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NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION
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VOLUME 16, ISSUE 11 DEC. 22, 2022 JAN. 27, 2023
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AN EXPANDING ‘SILICON HILLS’ Several semiconductor companies are located in Central Texas, rivaling other notable metros for chipmakers. 29 CENTRAL TEXAS
Key:
existing semiconductor manufacturing sites
Northwest Oregon 10 facilities
Greater Minneapolis 5 facilities
290 Corporate additions in the Austin area brought more than 3,500 71 manufacturing jobs in the sector since 2015.
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Dirdie Birdie o ers mini golf, dining in The Domain
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Northern California 5 facilities
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AUSTIN
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SENIOR LIVING GUIDE 2022
Greater Phoenix 5 facilities
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Central Texas 6 facilities
NEW BRAUNFELS
Dallas-Fort Worth 8 facilities
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16
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SOURCES: SEMICONDUCTOR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION, TEXAS COMPTROLLER OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMUNITY IMPACT
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Overview of living facilities
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can be found in everything from toasters and cell phones to vehicles. Greater Austin has been a home to chipmak- ers since the 1970s, leading in part to its “Silicon Hills” moniker, and recent announcements led by more than $200 billion in potential investments by Samsung point to Central Texas as an in uential industry hub. After a year that has seen a national increase in focus on the multibillion-dollar semiconductor industry, Central Texas is poised to maintain its position as a key chipmak- ing center for the U.S. and a regional economic driver. Today, tiny semiconductor chips have a range of con- sumer, government and telecommunications uses and BY BEN THOMPSON Semiconductor industry heats up in Central Texas CONTINUED ON 24 N 10
Plant shop brings eclectic spin to business
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ACC’s $770M bond to bolster student options, workforce
Burger stand envisions future of fast food
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BY KATY MCAFEE
Over the next several years, Austin Community College will invest in new buildings and programs for computer science, advanced manufacturing, nursing, health science, business and student services, including at campuses in North Austin, due to the $770 million bond voters approved Nov. 8. CONTINUED ON 26
Austin Community College’s Northridge campus will receive $15 million under the 2022 bond for programs and services.
SUMAIYA MALIK COMMUNITY IMPACT
Dell Children’s is home to the Texas Center for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease, which means we offer the most advanced heart care for children in the region. Led by world-renowned pediatric heart surgeons, we performed more than 375 open-heart surgeries in the past year, and over the past two years, have completed 17 heart transplants. Our care team is dedicated to your child’s care whether your child has congenital heart disease or needs care for another rare or complex heart condition. We’re also close by, which means your family doesn’t need to travel outside of Central Texas. Start a conversation with a pediatric heart specialist today. ascension.org/DellChildrens
Some of the world’s best heart care for children happens here
MAKENZIE Dell Children’s patient
Only in Austin . Only at Dell Children’s .
© Ascension 2022. All rights reserved.
Payment Options:
Whether you're choosing a route, choosing a mode of transportation or choosing a payment option, the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority keeps you connected. There's always more than one way…
With an Electronic Tag
Explore your options at MobilityAuthority.com/pay-your-toll/options
Online By Phone By Mail
In Person
2
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Curious what is selling in your neighborhood? Scan me *All prices shown are list price
ACTIVE
ACTIVE
ACTIVE
ACTIVE
realtyaustin.com/p/2755317
realtyaustin.com/p/5308142
realtyaustin.com/p/9363228
realtyaustin.com/p/7336803
$330,000
$340,000
$475,000
$675,000
2 bds
1.5 ba 1,022 sq ft
3 bds
1.5 ba 1,036 sq ft
3 bds
2 ba
1,634 sq ft
4 bds
3.5 ba 2,950 sq ft
9100 Mountain Ridge Dr #5D, Austin, TX 78759 Cherry Amato | 512-439-9672
10108 Quail Valley Blvd, Austin, TX 78758 John Turlington | 703-862-6855
7404 Lady Suzannes Ct, Austin, TX 78729 Jackie Horton | 512-706-5951
1304 Cardinal Hill Cir, Austin, TX 78758 Susan Degraffenried | 512-699-7577
ACTIVE
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realtyaustin.com/p/6195168
realtyaustin.com/p/3396959
realtyaustin.com/p/2462976
realtyaustin.com/p/9043181
$675,000
$800,000
$825,000
$840,000
3 bds
2.5 ba 2,339 sq ft
4 bds
2 ba
1,746 sq ft
3 bds
2 ba
1,767 sq ft
3 bds
2 ba
1,864 sq ft
11005 Andenwood Dr, Austin, TX 78726 Mary Williams | 512-297-5391
5002 Saddle Dr, Austin, TX 78727 Scott Joffe | 512-638-2701
5108 Doe Valley Ln, Austin, TX 78759 Denise Braun | 512-431-7062
11905 Knights Brg, Austin, TX 78759 Charlotte Hair | 512-565-4703
ACTIVE
PENDING
PENDING
SOLD
realtyaustin.com/p/4021309
realtyaustin.com/p/3292005
realtyaustin.com/p/2979985
realtyaustin.com/p/7558654
$850,000
$400,000
$615,000
$625,000
3 bds
3 ba
2,069 sq ft
3 bds
2.5 ba
1,820 sq ft
4 bds
2 ba
2,268 sq ft
4 bds
2.5 ba 2,403 sq ft
5710 Misty Hill Cv, Austin, TX 78759 Michele Blood | 512-924-5511
13011 Tarland Street, Austin, TX 78754 Ryan Gamble | 512-791-8641
4307 Flagstaff Dr, Austin, TX 78759 Allison Dady | 512-924-1818
1711 Maize Bend Dr, Austin, TX 78727 Ashley Brinkman | 512-710-7208
Buyers and Sellers Can Win with 2-1 Buydowns As home sales slow, prices decline, and mortgage rates fluctuate, buyers and sellers are leveraging 2-1 interest rate buydowns to increase their odds of winning. This type of mortgage assistance may help offset the impacts of the market cool down, bridging the gap between what sellers want or need and what buyers are willing or able to pay. A win-win for both parties. Learn more by scanning the QR code.
