros Coffee The Oregon-based chain opened its first Dripping Springs location, serving coffees, teas and more. • Opened Oct. 18 • 12400 Hwy. 290, Ste. 300, Dripping Springs • www.dutchbros.com 3 Monkee’s of Dripping Springs Owned by local Elona Appleby, the women’s boutique offers clothing, shoes, accessories and gifts.

Now open

• 13476 Fitzhugh Road, Austin • www.beerburgbrewing.com

1 The Swim Studio The studio offers private lessons to adults and children as young as 6 months. The school teaches learn-to- swim, flip turns and four different strokes. A two-week bootcamp is offered for ages 2 and up. • Opened in October • 164 Belterra Village Way, Ste. X200, Austin • www.theswimstudios.com

6 Deep Eddy Vodka The distillery celebrated 10 years on Oct. 24 at their local tasting room, the site of the former bottling plant. Deep Eddy is known for its original and flavored vodkas. • 2250 E. Hwy. 290, Dripping Springs • www.deepeddyvodka.com

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Government

BY HALEY MCLEOD, BEN THOMPSON & AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Austin to spend $123M on public safety sites A new land acquisition to expand Austin’s public safety training campus is set to be approved, weeks after City Council voted to buy two Southwest Austin offices to serve as a future combined police, fire and emer- gency medical services headquarters. The big picture On Nov. 21, after press time, council members will vote to spend $2.24 million for more than 4 acres of land near the existing training center in South Austin to expand that facility’s capacity, according to the city. It’d come soon after they authorized the purchase of what will become a joint headquarters building off MoPac on Oct. 24. The acquisition and related design and rehabilitation will cost $120.5 million, to be funded through city debt.

Security concerns Texas judges, court staff and others in the legal system have faced an increasing volume of security incidents this decade including dozens of personal threats made in 2023 alone.

342.1% increase since 2014

600

500

400

300

200

100

SOURCE: TEXAS OFFICE OF COURT ADMINISTRATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Travis County invests in judicial security systems Travis County commissioners approved new judicial safety funding this fall, following scrutiny of previous home security spending on District Attorney José Garza. What happened County leaders approved a $115,000 budget amendment for Garza’s security after a March executive session. Attorney General Ken Paxton Voters approve Hays County mobility bond Residents passed Hays County’s Proposition A, a $440 million bond for almost three dozen trans- portation projects, in the Nov. 5 election. What you need to know Hays County commissioners called the bond election for safety, mobility and regional connec- tivity improvements. Voters ended up supporting the measure 55.75%-44.25%, according to election

since sued them, claming their “secret” discussion over using public money at a private residence violated state law. On Oct. 22, commissioners approved $500,000 for county judge, staff and elected officials’ safety. They also reaffirmed Garza’s security funding, which a county spokesperson said is needed to address threats. Commissioner Jeff Travillion said the moves are needed to protect public workers in a “poisonous political time.” District Judge Julie Kocurek—shot nine years ago in apparent retaliation for a judicial ruling—said funding may help “vulnerable” officers given rising threats against them. results. Some locals and area groups raised concerns with Proposition A before the vote. Four residents also filed a lawsuit to halt the election in October, claiming commissioners violated the Texas Open Meetings Act when ordering the vote in August. Driftwood property owner and lead plaintiff Les Carnes said county residents were deprived of required public notice about the bond’s con- sideration, price and tax information, and the right to participate in determining what should be included. Despite the bond’s passage, an attorney for the plaintiffs said they plan to continue with the

New safety centers

SPYGLASS DR.

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Office purchase

E Y F A

Land purchase

legal process over the alleged open meetings act violation. The group hopes to send the package back to the drawing board and craft a new bond with community input. County Communications Manager Natalie Frels said the county cannot comment on pending litigation. Zooming in Most bond projects in precincts 1 and 2 are east of I-35—an area historically neglected due to lack of growth, according to the county—while some projects in precincts 3 and 4 will give drivers alternative routes from Austin to Hays County.

