Lake Travis - Westlake Edition | October 2022

The e-edition is an exact replica of the newspaper with interactive and searchable articles from all your favorite sections.

LAKE TRAVIS WESTLAKE EDITION

VOLUME 13, ISSUE 9 OCT. 13NOV. 9, 2022

Lake Travis-Westlake area trending toward a balanced housing market

Cookie Dough Cowgirl now open in Lakeway

Public Safety Day event coming to Lake Travis

VOTER GUIDE 2022

Sample ballot

New luxury homes are being built in neighborhoods such as Rough Hollow to keep up with demand for luxury housing in the Lake Travis- Westlake area. (Taylor Cripe/Community Impact)

BY TAYLOR CRIPE

months of inventory, is used to determine whether a market is a buyer, seller or balanced market. A balanced market will have around six months of inventory, according to ABoR. Anything more typically indicates a buyer’s market and any- thing less is a seller’s market. “These numbers are a breath of fresh air for a housing market that has been holding its breath,” ABoR Presi- dent Cord Shiet said in the June Central Texas Market Housing report. “The trajectory of our market over the last two years was unsustainable, and it was in no way going to last.”

increased year-over-year from 2 months to 2.9 months. “This is the most inventory we’ve had since 2018,” said Michelle Jones, an associate broker for Grossman & Jones Group. “Starting around June or July, things started to settle down. It’s a much better time for buyers to Residential inventory for the Aus- tin and Round Rock area, which began at 0.4 months in January, started to climb in the spring and peaked around July and August at 2.9 months, ABoR data showed. Housing inventory, also called be in the market.” A balanced market

After two years of an aggressive seller’s market, the residential real estate market in Lake Travis-West- lake, as well as the Greater Austin area, may nally be stabilizing, according to several real estate experts in the market. Inventory alone, a key signal of market stability, has increased sharply in the last six months, and year-over-year data from the Aus- tin Board of Realtors shows inven- tory in Lake Travis-Westlake has increased from 1.1 months in May to 3.3 months in August. For the Greater Austin and Round Rock met- ropolitan area, monthly inventory

Local orist brings hometown feel to customers

CONTINUED ON 40

Your first step to living well.

When you need care, you want it from a team you trust. With clinics conveniently located across the region, we’re always close by. You can even get care from the comfort of home through the MyBSWHealth app. It’s the care you need, when and where you need it.

Scan to find your primary care provider.

Seamless, coordinated care | Access to a network of specialists | 24/7 care management through MyBSWHealth app

Photography may include models or actors and may not represent actual patients. Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers or Baylor Scott & White Health ©2022 Baylor Scott & White Health. 53-ATX-670710-CIPrimaryCareAdGAR AM

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Curious what is selling in your neighborhood? Scan me *All prices shown are list price

ACTIVE

realtyaustin.com/p/3044088

realtyaustin.com/p/1391398

realtyaustin.com/p/6796225

realtyaustin.com/p/4080806

$875,000

$899,000

$970,000

$1,499,999

4 bds

2.5 ba 2,816 sq ft

3 bds

2 ba

2,144 sq ft

4 bds

3.5 ba 3,408 sq ft

7 bds

4 ba

4,567 sq ft

25205 Pedernales Canyon Trl, Spicewood, TX 78669 Colt Clements | 512-808-6438

2800 Manitou Dr, Austin, TX 78734 Sari Pearce | 512-516-1972

546 Canyon Rim Dr, Austin, TX 78746 Lily Clason | 512-627-4688

7421 Bonniebrook Dr, Austin, TX 78735 Kristen Jacobs | 512-657-9311

ACTIVE

realtyaustin.com/p/1071985

realtyaustin.com/p/2634306

realtyaustin.com/p/1825765

realtyaustin.com/p/5870871

$1,600,000

$1,750,000

$2,125,000

$3,000,000

4 bds

2 ba

2,074 sq ft

4 bds

3 ba

4,097 sq ft

5 bds

5.5 ba 4,750 sq ft

4 bds

4.5 ba 4,417 sq ft

1309 Edgewater Dr, Spicewood, TX 78669 Cyndi Cummings | 512-423-6782

7916 Brightman Ln, Austin, TX 78733 Sharon Murray | 512-748-3857

1905 Holiday Hills Cv, Austin, TX 78732 Susan Russell | 512-417-2220

8124 Magnolia Ridge Cv, Austin, TX 78738 Lisa Muñoz | 512-856-4549

ACTIVE

PENDING

realtyaustin.com/p/5320250

realtyaustin.com/p/3815669

realtyaustin.com/p/5274577

realtyaustin.com/p/7128994

$5,490,000

$895,000

$1,150,000

$1,750,000

3 bds

2 ba

2,414 sq ft

4 bds

2.5 ba 3,046 sq ft

4 bds

3.5 ba 3,908 sq ft

5 bds

4.5 ba 5,047 sq ft

3115 Ski Shores Ter, Austin, TX 78730 Rebecca Gindele | 512-587-3020

11902 Loomis Dr, Austin, TX 78738 Charla Housson | 512-680-4344

203 Vailco Ln, Austin, TX 78738 Damon Brown | 512-689-5723

3108 Country Lake Ct, Austin, TX 78732 Joe and Cara Keenan Team | 512-200-2469

Creative Ways to Finance Your Next House

A house is a big investment. That’s why when it comes time to start your search, you’ll want to figure out the best financing option for your situation. Did you know there are different payment options other than the traditional fixed-rate mortgage? Scan the QR code

to learn from experts about a variety of ways to pay for your home.

