Cedar Park - Leander Edition | April 2023

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LEANDER CEDAR PARK EDITION

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 12 APRIL 13 MAY 9, 2023

2023

LOCAL VOTER GUIDE

BOND

PROPOSITIONS

Leander ISD residents will vote on three separate propositions making up a $762.82 million bond package May 6.

Proposition A: for school facilities, buses and vehicles

Proposition B: for technology equipment and infrastructure

Proposition C: for renovations to LISD’s two performing arts centers

Texas natives bring boutique to Leander

LOCAL VOTER GUIDE 2023

$698.33M

$50.82M

$13.67M

PHOTOS COURTESY LEANDER ISD

Sample ballot

SOURCE: LEANDER ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Leander ISD voters to decide on $763M proposal Registered voters within Leander ISD will vote on a $762.82 million bond package May 6 as the district hopes to acquire funding for new facilities, technology and infra- structure, and renovations to two performing arts centers. The bond election comes as the district attempts to address unbalanced growth in the region. LISD is projected to grow from around 42,000 students to 51,083 by 2032, according to data compiled by Popula- tion and Survey Analysts. LISD’s enrollment increased by 3,554 students from 2016-21. in the northern portion of the district while the southern portion dwindles. “The challenge is how do we add new facilities in the north to manage the growth there, but also how do we remain scally responsible utilizing our facilities as best as we can in the center and the south of the district,” Superin- tendent Bruce Gearing said. This is the second bond election for LISD in less than two years. The district called for a bond elec- tion in November 2021, asking voters to decide on a $772 million package to fund a variety of projects similar to the ones laid out in the latest proposal. CONTINUED ON 18 BY GRANT CRAWFORD However, changes to the district’s population vary across its boundaries with much of the growth expected to occur

Learn the history of Leander's 10 oldest trees

Future RM 620 expansion to relieve congestion, displace businesses

INSIDE

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The intersection of RM 620 and Anderson Mill Road is one of the most congested on the corridor. The expansion project will reconstruct that intersection to add bypass lanes, turnarounds and sidewalks. (Joe Warner/Community Impact)

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What is the WilCo MRC? The Williamson County Medical Reserve Corps are medical and non-medical volunteers who help make our community stronger and healthier during disasters and every day to improve local emergency response capabilities, reduce potential public health risk and vulnerabilities, and build community preparedness and resilience. Who volunteers with the WilCo MRC? WilCo MRC volunteers include medical and public health professionals as well as other community members without medical or healthcare backgrounds who wish to donate their time and experience. Volunteer hours can depend on individual’s availability. What will WilCo MRC Volunteers do? The specic roles that WilCo MRC volunteers play, and activities they participate in, will depend upon the volunteer’s background, experience, interest, and skills. These activities can include:

• Community education and outreach • Community vaccination clinics • Mass dispensing efforts • And much more…

• Support services to disaster call centers, Family Assistance Centers, and Reception Centers • Emergency Operation Center • Disaster clean-up and recovery support

• Emergency Preparedness and Response trainings and exercises

• Emergency Shelter Operations • Emergency Mass Care response

Call now for more information on volunteering in your community! 512-248-3215 • WilcoMRC@wilco.org

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THIS ISSUE

ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched

MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Denise Seiler EDITOR Claire Shoop REPORTERS Grant Crawford, Zacharia Washington 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. MANAGING EDITOR Joe Warner COPY EDITOR Kasey Salisbury ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Rachal Elliott CONTACT US 16225 Impact Way, Ste. 1, Pugerville, TX 78660 • 5129896808 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES lcpnews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING lcpads@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 GRAPHIC DESIGNER Alissa Foss ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Beth Burton METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Travis Baker

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH

FROM DENISE: With election season upon us again, there is only one item on the local ballot: the $763 million bond package for Leander ISD. Our front-page story outlines the three propositions and gives details on what the bond would mean for the district. Knowledge is power! I strongly encourage you to take a deeper dive into these issues and head to the polls to make your vote count! Denise Seiler, GENERAL MANAGER

FROM CLAIRE: Our other front-page story this month aims to inform readers about a Texas Department of Transportation project to widen RM 620 in Cedar Park and Austin. One segment of the project, which spans from Foundation Road to Little Elm Trail, could displace about 20 businesses, including several local establishments such as Dos Mary’s Tex-Mex and Nagoya Steak and Sushi. Reporter Zacharia Washington spoke to ocials and business owners about the need for this project and its potential consequences. Claire Shoop, EDITOR

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CEDAR PARK LEANDER EDITION • APRIL 2023

IMPACTS

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

LEANDER

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Poppy Avenue Boutique + Clean Beauty Bar

Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream

HIGHLAND FALLS DR.

183A TOLL

COURTESY POPPY AVENUE BOUTIQUE + CLEAN BEAUTY BAR

COURTESY HANDEL’S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM

SCOTTSDALE DR.