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NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • DECEMBER 2022
More Rebates, More Savings » Find instant savings on energy efficient products at local stores » Get up to $160 in thermostat rebates and incentives through January 31 » Enjoy rebates averaging $2,600 on home energy improvements » Enjoy an $800 rebate on eligible heat pump water heaters » See if you qualify for free home energy improvements » Monitor your energy usage and get savings tips at coautilities.com Learn more ways to save at austinenergy.com/go/tips
Customer Driven. Community Focused.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
THIS ISSUE
ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched 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. MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Taylor Caranfa Stover EDITOR Grace Dickens REPORTER Sumaiya Malik GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sabrina Musachia ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jill Futch METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Travis Baker MANAGING EDITOR Amy Denney COPY CHIEF Andy Comer 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 nwanews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING nwaads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter PODCAST communityimpact.com/podcast 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
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH
FROM GRACE: Happy holidays, and welcome to the final Northwest Austin paper of 2022! In this issue, reporter Ben Thompson dives deep into the future of semiconductors in the Austin area and what that means for the region. Reporter Katy McAfee also delves into the recently passed $770 million bond for Austin Community College and breaks down campus by campus where the money will go. With the senior population on the rise, this issue features a guide to senior living facilities in the area, along with an update on a senior living development on McNeil Drive. In Northwest Austin, reporter Sumaiya Malik touched base with local plant and art business Pink Flamingo Plant Co. to dig deep into the handcrafted community space, and she got an inside look into the creation of Austin-based chain P. Terry’s Burger Stand. If you have story ideas you’d like to share, feel free to email me at gdickens@communityimpact.com. As always, thank you for reading, and best wishes in the new year! Grace Dickens, EDITOR
WHAT CAN YOU SUPPORT?
If you love Community Impact, consider supporting us by becoming a CI Patron. Thanks to your giving, here are three big accomplishments our organization achieved this year to continue our mission of providing trusted news and local information that everyone gets.
communityimpact.com
MORE LOCAL TALENT: We created several new editorial positions to focus on our local content niche, including additional reporters for the newspaper and more multi-platform journalists for our daily newsletter and website.
NEW LEADERSHIP: We hired a new Chief Financial Officer, Kelly Outlaw, who joined us from Habitat for Humanity. Her favorite saying is "I add faith and humanity to the spreadsheet." You can trust that every dollar you give, along with our advertiser support, is reinvested with integrity and a people-first approach.
ADDITIONAL PRODUCTS: We launched podcasts in our Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston metros with host Olivia Aldridge and created an additional digital offering for our advertisers called CI Storytelling.
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Wells Branch 14900 N. Interstate Hwy. 35 Austin, TX 78728
BECAUSE STICKS AND STONES DO BREAK BONES.
Hutto 720 U.S. 79, Suite 100 Hutto, TX 78634
Round Rock 3200 Greenlawn Blvd. Round Rock, TX 78664
More locations coming soon to Austin!