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION

Government

BY BEN THOMPSON

Austin leaders formally adopt 5-year police labor agreement

City and Austin Police Association leaders for- mally adopted a new ve-year labor agreement this fall, capping o months of negotiations and debate. The big picture City and police ocials signed o on the deal Oct. 29 at City Hall. City Council approved the contract in a 10-1 vote Oct. 24, and APA President Michael Bullock said 90% of his membership accepted its terms in late October. “Today’s signicant because we’re turning the page on really too many years of tension, friction and negativity between City Hall and our police. We’re starting a new chapter, a new chapter that’s all about positive change,” Mayor Kirk Watson said. Austin’s latest agreement with its police force will run into 2029. It’s expected to cost the city about $218 million, which will support nearly 30% raises and other incentives for Austin Police Department ocers over its term.

The details The contract was in development since city and APA negotiators returned to the bargaining table in March, about a year after Austin’s last agreement with the police force expired. City ocials opted not to vote on a tentative deal released early last year, and instead passed interim pay and benet packages for the police department since then. Council members heard hours of public testi- mony for and against the deal this fall before their late October vote. After its adoption, city leaders praised the agreement as a step that can stabilize APD and improve its recruiting eorts, while aligning with voter-approved police oversight policies—an issue that led council to dismiss the 2023 proposal. Police Chief Lisa Davis said the contract will help with APD’s community engagement, hiring eorts and improvements to ocer morale, and put Austin on the map for “policing done right.” Bullock also

Austin Police Association President Michael Bullock and City Manager T.C. Broadnax shake hands after signing a ve-year police labor agreement at City Hall Oct. 29.

BEN THOMPSONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

said the contract represents a new chapter for the police department with rm support from elected o cials.

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The prices of our homes, included features, plans, specifications, promotions/incentives, neighborhood build-out and available locations are subject to change without notice. Not all features and options are available in all homes. Unless otherwise expressly stated, homes do not come with hardscape, landscape, or other decorator items. Any photographs or renderings used herein reflect artists’ conceptions and are for illustrative purposes only. Community maps, illustrations, plans and/or amenities reflect our current vision and are subject to change without notice. Maps not to scale. Our name and the logos contained herein are registered trademarks of Tri Pointe Homes, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. © 2024 Tri Pointe Homes Texas, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Election

BY BEN THOMPSON

Turnout in 2024’s general election fell slightly below 2020’s record highs

What's next

The overall presidential election vote in Hays and Travis counties also ended up below 2020 levels. The counties’ votes shifted Republican by more than 3% in this year’s contest over the last race between Joe Biden and Donald Trump.

Hays and Travis county cast nearly 714,000 ballots in the November general election, according to unofficial results reported by the counties. That represents just over 64% of their 1,111,879 total registered voters. Turnout fell over 1% from 2020, when more than 722,000 voters in the two counties participated in the November general election out of 1,015,777 registered voters— more than 71%. Early voting levels also dipped below 2020, although that year had several extra days due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Early turnout through the same number of days was higher this fall.

Turnout

Registered voters

800K 600K 400K 200K 0 1M 1.2M

Republican Austin-area presidential votes Democratic Other party/write-in 2016

161,035 341,484

38,365

2020

15,343

209,017

495,384

2016

2020

2024

16,068

Year

229,219

464,496

SOURCE: HAYS COUNTY, TRAVIS COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION

Election

Election results breakdown

Southwest Austin and Dripping Springs voters weighed in on local, state and federal issues.

For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

SOURCES: TRAVIS, HAYS, WILLIAMSON COUNTY CLERKS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Incumbent

Democrat D

Green G

Libertarian L

Republican R

Winner

Headed to runoff

Texas House, District 19

58.29% David J. Schenck 41.71% Holly Taylor Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, presiding judge R D

State Elections

70.89% Ellen Troxclair 25.49% Dwain Handley

U.S. Senate R D

53.13% Ted Cruz 44.50% Colin Allred 2.37% Ted Brown

3.63% Kodi Sawin

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 7

Texas House, District 45

58.4% Gina Parker 41.6% Nancy Mulder

56.74% Erin Zwiener

Texas Railroad Commission R D

43.26% Tennyson G. Moreno

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 8

55.7% Christi Craddick 2.6% Hawk Dunlap 38.95% Katherine Culbert 2.75% Eddie Espinoza

Texas House, District 47

58.93% Lee Finley

41.07% Chika Anyiam U.S. House of Representatives, District 21 D

60.16% Vikki Goodwin 39.84% Scott Firsing

Texas House, District 48

61.92% Chip Roy 36% Kristin Hook 2.09% Bob King

58.29% Jimmy Blacklock 41.71% DaSean Jones Texas Supreme Court Justice, Place 2 R D 57.39% John Devine 42.61% Christine Vinh Weems Texas Supreme Court Justice, Place 4 R D 56.33% Jane Bland 40.41% Bonnie Lee Goldstein 3.26% J. David Roberson Texas Supreme Court Justice, Place 6 R D L