LAKE TRAVIS WESTLAKE EDITION • OCTOBER 2022

Come home to great savings. save up to $20K on select homes & homesites through November 15. *

When you live at Kissing Tree, every day is like a vacation. Play 18 holes. Meet up with friends in the Biergarten. Swim in the resort-style pool or the indoor lap pool. You can become part of the community as soon as you sign your contract. Our newest Texas-sized amenities are underway, with a new golf clubhouse, restaurant, and more pickleball courts coming soon! Choose your floor plan and homesite, or browse our wide selection of quick move-in homes with features and interiors planned by our design experts.

Scan the QR code or visit KissingTree.com to see available homes, or call 512-842-4902 to find out how you can save thousands.

*Minimum $40,000 spend in Design Center for Traditional Homes and $20,000 spend for Cottage Homes. Villa Homes $10,000 credit would be applied towards pre-selected options. Oer good for homes sold between September 15 and November 15, 2022. Brookfield Residential reserves the right to make modifications in materials and specifications at any time without prior notice. © 2022 Brookfield Residential Properties Inc. All rights reserved.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact Newspaper 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 30 localized editions across Texas to more than 2.4 million residential mailboxes. MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Taylor Caranfa Stover GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sabrina Musachia ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jacqueline Harris 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, Pugerville, TX 78660 • 512«989«6808 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES ltwnews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING ltwads@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 EDITOR Grace Dickens REPORTER Taylor Cripe

ANNOUNCEMENT: COMMUNITY IMPACT REBRANDING & NEWSROOM COMMITMENT

2005 Total mailboxes 60,000 1 Journalist

2015 Total mailboxes 1,495,000 40 Journalists

2022 Total mailboxes 2,450,000 75 Journalists

The CI Local Pin Incorporated into our main logo, the CI Local Pin symbolizes our focus on local and making an Impact in every community we serve.

The new mission statement is: “Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets,” which speaks to both the editorial content and business ads that our communities love and use. The vision statement was created by all Impacters and speaks to what we hope to accomplish with each day of our work: ”Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team.” There are no changes to the company’s purpose and values, and Community Impact is committed to living those out every day. CI’s purpose is: “To be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other.” The company’s values , or stones that are physically awarded internally for a job well done each month are Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity. The company’s updated logo features the signature CI red and gray, but lighter, brighter and bolder. CI also incorporated a new design element—the CI Local Pin , a simple recognizable icon—into the new logo to further solidify its focus on local news and making an impact in every community it serves. The design of the new logo more accurately reects CI’s design philosophy, Creative Director Derek Sullivan said. “Less is more—we always aim to keep it clear, clean and concise,” he said. “In addition, the new CI Local Pin helps us visually connect the main brand with our other internal and external initiatives. For example, the pin is part of our IRG logos (Impacter Resource Groups promoting equity, diversity and inclusion), and the pin is shifted upside down to become an ink drop in our new CI Printing logo." Vice President of Sales and Marketing Tess Coverman said CI’s updated name speaks to the company’s robust product line and allows for continued innovation in the future. “As new ideas come up, as long as they ¢lter through our updated mission statement and core values, we can more easily introduce them to the Community Impact audience,” she said. “For example, hosting events is a recent request by some CI Patrons as a bene¢t to the community and a new revenue stream, which we might consider in 2023.” With this brand update and newsroom expansion, CI prides itself on being the largest community journalism newsroom in the state, covering local businesses, transportation and road projects, development, health care and government.

No longer just a newspaper company, Community Impact is rebranding to better align with one of its core values: innovation.

Although many readers may know CI for its monthly, full-color print newspapers, the company is much more than just a printed newspaper. Since its inception in 2005 in the gameroom of John and Jennifer Garrett’s home in Pugerville, Texas, the company lived up to its entrepreneurial roots, creating its own in-house customer relationship management software, building a printing plant, launching email newsletters and podcasts, and expanding its reach to four Texas metros and more than 2.4 million homes. To reect its entire product line and continue to allow for future growth, the media company has changed its name from Community Impact Newspaper to Community Impact. This process began in early 2022 when leadership at CI completed a workshop with Je Hahn of Hahn Public to strategize their next innovative move. Following the workshop, CI made the decision to update its entire brand schematic, including the logo, colors, tagline, mission statement and vision statement. "Since 2005, Community Impact has been a trusted source for local news as we have built the largest community journalism news organization in Texas,” CEO and founder John Garrett said. “Our award-winning monthly newspaper and our innovative daily digital products will be the focus of the investment Jennifer and I are making in local news for—God willing—years to come. Our team is committed to helping all Texans we serve, regardless of your socioeconomic status or political aliation, to get news you can trust to help you connect to your community." In an eort to produce even more local journalism, CI has already promoted 10 editorial team members since January and will add more newsroom positions in the coming months to maintain its status as the leading newsroom in the state. A portion of this growth is attributed to local CI advertisers along with CI’s reader-funded Patron program that launched in 2020. The company plans to expand with a corporate Patron program in 2023 based on similar demand. As part of the rebrand, the company’s new tagline , News Everyone Gets, was shortened from Local. Useful. Everyone Gets It. to mirror what CI does best—simplify complex information into various news formats in a delivery method and tone accessible to anyone. Plus, CI created a new mission statement and updated its vision statement to reect both present-day and future goals.

Owners and founders John and Jennifer Garrett

communityimpact.com

Publisher Travis Baker

@impactnewsatx

@impactnews_ltw

linkedin.com/company/communityimpact

@communityimpactaustin

Proudly printed by

Open 9am – 9pm, 7 days a week nextlevelurgentcare.com BECAUSE STICKS AND STONES DO BREAK BONES.

Bee Cave 15500 State Hwy 71 Bee Cave, TX 78738

LAKE TRAVIS « WESTLAKE EDITION • OCTOBER 2022

2769

IMPACTS

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

LAKE TRAVIS

TRAIL OF THE WOODS

2222

620

W. BEACH RD.

12B

15B

620

Cookie Dough Cowgirl

STEINER RANCH BLVD.

