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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION
VOLUME 16, ISSUE 5 AUG. 26 SEPT. 25, 2023
EDUCATION EDITION 2023
New pickleball court opens in Southwest Austin
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EDUCATION EDITION 2023 Nine local events this fall
10
District data
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Austin ISD welcomed students back to school on Aug. 14, including Kocurek Elementary. (Nell Carroll/Community Impact)
As classes resume, AISD battles budget, enrollment
Jester King focuses on sustainability
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Pull the newest teaser from CC Libraries
BY AMANDA CUTSHALL
Enrollment declines provide addi- tional challenges for AISD following receiving no increase in state fund- ing after the 88th legislative regu- lar session ended in May—despite in ation signi cantly increasing the need for more money per stu- dent, according to a report com- piled by o cials with the Texas Association of School Boards.
One of the biggest concerns— as cited by Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Mor- ath during a February hearing— is public school funding drops as the district loses students. As of Aug. 16, AISD o cials said the 2023-24 school year enroll- ment numbers were a little over
As families sent their students back to classes on Aug. 14, Austin ISD leaders are wrestling with a $53 million shortfall, enrollment issues and growing concern from some parents about the district’s trans- parency and quality. The $53 million shortfall for the 2023-24 school year could lead to programming cuts.
CONTINUED ON 30
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
We are in a drought This is a time for everyone to be mindful of their water use – every drop counts. It is important to know that despite the rainfall we’ve gotten this spring, our water supply lakes are still only half full. Things you can do right now to save water 6 Use outdoor irrigation only on your designated day and times. 6 Shorten shower times and run the washing machine or dishwasher only when they’re full. 6 Check all water heaters, faucets, 6 Set up your account in the My ATX Water customer portal to access your water use data, get custom QRWL¿FDWLRQVDQGUHFHLYHSRWHQWLDO leak alerts. We’re in this together. We appreciate everything you are doing to conserve our most precious resource. Austin Water continues to monitor conditions with the Lower Colorado River $XWKRULW\<RXFDQ¿QGRXWPRUHDERXW Austin Water’s drought response here. showerheads, and pipes under cabinets for leaks and drips.
June 2023
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • AUGUST 2023
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THIS ISSUE
MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Deeda Lovett EDITOR Darcy Sprague REPORTERS Elle Bent, Amanda Cutshall, Katy McAfee, Ben Thompson GRAPHIC DESIGNER Joseph Veloz ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Weston Warner 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, Pflugerville, TX 78660 • 512-989-6808 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES swanews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING swaads@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: As I write this, I’m sticking labels with my child’s name to his pencil box. If you’re like me, you’re ready to get back into a regular routine but you may also be wondering where did summer go. The heat is certainly not gone! To help you ease into the school year, this issue includes our annual Education Edition. From enrollment at Austin ISD to the bus driver shortage at Dripping Springs ISD, we’ve got you covered. Deeda Lovett, GENERAL MANAGER
FROM DARCY: I’ve been looking forward to our print coverage of the Zilker Vision Plan. There has been so much misinformation about it on social media, and there is something special about being able to hold a piece of paper and say, “this is what actually happened! This is what it actually means!” We had planned more coverage after the vote in late August, but when an update came early, City Hall Reporter Ben Thompson jumped on it. Check it out on Page 14. Darcy Sprague, EDITOR
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • AUGUST 2023
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
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183 across from the Apple Store on the lower level Dillard’s wing of the mall, according to a spokesperson with the store. Man Out tters is an Austin-based company that launched in 2015 online, 6 Man Out tters is expected to open in mid-October in Barton Creek Square at 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin, o ering active and outdoor apparel from di erent brands including The North Face, Billabong and Quicksilver. www.manout tters.com 7 Popeye’s Chicken will open in October in the upper level food court of Barton Creek Square at 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin. Popeye’s is a fast- food restaurant that o ers fried chicken, biscuits, chicken ngers and french fries. www.popeyes.com RELOCATIONS 8 Smart City Apartment Locating moved to 8534 S. Congress Ave., Ste. 300, Austin, from The Yard at 440 E. St. Elmo Road, Austin on July 20. Some of along with premium towel services. www.perspiresaunastudio.com COMING SOON 5 Gold sh Swim School will open a South Austin location in December or January at 3601 Davis Lane, Bldg. 3, Austin. Gold sh Swim School o ers swimming lessons for ages 4 months to 12 years. Lessons take place in an indoor, heated swimming pool with a 4-1 ratio. Pre-registration is happening now. 512- 877-4618. www.gold shswimschool. com/southaustin
