Cedar Park - Leander Edition | February 2022

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CEDAR PARK LEANDER EDITION

VOLUME 15, ISSUE 10 FEB. 9MARCH 10, 2022

ONLINE AT

Mapping new lines New Texas House of Representatives maps, which were approved in Oct. 2021, change representation for many Cedar Park and Leander residents. The area that was primarily represented in House District 136 is now split among districts 20, 52 and 136. Local residents in Travis County will now be in District 19 rather than District 47. 2022 P R I M A R Y E L E C T I O N G U I D E 19 20 47 52 136 County line Voting districts

Many Cedar Park and Leander voters will cast bal- lots in dierent districts in 2022 in newly redrawn local, state and federal districts. Candidates may also nd themselves running in new territories as a result of the redistricting process. Early voting begins Feb. 14 in the 2022 Democratic and Republican state primary elections to decide candidates in the Nov. 8 general election. Representation changes in Cedar Park and Lean- der were a result of rapid regional growth in Central Texas and the partisan redistricting process in the Texas Legislature, said David Albert, a government professor at Austin Community College. Since the Republican party is in control of the Legislature, new maps appear to be drawn in the party’s favor to increase its margins across the state, Albert said. Following the release of 2020 Census data, the Texas Legislature is required to create new district maps every 10 years to redraw state House, state Sen- ate, U.S. congressional and State Board of Education districts. Gov. Greg Abbott approved the nal maps in October, and the new maps went into eect Jan. 18. Political parties can use two techniques to create maps that benet them: cracking and packing. Albert said cracking breaks up communities, for example, to weigh down liberal voter areas with more rural voters. Packing, which was done more in this redis- tricting process, maximizes the representation of a specic party in that district. CONTINUED ON 24 State redistricting eort shifts representative lines for Cedar Park, Leander BY TAYLOR GIRTMAN

2010

2020

BAGDAD RD.

CRYSTAL FALLS PKWY.

183

NEW HOPE DR.

WHITESTONE BLVD.

1431

183A TOLL

ANDERSON MILL RD.

45 TOLL

620

SOURCE: TEXAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCILCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

PRIMARY ELECTION GUIDE 2022

202223 school calendar approved

SAMPLE BALLOT

IMPACTS

6 EDUCATION

RECENT HIGHLIGHTS

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CEDAR PARK - LEANDER EDITION • FEBRUARY 2022

More pediatric specialists In more places across Central Texas

Only in Austin. Only at Dell Children’s.

At Dell Children’s, we are growing — just like families and the communities in Central Texas. The hospital, with the most pediatric specialists and specialty programs in the region, is expanding to deliver even more advanced and specialized care. Now more than ever, you have access to the highest level of care, close to home. • New state-of-the-art full-service children’s hospital in North Austin — opening 2022 • New 4th bed tower, adding 72 inpatient care rooms, with the ability to expand in the future — opening 2022

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THIS ISSUE

ABOUT US

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched the rst edition of Community Impact Newspaper in 2005 with three full-time employees covering Round Rock and Pugerville, Texas. We have expanded our operations to include hundreds of employees, our own printing operation and over 30 hyperlocal editions across three states. Our circulation is over 2 million residential mailboxes, and it grows each month with new residents and developments.

HIGHLIGHTS FROMTHISMONTH

FROMDENISE: It is great to see all of the recent business openings, such as Maggie Mae’s in Old Town Leander and Burn Boot Camp in Cedar Park. You can read more about new businesses on Pages 6-7. There are also more events happening. The Living Leander Expo will let you visit with businesses looking to hire, or you can catch the amazing Cirque du Soleil show at the H-E-B Center. Take a look at our entire To-Do List on Pages 8-9. Denise Seiler, GENERALMANAGER

Community Impact Newspaper teams include general managers, editors, reporters, graphic designers, sales account executives and sales support, all immersed and invested in the communities they serve. Our mission is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our core values are Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.

FROMEDDIE: I love hearing and saying, “I don’t know.” It means I get a shot to educate myself or someone else. After last year’s redistricting, I heard it a lot, which is OK. It just meant I got to help my friends and family nd out who represented them and to dig into the topic myself. Our front- page story on your districts and our Primary Election Guide (see Page 23) will hopefully help you answer those questions. Eddie Harbour, EDITOR

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BUSINESS &DINING Local business development news that aects you

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SCHOOL, CITY & COUNTY We attend area meetings to keep you informed

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CEDAR PARK LEANDER EDITION • FEBRUARY 2022

IMPACTS

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

LEANDER

WILLIS ST.