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NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • DECEMBER 2022
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
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and over-the-counter medicines, the pharmacy carries advanced medical solutions, including bed railings, crutches, canes, walkers, bath and shower seats, and more. The pharmacy accepts most medical insurances, including Medicare and 5 Showroom , a women’s designer retail boutique, opened its doors Oct. 17 at Do- main Northside. The 1,000-square-foot boutique is at 3200 Palm Way, Austin, across from Lush Cosmetics. The store carries American, Scandinavian and Brit- ish clothing brands for the busy woman who is on the go. Austin Showroom is the rst brick-and-mortar location in Texas. The store carries clothing sizes from 0-16. Prices range from under $50 to over $1,000. 512-305-3103. www.shopshowroom.com COMING SOON 6 ABC Supply Co. Inc. , a roo ng supply company also carrying siding, windows and doors, is expected to open its fourth location at 2306 Howard Lane, Ste. A, Austin, in June. The 26,000-square-foot facility will carry siding, windows, doors, decking and rain gutters as well. 737-402-5404. www.abcsupply.com Medicaid. 512-382-0054. www.mesarxpharmacy.com 7 Alo Yoga , a store carrying yoga attire, athleisure wear and yoga equipment, will open its doors at The Domain in late Feb- ruary. The store is at 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin, and will be Alo Yoga’s second location in Austin. Located next to Sweet Paris Creperie & Cafe, Alo Yoga will also carry wellness and beauty products and accessories. www.aloyoga.com
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NOW OPEN 1 Disc Nation , a retailer of disc golf, y- ing discs and disc sports products, opened a northwest location Nov. 26 at 3404 Wells Branch Parkway, Ste. 725, Austin. The new 980-square-foot facility is open ve days a week and is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 512-284-7340. www.discnation.com 2 Cindy Matula opened a location of
US 183, Ste. C, Austin, opened Dec. 5 near Anderson Mill Road. The 2,300-square- foot facility includes separate areas for cats and dogs, spacious exam rooms, treatment areas with glass windows, an X-ray room and a dental cleaning area. 512- 813-1677. www. rehouse183.com 4 MesaRx Pharmacy on Mesa Drive opened its doors Oct. 12 in the same retail center as Galaxy Cafe at 8127 Mesa Drive, Ste. B205, Austin. Aside from prescription
Ellie Mental Health —a Minnesota-based therapy clinic—in Northwest Hills on Dec. 12. The clinic o ers customized services, such as grief and trauma-informed therapy, couples therapy, and more. Ellie Mental Health clinic is located at 7719 Wood Hollow Drive, Ste. 201, Austin, and is accepting patients. 512-610-7719. www.elliementalhealth.com 3 Firehouse Animal Health Center, a veterinary clinic and hospital at 13616 N.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
COMPILED BY SUMAIYA MALIK
5
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Showroom
Lululemon
The Dirdie Birdie founders Vik and Lina Khasat took nearly 2 1/2 years to plan and design the miniature golf space with design and fabrication team Nine & Eye to make the experience re ective of Austin.
SUMAIYA MALIKCOMMUNITY IMPACT
SUMAIYA MALIKCOMMUNITY IMPACT
8 Tropical Smoothie Cafe , a Geor- gia-based franchise with locations in Austin, is expected to open Feb. 1 at 7301 N. RM 620, Ste. 130, Austin. The cafe is known for its ats, wraps, sandwiches and smoothies. The nearly 1,500-square- foot location will also have a breakfast menu, Wi-Fi, delivery, pickup and a drive-thru. 770-821-1900. www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com Workspace solutions company IWG PLC will work with Simon at The Domain to bring Spaces , a new o ce retail concept that provides o ce solutions for hybrid working professionals, to The Domain in 2023. The new workspace will feature customizable workstations with ergo- nomic furniture, private areas, adjust- able-height desks, meeting rooms and 24-hour access. www.spacesworks.com RELOCATIONS 9 Lululemon , the yoga-inspired, athletic apparel store that temporarily relocated to near Macy’s in The Domain, is now back at its original store near Neiman Marcus at 11600 Century Oaks Terrace, Ste. 116, Austin. The renovated store opened Nov. 21 with a new layout plan, ooring and streamlined dressing rooms. The store has an interactive mirror with exercise programs on display that customers can try out while they browse. 512-601-8738. www.lululemon.com EXPANSIONS 10 The Austin Subaru dealership on 8100 Burnet Road is undergoing a 20,000-square-foot expansion to its
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COURTESY THE DIRDIE BIRDIE
FEATURED IMPACT NOW OPEN The Dirdie Birdie , an immersive miniature golf experience, opened at The Domain in November. The 12-hole golf course at 10910 Domain Drive, Austin, includes a restaurant and a full-service bar. Designed by design and fabrication team Nine & Eye, the course features unique Austin themes with the Pennybacker bridge, the Hope Gallery and “Bat Country’’ in the putting range. Guests have access to a lounge area, a photo-op golf cart and a 90-foot-long tiled bar. Guests can also experience gol ng, lounging during happy hour, and dining indoors or outside. purchased there. The store is located adjacent to Dicks Sporting Goods and Express Clothing. 512-691-9950. www.diamondsdirect.com 13 Nik’s Kitchen and Bar, serving all-American cuisine, celebrated 10 years in business in October. The restaurant’s menu includes burgers, sandwiches, pasta, grilled options and small plates. The restaurant is at 7900 FM 620 N., Ste. 100, Austin. 512-487-5999. www.niks620.com NAME CHANGES 14 Austin Regional Clinic at 11714 Wilson Parke Ave., Ste. 150, changed its name to ARC Four Points in November. Opened in 2014, the clinic will continue
10910 Domain Drive, Austin 512-906-0115 www.dirdiebirdieatx.com
ARC Four Points
SUMAIYA MALIKCOMMUNITY IMPACT
service department. The expansion will create room for 26 more service bays across the street from the current location. The address will remain the same. The expansion will be completed on March 3. 512-220-0930. www. austinsubaru.com ANNIVERSARIES 11 Austin Bead Gallery, located in the Spectrum Center at 8440 Burnet Road, Ste. 100A, Austin, celebrated ve years in business in December. The store carries beads, cabochons, tools and nished jewelry pieces from artists. Locals Sally DeGra enried and Laura Zeiner own the store. The shopping center that is home to Austin Bead Gallery is set to be rede- veloped, but the store plans to stay open until at least October 2023. 512-454- 0001. www.austinbeadgallery.com 12 Diamonds Direct , a diamond and jewelry store at 11104 Domain Drive, Austin, celebrated 10 years of business at The Domain this December. Aside from jewelry, the store can also resize rings
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to provide the same services with the same team. Services include same-day in-clinic and telemedicine appointments; 24-hour phone nurses; an on-site lab; online scheduling; and COVID-19 vaccines, boosters and testing as well as u shots and wellness exams. 737-247-7200. www.arcappointments.com CLOSINGS 15 Fazoli’s , an Italian-style restaurant serving pasta and sauces along with freshly baked breadsticks at 13201 N. RM 620, Austin, closed Nov. 27. The East Anderson location in North Austin is open and serving the public as usual.