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SOUTH AUSTIN NOW OPEN
2 Olde Soul Barbershop opened on July in Southpark Meadows at 9500 S. I-35, Ste. E-200, Austin. The barbershop is owned by local couple Oleksandra and Edgar Argumedo and o ers men’s hair- cuts that include a hot towel, a massage and a beverage. This is the fourth Austin location. www.oldesoulbarbershop.com 3 Calaveras Tacos Y Mas opened a Mexican-inspired street taco truck June 12 at 11300 Old San Antonio Road, Austin, inside the Way South Food Truck Park. Owners Alyssa Rodriguez, Ernesto Rodri- guez Sr., Ernesto Rodriguez Jr. and Melis-
sa Lozano started the family business to- gether to bring the avors of Brownsville and Mexico to the Austin area. The food truck o ers items such as tacos de bistec and al pastor, autas, sopes and tortas. www.linktr.ee/calaverastacosymas 4 Perspire Sauna Studio began o ering infrared and red-light therapy at 4404 W. William Cannon Drive, Austin, on Aug. 4. Owned by husband and wife Pete and Lindsay Mittelholzer, the studio has eight private saunas—four of them with private showers for members—that a ord members television and music options,
1 Austhentico , located at 10616 Old Manchaca Road, Austin, between the Hive and Chevron, opened June 16. The food truck serves Spanish sandwiches and tapas such as deua, a Spanish noo- dle dish, and sandwiches such as pepito de ternera, with beef loin New York steak or the pollo ala plancha with chicken breast. www.austhentico.com
A FINAL FAREWELL TO THE GOAT THANK YOU FOR OVER 13 YEARS OF LOVE AND SUPPORT AUSTIN
8201 S CONGRESS AVE, AUSTIN, TX 78745 FRI - SUN: 11AM - 10PM
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
COMPILED BY ELLE BENT, AMANDA CUTSHALL, DARCY SPRAGUE & AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN
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Last Stand Brewing Co.
Black Rock Co ee Bar
COURTESY LAST STAND BREWING CO.
ELLE BENTCOMMUNITY IMPACT
the services o ered include setting up tours and o ering support throughout the leasing process to help nd the per- fect place. The business can help anyone looking for an apartment for free as far north as Georgetown and as far south as San Marcos. www.smartcitylocating.com/ austin-apartments 9 Southwest Pediatric Associates relocated to the other side of Ascension Seton Southwest Hospital on Aug. 21 from 7900 FM 1826, Bldg. 1, Ste. 220, to Bldg. 2, Ste. 202. The pediatric care facil- ity o ers wellness and prevention care, in addition to at-home lactation services through both in-person and after-hours telemedicine options. 512-288-9669. www.swpedi.com EXPANSIONS 10 Circuit of the Americas o cials, along with T-11 representatives, an- nounced an expansion July 6 to build car condos on the COTA campus. The project is slated for completion in mid-2024. The condos will be designed for both cars and motorcycles and will provide owners with customized interiors speci cally made to house those vehicles. The two-level con- dos will range from 1,500-6,000 square feet. Those who purchase a condo will have access to a variety of perks including a clubhouse and pool, private race-view- ing platform, event lawn and discounts on COTA races and events. COTA is locat- ed at 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Austin. www.t11carcondos.com 11 Last Stand Brewing Co. owners expanded the amenities at the taproom to include an air-conditioned pickleball
court in mid-August. Reservations are available for those interested up to two weeks in advance via the website. Lo- cated at 7601 S. Congress Ave., Bldg. 6, Austin, the spot is owned by locals Kerry Richardson, Mandi Richardson and Jim Sampson. www.laststandbrewing.com CLOSINGS 12 Thirsty Planet Brewing Co. , the brewery behind the Thirsty Goat Ale, closed its taproom and is suspending dis- tribution, owner Brian Smittle con rmed Aug. 14. The taproom was located at 8201 Congress Ave., Austin. Thirsty Plan- et Brewing Co. began in South Austin in 2010. Smittle did not provide a timeline for shutting down distribution. 13 SoCo Homebrew closed at 8201 S. Congress Ave., Austin in August. The company did not respond to requests for information as of press time. However, according to the company’s social media, representatives were locked out of the store, located in the same building as Thirsty Planet, on Aug. 9. The company hopes to open in a new location, accord- ing to the post. ANNIVERSARIES 14 Black Rock Co ee Bar celebrated its 15-year anniversary in August. Black Rock was founded in 2008 by Je Hernandez and Daniel Brand, and o ers roasted co ee, teas, smoothies and energy drinks. A national chain, Black Rock has a location in Lantana Place at 7415 South- west Parkway, Bldg. 6, Ste. 700, Austin. www.br.co ee
Reset Arcade Bar opened in Stinson Yard, which is home to several other bars.