83% Donna Howard 17% Daniel Jerome McCarthy L D

U.S. House of Representatives, District 35

Texas House, District 73

67.35% Greg Casar 32.65% Steven Wright

71.52% Carrie Isaac 28.48% Sally Duval

U.S. House of Representatives, District 37 74.2% Lloyd Doggett 23.59% Jenny Garcia Sharon 2.2% Girish Altekar R D L

Texas Senate, District 25

63.62% Donna Campbell

36.38% Merrie Fox

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32.46% Fernando Lucas de Urioste 25.95% Lindsey Stringer 23.75% Amy Moore 8.64% Dylan “Sky” MacAdams 5.64% Nathaniel Hellman 3.56% Nick Franke Austin ISD Board of Trustees, At-Large Position 8 Austin ISD Proposition A

Hays County Judge, County Court of Law No. 3

Local Elections

52.02% Elaine S. Brown

Austin City Council, Mayor

47.98% Robert E. Updegrove

50% Kirk Watson 20.14% Carmen D. Llanes Pulido

Hays County District Clerk

52.48% Amanda K. Calvert

16.64% Kathie Tovo 8.39% Jeffery L. Bowen 4.82% Doug Greco

47.52% Philip Muzzy

Hays County Sheriff

52.69% Anthony Hipolito Jr.

Austin City Council, District 2

58.01% For

47.31% Alex Villalobos

85.67% Vanessa Fuentes 14.33% Robert Reynolds

41.99% Against

Hays County Commissioner, Precinct 3

District Attorney, 53rd Judicial District

52.82% Morgan Hammer 47.18% Rebecca Minnick

Austin Proposition P

67.58% José Garza

70% For

32.42% Daniel W. Betts

Hays County Proposition A

30% Against

Travis County Proposition A

55.75% For

Austin ISD Board of Trustees, District 2

59.43% For

44.25% Against

60.9% LaRessa Quintana

40.57% Against

39.1% Sarah Ivory

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Education

BY ELISABETH JIMENEZ

What’s next for the Austin ISD tax-rate increase Around 58% of Austin voters approved a tax-rate increase that aims to bring in additional revenue for Austin ISD as the district faces a $119 million budget deficit. The gist The fiscal year 2024-2025 tax-rate will increase to $0.9505 per $100 valuation, a $412 yearly increase in property taxes for the average home- owner in Austin, according to AISD. What’s next Money matters Now approved, AISD Prop A will increase the average homeowner’s yearly property tax bill. $412 yearly estimated property tax increase for the average homeowner $34 monthly estimated property tax increase for the average homeowner

DSISD receives ‘A’ financial score Dripping Springs ISD received an ‘A’ and scored 98 out of 100 points from a state assessment on financial management. FIRST rating explained Texas rates school districts on financial management through the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas. Ratings are based on 21 indicators that analyze district funds, how they are spent and reported. DSISD earned full points on all indicators except Indicator 8, which measures if the district has sufficient short-term assets at the end of the fiscal year to pay off liabilities like recapture and accrued payroll. Despite the loss in points, DSISD Director of Finance Joseph Riggs said the district remains financially strong.

58% Austin ISD voters who approved Prop A $41M in additional revenue from the tax increase $130M paid to recapture $92M in AISD budget cuts over the next three years

District officials project an additional $171 mil- lion in revenue from the tax rate increase, but will only keep about 24% of the revenue, $41 million, due to recapture—when the state takes a portion of local tax dollars from districts. The additional $41 million in revenue will go toward salaries, oper- ating expenses and balancing the budget deficit, district officials said. An estimated $17.8 million would go toward a compensation plan to increase

SOURCE: AUSTIN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

pay for 85% of regular benefit-eligible district employees, including teachers, librarians, coun- selors and other instructional staff. There will be additional budget cuts of around $92 million over the next three years, according to district officials.