183A TOLL

BRUSHY ST.

183

Maggie Mae’s

Amy’s Ice Creams

EDDIE HARBOUR/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

COURTESY AMY’S ICE CREAMS

9550 183A Toll, Leander. The 9-acre dealership has 27 service bays, according to a release from Penske Automotive Group. The dealership and service center broke ground in March 2021. Other Aus- tin-area Honda dealerships are in Round Rock, North Austin and South Austin. www.hondaleander.com 4 Ivybrook Academy , a half-day preschool with Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches, opened Jan. 17. The school will offer classes for children ages 18 months to transitional kindergarten. Harapriya and Kailash Nagarakanti own the school located at 411 N. Bell Blvd., Cedar Park. 512-975-4999. https://ivybrookacademy.com/ cedar-park-campus 5 Lazy G BBQ Co. opened a food trail- er in November in Cedar Park after of- fering barbecue catering for about two years. The barbecuer offers a classic, craft barbecue menu, including brisket, turkey breasts, sausages and pork ribs. The menu also has rotating weekly items. Garrett Elliot, Keith Minne and Bill Wassenaar own the barbecue com- pany. Lazy G BBQ Co. is located at 2001 W. New Hope Drive, Cedar Park, near Rockbridge Church. The trailer is open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. until sold out. 512-750-0913. www.lazygbbq.com 6 Maggie Mae’s opened Dec. 15 in Old Town Leander. The bar and restaurant has live music and offers a food and drink menu of burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, wings and more. The original Maggie Mae’s on Sixth Street in Austin opened in 1978. Maggie Mae’s in Leander is located at 105 W. Willis St. AJ’s Bar and Grill was previously in this

location. http://maggiemaesaustin.com 7 Nature’s Schoolhouse , a micro- school for a small number of elementa- ry-aged students, opened Oct. 12 in Cedar Park. The nature-based school offers a full-time elementary school program and part-time homeschool enrichment programs, said lead parent and administrator Nicole Tomayko. Nature’s Schoolhouse is located at 313 Brushy Creek Road, Cedar Park. www.naturesschoolhouse.com 8 Revival Chiropractic opened Feb. 7 in Cedar Park. The practice specializes in neurologically based chiropractic correc- tive care for young children to adults. The chiropractic office also offers the Webster Technique for pregnant moms and the Torque Release Technique. The office is located at 2051 Cypress Creek Road, Ste. M, Cedar Park. 512-985-9462. 9 Amy’s Ice Creams will open a Cedar Park location in late spring or sooner, according to the company. The shop will be located in the 1890 Ranch shopping center where Gigi’s Cupcakes was previ- ously located. The Cedar Park store will feature the ice cream maker’s regular selection of flavors, including non- dairy, alcoholic and vegan flavors. This location will also offer ice cream cakes, curbside pickup and online ordering for in-store pickup. The new store will be at 1335 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. J200, Ce- dar Park. https://amysicecreams.com 10 Detroit-style pizza company Jet’s www.revivalchiroatx.com COMING SOON

MEDICAL PKWY.

9 13

11 17

4 2

BRUSHY CREEK RD.

CEDAR PARK DR.

CYPRESS CREEK RD.

ANDERSON MILL RD.

CEDAR PARK

NOWOPEN 1 Breathe: Ear, Nose & Throat opened its Cedar Park office Feb. 1. The office offers personalized treatment plans for ear, nose, throat and allergy care. Dr. Kevin Taheri leads the practice and is a board-certified ear, nose and throat physician who specializes in adult and pediatric sinus, nasal and allergy disorders. The office is located at 1401 Medical Parkway, Bldg. B, Ste. 407,

Cedar Park. 512-879-1461. https://drtaheri.breathe-ent.com 2 Boutique fitness gym Burn Boot Camp held its grand opening event Jan. 24 in Cedar Park. The gym offers boot camp-style classes on a raised floating floor. Child care is also available. It is located at 205 Cedar Park Drive, Ste. 100, Cedar Park. 512-761-8900. https://burnbootcamp.com 3 Honda Leander opened Jan. 3 at