LAKEWAY BLVD.

TAYLOR CRIPE£COMMUNITY IMPACT

LAKEWAY

WILSON PARKE AVE.

620

Hollow. Hacienda Heights consists of 15 new custom homesites, one 18-acre site with a private drive and a neighborhood pocket park. 512-617-1776. www.roughhollowrealty.com 6 Shield Ranch , located at the center of the Barton Creek watershed 18 miles southwest of downtown Austin in Travis and Hays counties, opened a new sustainably designed campsite Sept. 24 at 10417 Crumley Ranch Road, Austin. The campsite will be used for Camp El Ranchito and year-round nature-immersion programming for community groups. It is available by reservation for nonprots and mission- aligned businesses. 512-476-4816. www.shieldranch.com 7 Simply Ramen and Gyoza is a Vietnamese and Asian restaurant that opened Sept. 23 at 12918 Shops Parkway, Ste. 300, Bee Cave. Several of its featured menu items include karaage, or Japanese fried chicken; chashu pork; and Simply Gyoza, which are Japanese pan-fried dumplings. The menu also features a number of ramen soup dishes. Simply Ramen and Gyoza is under the same owners as Simply Pho, which has locations in Dripping Springs, Bee Cave and Marble Falls. 512-433-6773. www.simplyramenhouse.com 8 Starbucks reopened at Barton Creek Square at 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin. Starbucks closed the location in early 2020, according to a spokesperson for the company. Simon Malls and Star- bucks reopened the location in August as a licensed store, meaning Simon Malls owns the store, but baristas go through Starbucks training. 512-580-3181. www.starbucks.com

ROCK HARBOUR DR.

12A

HIGHLANDS BLVD.

LOHMANS CROSSING RD.

EMMA LONG PARK

COMMONS FORD RANCH

SERENE HILLS DR.

WEST LAKE HILLS

N. CUERNAVACA DR.

360

ROLLINGWOOD

SHOPS PKWY.

BARTON CREEK HABITAT PRESERVE

15A

CRUMLEY RANCH RD.

BEE CAVE

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

NOW OPEN 1 Cookie Dough Cowgirl opened Sept. 1 at 1310 RM 620, Ste. A6, Lakeway. The store features several Western-themed cookies, such as Sadie’s Strawberry and Texas Toee. Cookie Dough Cowgirl also sells a variety of sweets and beverages at its Lakeway location. The shop is owned by Leslie Abraham Perkins. 737-293-4476. 2 Crumbl Cookies , a cookie shop with over 264 locations in 36 states, opened a shop at 3944 S. RM 620, Ste. 120, Bee Cave, in early September.

4 Las Palapas , a Mexican cuisine-style restaurant with over 20 locations in Cen- tral Texas, opened its rst Austin location in mid-August at 7409 N. RM 620, Austin. Menu items include enchiladas, taco plates and breakfast tacos. Las Palapas opened its rst location in San Antonio in 1981. 512-520-8086. www.laspalapas.com 5 The newly formed Rough Hollow Realty group, located at 903 Highlands Blvd., Austin, announced its launch in September and is managing the marketing and custom homesite sales for Hacienda Heights, a new multimillion- dollar hilltop neighborhood in Rough

The shop rotates four to ve specialty avors weekly, such as caramel apple, pumpkin roll and pink sugar. Crumbl oers delivery, catering, pickup and curbside pickup. 737-260-3030. www.crumblcookies.com 3 Private equity rm Island Sky Investments opened its doors in Bee Cave on Sept. 1 at 11614 Bee Caves Road, Ste. 250, Austin. The rm operates a variety of investment opportunities, including for luxury coastal resort- style projects in both the United States and foreign tropical destinations. 512-761-3377. www.islandsky.io

MINIMALLY INVASIVE VARICOSE VEIN TREATMENT 5126141025

SOUTHAUSTINVEIN.COM

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

COMPILED BY TAYLOR CRIPE

Swish Dental

Cyced

GRACE DICKENS£COMMUNITY IMPACT

COURTESY SARA AND ALI GOLSHANI

9 The rst Bee Cave location of Swish Dental is set to open in either late October or early November at 3944 RM 620, Bldg. 3, Ste. 140, Bee Cave. Swish Dental oers a range of dental services, including general and family dentistry, Invisalign, teeth whitening and oral surgeries. The company was founded by Dr. Viraj Desai. 512-265-7761. www.swishsmiles.com New moving company Armadillo Moving Co. opened Sept. 1 and is providing moving services to Austin and all surrounding communities. Armadillo Moving Co. provides moving services both with and without a truck required for Central Texas as well as storage services. The company will also be providing junk removal services in the near future. 512-730-1121. www.armadillomovingco.com 10 XSpace, a new condominium complex outside of Lakeway at 4229 N. RM 620, Austin, began operation in August and will hold its grand opening on Oct. 13. While the complex oers additional space for nearby residents, tenants can also use their units as home o¤ces and space to kickstart their own companies, among other endeavors. 512-684-3805. www.xspacegroup.com COMING SOON 11 Cyced , an immersive indoor cycling studio, will open to the public in early December at 15500 W. Hwy. 71, Ste. 140, Bee Cave. Owners Sara and Ali Golshani are dentists who own a practice called Serene Hills Dentistry in Lakeway. Sara was previously a cycling instructor and