Parents concerned over potential Dripping Springs ISD attendance zoning changes Some Dripping Springs ISD parents voiced con- cern about changes to where their students could attend school after the DSISD Attendance Zoning Committee showed proposed maps of new zones. The details HEADWATERS BLVD. Site of DSISD Elementary #6 290

Sycamore Springs Middle School, aimed at account- ing for overcapacity at schools across the district, DSISD officials said. Parents said they have concerns over leaving communities they are familiar with and new travel routes to their schools. DSISD expects to make a decision on the new zones by the end of this year. The new zones would go into effect starting fall 2025.

SAWYER RANCH RD.

The proposed maps are part of the district’s plan to rezone attendance as construction continues on a sixth elementary school and an expansion of

Sycamore Springs Middle School

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Recognizing Our Veterans

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Environment

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

HCC secures $23.2M for conservation

Explained

A conservation easement is a legal document that dictates where building can happen. The money purchases the development rights on that land, Miller said “For the landowner, what they have said is, ‘I will not sell this to a developer. It will not become condos. It will not become a shopping mall ... and we will not pave over it,’” Miller said. "The pace of development has been so rapid that the Hill Country is losing open space at an incredible rate. That is why I think this grant and this project is so important now, and that is why it requires 27 partners to make it happen, because we don’t have the luxury of a

This is the largest single federal award ever for conservation easement funding in the Texas Hill Country, the news release states. HCC CEO Kathy Miller said preapplications for the grant closed Oct. 11, and they received over 40,000 acres of project proposals, worth over $70 million. “We obviously will not be able to do all of them, but we think it’s [going to] be possible that we may have more than 7,500 acres protected at the end of this,” Miller told Community Impact .

Hill Country Conservancy, or HCC, a local nonprot organization working to preserve natural resources, secured $23.2 million in federal funding for conservation easements Oct. 8. The funds were awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program to the Hill Country Headwaters Conservation Initiative—a coalition of 27 regional partners, working to identify the most strategic properties for conservation, according to a news release.

Hill Country Headwaters Conservation Initiative target areas The HCC will utilize the funding to identify strategic properties to conserve in the region outlined below.

slow rollout of conservation," KATHY MILLER, CEO OF HILL COUNTRY CONSERVANCY

Project boundary Major streams Watersheds: a land area that channels rainfall into a body of water.

BRADY CREEK

SAN SABA RIVER

COLORADO RIVER

SAN GABRIEL RIVER

N. LLANO RIVER

What’s next?

LLANO RIVER

PEDERNALES RIVER

Austin

UPPER SAN MARCOS RIVER

S. LLANO RIVER

Each proposed project will be screened using geographic information system software and then ranked according to which projects have the highest conservation values. Once completed, the coalition will meet and agree on the projects that will be funded. Awards are anticipated to be announced in November, after press time, Miller said.

GUADALUPE RIVER

San Marcos New Braunfels

UPPER SAN ANTONIO RIVER

Federal funding: $23.2M

San Antonio

Proposed acres protected: 7,500 acres

SOURCE: HILL COUNTRY CONSERVANCYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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Transportation

BY HALEY MCLEOD & BEN THOMPON

Trial back on track over Project Connect Legal proceedings intended to cement the nancing plan for Project Connect—Austin’s proposed multibillion-dollar transit system— may be back on track. What’s happening On Oct. 8, a state appeals court rejected Attorney General Ken Paxton’s claims that had halted the trial. Paxton claimed a district court judge improperly denied his challenge over holding the trial, but the newly-established Fifteenth Court of Appeals dismissed that argument. What’s next Paxton led for a rehearing late October and argued that the appeals court had erred in its decision. State judges overruled Paxton’s request for a rehearing.

Second express lane in each direction begins south of Barton Skyway and continues to Slaughter Lane

Existing bridge widened to add one express lane and one general purpose lane in each direction

Recommended build option Existing express lanes

MOPAC

FRONTAGE RD.

Proposed direct connectors New roadway and bridges Proposed tolled express lanes

FRONTAGE RD.

BARTON SKYWAY

BARTON SPRINGS RD.

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

SOURCE: CENTRAL TEXAS REGIONAL MOBILITY AUTHORITY

Authorities propose new south MoPac toll lanes Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority has revived a decade-old project intended to bring a solution to increasing trac on south MoPac. What you need to know The agency partnered with Texas Department of Transportation in 2013 to evaluate an 8-mile

stretch of south MoPac from Cesar Chavez Street to Slaughter Lane; transportation ocials are again presenting solutions for public review after a lawsuit stalled the project from 2016 to 2021. The agency has dialed in on plans for up to two new toll lanes in either direction. The virtual public comment period and materials of the open house will remain open until Dec. 29. Looking ahead Documents anticipate construction to begin in 2025. Sta are hoping to select one of the congu- rations by the end of 2024.