The location provides dine-in, pickup, delivery and catering services. Handel’s is a nationwide chain that was estab- lished in 1945. The 1,800-square-foot Anderson Mill location is owned by franchisees Chad and Alyse Hughes. www.handelsicecream.com 3 Leander-based Polish marketplace Zig- gy’s Kielbasa House opened a food truck at Brushy Creek Food Park on March 9. Owned by Andy and Susie Szymczyk, Ziggy’s presents a to-go menu of sand- wiches, meats and pierogies. The new food truck is located at 2301 Brushy Creek Road, Cedar Park. www.ziggyskielbasa.com 4 Ramen Tatsu-Ya opened near Lakeline Mall on March 13. The Japanese restau- rant—located at 14028 N. US 183, Bldg. G, Ste. 310, Austin—o ers a full menu of ramen entrees, including pork, chicken and vegan options. The new location has a covered patio, large outdoor seating and a mural by a local artist. This is Ramen Tatsu-Ya’s sixth Central Texas location. 512-893-5561. www.ramen-tatsuya.com 5 Hero Way Pediatric Dentistry opened March 7 in Leander. The pediatric dentist oce o ers preventive care, white crowns, uoride, and oral sedation and nitrous ox- ide for select dental procedures. Services are provided for infants up to 18 years old. Located at 12621 Hero Way W., Ste. A1, Leander, Hero Way Pediatric Dentistry is owned by Dr. Yu Li. 512-522-8282. www.herowaydental.com 6 A new Taco Palenque location opened in Cedar Park on April 7, after press time. Located at 1535 Cypress Creek Road, Cedar Park, Taco Palenque sells a range of Mexican food, including tacos, quesadil- las, enchiladas, burritos, fajitas and more. 512- 297-2003. www.tacopalenque.com

7 New restaurant Rana Indian Cuisine opened in Cedar Park on Feb. 14. The restaurant provides a wide selection of authentic North Indian food options, such as naan, masala, biryani and tandoori. Menu items are prepared by a chef native to North India. Rana Indian Cuisine is located at 111 N. Vista Ridge Blvd., Ste. 201, Cedar Park. 512-986-7485. 8 Integrity Nail Bar opened at 14105 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 301, Leander, on March 23. Owned by Johnny Dang, the nail salon o ers services such as manicures, pedicures, facials, wax- ing, and lash services. 512-986-4089. www.integritynailbarleander.com 9 Italian eatery Bright Restaurant and Bar opened Jan. 11 in Leander at 901 Crys- tal Falls Parkway, Ste. 101. The restaurant serves Italian cuisine options, such as pasta, stu ed chicken, pizza and desserts. 512-528-5029. www.brightrbleander.com 10 Kickboxing gym 9Round Fitness opened in Cedar Park at 901 N. Vista Ridge Blvd., Ste. 400, on Jan. 3. The gym teaches kickboxing, circuit training, heart rate training and nutrition support. Also provided at the gym are exible workout times and semiprivate instruction. 9Round Fitness has locations throughout the Aus- tin area. 512-456-7884. www.9round.com COMING SOON 11 The Peached Tortilla will open a new location at 1915 E. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park, in late 2023, bringing a menu of modern Asian comfort food with a Southern twist. The business began as a single food truck in 2010 but has expanded over the years to include a restaurant on

VISTA RIDGE BLVD.

N. LAKE CREEK PKWY.

AVERY RANCH BLVD.

ANDERSON MILL RD.

45 TOLL

CEDAR PARK

N. LAKE CREEK PKWY.

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620

MAP NOT TO SCALE

NOW OPEN 1 Poppy Avenue Boutique + Clean Beauty Bar held a soft opening in Leander on March 3. Located at 2006 S. Bagdad Road, Ste. 130, the family-owned business sells women’s clothing and accessories, and the store’s clean beauty bar has 45 di erent brands of clean Europe- an-standard cosmetics and skin care. There is also a party room available for booking that is dedicated to wine and a face mask activity. Audra and Christian Brewer,

Texan natives and mother and daughter pair, opened Poppy Avenue Boutique in Wisconsin and operated it there for ve years before moving the store to Leander. 512-987-7618. www.poppyavenue.com 2 Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream opened a new location in Plaza Volente next to H-E-B on March 30. The shop at 11521 N. RM 620, Austin, sells ice cream cones, sundaes and shakes with a variety of local avors, including banana cream pie, caramel pretzel crunch, Oree-dough, strawberry cheesecake chunk and more.