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COMPILED BY TAYLOR GIRTMAN

Crumbl Cookies

P. Terry’s Burger Stand

COURTESY CRUMBL COOKIES

RENDERING COURTESY P. TERRY’S BURGER STAND

Pizza will open a Cedar Park location on Cypress Creek Road. The Michi- gan-based pizza chain’s menu includes Detroit-style deep-dish pizzas, hand- tossed round pizzas, thin-crust pizzas, gluten-free pizzas and other pizza styles. The menu also has salads and subs. The location is expected to open in May at 1420 Cypress Creek Road, Ste. 400, Cedar Park. www.jetspizza.com 11 Crumbl Cookies delayed opening its Cedar Park store until late February. The cookie company offers over 120 rotating cookie flavors including the “staple chilled sugar and award-winning milk chocolate chip,” according to the company. Milk can also be added to orders, which can be picked up in store, curbside, delivered or shipped. The store is located at 1335 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. H400B, Cedar Park. https://crumblcookies.com 12 P. Terry’s Burger Stand will build a new location in Cedar Park. The burger stand is expected to open in spring 2023. The Austin burger company makes burgers, fries, shakes and more at its Central Texas locations. Restau- rants serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Cedar Park location will be at 825 W. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park. https://pterrys.com 13 Via 313 is expected to open a Cedar Park location late in the first quarter of 2022, according to owner Brandon Hunt. Via 313’s menu includes Detroit-style pizzas, bar-style thin-crust pizzas, sal- ads, appetizers and desserts. The Cedar Park restaurant will be in the 1890 Ranch shopping center at 1335 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. 200, Cedar Park. The Aus-

tin-based company first confirmed the location in March 2021. www.via313.com RELOCATIONS 14 Family-owned restaurant Alzer’s Barbeque is moving to a new location at 109 Cypress Creek Road, Ste. B7, Cedar Park. The restaurant serves smoked meats, barbecue sandwiches and more. The new location will have an expanded menu with burgers, fajitas and more. The fast-casual-style restaurant will also have outdoor patio seating. Ve- ronica and Naser Alzer opened Alzer’s Barbeque in 2017 at 1405 W. Whites- tone Blvd., Cedar Park. 512-680-5652. www.alzersbbq.com 15 Lace & Grace Bridal Boutique relocated from Cedar Park to Leander on Dec. 26 into a larger boutique space. The bridal boutique specializes in af- fordable, size-inclusive wedding dresses and also offers bridesmaid dresses, mother of the bride dresses, prom dresses, homecoming dresses and tux- edo rentals. The new store is located in a former bingo hall at 11840 Hero Way W., Ste. 203, Leander. The boutique was previously located at 115 S. Lakeline Blvd., Ste. 350, Cedar Park. 512-368- 4270. www.laceandgracetx.com ANNIVERSARIES 16 The Leander Chamber of Com- merce reached its 75th anniversary in January. The chamber held a 75th Diamond Anniversary Gala in October. The Leander Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center is located at 100 N. Brushy St., Leander. 512-259-1907.

The Toasted Yolk Cafe is opening a location in Cedar Park this summer. Popular dishes from other locations include the West Coast Arnold.

COURTESY THE TOASTED YOLK CAFE

FEATURED IMPACT COMING SOON The Toasted Yolk Cafe , a breakfast, brunch and lunch restaurant chain, will open a Cedar Park location in summer 2022. This will be the rst Austin- area location for the Houston-based restaurant company. Menu items include churro doughnuts, the Cowboy Scramble, West Coast Arnold, and more breakfast and lunch dishes. The restaurant also will have a full bar with mimosas, frozen Bellinis, bloody marys and margaritas. Ron and Val Claypool will run the franchise in an area development agreement with The Toasted Yolk, according to a release. “There’s no doubt that The Toasted Yolk’s friendly atmosphere and amazing food

are going to be a big hit in the Austin area,” Ron Claypool said in the release. “We’re especially excited to be able to connect with the community on a day-to- day basis, sharing wonderful food that will make their day a little brighter.” The restaurant will be located at 14105 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Cedar Park. https://thetoastedyolk.com

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www.leandercc.org IN THE NEWS

CEO. www.unitedwayaustin.org CLOSINGS

A merger between United Way for Great- er Austin and United Way of Williamson County was finalized Jan. 1, according to a representative with the nonprofit. To- gether, the joint organization will provide services to 10 Central Texas counties. The expanded organization will continue under the name United Way for Greater Austin, and David C. Smith will remain its

17 Gigi’s Cupcakes closed its Cedar Park location Dec. 24, according to its Facebook page. The location opened in December 2011. It was located in the 1890 Ranch shopping center at 1335 E. Whites- tone Blvd., Ste. J200, Cedar Park. Another Austin-area location remains open in Bee Cave. https://gigiscupcakesusa.com