DARCY SPRAGUECOMMUNITY IMPACT
FEATURED IMPACT NOW OPEN Reset Arcade Bar celebrated its grand opening Aug. 13 after opening its doors July 15 at 10402 Menchaca Road, Unit B, Austin. The bar serves video game- themed cocktails and beers. Arcade and video games are available to play, and guests can socialize indoors, outside or in a VIP lounge. The concept comes from the same owners of Parlay House. www.resetarcadebar.com 15 Raw Paw is celebrating ve years of business at 506 E. St. Elmo Road, Austin. The screen printing studio has grown from a team of ve artists to 11 since opening in the summer of 2018 and celebrating its grand opening Sept. 15. Raw Paw o ers wholesale screen printing of shirts and merchandise. With Raw Paw Drop Ship, artists can submit designs and sell them through the company’s web- site. Raw Paw hosts design challenges called Huey’s Quest in which artists cre- ate designs based on a story and theme. 512-522-5872. www.rawpaw.ink 16 ART + Academy will celebrate ve years in Southwest Austin at 5424 W. Hwy. 290 Service Road, Ste. 110, Austin
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this September. The academy o ers year-round drawing and painting classes for adults, teenagers and children. Summer camp options for children and teens are also available with the goal of improving artistic skills in an instruc- tional environment. 512-812-8070. www.artplusacademy.com IN THE NEWS O cials with Barton Hill Farms at 1115 FM 969, Bastrop, announced its immediate closing Aug. 2. The farm rst opened in the fall of 2012 and has served locals and neighboring visitors every fall since.
Schedule Consultation: 512-580-8345 Live in healthy skin. Rejuvenate every imperfection. medical + cosmetic dermatology. refined. revelus.to/ci
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IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
COMPILED BY ELLE BENT
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is owned by local couple Christen and Dustin Werley. 512-212-6895. www.overyondernatureschool.com 4 Christian Brothers Automotive will open an auto repair shop at 100 Canyon- wood Drive, Dripping Springs, in early 2024. The location will be owned by locals Mark and Sweta David, who own another location on Brodie Lane. Chris- tian Brothers offers services including air conditioning repair, oil and filter changes, tire rotations and courtesy inspections. www.cbac.com CLOSINGS 5 Health and wellness retailer GNC of- ficially closed its Belterra Village location at 165 Hargraves Drive, P400, Austin, on July 31, according to owner Scott
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DRIPPING SPRINGS NOW OPEN 1 Ally Medical Emergency Room opened in downtown Dripping Springs at 333 Hwy. 290, Ste. 350, Dripping Springs. The location is led by medical director Dr. Travis Sims and operates 24/7. The emergency room held a ribbon cutting with the Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce to celebrate on July 20. 737-843-0911. www.allymedical.com 2 Eyecare Studio opened Aug. 1 at 333 Hwy. 290, Ste. 419, Dripping Springs. Eyecare Studio is an independent optom-
etry practice from Dr. Priya Patel. The practice specializes in myopia control and ocular diseases. Additionally, the practice offers an optical boutique with eyewear and sunglasses. 512-375-4125. www.eyecarestudioatx.com COMING SOON 3 Over Yonder Nature School will open at 5000 Bell Springs Drive, Dripping Springs, later this year. Over Yonder will serve families with children 6 weeks old to 5 years old, offering the ability to allow students to explore outside with child-centered High Scope ear- ly education curriculum. Over Yonder
Christian Brothers Automotive
COURTESY MARK AND SWETA DAVID
Bannecker. GNC sells vitamins, supple- ments, herbs, drinks and snacks related to health and fitness. Bannecker, who has six other locations in the North Dallas area, said that he decided to not renew his lease in Belterra due to increased costs. www.gnc.com
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • AUGUST 2023
TO DO LIST
September events
COMPILED BY AMANDA CUTSHALL
09 SING ALONG The Hive will host a family- friendly singalong session with musical guests Strawbitty Yops. The band consists of queer, female and gender nonbinary musicians and sound engineers to create a blend of unique sounds. 10-11 a.m. Free. 10542 Menchaca Road, Austin. www.hiveaustin.com 10 SUPPORT LIVESTRONG Cyclists, runners and walkers are invited to participate in the 27th annual Livestrong Challenge event at Auditorium Shores. The charity run is a fundraiser for the foundation’s mission, and participants are encouraged to walk or run in honor of those who have been a ected by cancer. 7:30 a.m. (ride), 8:30 a.m. (run/walk). Free (virtual participants), $40 (runners/ walkers), $135 (cyclists). 900 W. Riverside Drive, Austin. www.livestrong.org/events 12 ROCK OUT TO GAMING MUSIC The Far Out Lounge will host Bit Brigade: The Legend of Zelda + Duck Tales Live. The event will showcase musical bands Bit Brigade and Mega Ran performing rock covers of full Nintendo Entertainment System game soundtracks. Parking is limited, and rideshares are encouraged. All ages welcome. 6 p.m. $15 (advance), $20 (door). 8504 S. Congress Ave., Austin. www.thefaroutaustin.com