Our Focus is on You Your health is paramount to us. We put your health first with our full range of women’s services. Our dedicated specialists offer advanced mammography, imaging and a variety of non-invasive specialty treatments. No matter where your healthcare journey takes you, we’re here to see you through.
ARA, leaders in medical imaging.
7
NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • DECEMBER 2022
DO YOU SUFFER FROM ECZEMA AND ARE FRUSTRATED BY YOUR CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS?
Consider participating in a clinical research study!
DermResearch is enrolling in research study for people 18-75 with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis.
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townhouses offering unique accessibility to outdoor recreation in the newly planned Lakeline Park. Just minutes away from great schools, family entertainment centers, and major employers, it’s a place anyone would love to call home.
To learn more call 512-349-0500 or https://getinastudy.com/
For current availability, pre-construction pricing, and purchase incentives: www.parkplaceatoldmill.com or Fatima@benkinneyteam.com
8
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
TO DO LIST
December & January events
COMPILED BY SUMAIYA MALIK
JAN. 22
RUN A HALF MARATHON NEAR GATEWAY SHOPPING CENTERS
JAN. 29 31
ADVOCATE FOR JUSTICE TEXAS CAPITOL
The 3M Half Marathon will return for its 29th year. From downhill to downtown, the 13.1-mile track is USA Track & Field-certi ed and welcomes runners of all skill levels. After the run, there will be a festival downtown. 7:30 a.m. $79 (virtual run), $149 (in-person run). 9700 Stonelake Blvd., Austin. www.downhilltodowntown.com
The Texas United Women in Faith will host the 36th annual Texas Legislative event for women. The event includes two days of speakers and workshops, followed by a visit to the Capitol on the third day to meet with lawmakers. $95 (virtual), $150 (in person). Holiday Inn Austin Midtown, 6000 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin. www.texasimpact.org
Along with reworks, the event will feature family-friendly events, live music and performances. WORTH THE TRIP GET FESTIVE WITH FIREWORKS The city’s New Year’s Eve event on Dec. 31 will feature a reworks display at Auditorium Shores at Town Lake Metropolitan Park. In addition to family-friendly events, there will be various downtown live music events and performances for adults to enjoy as they ring in the new year. The reworks show can also be watched virtually at www.atxn.tv. Free. 6 p.m.-midnight. Auditorium Shores at Town Lake Metropolitan Park 900 W. Riverside Drive, Austin www.austintexas.gov/department/ austins-new-year COURTESY RICARDO BRAZZIEL
09 THROUGH 15 TAKE A YOGA CLASS Austin Yoga Tree will host a free yoga week to kick o 2023. Classes are beginner friendly, and no experience is required to participate. Mats and props will be provided. 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Free. 10401 Anderson Mill Road, Ste. 105B, Austin. 512-887-8807. www.austinyogatree.com 10 WATCH A FOOTBALL MATCH River Plate of Argentina’s Primera Division and C. F. Monterrey of Mexico’s Liga MX will play a match at Q2 Stadium in Austin. The friendly game will mark River Plate’s rst-ever visit to Q2 Stadium. Both clubs have won national cups in the sport. 8 p.m. $140- $245. 10414 McKalla Place, Austin. 512-953-2872. www.austinfc.com 18 RELEASE YOUR STRESS A 90-minute in-person group breath work session with a certi ed breath work facilitator will focus on the theme of letting go of heavy things, past and present, through attendee- generated goals. 2 p.m. $35. Dancers Workshop, 11150 Research Blvd., Ste. H, Austin. Eventbrite: Letting Go Group Breathwork Session
DECEMBER 26 THROUGH JAN. 8 SET OUT THE CHRISTMAS TREE City of Austin curbside customers can dispose of their holiday trees on the curb starting Dec. 26. Curbside customers must check www.austintexas.gov/ myschedule to see when they can place trees on the curb. Austinites who are not curbside customers can drop their trees o for recycling at Zilker Park on Dec. 31 and Jan. 7-8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Trees must be natural and free from decorations, and trees larger than 6 feet tall should be cut in half. Trees sprayed with arti cial snow are not accepted. Free. www.austintexas.gov/treerecycling 31 RING IN THE NEW YEAR MSJ Event will host a New Year’s Eve bash at Wilco WorkSpace + Events. The event features punjabi and bhangra music with DJ Tej and DJ Rahul as well as an open bar, a professional photographer and free parking. Babysitting will be provided for children ages 4-12. 9 p.m. $45 (child care), $65 (general admission). 1615 Scottsdale
JANUARY 06 THROUGH 8
PREDICT THE NEW YEAR
WITH PSYCHICS Spiritual Life Productions, a business that produces educational holistic, spiritual and metaphysical fairs in Austin, will present an evening with psychics and intuitives to share their psychic predictions for the New Year in a free psychic presentation. This is followed by Austin’s oldest metaphysical and holistic life expo Jan. 7-8. Attendees can talk to experienced psychics, astrologers and mediums in the Austin area and may be eligible for hourly door prizes. 7 p.m. Free (Jan. 6)-$10 (Jan. 7-8). Norris Conference Center, 2525 W. Anderson Lane, Ste. 365, Austin. Eventbrite: Metaphysical and Holistic Life Expo Austin 07 FIND A NEW PUZZLE The Spicewood Springs branch of Austin Public Library will host a puzzle swap for individuals to trade jigsaw puzzles. Participants will have the ability to swap one or two puzzles to mix up their collections. 10-11 a.m. Free. 8637 Spicewood Springs Road, Austin. 512- 974-3800. www.library.austintexas.gov
BARTON SPRINGS RD.