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Development

BY KAROLINE PFEIL, BEN THOMPSON & CHLOE YOUNG

Mirasol Springs pipeline moves forward Work is underway on an agreement allowing West Travis County Public Utility Agency to provide a 3-inch water pipe extension to Mirasol Springs, a 1,400-acre development on the border of Travis and Hays counties. The WTCPUA has added several new provisions to its service availability letter, or SEL, which affirms the agency is able to provide water service if certain conditions are met. The board instructed staff to not issue the ser- vice availability letter to the developers until their next meeting in December, where final approval will be given for the contract. The overview Provisions added to the letter include prohib- iting Mirasol from drilling any new wells and giving the WTCPUA the ability to inspect the Mirasol Springs property. Stipulations regarding

Project proposed for St. Elmo district A mixed-use project up to 150 feet tall could replace a group of industrial busi- nesses and parking lots in the St. Elmo district near The Yard. It would feature: • 400 residences, with 48 affordable units • 765,000 square feet of office space • 40,000 square feet of warehousing space City Council could approve the rezoning for the project Nov. 21, after press time.

HAMILTON POOL RD.

STAGECOCACH RANCH RD.

Mirasol Springs

OVERLAND STAGE RD.

wastewater treatment and denitrification were also added, following concerns about nutrient pollution raised by environmental groups like Save Our Springs and Save the Pedernales. What’s next? A contract will be presented for final approval at the next WTCPUA board meeting in December.

TERRY-O LN.

E. ST. ELMO RD.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Nonprofit Volunteer Guide

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

2024

Learn more about volunteer and donation opportunities in the Southwest Austin and Dripping Springs areas. For specific volunteer requirements, contact the organization directly. This list is not comprehensive.

Animal and environmental services

Austin Animal Center Volunteers at the city-run, no-kill shelter are required to attend a training session and commit to six hours a month. The nonprofit is operating services and opportunities by appointment only. • Sample activities: greeting adopters at the shelter, providing outreach, giving enrichment to dogs or cats, serving as adoption ambassadors, providing medical assistance • Donations accepted: monetary gifts accepted online, item donations dropped off at shelter or ordered through Amazon wish list • 7201 Levander Loop, Bldg. A, Austin • www.austintexas.gov/austin-animal-center Austin Parks Foundation Austin Parks Foundation partners with the community to make public parks, trails and green spaces better through volunteerism, innovative programming, advocacy and financial support. • Sample activities: city-wide volunteer event It’s My Park Day (first Saturdays in March and November), individual workdays held throughout the year (first Saturday monthly)

Austin Pets Alive! This nonprofit organization is an animal rescue group that creates programs to promote and provide the resources, education and programs needed to eliminate the killing of companion animals.

• Sample activities: dog walking, fostering pets, caring for cats, assisting in the medical clinic, digital

marketing, data entry • Donations: monetary • 1156 W. Cesar Chavez St., Austin • www.austinpetsalive.org

• Sample activities: volunteers can help with monthly Violet Crown Trail cleanups. • Donations accepted: one-time, monthly or annual donations online. • 1601 S. MoPac Expressway, Ste. 150C, Austin • www.hillcountryconservancy.org

laundry, trash pick-up, raking, maintenance • Donations accepted: monetary gifts • 10808 Rawhide Trail, Austin • www.austinzoo.org

• Donations accepted: monetary gifts • 1023 Springdale Road, Ste. 10D, Austin • www.austinparks.org/volunteer

Austin Zoo The nonprofit zoo hosts family-friendly events and educational programs for all ages, and offers long-term volunteer opportunities. • Sample activities: volunteer work in animal habitats,

Hill Country Conservancy This nonprofit is dedicated to preserving natural areas, such as rivers and scenic vistas, as well as working farms and ranches in the Texas Hill Country through community, collaboration and engagement.

CONTINUED ON 28

A private social club created with members in mind. Maeve House provides a beautiful and inspiring space to work and engage with your community in southwest Austin.

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION

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