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9Round Fitness

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COURTESY 9ROUND FITNESS

COURTESY POKI BOWL

RENOVATIONS 14 A series of building renovations and upgrades at Chinese restaurant Hunan Chef in Cedar Park were completed in Feb- ruary. Renovations included new furniture and brighter lighting, and the restaurant was painted. The restaurant also added self-service kiosks. Manager Phoebe Chen said the improvements allow sta to pro- vide more convenient service to custom- ers. Located at 251 N. Bell Blvd., Ste. 113, Cedar Park, Hunan Chef sells a spread of Chinese cuisine options, such as fried rice, katsu, teriyaki chicken and beef, and more. 512-331-1069. IN THE NEWS 15 Texas Children’s Hospital named Russ Williams the senior vice president of the new North Austin campus, which is under construction at 9835 N. Lake Creek Parkway, Austin. Williams comes with more than 20 years of experience in health care operations, according to a March 10 re- lease. The hospital is slated to open in Feb- ruary 2024. www.texaschildrensaustin.org 16 Ascension Texas announced the appointment of Michael Wiggins in early March as the new president of Dell Children’s —which now includes Dell Children’s Medical Center and the upcom- ing Dell Children’s Medical Center North. Wiggins has held multiple leadership po- sitions in children’s health care, according to a release. Prior to joining Dell Children’s, Wiggins served as president and CEO at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis. Located 9010 N. Lake Creek Parkway, Austin, Dell Children’s Medical Center North is scheduled to open April 27. https://healthcare.ascension.org

Burnet Road, a fast-casual outpost in the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, a catering company and an event space. The Cedar Park location’s menu will consist of options from the restaurant’s original location—such as the Dan Dan Noodles made with pork, chili peanut sauce, cucum- bers and bean sprouts—as well as new items unique to Cedar Park. 512-330-4439. www.thepeachedtortilla.com 12 Northwest Austin is scheduled to gain another Starbucks location May 15. Located at 10526 W. Parmer Lane, Bldg. 3, Austin, the new Avery Ranch shop will be a drive-thru and pickup-only location with no dine-in option, store manager Cayley Simchick said. Starbucks is a Seattle-based chain of co eehouses that has a menu full of hot and cold teas, co ees, drinks and blended beverages. The co ee chain also sells hot breakfast bites, snacks and sweets. www.starbucks.com 13 California-based Hawaiian restaurant Poki Bowl is planning to open a Cedar Park location in May. Native to Hawaii, poke is a fast-casual meal served with all sushi ingredients, franchisee Robbie Willhelm said. Located at 1525 Cypress Creek Road, Ste. C, the new Cedar Park location will have poke bowls and boba tea options. 512-500-5585. www.pokibowl.com ANNIVERSARIES Ian’s Cleaners —a local laundry deliv- ery service—is celebrating ve years in business in May. The business, owned by Ian Noble, o ers wash and fold and dry cleaning laundry delivery services to ZIP codes throughout Austin, Round Rock, Pugerville, Georgetown and Cedar Park. https://ianscleaners.com

The Rabbit Hole Neighborhood Bar began serving cocktails, wine and beer March 31. COURTESY THE RABBIT HOLE NEIGHBORHOOD BAR

FEATURED IMPACT NOW OPEN Opening as a spin-o of The Lucky Rabbit in Jonestown, The Rabbit Hole Neighborhood Bar began welcoming customers in Leander on March 31. Located in the San Gabriel Ridge shopping center at 2080 N. US 183, Ste. 145, The Rabbit Hole’s owners are Matt Morcher, Sandra Cleveland, and Matt and Shelly Delahoussaye, who are a part of the team at The Lucky Rabbit. Jonestown’s The Lucky Rabbit is located at 18626 RM 1431. The neighborhood bar has elements such as gears on a clock that complement the theme of “going down the rabbit hole,” according to a March 24 press release. Brick walls with murals of clock-like rabbits and gears painted by a local artist along with the black iron back bar contributing to the industrial look are both featured in the bar’s 68-seat interior space. Cocktails at The Rabbit Hole are mixed with local liquors and have rabbit- themed names, such as the Perky Bunny,

which is made with a Red Bull oater and Pop Rocks on the rim, or the Bubbly Bunny, which consists of gin, lavender, lemon and prosecco. Local wine and beer are also available on the bar’s menu. Bar snacks are available as food options, but customers also have the choice to order from nearby restaurants, such as Sabino’s Pizza Pub and Ah Thinh Asian Cuisine. The bar is a 21-and-older

establishment. 509-999-1337 www.rabbitholetx.com

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WHITEWING DR.