Drive, Ste. 200A, Cedar Park. www.facebook.com/jalwalm
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Find more or submit Northwest 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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NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • DECEMBER 2022
COMMUNITY IMPACT’S GUIDE Annual Community COMING SOON
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TRANSPORTATION UPDATES Austin Energy customers to see higher e-bike rebates in 2023 Austin riders who want to pedal to work can switch to e-bikes at a more a ordable price starting next year. Starting in January, Austin Energy will double the customer rebate for $1,000-$1,999 will receive a $400 rebate, doubling what is o ered this year. E-bikes $2,000 and up will receive a $600 rebate. Fleet purchase rebates will range from $400-
COMPILED BY SUMAIYA MALIK
ONGOING PROJECTS
RAKING IN REBATES
The rebates for individual e-bikes for Austin Energy customers will double in 2023.
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New rebate:
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$500 $999
$100
$200
183 North mobility expansion There will be overnight closures on Lake Creek Parkway between the north and southbound US 183 North frontage road from Dec. 16-Feb. 10. Tra c on Lake Creek Parkway travel- ing east will be redirected to Ander- son Mill Road, and westbound tra c will detour to Pecan Park Boulevard. Timeline: January 2022-26 Cost: $612 million Funding sources: Texas Department of Transportation, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority REGIONAL PROJECTS
$1,000 $1,999
$200
$400
$800 depending on price. Austin Energy will o er more incentives through the Customer Assistance Program for those who qualify. According to the League of American Bicyclists, an organization that provides education and promotes bicycling as the option of choice, e-bikes are similar to traditional bicycles,
$2,000+
$300
$600
e-bikes. The rebate di ers depending on whether it is an individual or eet purchase. For individual e-bike purchases under the three-tiered rebate plan, based on the price range of an e-bike, an e-bike costing $500-$999 will receive a rebate of $200 instead $100. E-bikes costing
SOURCE: AUSTIN ENERGY COMMUNITY IMPACT
charging for $4.17 per month at charging ports in the service area. The additional rebates come in response to a June resolution from Austin City Council instructing sta to take action to increase e-bike ownership rebates and promote a ordability.
but they have a low- speed electric motor that provides a boost of power to climb hills and extend a trip. Austin Energy provides electric vehicle charging in its service area. It also provides a subscription plan for unlimited
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Texas A&M Transportation Institute report shows tra c fatalities are up in Central Texas
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RISING FATALITIES Data from the Texas A&M Transportation Institute shows Central Texas tra c fatalities are rising.
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A tra c safety report presented to the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization board on Nov. 14 showed tra c fatalities are up in Central Texas, with distracted driving listed as the most frequently reported cause of crashes. “Regionally, crashes have been trending upward over the last 10 years or so with the exception being the two-year period during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-21,” said Je Kaufman, Texas A&M American Institute of Certi ed Planners associ- ate research scientist. The report prepared by Kaufman
looked at 16 focus areas. The data shows that the Greater Austin area is seeing a lower crash rate when comparing the number of crashes versus miles traveled. Despite the number of regional crashes falling since 2019 due to the pandemic, fatalities have continued to rise. Data shows the number of fatalities in the region has risen by 50% since 2012, Kaufman said. While distracted driving was the leading cause of crashes, Kaufman said the leading cause for fatalities were instances in which a car left the road and collided with an object.
I-35 Capital Express South construction
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ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF DEC. 18. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT NWANEWS COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. The construction of two nontolled high-occupancy vehicle lanes along I-35 from SH 71 at Ben White Boule- vard to SH 45 SE broke ground Nov. 15. As part of the larger I-35 Capital Express South project, the endeavor will also improve bicycle and pedes- trian paths. Timeline: November 2022-2026 Cost: $548 million Funding source: TxDOT
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SOURCE: TEXAS A&M TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE COMMUNITY IMPACT Fatalities
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11
NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • DECEMBER 2022
Hello, Austin! Texas Children’s Hospital is set to make its biggest impression yet on the state capital.