said she has been passionate about the industry for years. The studio is an immersive rhythmic indoor cycling studio with dramatic interiors and theatrical lighting. 512-351-7900. www.cyced.com 12 Purewash will open two new express car wash locations in Lakeway and Steiner Ranch with plans to be ready for business next summer. The Lakeway location will be at A 1501 RM 620, Lakeway, and the Steiner Ranch car wash location will be at B 5145 RM 620, Austin. 512-539-6561. www.purewashtx.com 13 A new location of the YMCA is expected to open in early 2024 near Four Points, 8124 N. RM 620, Austin. The 9-acre facility, which used to be a children’s learning and child care center, will include 55,000 square feet of programmable space as well as provide health and wellness programs, recreational programs, and education, enrichment and care for kids. Concordia University is also expected to break ground on a new athletic complex in early 2023. The complex will include a soccer stadium, track and eld facilities, and a tennis court. Plans include using these facilities as part of a partnership with the YMCA. www.fourpointsymca.org ANNIVERSARIES 14 Lakeway Health & Wellness , a chiropractic center at 2121 Lohmans Crossing Road, Ste. 508, Lakeway, will be celebrating its 10-year anniversary Nov. 1. Dustin Ferrell, who opened the practice in 2012, has been a chiropractor for over 22 years. Services include care for back pain, neck pain, sciatic nerve pain,

Laurel, a new eatery that opened Sept. 26 at Hotel Granduca, features Italian food.

COURTESY HOTEL GRANDUCA AUSTIN

FEATURED IMPACT NOW OPEN Pacic Hospitality Group’s Hotel Granduca Austin opened an Italian eatery on its property at 320 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., West Lake Hills, on Sept. 26. The restaurant, called Laurel , features a patio and bar. The menu at Laurel showcases ingredients from the Texas Hill Country while drawing inspiration from Italian coastal cuisine and adding a modern air, according to a press release from Hotel Granduca. Laurel’s Executive Chef Tommy Suddeth Jr. has extensive culinary experience working at hotels such as the Marriott, Hyatt, Wyndham and Horseshoe Bay Resort, the press release said. “I have spent my career working in various hotels, but this is the most exciting project that I’ve been a part and sports- or accident-related injuries. 512-605-0400. www.lakewayhealth.com 15 The Austin Diagnostic Clinic will celebrate its 70th anniversary Oct. 22. The clinic, which has locations throughout Austin, opened in 1952. The clinic oers services for multiple medical needs, including audiology, chronic care, dermatology, family services, pediatrics, neurology, rehabilitation, obstetrics and gynecology, and a variety of other

of. I’m proud to bring a new signature restaurant like Laurel from the ground up to the Austin community,” Suddeth said. Laurel oers breakfast, lunch and dinner with menu options for children and adults. 512- 306-6400 www.granducaaustin.com/restaurant- austin/laurel-restaurant

WILD BASIN RD.

360

services. ADC has locations in Westlake at A 1250 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Bldg. 3, West Lake Hills and Steiner Ranch at B 5145 N. RM 620, Austin. 512-901-1111. www.adclinic.com CLOSINGS 16 Vincent’s on the Lake , a Lake Travis waterfront dining location at 5973 Hiline Road, Austin, closed Sept. 30.

TIME TO SHINE! TEXARTS ACADEMY

Offering Broadway Level Training in Lakeway!

Youth Productions Ballet Jazz Tap

Theatre TV/Film Voice Hip Hop and more!

TEX-ARTS.ORG • 512.852.9079 EXT. 104 See our Fall Schedule and Enroll at

LAKE TRAVIS WESTLAKE EDITION • OCTOBER 2022

TODO LIST

October & November events

OCTOBER 19 THROUGH 27

PARTICIPATE IN A

HOUSE PARADE Hosted by the Steiner Ranch Home Owners Association, this event encourages participants to vote for their favorite “spooktacular” house by choosing a self- guided Halloween house parade route to drive, bike or walk. Votes are due online Oct. 27 by 11:59 p.m. Categories will include most spooky, most fun and most creative. Voting opens Oct. 17 at midnight. Free. Addresses for the event will be announced closer to the starting date. https://sites.google.com/view/steiner- ranch-halloween-event/home 22 ATTEND A FALL CONCERT Join other music lovers at the Hill Country Galleria for a Saturday night concert series. The last fall event will be held Oct. 22 and features Vallejo. The series is hosted by Austin City Limits Radio. Eventgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket to lounge on the lawn during the show. 7-9 p.m. Free. 12700 Hill Country Blvd., Bee Cave. www.hillcountrygalleria.com 23 ENJOY A PARK CONCERT Band of the Hills, a percussion ensemble, will perform in Lakeway in late October as part of its Concert in the Park Series. Directed by Bob Dalrymple, Maegan Schneider and Mark Slater, there will be over 100 musicians playing

OCT. 22

SIP WHILE YOU SHOP IRON WOLF RANCH & DISTILLERY

OCT. 22

SHOP AT A YARD SALE SPICEWOOD COMMUNITY LIBRARY

Community members are invited to attend an outdoor market at the Iron Wolf Ranch & Distillery. Attendees will be able to shop from dozens of unique craft vendors while sipping specialty cocktails and enjoying live music by Kelly Green and Violet Lea of the band Madam Radar. Noon-6 p.m. Free. 101 CR 409, Spicewood. 512-970-3203. www.ironwolfranch.com