CEDAR PARK LEANDER EDITION • APRIL 2023

TODO LIST

April & May events

APRIL 16 TAKE STEPS TO END HUNGER The 2023 Leander/Cedar Park CROP Hunger Walk is a community- based fundraising event to help support the mission of Church World Service to address hunger and poverty around the globe. CWS is partnering with Hill Country Community Ministries to host the event. 1:30 p.m. Free. Twin Lakes Family YMCA Shelter, 204 E. Little Elm Trail, Cedar Park. https://events.crophungerwalk.org 20 THROUGH MAY 11 DEVELOP SOCCER SKILLS I9 Sports will host a spring soccer clinic at The Crossover for ages 5-12. The clinic will teach young players fundamental skills and knowledge of the sport using drills, fun activities and small scrimmages. Sessions are held weekly on Thursdays from 4:30-5:45 p.m. $115. 1717 Scottsdale Drive, Cedar Park. 512-647-7246. www.i9sports.com 22 GAMBLE FOR ANIMALS The Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter is hosting its third annual Bets for Pets event. Proceeds go to the Jane’s Fund, which is used to help sick and injured animals get the elevated care they need. The evening of games includes

heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, an auction and more—all while being surrounded by a unique collection of pristine and vintage automobiles. 6-10 p.m. $50. 3 Sierra Way St., Georgetown. 512-943-3817. https://pets.wilco.org 22 PARTY FOR A CAUSE VFW Post 10427 is holding its 15th annual PTSD Awareness Fundraiser, inviting the public out to hear live music, eat barbecue, partake in a live auction and 50/50 rae, and more. Vendors will be on- site as well as a bounce house and water slide for kids to enjoy. Noon-5 p.m. Free. 8760 RM 2243, Leander. 512-260-8313. www.cplchado.org/events MAY 04 HEAR AN AUTHOR PRESENTATION The San Gabriel Writers’ League is hosting a Zoom presentation dubbed “Using Your Expertise and Enthusiasm in Articles, Blogs or Books.” Led by Sarah Hamaker, the presentation will focus on repurposing information, data and experiences to include in blogs and newsletters or to send to print publications. Contact sgwlzoom@gmail.com to request the Zoom link. 6:30-8 p.m. Free. www.sangabrielwriters.com

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MAY 13

APRIL 23

IMBIBE FOR DOGS WHITESTONE BREWERY

The Great Pyrs and Paws Rescue and Whitestone Brewery will hold the third annual Double Dews and Brews Fundraiser, inviting people to raise money for the nonprot organization. The brewery will donate $1 per every pint sold. The event includes rae giveaways, and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions while guests visit with dogs up for adoption. 1-3 p.m. Free. 601 E. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park. 512-765-4828. www.greatpyrsandpaws.org

Opportunities for Williamson & Burnet Counties, the local community action agency that provides Meals on Wheels services to the two- county area, is hosting its Sip & Shop fundraiser. Formerly the Style Show, this event includes a luncheon with beer and wine tastings, a fashion show featuring Sun City models, and on-site vendors. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $50 (individual), $350 (table of eight). 305 Buena Vista Drive, Marble Falls. 512-763-1400. www.owbc-tx.org

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06 MEDITATE UNDER THE MOON Flow Yoga Cedar Park will hold a full-moon yoga and sound session. The beginner-friendly event includes a night of gentle and restorative yoga, guided meditation, and sound healing with gongs and Tibetan bowls. No prior yoga experience is necessary. 7-8:30 p.m. $30 (members), $35 (nonmembers). 202 Walton Way, Ste. 200, Cedar Park. 512-260-9642. www.ªowyogatx.com 06 PARTY WITH PLANTS The Northside Plant Market, a pop-up market for plant enthusiasts, brings together local growers and artisan makers from around the Austin area. Vendors will have handmade goods and locally grown plants available, while the event also features food trucks, local drinks on tap and a kids area for families to spend the day at a local beer garden. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. The Good Lot, 2500 W. New Hope Drive, Cedar Park. www.facebook.com/northsideplantmarket 07 FLY A KITE The Cedar Park Kite Festival, which is presented by Angie Gonzalez, a Realtor with Realty Austin, will include kite ªying, food trucks, music and performances. 3-7 p.m. Free. 1901 Sun Chase Blvd., Cedar Park. 650-353-8690. https://¬.me/e/1bpf7Pud0

14 ENJOY A MOTHER’S DAY CONCERT Singer and songwriter Keith Sweat and others will perform during the Mother’s Day R&B Jam 2023 at H-E-B Center at Cedar Park. The event also features SWV, Bobby V., Case, Keke Wyatt and Day 26. 7 p.m. $58-$128. 2100 Ave. of the Stars, Cedar Park. 512-600-5000. www.hebcenter.com/events 15 PLAY IN A GOLF TOURNAMENT The 23rd annual Chamber Golf Classic, presented by Toyota of Cedar Park, is a way for local business people to relax, network and support the Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce. 11:30 a.m. (team check-in), 1 p.m. (shotgun start). $600 (teams of four). 3201 Twin Creeks Club Drive, Cedar Park. 512-260-7800. www.cedarparkchamber.org 21 WATCH A COMMUNITY CONCERT Band of the Hills is hosting a family-friendly concert at the Vista Ridge High School Auditorium to celebrate its 25th anniversary. The organization is a wind ensemble made up of more than 100 members from Cedar Park, Leander, Round Rock, Pªugerville and the surrounding area. The group will perform a variety of marches, fanfares and symphonic pieces. 3-4:30 p.m. Free. 200 S. Vista Ridge Blvd., Cedar Park. https://bandofthehills.org