Opening February 2024! Our state-of-the-art facility, Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin Campus , will be led by the finest pediatric and women’s faculty in the nation. We’ve grown to more than 20 locations offering pediatric, urgent care and specialty care services to the Austin community and we won’t stop there.
At Texas Children’s, the difference is life changing. Come see why at texaschildrensaustin.org.
Bringing the best to Austin Now ranked #2 in the nation
Meet our Leadership
Mark A. Wallace President and Chief Executive Officer Texas Children’s Hospital Tenure: 33 years
Michael A. Belfort, MD, PhD OB/GYN In-Chief at Texas Children’s Hospital & Chair of OB/GYN at Baylor College of Medicine Tenure: 12 years
Lara Shekerdemian, MD Pediatrician In-Chief at Texas Children’s Hospital & Chair of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine Tenure: 12 years
Larry H. Hollier Jr., MD Surgeon In-Chief & Chair of Surgery at Texas Children’s Hospital Tenure: 24 years
Thierry A.G.M. Huisman, MD Radiologist In-Chief & Chair of Radiology at Texas Children’s Hospital Tenure: 4 years
Jeffrey S. Shilt, MD Community In-Chief at Texas Children’s Hospital & Medical Director of the Motion Analysis Lab Tenure: 6 years
James Versalovic, MD, PhD Pathologist In-Chief & Chair of Pathology at Texas Children’s Hospital Tenure: 21 years
Huda Y. Zoghbi, MD Research In-Chief at Texas Children’s Hospital & Distinguished Service Professor at Baylor College of Medicine Tenure: 34 years
Dean B. Andropoulos, MD Anesthesiologist In-Chief & Chair of Anesthesiology at Texas Children’s Hospital Tenure: 25 years
Edward P. Buchanan, MD Chief Surgical Officer at Texas Children’s Hospital Austin Tenure: 11 years
Bryan Vartabedian, MD Chief Medical Officer at Texas Children’s Hospital Austin Tenure: 31 years
EDUCATION BRIEFS Four members sworn in to Austin ISD board of trustees
News from Austin Community College, Austin ISD, P ugerville ISD & Round Rock ISD HIGHLIGHTS
ROUND ROCK ISD The district named Rose White assistant chief of the district’s police department Dec. 5. White succeeds James Williby, who previously held the position. She will oversee patrol services, day-to-day department operations, and the hiring and onboarding of new o cers. Round Rock ISD board of trustees Will meet Jan. 19 at 5:30 p.m. at 300 Lake Creek Drive, Round Rock 512-464-5000 www.roundrockisd.org P ugerville ISD board of trustees Will meet Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. at 1401 W. Pecan St., P ugerville Austin ISD board of trustees Will meet Jan. 26 at 6 p.m. at 4000 S. I-35, Austin 512-414-1700 www.austinisd.org Austin Community College board of trustees Will meet Jan. 17 at 3 p.m. at 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 512-223-7613 www.austincc.edu 512-594-0000 www.p sd.net MEETINGS WE COVER
AUSTIN ISD TRUSTEES
Districts 1, 4, 6 and 7 have new representatives. Arati Singh was re-elected to the at-large Position 9 seat.
District 1: Candace Hunter District 4: Kathryn Whitley Chu District 6: Andrew Gonzales District 7: David Kau man** Position 9: Arati Singh*
183
MOPAC
BY ELLE BENT
Rodriguez was the board president and ran in the Nov. 8 election. Gonzales won with 66% of the vote. David Kau man replaced Yasmin Wagner, who did not run for reelection, in District 7. Kau man ran unopposed. Arati Singh won re-elec- tion to Position 9—an at-large position—with 67% of the vote against Heather Toolin. Singh was selected as board president. District 3 Trustee Kevin Foster, who was not up for election this cycle, was chosen as the vice president. The terms for the four incumbent trustees who were not up for election this cycle will be up in 2024.
AUSTIN ISD Four new trustees and one incum- bent were sworn in to the Austin ISD board of trust- ees Dec. 1 after winning their seats Nov. 8. Candace Hunter replaced LaTisha Anderson as the District 1 representative. Anderson did not seek re-election for the seat. Hunter received 64.37% of the vote against her opponent, Roxanne Evans. Kathryn Whitley Chu replaced Kristin Ashy in District 4. Ashy did not seek re-election. Whitley Chu received 71% of the vote against Clint Small. Andrew Gonzales replaced Geronimo Rodriguez for District 6.