SEPTEMBER 01 EXPERIENCE ‘90S ROCK St. Elmo Brewing Co. will o er a chance to hear ‘90s rock live with two tribute bands including The Battle of ATX—A Rage Against the Machine cover band—and Foo Shot—a Foo Fighters cover band. 7 p.m. (door), 8 p.m. (show). Free. 440 E. St Elmo Road, G-2, Austin. Facebook: St. Elmo Brewing 08 HEAR A LEGEND Musician Linda Gail Lewis, little sister of Jerry Lee Lewis, will bring her “Family Jewels Tour” to Sam’s Town Point. Showcasing a mixture of country and rock ’n’ roll, Lewis will perform with special guests Annie Marie Lewis and Danny B. Harvey. 8 p.m. $15 (advance), $20 (door). 2115 Allred Drive, Austin. www.samstownpointatx.com 09 CELEBRATE THE LONG CENTER Long Center will host a community-wide open house in honor of the inaugural Teresa Lozano Long Community Day, in honor of the cofounder of the center. The free, family- friendly neighborhood block party will have live music, games, food trucks and more. Noon. Free. 701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin. www.thelongcenter.org
SEPT. 17
RUN WITH SUPERHEROES CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS
Circuit of the Americas will host a 5K, kids fun run and costume contest supporting Central Texas-area Court Appointed Special Advocates, a nonpro t bene ting abused children. Attendees are encouraged to wear superhero out ts. A festival will also take place with music, snacks, games and more. 7 a.m. $20-$50 (run), $10 (festival). 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Austin. www.casasuperherorun.com
17 SUPPORT VETERANS The Travis Manion Foundation will hold its annual 9/11 Heroes Run at Camp Mabry. Participants of all tness levels are invited to participate. The foundation supports members and families of fallen soldiers. 8 a.m. (opening ceremony), 9 a.m. (race). $22.50-$105. 2200 W. 35th St., Austin. www.travismanion.org
21 THROUGH 28 EXPLORE THE BIG SCREEN Fantastic Fest, a weeklong lm festival celebrating horror, sci- , action and fantasy, will come to Alamo Drafthouse. It will also o er live podcast recordings, parties and Austrian cocktail robots. Times vary. $275-$1,495. 1120 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin. www.fantasticfest.com
Find more or submit Southwest Austin and Dripping Springs 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.
Home For All Sales Event
3.99% 30-Year Fixed Interest Rate (4.724% APR)* on select homes (with full price offer) Secure Your Extra-Low
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New Homes $ 2 5 0s - $ 500s+ HomeWithBrohn.com | 512-580-8199
© 2023 CMG Financial, all rights reserved. CMG Financial is a registered trade name of CMG Mortgage Inc., NMLS #1820 in most, but not all states. CMG Mortgage, Inc. is an equal opportunity lender. Registered Mortgage Banker with the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending. To verify our complete list of state licenses, please visit www.cmgfi.com/corporate/ licensing and www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. All loans subject to credit approval and only eligible with CMG Financial, Brohn’s lender partner. This incentive only valid on select spec homes that are contracted on or after 8/1/23 and close during the limited time frame in which the incentive offered, and finance with CMG Financial. The rates shown above are for educational purposes only, not a commitment to lend, please contact LO to see your qualified rate. Rate may change or may not be available at time of rate lock. CMG Mortgage, Inc. dba CMG Home Loans, NMLS# 1820, is an equal housing lender. Registered Mortgage Banker with the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending. To verify our complete list of state licenses, please visit www.cmgfi.com/corporate/licensing and www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. If the down payment is less than 20%, mortgage insurance may be required, which could increase the monthly payment and the APR. Estimated monthly payment does not include amounts for taxes and insurance premiums. Adjustable-rate loans and rates are subject to change during the loan term. That change can increase or decrease your monthly payment. The rates shown above are the current rates for the purchase of a single-family primary residence based on a 45 day lock period, 740 credit score and 80% LTV. These rates are not guaranteed and are subject to change. This is not a credit decision or a commitment to lend. Your rate will depend on various factors including loan product, loan size, credit profile, property value, geographic location, occupancy and other factors. Offer is for a limited time only and can be stopped at any time and with no prior notice. Offers only valid when financing through Brohn’s lender partner, CMG Financial. Please see a Brohn Homes Sales Consultant for complete details. Offer