LIVE MUSIC

HAUTE SPOT 1501 E. New Hope Drive, Cedar Park 512-986-7411 www.hautespot.live APRIL 21 Michael Ray 22 Lily Rose 28 The Kentucky Headhunters 29 Quiet Riot MAY 5 Ruthie Foster 6 A Tribute To The Beatles with The Eggmen 19 Cowboy Mouth SHOOTERS 601 E. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park 512-260-2060 www.shootersbilliards.net APRIL

Kenny Hada & The Others will perform at Steamer Lane Music on May 6.

COURTESY KENNY HADA & THE OTHERS

STEAMER LANE MUSIC 603 Brushy Creek Road, Cedar Park 512-431-6279 www.steamerlanemusic.com APRIL 21 Cory & Isabella with friends 22 SouthTrain Band 29 Craig Marshall MAY 6 Kenny Hada & The Others 13 Gus Miller Band 19 Frank D’Angelo with Elsewhere 32 20 Family Shiloh with Ethan Elston

21 The Genders 22 Deville ATX 28 Suede 29 Chris Ho & The Hill Country Half Timers

Find more or submit Cedar Park and Leander 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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CEDAR PARK LEANDER EDITION • APRIL 2023

TRANSPORTATION UPDATES WilCo to issue debt for 2019 road bond

UPCOMING PROJECTS

LEFT TO FINISH Of the eight uncompleted projects that need more funding from the 2019 road bond, ve are in Leander, Georgetown and Liberty Hill.

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2243

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CREEK MEADOW COVE

BY GRANT CRAWFORD

IMPROVING

Due to rising ination and construction costs, the Williamson County Commissioners Court voted March 7 to issue short-term debt to help tackle eight uncompleted projects from the 2019 road bond. After discussing possibly delaying projects from the bond—a $412 million package meant to fund road construction and expansion—the court approved a cost amount of $237.4 million for the uncompleted projects as well as overage costs on the expansion of the Williamson County Juvenile Detention Center. To help cover those expenses, the county will issue no more than $150 million in tax anticipation notes— which allows government entities to issue debt and repay it with future tax collections—this scal year. Of that amount, $70 million will go to right-of- way purchases, the price of which has skyrocketed, Precinct 2 Commissioner Cynthia Long said. “This is a unique challenge that we’ve not had—at least in the 16 years that I’ve been doing this” Long said.

HERO WAY

LEANDER RD.

2 Hero Way/RM 2243 from 183A Toll to Southwest Bypass 1 CR 175 from RM 2243 to Creek Meadow Cove

South Street & West Drive improvements

2243

SOUTHWEST BYPASS

This project in Old Town Leander will improve and widen the existing streets into three-lane undivided roads with sidewalks, curbs and gutters. The proj- ect is in the design phase. Timeline: TBD Cost: $7.8 million Funding sources: city of Leander, Capital Metro interlocal agreement funds

183A TOLL

2243

CONSTRUCTING

4 CR 214 to connect to US 183 in Liberty Hill 5 Liberty Hill Bypass to connect RM 1869 to CR 279 3 Southeast Inner Loop from Hwy. 29 to Patriot Way

PATRIOT WAY

130 TOLL

SAM HOUSTON AVE

3405

1869

332

214

183

183A TOLL

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OSAGE DR.

Ocials said the remaining funding could come from more tax anticipation notes or a future bond, for which a committee was formed March 28. 183 North project contractor outlines upcoming construction SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTYCOMMUNITY IMPACT N N

US 183 corridor study Stretching 4.4 miles from US 183A to Osage Drive, a study of US 183 in Lean- der will evaluate the existing conditions of the corridor and recommend future intersection improvements, safety zones, bridges and signals. The city is in the process of selecting a consultant to

BY CLAIRE SHOOP

in each direction between MoPac and SH 45. Pat Pluenneke, project director at Great Hills Constructors, the 183 North project’s contractor, said Phase 1 includes working in the center median of the existing road to construct the new express lanes. In February, crews were moving earth to install

drainage, putting roadbase down and widening the inside bridges. At the same time, work on frontage road sidewalks and driveways is underway, he said. Pluenneke said 2023 and 2024 will be “big years” of construction, with construction wrapping up in 2025, and the project opening in 2026.

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With construction on

conduct the study. Timeline: June-TBD Cost: $500,000

the 183 North project entering its second full year, key stakeholders held a community forum Feb. 23 to recap recent progress and highlight upcoming work on the corridor. The $612 million project will add two tolled lanes and a fourth nontolled lane

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Funding sources: city of Leander, Capital Metro interlocal agreement funds

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ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF MARCH 17. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT LCPNEWSCOMMUNITYIMPACT.COM.