Spicewood Community Library will hold its annual fall yard sale. Items sold will include household items, small appliances, home decor, books and furniture. All items are clean and gently used, and all proceeds from the yard sale will support the library. 8 a.m.-noon. Free. 1011 Spur 19, Spicewood. 830-693-7892. www.spicewoodlibrary.org

percussion instruments. Eventgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or a chair to enjoy the experience. 4-5 p.m. Free. The Hurst Creek Sculpture Garden, 104 Cross Creek, Lakeway. 512-577-0909. www.bandofthehills.org 26 EAT LUNCH WITH THE MAYOR Bee Cave citizens will have the chance to eat and discuss community politics with Bee Cave Mayor Kara King during a luncheon hosted by the Bee Cave Chamber of Commerce. Registration

children and adults. Aarons lives in Austin with her family. 7 p.m. Free. Bee Cave City Hall, 4000 Galleria Parkway, Bee Cave. 512-767-6620. www.laketravisreads.org 28 THROUGH NOV. 6 ENJOY TEXAS MUSIC Lucktoberfest 2022 is a 10-day event that showcases an array of themed music, food and artisan experiences showing the cultural patchwork of Texas. The event is 21 and up unless accompanied by a legal guardian or parent. Doors open at 5 p.m.

is required for the event. 11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. $20 (chamber member), $30 (guest). Sonesta Bee Cave Hotel, 12525 Bee Cave Parkway. 361-358-3267. www.beecavechamberofcommerce.com 27 MEET A PUBLISHED AUTHOR Book lovers can convene at the Bee Cave Public Library in October to meet Wendi Aarons, an award-winning author who has appeared in publications such as the Wall Street Journal . She both speaks on and teaches humor writing to

A Haven Among the Hills New Day Spa Open in West Lake Hills Skin – Body – Massage

SpaViata.com • 512-306-6434 320 • S Capital of Texas Hwy, West Lake Hills, TX 78746

SEPT 29 - OCT 22

ON TWO OR MORE BOTTLES OF SOURCED WINE *

IN-STORE & ONLINE

SCAN TO SHOP OUR CURRENT SPECIALS

TWINLIQUORS.COM

*Twin Sourced Wine Sale runs 9/29/2022-10/22/2022. Valid on featured products. Sale items can be shopped in-store and online at www.twinliquors.com. Selection varies by store. Items and prices subject to change without notice. No further discount on Sale Items, Final Few, or Closeouts. Some exclusions apply. Please drink responsibly.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

COMPILED BY TAYLOR CRIPE

NOV. 11

HONOR AMERICA’S HEROES LAKEWAY ACTIVITY CENTER

The city of Lakeway will hold its Veterans Day Ceremony at the Lakeway Activity Center. The event will honor military members who served in the United States armed forces. 11 a.m-noon. Free. Lakeway Activity Center, 105 Cross Creek. 512-314-7500. www.lakeway-tx.gov/1426/Veterans-Day-Ceremony

03 THROUGH 05 WITNESS SOME NUNSENSE The Lakeway Players will host three showings of “Nunsense,” a musical comedy by Dan Goggin about the misadventures of §ve nuns trying to manage a fundraiser. Guests are invited to bring their own food and drink. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and each ticket sold comes with assigned table seating with up to 10 seats per table. 7:30 p.m. $25. 105 Cross Creek, Lakeway. 512-261-1010. www.lakeway-tx.gov/activity-catalog 05 THROUGH 06 READ YOUR WAY THROUGH A FESTIVAL The 27th annual Texas Book Festival will be live this year, after two years of virtual and hybrid events. The Festival Weekend includes acclaimed authors at readings, panel discussions, book signings, exhibitor booths, food vendors, Central Market cooking and other various family activities. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Sat.), 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. (Sun.). Free. Various locations. www.texasbookfestival.org 05 CELEBRATE WITH A SMILE The Austin Plastic Surgery Foundation is celebrating its 36th year with its Wish Upon a Smile Gala. The event will feature a musical performance by blues and soul band Tomar and the FCs, alongside live and silent auctions, a cocktail reception, photo booth and more. 5:30 p.m. $300 per ticket. The Oasis, 6550 Comanche Trail, Austin. 512-451-9300. www.one.bidpal.net/ wish2022 05 HAVE FUN AT A FESTIVAL Wade’s Army will host a fall- themed family festival. The festival will have live music and food trucks available for all guests. Children’s tickets will include access to pony rides, archery, arts and crafts, a pottery station, face painting, a cookie-decorating station and various other activities. Tickets will also include a pizza and drink combo. 4-8 p.m. Free (adults), $42 (children). Bee Cave Riding Center, 15740 Hamilton Pool Road, Austin. www.wadesarmy.org/events 08 START CHRISTMAS SHOPPING Ladies of Charity Lake Travis Thrift Shop will be transformed into a

(Mon.-Fri.) and noon (Sat.-Sun.). $35 (daily admission), $100 (weeklong passes), $25 (parking). Luck Ranch, 1100 Bee Creek Road, Spicewood. www.lucktoberfest.com 29 EXPERIENCE A NIGHTMARISH SYMPHONY The Lake Travis High School Chamber Orchestra will perform “ Nosferatu ,” a symphony of horror based on Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula. The 1922 silent §lm, which began as a silent German Expressionist horror §lm, turns 100 this year. Guests are encouraged to dress up as vampires for a costume contest. 7-9 p.m. $5 (per person). Lakeway Activity Center, 105 Cross Creek. 512-261-1010. www.lakeway-tx.gov/calendar 29 ROCK OUT REDNECK STYLE Hosted by Iron Wolf Ranch & Distillery, Dean Seltzer of the Redneck Mothers will bring his “high-energy redneck rock & roll” concert to the distillery. The concert will feature his new album, “Lady Luck.” There will be food, specialty cocktails and mocktails, yard games and more during the event. 2-5 p.m. Free. 101 CR 409, Spicewood. 512-970-3203. www.ironwolfranch.com 31 ATTEND A PUMPKIN PARADE Lake Travis Community Library will host a spooky library parade. Children are encouraged to wear a costume and parade around the library to visit di¨erent spooky stations. The library will provide sweets, snacks, treats and prizes. 10-11 a.m. Free. Lake Travis Community Library, 1938 Lohmans Crossing, Austin. 512-263-2885. www.laketravislibrary.org NOVEMBER 02 SPEED DATE WITH LOCAL AUTHORS Bee Cave Public Library will host a meet and greet for book enthusiasts and local authors. There will be writers of science §ction, self-help, thrillers, young adult and other genres. Guests can hear the authors share their works while purchasing a treat or early Christmas present from the library. 1-2 p.m. Free. 4000 Galleria Parkway, Bee Cave. 512-767-6620. www.beecavetexas. gov/city-government/library

Public Safety Day allows the community to connect with several local safety ocials.