4
290
1
71
360
130 TOLL
35
290
71
7
45
6
183
45
MAP NOT TO SCALE N
Vote count
71%
66%
68%
64.37%
District 1
District 4
District 6
Position 9
*AN ATLARGE POSITION REPRESENTS THE ENTIRE DISTRICT **KAUFFMAN RAN UNOPPOSED
SOURCE: AUSTIN ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
HEALTH CARE
Dell Children’s Medical Center partners with Hand to Hold to support NICU families
BY SUMAIYA MALIK
in Northwest Austin, and is still based there. The national organization provides support to NICU families at Ascension Seton. The organizations has two dedicated extended sta at the neonatal intensive care unit at Dell Children’s Medical Center who work with the families of the babies with emotional, physical and social needs. Hand to Hold provides this support in English and Spanish at no cost to the families. These sta members are required to be NICU graduate parents who have lived a personal experience, under- stand the challenges and are mental health peer specialists certi ed in Texas. They have also received training around bereavement support, leading support groups and trauma-informed care, said Kelli Kelley, founder and executive director of Hand to Hold. Kelley is also a NICU graduate parent. The neonatal intensive care unit at Dell Children’s Medical Center,
Hand to Hold and Dell Children’s Medical Center announced that they are partnering to provide in-hospital support for neonatal intensive care unit families in Austin. The two organizations made the announcement at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Dec. 6 after a successful yearlong pilot program with NICU fam- ilies and sta nding many bene ts from the support provided. “A critical part of the outcome for our babies is family well-being. When we discharge a baby after having walked them through, at times, months and even sometimes over a year of care in an intensive care unit, Hand to Hold is there to be part of their support in the hospital and support once they go home,” said Dr. John Loyd, neonatologist and chief of neonatal care at Dell Children’s Medical Center. Hand to Hold was founded in 2011
Hand to Hold and Dell Children’s Medical Center announced their NICU partnership at a ribbon-cutting at Dell Children’s Medical Center in the Mueller district on Dec. 6.
SUMAIYA MALIK COMMUNITY IMPACT
Hand to Hold is an Austin-based nonpro t organization dedicated to supporting families before, during and after a neonatal intensive care unit stay through family support specialists. Through the partnership, the organization provides the following services: Family care, including grandparents and siblings Peer support from trained parents who have had a child in NICU
Resources for after a NICU stay SOURCE: HAND TO HOLD COMMUNITY IMPACT
Emotional and psychosocial support
Dr. Molly M. Pont, neonatal-perinatal medicine physician at Dell Children’s Medical Center and Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin.
operated by Ascension in Texas, has 32 beds that are almost full all the time, and the unit is expecting to receive 24 more beds in about 10 months, said
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15
NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • DECEMBER 2022
CITY & COUNTY
News from Austin, Travis County & Williamson County
HIGHLIGHTS TRAVIS COUNTY Community groups announced they had secured nearly 7,000 free monthly bus passes for homeless Austinites Nov. 16. The passes have been distributed to more than 40 local organizations and will be available through May. These groups have been working to provide unhoused Austinites free transportation since spring 2019, when Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center formed an advocacy group.
Development limits reduced for corridors, commercial areas
Renovations coming to mental health crisis center
Austin Energy rate hike approved
The two Austin Energy rate increases approved this fall will cost residents $24 more per month on average, combined.
RISING RATES
BY BEN THOMPSON
BY BEN THOMPSON
Austin aims to add housing In December, City Council approved policy updates that allow housing on some commercial zones if affordable units are included, and ease compatibility standards—limits on building near existing homes—on selected major roadways. RESIDENTIAL IN COMMERCIAL COMPATIBILITY ON CORRIDORS
Rate change
Previous before Nov. 1 * Base rate charges Pass-through charges
AUSTIN City Council wrapped up several revisions to its land use policy in early December. The changes come after Austin’s extensive push to rewrite the city’s complex land development code was halted in court. Officials voted to reduce compat- ibility standards, which can limit height and other aspects of new construction near existing homes along select corridors. Residential development in commercially zoned areas was also unlocked if affordable housing is included. Mayor Pro Tem Alison Alter said the changes—while not per- fect—represented progress built on compromise between several council members and constituents. “Rather than lamenting that whether this proposal is only half a loaf, we should remember that half a loaf is still a lot of bread. We can always continue to work to make our city more livable and more
AUSTIN A new base rate structure for Austin Energy utility charges will affect all power customers in the city beginning in March. A typical resident using 860 kilowatt-hours of electricity each month will soon pay about $9 more on their monthly bills. The update comes on the heels of a separate AE rate adjustment that went into effect in November and tacked about $15 more onto utility bills. “We know any rate increase affects our customers, who are dealing with rising costs just like our utility,” AE General Manager Jackie Sargent said in a statement. “We believe this balanced approach will help our customers and our utility’s long-term financial health.” AE’s base rates cover the costs of the city-owned utility’s operations. An extensive review of a new rate proposal stretched on through 2022 with residents and consumer advocates petitioning council to find a way to reduce “rate shock” experienced by customers. The base rates are structured across multiple tiers with rates increasing as more power is used. The new rate includes four tiers in addition to a flat $13 monthly fee. That charge will increase by $1 over the following two years alongside slight rate changes. While AE had proposed its own rate system through the year, council—responsible for monitoring the utility and setting its rates—ended up taking their own course based on
$84.92
Current bill through Feb. 2023*
BY GRANT CRAWFORD
$99.85
WILLIAMSON COUNTY The Commissioners Court signed off on $264,867 in renovations to expand the county’s Law Enforcement Drop Center for mental health services on Dec. 6. Chasco Constructors will expand the 23-hour drop-off facility in Georgetown using unallocated federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to create space to accommodate more people as they are diagnosed for potential mental health issues through Bluebonnet Trails Community Services. Law enforcement from around the county can bring individuals to the center for medical and psychological care before health professionals locate the appro- priate services or placement.