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DEVELOPMENT BRIEFS

Projects underway in Cedar Park & Leander

COMPILED BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON

Cedar Park hospital expands women’s services, adds imaging center

Cedar Park Regional Medical Center opened a 2,431-square-foot Women’s Imaging Center in February, making room for comprehensive breast imaging and cancer diagnostic services. Located at 1301 Medical Parkway, the center oers ultrasonography, bone densitometry and 3D mam- mography with advanced biopsy capabilities. “We strive to provide a full continuum of wom- en’s services,” CPRMC Director of Marketing Laura Balla said in an email. “Providing a comfortable and private space for breast imaging services is very important.” Mammogram readings and bone density studies will be provided by radiologists from the Austin Radiological Association, according to a January release about the new center. The radiologists will also provide reports for the patients and their primary care physicians. If an abnormality is detected, there is a breast

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The Women's Imaging Center opened in February.

DENISE SEILERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

surgeon available who can eectively guide patients through treatment, Balla said. CPRMC’s Women’s Imaging Center was estab- lished due to the hospital’s growing service area and the importance of the early detection of breast cancer, Balla said. The new technology at the center will allow the hospital to more than double the number of women

it serves on an annual basis, she said. The center—which is housed in the pediatric specialty center just west of CPRMC—has a dedicated entrance with parking and on-site registration. “We are excited to open a center that is ded- icated to the detection of breast cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages,” CPRMC CEO Bo Beaudry said in the release.

Reagan Crossing slated for December nish

Design of Leander Senior Activity Center nears completion Design for the Leander Senior Activity Center is about 90% complete. Construction is projected to begin in late 2023 or early 2024 and last until summer 2025, ocials said. A 2011 needs assessment deter- mined a senior activity center was a medium priority for the community. In 2013, an interim center—run by Opportunities for Williamson and Burnet Counties—opened on Bagdad Road, ocials said. Funding for the permanent center was included in the May 2016 bond. It is estimated to cost $6.5 million.

as well as 510 parking spaces. Phase 2 will have additional restaurant, retail and oce space. A few businesses coming to Reagan Crossing include The Brass Tap, The Learning Center, Tea2Go TeaN’ergy, an Indian restaurant and a coee shop, according to the retail center’s developer, The Prime Developer.

Reagan Crossing—a mixed-use site at 15101 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Leander—is still under construction and scheduled to reach completion in December. Both phases of the 160,000- square-foot development will reach completion at the same time. Phase 1 consists of retail, oce and drive-thru restaurant space

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Amenities at the Senior Activity Center will include a lobby with a seating area and replace; a library with a coee cafe; a game room and large-screen TV; an activities room; a multipurpose hall; a tness center; a commercial kitchen; and special-use oces and clinics. Though its address has not yet been set up with the postal service, the new activity center will likely be located at 611 Municipal Drive, Leander, accord- ing to city ocials.

Reagan Crossing will include retail, restaurant and office space.

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CEDAR PARK LEANDER EDITION • APRIL 2023

EDUCATION Local panel reveals most teachers in Texas looking for career switch

Leander ISD sta were on a 2023 South by Southwest EDU Conference panel called “5 Year Problem: Keeping Teachers in the Classroom,” where they discussed relevant statistics and implications of teacher retention. TACKLING TEACHER RETENTION

BY GRANT CRAWFORD

Hoover, teacher specialist with educa- tion policy nonprot Raise Your Hand Texas. “It takes too long to become a teacher to have them burn out so quickly, and we can’t recruit our way out of 77% of people wanting to leave.” Teachers RYHT spoke to indicated a number of factors have led to the retention issue, including insucient stang, and a need

A statewide survey by the Charles Butt Foundation found 77% of Texas teachers have seriously considered leaving their job in the last year. This gure was presented in front of a March 7 panel with Leander ISD teachers at the 2023 South by South- west EDU Conference. Of those who

GRANT CRAWFORDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

CONSIDERING LEAVING

77% have seriously considered leaving the profession Of those, 93% have taken actionable steps to leave

have considered leaving their job, 93% have taken steps to leave the profession, such as updating their resumes or applying for a nonteaching job. This, combined with data showing almost half of all new teachers

Out of 1,291 Texas public school teachers polled in the 2022 Texas Teacher Poll by the Charles Butt Foundation, 77% of them have seriously considered leaving the profession. Of that 77%, 93% have taken actionable steps to do so.

for better salaries and benets, such as parental leave and aordable health care. The SXSW panelists called for lawmakers to bolster teachers’ work-life balance.