COURTESY CITY OF LAKEWAY

FEATURED EVENT LEARN ABOUT PUBLIC SAFETY OCT. 29 The Lake Travis annual Public Safety Day provides an opportunity for the community to interact with rst responders while learning about tools and resources to keep their family safe. Dierent Central Texas agencies will bring helicopters, police cars, motorcycles, ambulances, re trucks, rescue boats, ATVs, K9s, horses, wildland re mitigation equipment, incident command centers, SWAT apparatus, casualty tents and buses for the public to enjoy while learning winter wonderland theme for a one- day special event to kick o¨ the holiday season. The store will have Christmas trees, wreaths, ornaments, Christmas dishes, lights and other miscellaneous items for sale. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free admission. Lake Travis Thrift Shop, 440 Medical Parkway, Lakeway. 512-263-0314. www.laketravisthrift.com 13 EXPERIENCE A CLASSIC BALLET Presented by the Austin Metamorphosis Dance Ensemble, a performance of “The Nutcracker” will be held at the Lakeway Activity Center. Guests will enjoy a famous ballet performance §rst composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1892. 4-5 p.m. Free. Lakeway Activity Center, 105 Cross Creek. 512-577-0909. www.lakewayartsdistrict.com 14 PUT YOUR DANCING SHOES ON Presented by the Lakeway Arts Committee, the 17-piece Republic of

about safety. Kid-friendly activities and live music will also be available for eventgoers. 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Free. Lake Travis Elementary School parking lot 15303 Kollmeyer Drive, Lakeway 512-314-7500 www.lakeway-tx.gov/529/ Public-Safety-Day

O REILLY DR.

620

Texas Big Band will perform a concert featuring David Cummings and Lisa Clark on vocals. Guests are encouraged to bring their dancing shoes, beverages and snacks to swing and dance to a big band orchestra. 7-9 p.m. Free. Lakeway Activity Center, 105 Cross Creek, Lakeway. 512- 261-1010. www.lakeway-tx.gov/1880/ Big-Band-Bash 19 CAST A SPELL All young wizards and witches are invited to the BeeTweens Wizard Workshop at the Bee Cave Public Library. Available for children from fourth to sixth grade, all attendees will get a chance to discover “all things mystical and magical,” peer into a crystal ball, learn to read minds, and create spells and potions. 2-3 p.m. Free. 4000 Galleria Parkway, Bee Cave. 512-767-6620. www.beecavetexas.gov/ city-government/library

Find more or submit Lake Travis-Westlake 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.

LAKE TRAVIS WESTLAKE EDITION • OCTOBER 2022

15101 JOSEPH DRIVE

$1,599,000 | 4 BED | 3 BATH | 3,300 SQFT

#1 TEAM AT COMPASS AUSTIN | LUXURY LEAGUE | GROSSMAN & JONES GROUP | LUXEHOMESAUSTIN.COM

All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. All measurements and square footages are approximate, but not guaranteed and should be independently verified. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage. Compass is a licensed real estate broker. Equal Housing Opportunity.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

TRANSPORTATION UPDATES Loop 360 project continues, new lane closures anticipated

COMPILED BY TAYLOR CRIPE

ONGOING PROJECTS

PHASE 1 OVERVIEW The Loop 360 project at Westlake Drive and Cedar Street includes three main changes to the area.

HAMILTON POOL RD.

Addition of shared-use paths for bicycles and pedestrians Construction of underpass where Loop 360 conjoins with cross roads Removal of trac signals from trac main lanes

Lane closures are expected with the ongoing Loop 360 safety and mobility project undergoing work at Westlake Drive and Cedar Street, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. Work began in June on the project, which will remove tra c signals from the main lanes and construct underpasses where Loop 360 conjoins with the crossroads at Westlake Drive and Cedar Street. The project will also add shared-use paths for bicycles and pedestrians, which will result in over three miles of shared-use paths within the project’s limits, according to TxDOT. Next steps of the Westlake Drive/ Cedar Street project include the

southbound main lanes will be wid- ened. The next phase of the project at Courtyard Drive and RM 2222 is projected to begin in summer 2026. Bradley Wheelis, public information o cer for TxDOT, told Community Impact the starting date is contingent on construction funding for the road. The Courtyard and RM 2222 portion of Loop 360 is projected to take two to three years to complete and will cost approximately $58.7 million, Wheelis said. The majority of the funds will come from TxDOT, with several million also being provided by the Austin 2016 Mobility Bond. Several improvements will be

CRUMLEY RANCH RD.

REGIONAL PROJECTS Hamilton Pool Road widening Crews have installed most of the culvert crossings and are now in the widening stages to create the contin- uous center turn lane and construct shoulders from Hwy. 71 to RM 12. Timeline: late 2021-late 2023 Cost: $13.7 million Funding sources: TxDOT, Travis County

SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

CEDAR ST.

183

HYRIDGE DR.

360

construction of the northbound and southbound connector roads, drain- age systems and shared use paths. Following this, the underpasses will be built and the northbound and New tra c patterns expected ahead of Hwy. 71 expansion Work will begin on Travis County lines. WESTLAKE DR. made to RM 2222, including a new diverging diamond interchange, designed to deal with heavy volumes of left-turning tra c. Regular updates on closures can be found on the project’s website, www.loop360project.com.