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CEDAR PARK - LEANDER EDITION • FEBRUARY 2022

TODO LIST

February & March events

FEBRUARY 12 PLAY BOARD GAMES Join other adults to play board games and enjoy snacks at the Leander Public Library. Games should take one hour to complete with setup and instructions. 4-6 p.m. Free. Leander Public Library, 1011 S. Bagdad Road, Leander. 512-259-5259. www.leandertx.gov/library 13 LISTEN TO IL DIVO Vocal group Il Divo will bring its “Greatest Hits Tour” to the H-E-B Center. The show will pay tribute to late band member Carlos Marin. The group will play its hit songs such as “I’ll Be There,” “For Once In My Life,” “Say You, Say Me” and more. Guest singer Mexican American baritone Steven LaBrie will also perform. This is a rescheduled event from Aug. 21. 8 p.m. $55-$150. H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, 2100 Avenue of the Stars, Cedar Park. 512-600-5000. www.hebcenter.com 13 TAKE THE VALENTINE’S WINE TRAIN Celebrate Valentine’s Day on the Wedding Oak Wine Train. The six- hour trip will include an intimate talk and wine tasting. The train will stop in Burnet where food and wine are

available for purchase during a layover at Wedding Oak Winery, which has two-story views, a patio and a rooftop terrace. 11 a.m. (train departs). Age 21 and up. $100. Austin Steam Train Association, 401 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. C100, Cedar Park. 512-402-3830. www.austinsteamtrain.org 18 THROUGH 20 LEARN TO TAP The weekendlong annual Art Beat Tap Festival will feature tap classes for all levels from internationally recognized tap dance artists and jazz musicians. A Feb. 19 happy hour will discuss performance through storytelling. Feb. 20 will feature a showcase at The Parker Jazz Club. Additional tickets are required to perform in or watch the showcase. Registration is required, and ticket prices vary. Fri. 5:30- 7:45 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Art Beat Dance Center, 1420 Cypress Creek Road, Cedar Park. www.artbeatfound.org 19 RUNAVALENTINE’S 5K RACE In the third annual Crystal Falls Love Run, runners can race through the Crystal Falls community, and guests can meet local business vendors. Prizes will be awarded. Runners should register online. 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Crystal Falls Golf Course, 3400 Crystal Falls

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Cirque du Soleil will bring its high- energy, high-acrobatic performance “OVO” to Cedar Park with eight performances in February. The shows will tell the stories of an acrobatic colony of insects in their ecosystem. 7:30 p.m (Feb. 23, 24, 25); 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. (Feb. 26); 1 p.m., 5 p.m. (Feb. 27). Ticket prices vary. H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, 2100 Avenue of the Stars, Cedar Park. 512-600-5000.

Find local job opportunities, learn about community programs, explore future careers, connect with local vendors and learn more about Leander at the Living Leander Community & Career Expo. The Leander Chamber of Commerce’s annual community event will include door prizes and award a $500 scholarship. 4-8 p.m. Free. Premier Athletic Complex, 8220 183A Toll Road, Leander 512-259-1907. www.leandercc.org (Courtesy Leander Chamber of Commerce)

www.cirquedusoleil.com (Courtesy Cirque du Soleil)

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nominated hit, “The Way,” from the platinum-selling “All the Pain Money Can Buy.” The band has released seven albums, including 2019’s “The Help Machine.” 7 p.m. $24.50-$32.50. The Haute Spot, 1501 E. New Hope Drive, Cedar Park. 512-986-7411. www.hautespotvenue.com 05 THRIFT SHOPWITHYOURTEEN The Leander ISD PTA Clothes Closet will host a Thrift Teen Night as an outdoor pop-up in the parking lot of its North location. Teens enrolled at LISD schools will be able to shop for free, eat for free and enjoy live music. 6-8 p.m. Free. 324 S. West Drive, Leander. www.lisdptacouncil.com 08 CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’SDAY The second annual International Women’s Day Celebration in Cedar Park will take place at Toyota of Cedar Park and include dinner, live music and several speakers. Music will be provided by the Austin-based, all-female, outt the Bluebonnets, which includes The Go-Go’s bassist, Kathy Valentine. Proceeds from the event will benet the Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center. 6-10 p.m. $50. Toyota of Cedar Park, 5600 183A Toll, Cedar Park. Eventbrite: 2022 International Women’s Day Celebration