“I WORRY THAT IF WE DON’T BUILD UP OUR PUBLIC EDUCATION SYSTEM WITH TEACHERS AT THE HEART OF IT, WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO OUR SOCIETY?” SUSAN HANSEN, LEANDER ISD DUAL LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION COACH

TOTAL: 1,291

7% have not taken actionable steps

SOURCE: CHARLES BUTT FOUNDATIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Among LISD’s focus areas for

STEPPING AWAY

are leaving after ve years, has left advocates and educators concerned. “I worry that if we don’t build up our public education system with teachers at the heart of it, what will happen to our society?” said Susan Hansen, a dual-language instruction coach in LISD. According to advocates, there is a ve-year problem facing public education. A study by the University of Houston Education Research Center shows out of 16,517 people who started teaching in the 2011-12 school year, 43% found other careers after ve years. By the start of year 10, 59% had left the profession. “We notice our colleagues are burning out too quickly,” said JoLisa

the legislative session are amend- ments to House Bill 4545, which established requirements for accelerated instruction. Stephanie Stobie, RRISD language arts and social studies teacher, said exibility in the number of tutoring hours mandated by HB 4545 would help. The bill requires any student who does not perform well on manda- tory state tests to receive 30 additional hours of instruction in that subject per school year. “There was no nancial support; there was no time compensation,” she said. “Our policies need to be able to improve our working conditions and make our workplace somewhere we’re going to actually be able to do our job.”

The panel’s title comes from a University of Houston Education Research Center study that shows out of 16,517 people who started teaching in the 2011-12 school year, 43% found other careers after ve years.

Percentage of teachers retained

100%

After ve years, more than 40% of the teachers had left the profession

80%

60%

40%

Academic year

Source: University of Houston Education Research Center/Community Impact

Parents know their child’s education is more than just one high- stakes test on one day. Let’s prepare our students for the future, expand public school accountability, and Measure What Matters.

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NEWS BRIEFS

Local stories from Austin & Cedar Park

COMPILED BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON

Cedar Park completes Lakeline Park Phase 1 After years of preparation, the city of Cedar Park held a ribbon cutting ceremony March 24 to celebrate the opening of Lakeline Park Phase 1. “From the very beginning of our community’s origin, parks, enjoying the outdoors … has been what we’ve been about,” Mayor Jim Penniman-Morin said. Located at 1510 Alexis Drive, Cedar Park, the 100-acre park includes a 3,000-square-foot multipurpose pavil- ion, a playground, kayak and canoe

AVERY RANCH BLVD.

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Dell Children’s Medical Center North sta said the hospital has nature-themed decorations to help comfort patients. (Photos by Zacharia Washington/Community Impact)

launch and rentals, a shing pier, 4 miles of concrete trails, 10 acres of athletic elds, and 400 parking spaces plus overow. The $10.3 million Phase 1 was approved in the 2015 bond. Design work on Phase 2—which was in the 2022 bond—is included in the city’s scal year 2022-23 budget.

Dell Children’s to open north hospital

Dell Children’s Medical Center North will open at 9010 N. Lake Creek Parkway, Austin, on April 27. “We want to be that safety net and that place that they learn to trust and use for all their pediatric needs,” Associate Chief Medical Ocer Dr. Melissa Cossey said. The 187,000-square-foot hospital has four oors, each dedicated to an area of pediatric health care. On the rst oor is a Level 3 Trauma Center with 18 emergency bays, two trauma bays, an imaging center and an outpatient retail

pharmacy. Operating rooms, endos- copy suites and a sleep lab are located on the second oor of the hospital. A total of 36 hospital beds will be located on the third oor, along with a Ronald McDonald House two-bed- room suite and family respite space. “We have 24 acute care beds and 12 high-risk [pediatric intensive care unit] beds. Those can be utilized in exible manners,” Chief Administra- tive Ocer Cathy Heckenlively said. The hospital’s fourth oor has a shell space that allows for 36 more beds in the future.

Phase 1 of Lakeline Park—a $10.3 million project—has been in the works for eight years since the 2015 bond election.

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CEDAR PARK LEANDER EDITION • APRIL 2023

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

2023

LOCAL VOTER GUIDE GUIDE Candidates and information for local elections LOCAL VOTER GUIDE

COMPILED BY CLAIRE SHOOP

Residents may cast their ballot at any polling location in the county in which they are registered to vote. This means residents in the Travis County portion of the area must vote at a Travis County polling place, and residents in Williamson County must vote at a Williamson County location. Find additional information on polling locations on Page 16. SOURCES: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE, TRAVIS COUNTY CLERK, WILLIAMSON COUNTY ELECTIONS DEPARTMENTCOMMUNITY IMPACT WHERE TO VOTE

DATES TO KNOW April 24 First day of early voting

May 6 Election day May 6 Last day to receive ballot by mail (or May 8 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election)

April 25 Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) May 2 Last day of early voting

SAMPLE BALLOT

VOTER TURNOUT Travis County

LEANDER ISD BOND PROPOSITIONS

Proposition C The issuance of $13,670,000 of bonds by the Leander Independent School District for renovations to Don Tew Performing Arts Center and South Performing Arts Center and the imposition of a tax sucient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds and the cost of any credit agreements. This is a property tax increase. bonds and the cost of any credit agreements. This is a property tax increase. None of the Cedar Park City Council positions up for election are contested. Anne Du y and Kevin Harris will remain in Place 3 and Place 5, and Bobbi Hutchinson will be elected to Place 1.