MOPAC

STECK AVE.

ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF SEPT. 28. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT LTWNEWSCOMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. Timeline: 2022-26 Cost: $612 million Funding sources: Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, TxDOT 183 North Mobility Project Starting in April, crews began surface grinding work on the US 183 main lanes as a part of Phase 1 in a mul- tiphased approach to resurface the existing roadway along the 183 North Mobility Project corridor. Through January, a continuous closure will occur on the right lane of the south- bound MoPac frontage road between Hyridge Drive and Steck Ave.

will shift to the eastbound direction, which is expected to be complete in summer 2024. For the Burnet County project at RM 2322 and Pace Bend, crews are cur- rently extending drainage structures. The cost is $8.8 million and the antic- ipated project completion date is summer 2024.

a Hwy. 71 widening project in October, following preparation work started in May, said Bradley Wheelis, public information o cer with the Texas Department of Transportation. The project covers 3.4 miles of road between Pace Bend Road and the Blanco/

Costing $14.6 million, the Travis and Blanco County line portion of the project will begin with the westbound direction rst, with expected completion in summer 2023. Drivers will have a new tra c pattern with one lane in each direction and a center turn lane. After that, crews

PALEFACE RANCH RD.

PEDERNALES RIVER

2322

LAKE TRAVIS WESTLAKE EDITION • OCTOBER 2022

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

ENVIRONMENT Counties, advocates calling for updated water management

Lowering LAKE

Even with rainfall in August and September, Lake Travis is continuing to see low water levels. On Oct. 10, Lake Travis was 22.75 feet below the historical October average.

664.64 ft.

620.35 ft.

641.89 ft.

BY GRACE DICKENS

Central Texas, according to county documents. While approval of these resolu- tions did not yield a direct response from the LCRA, growing support on the county level shows citizens are getting serious about water, CTWC President Jo Karr Tedder said. “People don’t tend to pay atten- tion until it hits home,” Tedder said. “That’s why we started reaching out to get LCRA to look at their Water Management Plan now, because when you’re in a drought, you can see the aws. The Water Manage- ment Plan is not protective enough.” Water is released from Lake Travis and Lake Buchanan for use by cities, businesses, industries and downstream farmers. In a drought, downstream farmers are the rst to be cut o as the plan seeks to secure water for those utilizing it for day-to-day use. To conserve water, the LCRA announced in July that it will not provide water downstream irrigators for the growing season from August through mid-October. The LCRA has a number of rules in place to ensure there is enough available water for local use, said John Hofmann, LCRA’s executive vice president of water at the Aug. 16 meeting. “People wonder, what if it’s drier than what you had planned for; what if the growth happens faster or the water demands manifest more quickly than expected. I’m happy to say the plan accounts for that as well,” Hofmann said. “If we reach

Following months of drought, resolutions went before four local counties in July and August asking the Lower Colorado River Authority to update its Water Management Plan, which outlines measures for conservation in drought conditions. The LCRA manages the water in the Highland Lakes, six bodies of water in central Texas including Lake Travis. The Water Management Plan was rst approved in 1989 and has been updated every ve years since 2010. The plan’s next scheduled update is set for 2025, but county ocials and water advocate groups such as the Central Texas Water Coalition are pushing to update the plan sooner. Resolutions passed by Travis and Burnet counties in July called for the modernization of the Water Manage- ment Plan to account for decreasing amounts of water owing into the lakes, which was the second lowest amount on record in August, accord- ing to the LCRA’s most recent Water Operations Committee meeting. The amount of inows in August repre- sented less than 1% of the long-term average, said Kelly Payne, LCRA’s vice president of water operations. Evaporation is also higher than the annual average, but below 2011 levels when Texas was in historic drought. Additionally, the resolutions addressed the unprecedented amount of future population growth and subsequent strain on existing water resources anticipated in

Historical Average

Historical Low

Current Level

SOURCE: LOWER COLORADO RIVER AUTHORITYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Rising DEMAND As the population in Travis County grows, demand for water is expected to rise.

July 19 Travis County approves resolution asking for update to plan July 26 Burnet County approves resolution asking for update to plan Aug. 9 Hays County denies resolution asking for update to plan Aug. 2 Williamson County denies resolution asking for update to plan Oct. 13 LCRA completes annual review of plan Asking FOR REVIEW Several resolutions have gone before local commissioners courts requesting the Lower Colorado River Authority update its Water Management Plan to increase conservation.

Demand

Existing supply

2020

2030

2040

2050

2060

2070

0 40B 80B

120B 160B

Billions of gallons

SOURCES: BURNET, HAYS, TRAVIS AND WILLIAMSON COUNTIES; LOWER COLORADO RIVER AUTHORITYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: TEXAS WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

those [usage] triggers, we’ll do what the [Texas Commission on Environ- mental Quality] directed us to do and update the plan.” The LCRA will complete an annual review of its plan Oct. 13. Though no

action may be taken following the review, Tedder said the upcoming legislative session in Texas begin- ning in January will present some opportunities to critically evaluate water usage and conservation.

LAKE TRAVIS WESTLAKE EDITION • OCTOBER 2022

A Noticeably Different, Noticeably Better Neighbor

Your Family. Our Team. Good Health.

Our Services Preventive Health Care Diabetes Management Weight Loss Programs Same Day Availability Online Self Booking

For over 35 years, we've strived to ensure every patient is cared for like family. We offer an array of services across our 6 locations, making health care accessible and available.

TDS provides the highest quality of Trash, Recycle and Compost Collection Services for your home.