Parkway, Leander. 512-850-1712. Eventbrite: 3rd Annual Crystal Falls 5K

“Love Run” MARCH 03 EXPERIENCE

DINOSAURWORLD Dinosaur Live will bring an interactive show to Cedar Park featuring a Tyrannosaurus Rex, triceratops, giraatitan, microraptor and segnosaurus. Guests can meet and greet the dinosaurs after the show. 6:30 p.m. $27.50-$49.50. H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, 2100 Avenue of the Stars, Cedar Park. 512-600-5000. www.hebcenter.com 04 TAKE A GLOWRIDE Ride a bike with glowing lights in the city of Cedar Park’s Kaleidospoke ride and after-party. The event will have music, LED dancers, LED displays and other activities. Guests must RSVP online for the free event. 6:30-9 p.m. Cedar Park Recreation Center, 1435 Main St., Cedar Park. www.cedarparktexas.gov/kaliedospoke 04 RELIVE 1990S AUSTINALTERNATIVE Fastball, founded in Austin in 1995, will take to the stage at the Haute Spot. The band is best known for its Grammy-

Stephanie Nichols’ Car and Vintage Plane show is Feb. 26. (Courtesy Stephanie Nichols)

WORTH THE TRIP FEB. 26 GAZEATVINTAGE CARS ANDPLANES The 11th Annual Stephanie Nichols’ Car and Vintage Plane show will take place at Georgetown Airport. The family- friendly event will include a swap meet and trophies for car show participants including Best of Show, Top 20 and sponsor awards. The RE/MAX Skydiving team will perform from 11:30 a.m.-noon, and rides on an assortment of vintage planes, including the Georgetown- based Devil Dog Squadron’s B-25, will be available for a fee. Admission is free

TERMINAL DR.

for spectators, but donations will be collected for the Epilepsy Foundation of Central and South Texas. There will be food available for purchase. 10:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. Free. Georgetown Airport, 500 Terminal Drive, Georgetown. www.stephaniesgtownairportcarshow. eventbrite.com

Find more or submit Leander and Cedar Park 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.

CEDAR PARK LEANDER EDITION • FEBRUARY 2022

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TRANSPORTATIONUPDATES Bell Boulevard project substantiallycomplete

REGIONAL PROJECTS

MOPAC

BY TAYLOR GIRTMAN

of Old US 183. Lanes were shifted to the new alignment in August. The nal asphalt layer will be paved once temperatures permit, according to the city. The $26.1 million road project began in October 2020 and is funded through 2015 voter-ap- proved bonds.

Road work on the Bell Boulevard realignment was marked substan- tially complete in December by the Texas Department of Transpor- tation, according to the city of Cedar Park. The project moved a section of Bell Boule- vard to the alignment

Broadmoor Station A groundbreaking ceremony was held Jan. 18 for the new $24 million Metro- Rail Broadmoor Station. The Red Line station located at 11501 Burnet Road, Austin, will provide access to the employers, retailers and entertainment venues located in and around The Domain and Uptown ATX development in North Austin. The station is slated to open in early 2024, according to Capital Metro.

The Bell Boulevard realignment project moved a section of Bell Boulevard to the alignment of Old US 183 between Buttercup Creek Boulevard and Cedar Park Drive. (Taylor Girtman/Community Impact Newspaper)

County adjusts Corridor I2 study

969

HALSEY DR.

130 TOLL

BY CLAIRE SHOOP

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and a smaller [right of way, or ROW] footprint than originally proposed.” A county spokesperson said in an email these updates could change the specic location of the future roadway. Additionally, the changes will narrow its ROW—the land needed for the project—which could reduce its overall eect. The release said changes to the scope of the study were made after ocials met with local property owners who would be aected. “After thorough conversations with the neighbors, discussions with Burnet County and further technical analysis, we have adjusted the study to better address the current needs of northwest Williamson County as well as the current regional needs,” Precinct 2 Commissioner Cynthia Long said in the release.

Williamson County has changed the scope of the Corridor I-2 Planning and Right-of-Way Study, which looks at building a connector route from US 183 to Hwy. 29 north of Liberty Hill. According to the county, the study was “rightsized, meaning it will consider updated alignments “WHEN PLANNING FOR NEWROADWAYS, IT’S IMPORTANT TO LISTEN TO THE PROPERTY OWNERS AND TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE REGIONAL NEEDS OF THE AREA.” CYNTHIA LONG, PRECINCT 2 COMMISSIONER

TESLA RD.