Turnout

Registered voters

See Pages 18-19 for more information on the LISD bond. Proposition A The issuance of $698,330,000 of bonds by the Leander Independent School District for school facilities, the purchase of necessary sites for school facilities, buses and vehicles and the imposition of a tax sucient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds and the cost of any credit agreements. This is a property tax increase. Proposition B The issuance of $50,820,000 of bonds by the Leander Independent School District for technology equipment and technology infrastructure and the imposition of a tax sucient to pay the principal of and interest on the

May 2022

97,529

863,952

May 2021

171,391

759,272

Williamson County

May 2022

42,923

402,983

May 2021

40,512

317,836

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CEDAR PARK LEANDER EDITION • APRIL 2023

POLLING LOCATIONS

A noncomprehensive list of places to vote

COMPILED BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON

11 Anderson Mill Limited District*

*THIS POLLING LOCATION IS OPEN FOR EARLY VOTING AND ELECTION DAY VOTING. 24 Rouse High School 1222 Raider Way, Leander 25 Santa Rita Ranch - Ranch House 175 Elizabeth Park Blvd., Liberty Hill 26 Vista Ridge High School 200 S. Vista Ridge Blvd., Cedar Park Early voting will run April 24- May 2. Election Day is May 6. Early voting (Travis County) Mon.-Sat. 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. noon-6 p.m. Early voting (Williamson County) April 24-April 29 8 a.m.-6 p.m., May 1-May 2 7 a.m.-7 p.m., closed April 30. POLLING HOURS 22 Pat Bryson Municipal Hall 201 N. Brushy St., Leander 23 Randalls - Cedar Park* 1400 Cypress Creek Road, Cedar Park

TRAVIS COUNTY 1 All Nations Church 16804 Radholme Court, Round Rock 2 Balcones Woods Shopping Center* 11150 Research Blvd., Ste. 102, Austin 3 Christ Episcopal* 3520 W. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park 4 Deer Creek Elementary 2420 Zeppelin Drive, Cedar Park 5 Peace Lutheran 10625 N. RM 620, Austin 6 Randalls - Steiner Ranch* 5145 N. RM 620, Ste. A, Austin 7 River Place Elementary 6500 Sitio Del Rio Blvd., Austin 8 Spicewood Springs

11500 El Salido Parkway, Austin 12 Cedar Park Public Library* 550 Discovery Blvd., Cedar Park 13 First Baptist Church 1333 W. University Ave., Georgetown 14 Georgetown Annex* 100 Wilco Way, Georgetown 15 Georgetown City Hall 808 Martin Luther King Jr. St., Georgetown 16 Georgetown ISD Technology Building* 603 Lakeway Drive, Georgetown 17 Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex 10211 W. Parmer Lane, Austin 18 Leander Public Library Annex* 1011 S. Bagdad Road, Leander 19 Liberty Hill High School 16500 W. Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill 20 Liberty Hill ISD Gym Annex* 301 Forest St., Liberty Hill 21 The Oaks Community Center - Sun City* 301 Del Webb Blvd., Georgetown

LIBERTY HILL

GEORGETOWN

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Branch Library 8637 Spicewood Springs Road, Austin 9 Wells Branch MUD Recreation Center

3000 Shoreline Drive, Austin WILLIAMSON COUNTY 10 Allen R. Baca Center* 301 W. Bagdad Ave., Round Rock

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AUSTIN

Election day 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

VOTE NO PROP A DO YOU KNOW... LEANDER ISD’S $698 MILLION PROPERTY TAX INCREASE The Leander ISD community supports targeted bonds critical to student success

Prop A includes $161 MILLION for Long Range Plan projects which have had ZERO community input The Leander ISD Board of Trustees disregarded Superintendent Dr. Gearing's November '22 recommendation to get community input

"If we do that we rush. And, if we rush, we don't really hear what the community has to tell us." 11/15/22 Board Meeting Superintendent Gearing referring to a May '23 Bond

EARLY VOTING: Mon April 24th - Tues May 2nd ELECTION DAY: Saturday, May 6

Political advertising paid for by Leander Area Republican Women PAC, Wilco 100 PAC and Texas Parents United PAC PO Box 551, Leander, TX 78646-0551. Contributions are not federal tax deductioble as charitable constributions. Corporate Contributions Are Not Permitted.

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