Virtual Visits AcuteCare

Scan to learn more about the Waste Wizard tool and download the app.

pfpdocs.com @pfpdocs

737-236-7067 | TexasDisposal.com

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Did you know Lake Travis ISD is expected to grow 33% by 2031? The bond proposal was developed to meet the modern educational needs of every student.

Pass or fail, tax rate will remain 19.54¢ lower than it was in 2018

Our tax rate is one of the lowest among all fast-growth districts in the area

Impact on Lake Travis ISD property tax rate: NO INCREASE

IMPORTANT NOTICE. A new state law requires all school bond propositions to include ballot language that reads, “This is a property tax increase.” However, this bond proposal will not increase the property tax rate for homeowners or businesses.

Early Voting is October 24 – November 4 Election Day is Tuesday, November 8

For more information, visit www.ltisdschools.org or scan the QR code.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

NEWS BRIEFS

News from the Lake Travis-Westlake area

Tuscan Village to provide housing for all ages

Changes to the Tuscan Village development were approved Sept. 19 to allow all ages.

210 apartments 21 cluster cottages MIXED AGE HOUSING

BY TAYLOR CRIPE

Several residents said they were concerned about the age restriction being removed from the PUD, as it would likely generate more trac on the main street. “Kids are going to live there if you drop the restriction,” Lakeway resident Nina Davis said. “If you drop it from age 55 it’s going to be a lot more dense with a lot more trac, and that area really cannot tolerate that. It’s a perfect place for senior living, and I would hate for our senior community to be denied that.” The multifamily apartments will consist of one- and two-bedroom apartments. Those apartments and the cluster cottages will all be available for rent once building is complete. The developer said there will likely be a separate building for the age 55-plus restricted apartments.

The Tuscan Village planned unit development, or PUD, will now have housing for all ages fol- lowing action taken at the Sept. 19 Lakeway City Council meeting. The original PUD brought before the Lakeway Zoning and Planning Commission in August had an age restriction of 55 for all 210 apartments and 21 cluster cottages. As of the Sept. 19 meeting, half of the housing will now be reserved for age 55 and over, and the rest will be open to all ages, according to city documents. On Sept. 7, Carlson, Brigance, & Doering engi- neers reapplied on behalf of the owner HSDLake- way Holdings to consider having the age restriction removed to provide more working-class housing to the area.

LOHMANS SPUR RD.

50% for age 55 and up 50% for below age 55

620

SOURCE: CITY OF LAKEWAY COMMUNITY IMPACT

The amended PUD also approves changes to the street, sidewalks and a shared-use path. For the street, the developer has agreed to build a four-lane divided cross section with a 5-foot wide sidewalk on the west side and a 10-foot shared-use path on the east side, according to the city. The developers are targeting mid-November for breaking ground on the PUD.

Options considered as Austin Energy customers face rate hikes

BY BEN THOMPSON

RISING RATES The increased rates from Austin Energy could result in the average customer paying over $420 dollars more a year.

Austin Energy customers are facing the rst increase to their base electricity rates in a decade. AE’s base rate covers the city elec- tric utility’s operations costs. AE’s current rate system is split into ve tiers, which reward customers for less power usage. Proposed changes compress the residential rate tiers from ve to three and bump AE’s xed monthly customer service charge from $10 to $25. The proposed 7.6% base rate increase would cost the average res- ident $15.56 more on their monthly power bill—nearly $187 per year— bringing $48 million more in annual

620

+150%

base rate increase 7.6% $15.56 more for average resident monthly

$25

The location opened Oct. 6.

$20

additional separate monthly charge

COURTESY TRAVIS COUNTY TAX OFFICE

total increase in average customer annual bill

$10

$420+

Travis County Tax OceopensoRM620

$48M more in revenue for Austin Energy

Current rate

Proposed rate

SOURCE: AUSTIN ENERGYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

BY SUMAIYA MALIK

If passed, a typical AE customer could see their annual utility bills spike by more than $420.

revenue. The city utility is planning a separate rate hike that could add $20 to residents’ monthly bills.

A Travis County Tax Oce opened at 8110 N. RM 620 in Northwest Austin on Oct. 6. The over 4,000-square-foot facility is located at the southwest corner of RM 620 and Wilson Parke Avenue. A three-lane drive-thru allows residents to receive customer service from their car. The lobby is equipped with ve transac- tion stations and seating for 42 people. “This is a big deal for the more than 350,000 residents in my precinct, many who found themselves having to travel 20 to 30 miles to reach a tax oce loca- tion,” Precinct 3 County Commissioner Ann Howard said. In September 2021, the Travis County Commissioners Court approved the purchase of the RM 620 location, which was previously a bank building. The county spent about $400,000 on building renovations.

Bee Cave takes rst steps toward new public library

UPGRADING THE LIBRARY The new library will be almost ve times larger than the existing library and oer several amenities to residents. 24,000 square feet 45,000 books

3-story building Laptop docking work stations

BY TAYLOR CRIPE

Construction for a new Bee Cave public library is one step closer after City Council approved measures allowing the city to begin searching for architectural rms and a construction manager to oversee the project at the Sept. 27 meeting. City sta¤ are recommending the nal location of the library be considered. The new library is tentatively set for The Backyard development, a new multiuse development area projected to open in 2024 west of Bee Cave Central Park. Bee Cave City Manager Clint Garza said the city had

O ces for administrative use

Individual study rooms

SOURCE: CITY OF BEE CAVECOMMUNITY IMPACT

already received proposals from di¤erent rms wanting to do construction and expects to get some for architec- ture soon as well. More development plans will likely not be available for library planning until January.

LAKE TRAVIS WESTLAKE EDITION • OCTOBER 2022

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26-27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52

communityimpact.com