973

Tesla Road Travis County commissioners unanimously approved a measure to change the name of Harold Green Road to Tesla Road during their Jan. 11 meeting. The Travis County-owned road inter- sects with FM 973, crosses SH 130 and feeds into Tesla’s gigafactory in the eastern part of the county. Travis County Commissioner Je Travillion said the name change represents an example of the positive impact the county’s partnership with the carmak- er could have on the community.

The section of Halsey Drive between Bagdad Road and San Gabriel Parkway has a reduced speed limit of 30 mph. The previous 40 mph speed limit was set in 2005 before the construc- tion of the Benbrook Ranch Park ball- elds and neighboring apartments, according to city documents. New speed limit signage was put in place Jan. 7. HalseyDrive speed limit lowers BY TAYLOR GIRTMAN

ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF JAN. 24. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT LCPNEWSCOMMUNITYIMPACT.COM.

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DEVELOPMENT UPDATES

Developments underway in Cedar Park, Leander

COMPILED BY TAYLOR GIRTMAN

RENDERING COURTESY ROSEWOOD PROPERTY CO.

COURTESY TAYLOR MORRISON

AURAAVERY RANCH A new multifamily complex has complet- ed its rst construction phase and is now leasing, according to a Nov. 16 release from Rosewood Property Co. and Trinsic Residential Group. Construction on the Northwest Austin development is expect- ed to be complete in April. Aura Avery Ranch, a 339-unit complex, has one-, two- and three-bedroom apart- ment units at the intersection of 183A Toll and Avery Ranch Boulevard. Rents will range from $1,300-$2,400. Community amenities will include a clubhouse, a tness center, a pool, a dog park, a deck with gas grills, a yoga lawn, a hammock lawn and an outdoor replace. “North Austin is a growing and exciting

HORIZON LAKE Construction is underway on the 480- home Horizon Lake development in Leander, according to a Dec. 3 release from Taylor Morrison. Homebuilders Taylor Morrison and Pulte will build the 200-acre devel- opment near US 183 and RM 2243 along Horizon Park Boulevard. The residential development will have 78 acres of open space with a 24-acre lake reservoir, a shing pier, a pavilion, a children’s playscape and walking trails. Construction on the 200-acre devel- opment began in November with the rst homes anticipated to be ready in late 2022, according to Taylor Morrison. Home prices will begin in the mid-$300,000s. Regional and national tournaments will be hosted at the future complex. The project will also include 30 acres of commercial development along Ronald Reagan Boulevard. Plans for the complex were announced in September alongside three economic development and land agreements that Cedar Park City Council unanimously approved in September. The complex is expected to generate $20 million in rev- enue over 10 years, according to the city.

“Horizon Lake will be a great starter home community for young profession- als,” said April Whitaker, the president of Taylor Morrison’s Austin division, in a release. “Its location, just minutes from Leander Station and the MetroRail Red Line, gives it great access to downtown Austin employment centers.”

area, making Aura Avery Ranch a great choice for people wanting a new and well-thought-out home in an area of Austin convenient to everything,” said Rick Perdue, president of Rosewood Property Co., in the release. Aura Avery Ranch is located at 13100 Avery Ranch Blvd., Austin.

2243

183A TOLL

183

183A TOLL

183

HORIZON PARK BLVD.

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RONALD REAGAN BLVD.

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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

NEWS BRIEFS

News from Cedar Park & Leander

Construction starts on 183North project

BY TAYLOR GIRTMAN

for transit and emergency vehicles, according to the Mobility Authority. The 9-mile project will span US 183 fromMoPac to SH 45 N/RM 620 and add two express lanes and an additional general-purpose lane where needed.

Construction is starting on the $612 million 183 North project in Northwest Austin. The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority held a virtual groundbreaking ceremony Jan. 26 with a ceremonial tree planting. The tree was dedicated to ve Round Rock ISD educators whose schools are located along the project’s corridor, according to a Mobility Authority release. “We’re excited to be breaking ground on the 183 North Mobility Project in this way,” Mobility Authority Executive Director James Bass said in the release. “Less congestion on 183 North means less time in trac for our educators, improving quality of life for them and all the lives they touch.” The 183 North project aims to improve mobility, reduce congestion, and provide reliable travel times

45 TOLL

620

183

MOPAC

Mobility Authority Executive Director James Bass speaks at the 183 North groundbreaking. (Courtesy Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority)

360

Cedar Park adding 2 treatment plant generators

HCA to build 5 new hospitals in Texas

BY TAYLOR GIRTMAN

The city will use $1.2 million from its American Rescue Plan Act funds to purchase two 2-megawatt generators for emergency power at the city-owned water treatment plant. Cedar Park City Council unanimously approved a purchase and delivery agreement Jan. 27 for the generators. The project will provide greater protection and is part of the city’s wider $6.1 million water resiliency project paid with federal funds. The remaining $4.9 million for the project will be used on construction and engineering contracts to be approved at a later date. Rauschuber said because of a long wait time for the arrival of the gener- ators, the city will pre-purchase the generator to meet SB 3 timing require- ments. The wait time is about 25 weeks.