may not be available with all programs in all states. All figures are estimates and subject to change at any time. The information here is provided as a general guide to help you determine if a property may be viable for you. Rates, APR’s & programs are illustrations subject to change at any time. These do not constitute a ‘Loan or Good Faith Estimate’ for payments and closing costs. Everyone’s situation is different and it’s best to be pre-approved for a range of potential prices, payments or loan programs. Flex cash offers vary per home and per community. The flex cash amount is contingent on the price of the home and only valid on participating homes and in participating communities. Speak to a Brohn Homes Sales Consultant for details on participating homes and participating communities. If using flex cash to reduce the price of the home, the reduction cannot bring the home price below base price. FHA Payment example: Stated rate may change or may not be available at time of rate lock. If you bought a $469,990 home with a down payment of 3.5%, for a loan amount of $453,540 on a 30 year loan at a fixed rate of 3.99% (4.724% APR), you would make 360 monthly payments of $2,200, not including mortgage insurance/taxes/homeowners insurance which will result in a higher payment. Example based on a home priced at $469,990 in Morningstar. APRs will change based on home price. The flex cash amount is contingent on the price of the home and only valid on participating homes and in participating communities. Speak to a Brohn Homes Sales Consultant for details on participating homes and participating communities. The flex cash can only be used in one of the five ways shown in this advertisement, including reduction in purchase price (not being less than base price of home) or applying towards closing costs or move-in costs or long term rate locks or buying down the interest rate (specific interest rate and associated APR fluctuate on a daily basis and change due to individual situations). A 30 year loan would result in 360 monthly payments. A 20 year loan would result in 240 monthly payments, and a 15 year loan would result in 180 monthly payments. This is a limited time incentive program that can be stopped at any time and with no prior notice. Exterior home renderings are for representation purposes only and subject to change. The Brohn Group, LLC (DBA Brohn Homes) reserves the right to make changes to pricing, floor plans, specifications, features, materials, dimensions, and incentives without prior notice. Stated dimensions and square footages are approximate and should not be used as representation of the home’s precise or actual size. Copyright 2023 Clayton Properties Group, Inc. DBA in Texas as Brohn Homes.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
TRANSPORTATION UPDATES Violet Crown Trail $2.9M connection project complete Project area Existing Violet Crown Trail
COMPILED BY AMANDA CUTSHALL
COMPLETED PROJECTS
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The community has more transpor- tation options thanks to the comple- tion of the $2.9 million Violet Crown Trail-North project in July. In a nutshell: A collaborative e ort among the city of Austin’s Urban Trails Program, the city of Sunset Valley and the Hill Country Conservancy, the project was about 10 years in the making. Funding forthe project includes: • $1.77 million from a Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization grant • $1.2 million from Austin's 2016 mobility bond • $550,000 from Austin's 2012 bond Zooming in: The newly complete 1-mile extension connects Home Depot Boulevard to MoPac just north
South Congress Avenue and Ramble Lane safety improvements The Austin Transportation and Public Works Department completed safety and mobility improvements in South Austin at South Congress Avenue and Ramble Lane in late July. The improvements include a new tra c signal with three high-visibil- ity crosswalks; shared-use paths on both sides of South Congress Avenue; a new sidewalk on the south side of Ramble Lane and other changes. Timeline: December 2022-July 2023 Cost: $983,000 Funding sources: 2018 Austin Mobility Bond and Texas Department of Transportation
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of William Cannon Drive. Key featuresinclude:
• Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant accessibility • Generally about 10- to 11-foot-wide paths • Composed of both concrete and stabilized granite • An accessible crossing beneath MoPac via a boardwalk adjacent to Williamson Creek • Connections to nearby sidewalks and existing sections of the Violet Crown Trail • A new shared-use path on the north- bound MoPac service road between Ben Garza Lane and Sabino Lane
Zooming out: Now that the project is complete, the 30-mile trail system stretches from Zilker Park south through Sunset Valley to the Lady Bird Johnson Wild ower Center, continu- ing farther south into the countryside of Hays County. COURTESY CITY OF AUSTIN COMMUNITY IMPACT Violet Crown Trail now stretches 30 miles.
ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF AUG. 2. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT SWANEWS COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM.
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • AUGUST 2023
INSIDE INFORMATION
New plan aims to protect Hill Country's natural resources
The Hill Country Land, Water, Sky and Natural Infrastructure Plan, released by the Texas Hill Country Conservation Network, is a plan to protect natural infrastructure that brings environmental, social, economic and health bene ts to the region. The plan is a vision that was built by the ideas of more than 2,800 residents of the Hill Country surveyed by the THCCN, a coalition with the goal of conserving and protecting the region. Natural features, such as rivers and hills, provide speci c resources, services and protections to the Hill Country. Natural infrastructure refers to how these resources can be used and protected to help the economy and di erent communities living in the region, according to the THCCN. What is natural infrastructure?
What’s the point of the plan?
In a survey of Hill Country residents, 85% said they would support public funding for conservation, according to the Texas Hill Country Conservation Network. The plan would be implemented through funding sources such as bond measures, utility fees and sales tax.
The plan's objectives include:
Supporting conservation on
Advocating for policies that support natural infrastructure, such as night sky ordinances
Providing equitable access to natural infrastructure bene ts including public health
farming lands through outreach and assistance
Implementing permanent protections of land and water
Increasing funding for natural infrastructure
Woodlands
SOURCE: TEXAS HILL COUNTRY CONSERVATION NETWORK COMMUNITY IMPACT
Farms and ranches
For more information on the plan, visit www.ourtxhillcountry.org/natural-infrastructure-plan.
Grasslands
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The Hill Country includes:
According to the THCCN, conserving these natural features of the Hill Country will:
3.9 million residents
3.2 million annual visitors
1,142 nonpolluted streams
15 state parks and natural areas
Provide outdoor recreational activities
Attract new businesses
Provide clean water through protections
Preserve dark skies through policies
191 gallons of water consumed on average per capita per day
14 Friends of the Night Sky groups
12 designated dark-sky places
Generate tourism
Keep farms and ranches viable
Reduce the risk of wild res, ooding, extreme weather, and water and air pollution
18 counties from Austin to San Antonio and west to Uvalde and Junction, including three of the top 10 fastest-growing counties in the nation, according to the THCCN.
Urban forests
Wetlands
Rain gardens
Waterways/aquifers
HILL COUNTRY GALLERIA
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • AUGUST 2023
GOVERNMENT Citing community divisions, o cials shelve Zilker Park Vision Plan
ZILKER PLAN PAUSED While some parts of the Zilker Park Vision Plan could eventually be realized, the park plan was killed by city o cials just weeks before it was set to be voted on. Below are some proposals included in the plan: Zone 1: Land Bridge • Restore the polo eld • Realign Stratford Drive • Build an underground parking garage • Build a land bridge • Build a new theater on the Great Lawn • Restore the land ll area • Build a new parking garage under MoPac • Connect Zilker trailhead to Butler Hike and Bike Trail Zone 2: Land ll
BY BEN THOMPSON
ZONE 1
Weeks before Austin City Council was set to take a nal vote on the controversial Zilker Park Vision Plan, city o cials announced that the proposed framework was e ectively dead following more than two years of development and public debate. What’s happening: After three council members released a statement opposing the draft plan Aug. 7, Mayor Kirk Watson said interim City Manager Jesús Garza had ended the planning process. City o cials said contention among Austinites over high-pro le elements in the plan led to it being shelved. Going forward, Watson said the city will take a break before circling back to popular items while trying to reach common ground on more disputed aspects. Throughout the planning process, dozens of res- idents have voiced concerns over bringing negative environmental and climate outcomes; the park’s commercialization; park accessibility; respect for the property’s history; public involvement; a pro- posed nonpro t management structure; and more. Others have stated support for the proposal, which aims to address the park’s overuse. The backstory: After determining that the trea- sured city landmark was being “loved to death,” the Austin Parks and Recreation Department kicked o a long-range vision planning process for Zilker Metropolitan Park’s management and improvement in late 2020. Led bythe city and consultants with Design Workshop, the $600,000 planning e ort stretched on for more than two years through multiple rounds of community engagement. The details: As developed by community members and consultants, the wide-ranging plan covers
Zilker Metropolitan Park covers 351 acres near downtown.