New bill starting in March 2023*
Developers can now build more housing in commercially zoned areas if at least 10% of units are affordable. Staff estimated 8,885 commercial properties citywide are eligible. Around 23% of those properties are located near highways, and nearly half are in displacement risk areas.
West Austin, where the city is most lacking in affordable housing options. “This item as it is currently designed is designed as inequita- ble. The exclusion of corridors in high-income areas was purposeful and by council direction, and we are left with no option to address these inequities today,” District 1 Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison said. The reach of compatibility around homes on those corridors was cut from 540 feet to 300 feet. Staff estimate 2,475 acres of property along targeted corridors have compatibility completely removed, while 4,040 acres could be eligible for reductions.
$108.71
0 $10 $20 $30 $40 $50 $60 $70 $80 $90 $100 $110 * BILLING ESTIMATES ARE BASED ON THE TYPICAL RESIDENTIAL USE OF 860 KILOWATT-HOURS PER MONTH.
MEETINGS WE COVER
Austin City Council Will meet Jan. 26 at 10 a.m. at Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second St., Austin. 512-974-2250 www.austintexas.gov/department/ city-council Travis County Commissioners Court Court dates for 2023 meetings have not been set as of press time. Travis County Administration Building, 700 Lavaca St., Austin. 512-854-4722. www.traviscountytx.gov Williamson County Commissioners Court Will meet Jan. 10, 17, 24 at 9:30 a.m. at the Williamson County Courthouse, 710 Main St., Georgetown. 512-943-1100. www.wilco.org
SOURCE: AUSTIN ENERGY/COMMUNITY IMPACT
a framework from District 7 Council Member Leslie Pool. Council passed the new rate system 7-4. Some members said they believe the framework does enough to support AE while limiting residents’ financial burden, while those vot- ing against said they do not believe the proposal is afford- able or the best possible outcome from the rate review. “Knowing how challenging it is to live in our ever-increas- ingly more unaffordable Austin with rents on the rise, with inflation, with grocery prices going up, all of those factors are compounding and making it more challenging for our working families,” District 2 Council Member Vanessa Fuentes said. The council members voting in favor said they believed the outline represents an upgrade over the utility’s original proposal.
SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT
affordable,” Alter said. Community members expressed varying views on the updates, and both policies also drew some scrutiny over the equity of their rollout. Staff and council members said a possible outcome will be residents being bunched near highways, where health outcomes are found to be worse. Some also pointed out the compatibility changes largely exempt
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ARBORETUM 10515 N Mopac Express (512) 342-6893
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2022
SENIOR LIVING GUIDE GUIDE
As the population in Austin continues to grow, so does the demand for residential options for senior adults in Northwest Austin. The following list is noncomprehensive. Key/de nitions Independent-living communities
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3 Austin Senior Care 1414 Cardinal Hill Drive, Austin 512 853 9503 www.austinseniorcare.net 4 Austin Wellness and Rehabilitation 1 1 11406 Rustic Rock Drive, Austin 512 335 5028 www.austinwellnessandrehab.com Hospice care is intended to relieve symptoms and su ering associated with a terminal illness in those who have been given six months or less to live. The patient must choose to forgo further curative treatment. Nursing home/skilled nursing facilities provide care to those with illnesses or mental conditions requiring full-time monitoring and medical care. Mixed-use facilities o er some or all of these services.
cater to older adults with limited care needs. Most include amenities, such as tness programs, housekeeping and communal meals. Assisted-living communities specialize in providing care and supervision. These facilities frequently o er a full range of amenities as well as limited medical assistance. Memory care facilities specialize in providing care to seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia and other cognitive issues. Sta members are trained to help residents manage these diseases.
Renaissance Austin
Silverleaf Eldercare at the Arboretum
PHOTOS BY SUMAIYA MALIK COMMUNITY IMPACT
5 Brookdale North Austin 1 1 5310 Duval Road, Austin 512 418 8228 www.brookdale.com 6 The Clairmont Retirement Community 1 1 1 1 12463 Los Indios Trail, Austin 512 331 7195 www.sunshineretirementliving.com 7 The Collin eld House 1 1 1
9205 Collin eld Drive, Austin 512 619 4366 www.assistedlivinginaustin.com 8 Gracy Wood Nursing Center I 12021 Metric Blvd., Austin 512 228 3300 9 Gracy Wood Nursing Center II 1 1 12042 Bittern Hollow, Austin 512 730 2100 10 Juniper Village at Spicewood Summit 1 1 1 4401 Spicewood Springs Road, Austin
1 Arden Courts of Austin 1 1 11630 Four Iron Drive, Austin 512 918 2800 www.arden-courts.com/austin 2 Atria at the Arboretum 9306 Great Hills Trail, Austin 512 346 4900 www.atriaseniorliving.com
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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