The city’s energy provider is Pedernales Electric Cooperative. Rauschuber said that the city’s strong relationship with PEC helped prevent water outages in Cedar Park.

BY SIERRA ROZEN

The city of Cedar Park will add two generators to its water treatment plant in response to state legislation approved after the February 2021 winter storm. Senate Bill 3 requires public water systems to have plans for maintaining service during extended outages. Cedar Park did not have a power failure at its water treatment plant on Lime Creek Road during the winter storm and has redundancy in its power supply, said Eric Rauschuber, the public works and utility director, during the Jan. 27 City Council meeting. But the city is required to “enact plans for extended water outages when the power is o for more than [24] hours during an emer- gency,” according to city documents.

HCA Healthcare plans to expand its number of hospitals in Texas. The health care provider announced it will build ve new full-service hospitals in Texas via a Jan. 26 press release. The company will be opening new hospitals in Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio in partnership with Method- ist Healthcare Ministries, and two in or near Austin in partnership with St. David’s Foundation and Georgetown Health Foundation. HCA operates 45 hospitals and 632 aliated sites of care in Texas. Cities were chosen to meet the health care needs of rapidly growing areas, according to the release.

WHAT IS SENATE BILL 3?

The legislation adds winterization requirements to energy- generating infrastructure. The bill also defers collection of bills during an extreme weather emergency and improves communication among governing entities with the creation of the Texas Energy Reliability Council. The bill was introduced by state Sen. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown.

Cedar Park-Leander housingmarket ends 2021with fewer sales, highprices

AVERAGE HOME PRICES IN THE AREA The average sale price rose throughout 2021.

BY TAYLOR GIRTMAN

report. The median price reached $450,000 in 2021, and the months of housing inventory ended with 0.6 months, according to ABoR. In Cedar Park, the average home price in December was $562,830, which is a 41.5% increase from 2020. The number of closed sales decreased 22% from 2020 with 67 sales in December, according to ABoR. Leander’s average home price was

$540,362 in December with 119 closed sales—a 4% decrease from 2020. There were 0.3 months of inven- tory at the end of 2021 in both Cedar Park and Leander, according to ABoR. Across Williamson County in 2021, the number of home sales increased 2% from 2020, but the median home price increased 39% to $425,680. Travis County home prices increased 28.4% year over year to $520,000.

The real estate market in Cedar Park and Leander ended 2021 with record-high home prices and low inventories. Across the Austin metro area, 41,316 homes were sold in 2021—a 2.5% increase from 2020 and a record for the Austin-Round Rock metropol- itan statistical area, according to the Austin Board of Realtors’ Jan. 18 data

CEDAR PARK

$396,639 Jan. 2021

$562,830 Dec. 2021

LEANDER

$407,690 Jan. 2021

$540,362 Dec. 2021

SOURCE: AUSTIN BOARD OF REALTORS COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

CEDAR PARK LEANDER EDITION • FEBRUARY 2022

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EDUCATION BRIEFS

News from Leander ISD

COMPILED BY TAYLOR GIRTMAN

Board approves calendar for 2022-23 school year

LEANDER ISD The 2022-23 school year will begin Aug. 17 and end May 26, 2023. The school board approved the final calendar Jan. 27. Unlike the current calendar, the next school year will not include regular early release Wednesdays. Chief Academic Officer Matt Bentz said community survey data about the calendar showed unanimous support for providing time for staff development and teacher planning time. However, campus administrators and the community preferred full days rather than early release days. The district began adding early release days to the school calendar in November 2020 amid the challenges of teaching students both in person and online. “We have attempted to strike a balance by building in four additional professional development days, which actually has meant less students days,” Bentz said.

After board discussions at the Jan. 13 meeting, district staff added an April 10 student holiday to give families a student vacation day and provide staff at least one professional development or teacher collaboration day per month excluding December and May. “I think it will be a much-needed break for those teachers in April,” board member Christine Mauer said. Student holidays, in addition to regular holidays, include Sept. 26, Oct. 10-11, Nov. 8, Feb. 20 and March 20.