DARCY SPRAGUE COMMUNITY IMPACT
ZONE 3
MOPAC
.
.
ZONE 6
L U M B U
S
ZONE 4
• Combine sports elds into sports area • Restore polo eld Zone 3: Sports Area
SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN COMMUNITY IMPACT
N
Zone 5: South of Barton Springs Road • Build a parking garage • Remove surface parking lot
Zone 6: Barton Creek • Add controlled Barton Creek water access • Restore Barton Creek banks • Relocate existing bridge over Barton Creek to Toomey Road • Build new bike and pedestrian bridge near welcome center
Zone 4: Welcome Center • Remove surface parking lot • Enhance existing playground • Build a welcome center
• Improve drainage • Create new play areas
many areas of need and improvements for Zilker that would’ve potentially been rolled out over the decades to come. Those dozens of items range from smaller landscaping and visitor upgrades to larger-scale undertakings across the park, including the closure of roadways and the development of major new facilities, such as multiple parking garages and a new theater on the park’s Great Lawn. The plan also called for some local nonpro ts to become involved in park operations in collabora- tion with the city, a similar arrangement to those Austin has in place for resources such as the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail and some other
civic parks. The plandidn’t lock in timelines or funding for any of its proposals, all of which would’ve likely gone through environmental reviews, budgetary consideration and further community deliberations before moving forward. What they’re saying: “We know that the Zilker Park Vision Plan proposes many improvements that have community consensus, such as additional green space, shade trees, erosion control, and bathrooms. Other elements, however, seem to be ash points of irreconcilable di erences,” Council Members Ryan Alter, Zo Qadri and Paige Ellis wrote in the statement.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
GOVERNMENT New law lets ETJ residents leave city
REGULATING DEVELOPMENTS: THE POWERS OF A COUNTY VERSUS CITY
to create an exit path that didn’t previously exist for Texans in an ETJ displeased with city regulations. “The purpose is to get people out of what e ectively is no representation,” Bettencourt said. “People there are not voting for a mayor or city council members.” With no city in uence, property owners who leave an ETJ would only be subject to county government or could create their own incorporation, Bettencourt said. Diving in deeper: Hays County Precinct 4 Commissioner Walt Smith said counties are not given the tools that municipalities have to regulate new developments. Counties can’t dictate regulations on developments outside of agree- ing to a legal plat for a property, preventing construction on ood plains, regulating tra c standards if connected to a county roadway, overseeing some sewage facilities and enforcing the county’s wild re code, Smith said. “[Cities] have zoning; they [can] say this is a residential zone, and therefore you’re not going to put a commercial business in the middle of that residential zone,” Smith said. “That makes sense, right, but counties don’t have that ability.” Deannexed areas could create regulations through private deed restrictions or homeowners asso- ciations, but no government could enforce those, Smith said. The outlook: Smith said residents in cities such as Dripping Springs may lose the ability to provide public
BY ELLE BENT & CHLOE YOUNG
A new state law will allow residents in an extraterritorial jurisdiction, or ETJ, to exit the ETJ and thus opt out of city regulations. An ETJ allows a city to exercise authority over areas just outside of its boundaries. If an area leaves an ETJ, then the county can regulate development despite having less tools to do so than cities, Hays County Precinct 4 Commissioner Walt Smith said.
A new state law going into e ect in September could largely impact the ability of cities to expand and regulate the land neighboring their limits. Senate Bill 2038, which passed in May during the 88th legislative session, will allow residents of an extraterritorial jurisdiction, or ETJ, to leave the city’s authority through a petition or election. An ETJ is property outside of a city’s limits in which cities are still able to exercise authority over. The law also revokes previous state law that allowed a city’s ETJ to naturally expand as the city annexed new territories. Advocates of the bill said it allows ETJ residents to be freed from city regulations where they do not have representation; however, local leaders have expressed concerns that a lack of city control might negatively impact development and place additional weight on county government. Zooming out: Extraterritorial jurisdic- tions, which were created by the Texas Legislature in 1963, have allowed cities to invoke some regulatory authority over subdivisions outside of the city limits to ensure those areas re ect the city’s development standards, said Bennett Sandlin, executive director of the Texas Municipal League. The areas often become part of the city as a city may only annex a territory in its ETJ, Sandlin said. Most importantly, cities can regulate new developments through platting and building codes, Sandlin said. State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, the author of SB 2038, said he wanted
COUNTY Accepts legal plat, for tract of land, for a property Regulates oodplains Regulates tra c standards if connected to a county roadway Oversees sewage facilities Enforces the county’s wild re code
CITY
Provides utilities such as water and wastewater Regulates subdivisions and zoning Regulates signage such as billboards Regulates nuisances like noises, odors and lighting
Regulates tra c standards if connected to city roadways
SOURCES: HAYS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT, TEXAS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE
For SB 2038
Against SB 2038
“THE PURPOSE OF SB 2038 TO GET PEOPLE OUT OF WHAT EFFECTIVELY IS NO REPRESENTATION. PEOPLE THERE ARE
“ SB 2038 REMOVES A LOT OF THE ABILITY WITHIN A CITY OR WITHIN THAT ETJ THAT THOSE SURROUNDING RESIDENTS AND THE COMMUNITY WOULD HAVE TO IMPACT THE KIND OF DEVELOPMENT THEY WANT TO SEE IN THEIR AREA.”