TAYLOR GIRTMAN/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

DISTRICT HIGHLIGHTS LEANDER ISD The school district partnered with the city of Leander on an essay contest as part of the city’s inaugural Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade and Street Festival on Jan. 17. Winners were Sydney Slack from Vandegrift High School, Roopesh Tangudu from Stiles Middle School and Ria Roogi from Parkside Elementary School. LEANDER ISD The district’s second clothes closet location moved from Four Points Middle School to River Place Elementary School in late November. The LISD Council of PTAs, which operates the district’s two clothes closets, opened the second clothes closet in October to serve the southern area of the school district. The PTA clothes closets offer gently used clothes, new underwear and new socks to students from prekindergarten to high school who live in LISD boundaries. The first clothes closet site is located at 324 S. West Drive, Leander. LEANDER ISD The district and Western Governors University Texas announced a partnership Jan. 11 that gives LISD employees pathways to bachelor’s or master’s degree programs. This includes over 60 accredited programs in K-12 teaching, information technology, business and health professions. Additionally, LISD employees can receive exclusive scholarships, career services, events and activities. LEANDER ISD Through Feb. 18, community members can provide feedback on instructional resources in six courses: K-12 health and physical education, sixth grade social studies, AP environmental science, kinesiology, marketing, and nutrition and dietetics. Materials can be viewed online or at the central district office and Cedar Park High School. Feedback will be used as the district adopts new resources. Leander ISD board of trustees Next meetings: Feb. 10 and 24 300 W. South St., Leander 512-570-0000 www.leanderisd.org Austin Community College board of trustees Next meetings: Feb. 21 and March 7 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Room 201, Austin • 512-223-7000 www.austincc.edu MEETINGSWE COVER

DATES TOKNOW

2022

2023

SOURCE: LEANDER ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER AUG. 17 First day of school DEC. 19-JAN. 2 Winter break

MARCH 13-20 Spring break

MAY 26 Last day of school

Early college high school moves ahead LEANDER ISD The district’s early college high school program is expected to start in the 2022-23 school year with an inaugural class of about 125 ninth grade students. The board of trustees approved the submission for the program’s provisional designation application at its Jan. 13 meeting. A partnership between LISD and Austin Community College will allow students to simultaneously earn a high school diploma and either an associate degree or 60 credit hours. The program will begin at ACC’s San Gabriel Campus. Applications for the program opened Feb. 7. More

Newschool named for longtime teacher Carol North LEANDER ISD The district’s 29th elementary school will be named Carol Ann North Elementary School after the longtime LISD kindergarten teacher who taught for 22 years at Block House Creek and Knowles elementary schools. The board of trustees approved the school name Jan. 13. The name follows the recommendation of an LISD community naming commit- tee that met in December to discuss name submissions for the school. At the Dec. 16 board meeting, committee co-Chair David James Martin said the committee’s decision to nominate North was unanimous because of the care

Leander ISD will hold two informational meetings about North Elementary for parents with Principal Lara Labbé- Maginel. The school’s vision, namesake and transfer process will be discussed. Feb. 16: 3:30-4:30 p.m. at Larkspur Elementary School Feb. 22: 3:30-4:30 p.m. at Grandview Hills Elementary School SOURCE: LEANDER ISD/ COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER Learn about North

and work she had put into the district. Co-Chair Kasey Muse also said North had been nominated for several prior schools, and North was known as a champion of foun- dational literacy and education. North Elementary is under con- struction in the Bryson subdivision in Leander.

information is available at https://echs.leanderisd.org.

Trustees extend COVID-19 leave policy for district staff

LEANDER ISD Board members approved an extended five-day COVID-19 leave policy for district employees as a result of rising COVID-19 cases and the omicron variant. The board approved a resolution for additional COVID-19 leave Jan. 13. This will begin retroactively to Jan. 3 and end June 30. The policy gives LISD employees an additional five days of paid leave if they test positive, Chief Human Resources Officer Karie Lynn McSpadden said. Employees who previously tested positive and took leave can use the additional five-day leave if they test

positive again. Employees are encouraged to isolate for five days if they test positive and may return to work after five days if symptoms are resolved or improving and are fever-free for over 24 hours, according to district documents. On average, employees are taking four days to recover from symptoms, McSpadden said, and several staff members have tested positive more than once and required another sick leave period for COVID-19. The previous leave policy expired in December, prior to the surge of the omicron variant.

CEDAR PARK - LEANDER EDITION • FEBRUARY 2022

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