NOT VOTING FOR A MAYOR OR CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS.”
PAUL BETTENCOURT, STATE SENATOR
WALT SMITH, HAYS COUNTY COMMISSIONER
input on what developments they want to see in the area as those developers that choose to petition out of an ETJ would not be able to contribute to that feedback. Smith said the bill could create “doughnut holes” or pockets that have petitioned to leave the ETJ next to developments that have to build within city regulations. “You will have a development that
is operating under a completely dif- ferent set of rules, and it just doesn’t necessarily create a fair playing eld,” Smith said. Bettencourt said he and other state legislators will study the bill’s implications. Bettencourt said. “There’s always a high number of possibilities to look through to see what really happens when a law like this goes into e ect.”
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • AUGUST 2023
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ENVIRONMENT How to plan for a wild re evacuation, protect your home
BY HANNAH NORTON
during outdoor activities like grilling or moving. Williamson County residents are required to have equipment on hand to put out a re—such as a bucket of water or a re extinguisher—if they are doing activities that may cause a spark, said Michael Shoe, the director of Williamson County’s O ce of Emergency Management. Authorities also said people should be sure to dispose of cigarettes properly. The speci cs: All Texans should assemble an evacuation kit that can be taken in the event of an emer- gency, o cials said. During a wild re, homes are typically lost due to embers. It is important to clean gutters periodically, as embers can quickly ignite vegetation or debris, she said. Flammable materials, such as plants or owers, should be placed at least 5 feet away from the home and trees near the home should be trimmed, O’Connor said. Jones said wooden decks and fences can act as “fuses” during a wild re. “Fences burn down more houses than anything else, so if you can break the continuity of how your fence connects to your house, that’s a big, big deal,” he said. Learn more: To sign up for emergency alerts about wild res and other weather events, visit www.warncentraltexas.org.
As wild re activity continues across Central Texas, o cials encour- age residents to make evacuation plans in advance. Gov. Greg Abbott issued a wild re disaster declaration for 191 Texas counties amid hot and dry weather Aug. 14. Current situation: The extreme heat combined with windy days and little-to-no rain creates the perfect environment for a wild re to grow, Erin O’Connor, the lead public infor- mation o cer for the Texas A&M Forest Service, said. Fires that start under these conditions often spread quickly and are di cult to control. The overview: Local emergency man- agement agencies issue evacuation orders when a wild re is threatening a community. The highest priority is saving lives, said Justice Jones, the Austin Fire Department’s wild re mitigation o cer. As of mid-August, at least four Austin-area res prompted evacua- tions, including in San Marcos, Kyle and Cedar Park. Jones said evacuations last until downed utilities are xed, structures are stabilized and it is certain the re will not reignite. At least 90% of wild res are preventable and caused by people, according to the TFS. Fires com- monly start when people park on dry grass; drag chains while towing trailers or equipment; or are careless
The Austin Fire Department put out several grass res in August, including one on Stassney Lane on Aug. 13. (Courtesy Austin Fire Department)
__________________________ A gift for you! SOURCE: TEXAS A&M FOREST SERVICE COMMUNITY IMPACT Pack enough clothes, food and water for at least 72 hours. If possible, bring batteries, ashlights, phone chargers, rst aid kits and hygiene supplies. Priceless items Most memorabilia should be left at home, but o cials recommend grabbing irreplaceable photos or other valuables when possible. Preparing a pack O cials recommend having an emergency kit prepared, following the “5 P’s:” People and pets Plan to evacuate and transport all family members, pets and livestock. Bring important identi cation for all people. Prescriptions Gather necessary medications, eyeglasses or contacts, hearing aids and medical equipment. Papers Have physical or electronic copies of insurance information, phone numbers and other important documents. Personal needs
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