Cedar Park - Far Northwest Austin Edition | June 2024

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Cedar Park Far Northwest Austin Edition VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2 JUNE 13JULY 12, 2024

2024 Health Care Edition

Joanna Meley, a certied nurse practitioner at direct primary care clinic Impact Family Wellness in Cedar Park, discusses treatment options with a patient.

COURTESY IMPACT FAMILY WELLNESS Providers, patients seek dierent model of care

forth with third-party payers, such as insurance. “I got to a point with our insurance where everything was like, bill, bill, bill, after you go to the doctor,” she said. “I pay this membership fee, and ... I can go in, and I know what it’s going to cost.”

subscription-based provider with clinics in Cedar Park, Liberty Hill and Thorndale—to fulll her primary health care needs and avoid surprise bills. Called direct primary care, this model involves patients paying a monthly membership fee to their providers, and can eliminate some of the back and

BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON

Years of receiving care from a traditional doctor’s oce and receiving bill after bill from her health insurance company left Cedar Park resident Mandy Botts looking for an alternative option for health care. Botts said she now uses Impact Family Wellness—a

CONTINUED ON 30

Also in this issue Education: Leander ISD shifts dyslexia services to be under special education (Page 15)

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Development: Construction delayed on Shop LC’s Cedar Park headquarters (Page 19)

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Austin is in STAGE 2 DROUGHT Water Restrictions

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6 Automatic irrigation and hose-end sprinkler watering is restricted to one day per week. 6 Automatic irrigation watering times are before 5 a.m. or after 7 p.m. The runtime is reduced by 3 hours with cutoff at 5 a.m. instead of 8 a.m. 6 Hose-end sprinkler watering times are before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m. 6 Hand watering or watering with a refillable receptacle such as a bucket is allowed on any day or time.

6 Water waste is prohibited. 6 Restaurants may serve water only upon request. 6 Charity car washes are prohibited, and home car washing is only allowed while using a bucket. 6 Patio misters at commercial properties, including restaurants and bars, may operate only between 4 p.m. and midnight. 6 Large ornamental fountains can no longer be operated. 6 New landscape variance required for watering outside of scheduled day

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Impacts

and more, a store representative said. The business is operated by Ashley Votruba and Angela Brown. • Opened April 20 • 13010 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 600, Cedar Park • Business website not available 3 Ma Bailey’s The facility offers short-term pregnancy and postpartum housing. Other services include a women’s clinic and support with newborn care, breastfeeding and recovery. • Opened April 28 • 747 Dews Road, Leander • www.mabaileys.org 4 Oak & Vine Liquor Owner Sam Rozani said the liquor store features fine wines imported from France, Italy and Spain. The store also sells low-intervention wines, vermouth, and spirits such as mezcal, tequila, single-barrel bourbon and amaro. • Opened May 22 • 601 W. New Hope Drive, Ste. 105, Cedar Park • Facebook: Oak & Vine Liquor 5 Relax Spa by Rosie The business offers assisted stretching and yoga-inspired therapeutic massage. Owner Rosie Zhou is a licensed massage therapist with 18 years of experience as a yoga practitioner, instructor and coach. She also has training through the National Association of Sports Medicine. • Opened May 1 • 1540 Cypress Creek Road, Ste. 109, Cedar Park • www.rzrelaxspa.com

281

DEWS RD.

1460

S. BROOK DR.

183A TOLL

183

1431

BRUSHY CREEK RD.

CYPRESS CREEK RD.

1431

45 TOLL

ANDERSON MILL RD.

PECAN PARK BLVD.

2769

620

MAP NOT TO SCALE

Coming soon

6 Shogun Japanese Grill & Sushi Bar The restaurant serves steak, seafood and a variety of sushi rolls, plus noodles, rice and hibachi dishes. The building was previously occupied by Fuddruckers. • Opening in mid-June • 11023 Pecan Park Blvd., Cedar Park • www.ishogun.com 7 Einstein Bros. Bagels Coming to the Southbrook Station retail center, the

Cedar Park & Leander

said patients who establish care at the Leander location will be seen by Dr. Antoine Pham, who is board certified in internal medicine. • Opened April 1 • 2006 S. Bagdad Road, Ste. 150, Leander • www.thrivepcp.com 2 Endo Cedar Park Dispensary And Wellness The shop offers a variety of CBD and THCA products such as vapes, lotions, gummies, candles, crystals

Now open

1 Thrive Medical Clinic The clinic offers a wide range of primary care services, including routine screenings, chronic disease management, sick visits, minor procedures, hormone therapy and vaccinations. Co-owner Dr. Brad Venghaus

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Coming soon

Relocations

In the news

8 Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott The 53,618-square-foot hotel will feature 99 rooms with king and queen beds, and an expanded lobby. Amenities will include a fitness center, an outdoor patio, a board room and laundry facilities, plus complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi. • Opening in early 2026 • 5920 183A Toll frontage road, Leander • www.fairfield.marriott.com

10 The Aesthetic Lab The spa offers custom facials, microneedling, dermal filler, neurotoxins, chemical peels, lash lifts, and medical and prescription weight loss services. Owner Alysia Johnson previously operated The Aesthetic Lab with a former business partner out of a location off US 183 in Leander, but relocated this spring and established a new PLLC for the business. • Relocated in May • 11620 Hero Way W., Ste. 230, Room 24, Leander • www.theaestheticlabatx.com

13 Volente Beach Resort The water park opened for the season April 27. All tickets provide access to the park’s four water slides, main pool deck and Pirate Ship Splash Zone, plus live music, multiple bars and sand volleyball. The water park connects to Beachside Billy’s, which offers options such as appetizers, sandwiches, salads, entrees and pizza. The seasonal water park will be open through the last weekend in September. • 16107 FM 2769, Ste. D, Leander • www.volentebeach.com

shop will offer a variety of bagels, egg sandwiches, and breakfast and lunch options as well as beverages such as coffee and shakes. • Opening in December • 145 S. Brook Drive, Leander • www.einsteinbros.com 9 Ivory Dental The general dentist office offers patient-centered care for adults and children. Services include preventative and cosmetic dentistry, emergency services for patients experiencing pain, and clear aligners. The practice is owned by Dr. Lakshmi Alapati. • Opening in mid-to-late June • 2875 W. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. 160, Cedar Park • www.ivorydentaltx.com

clinic—also known as a direct primary care provider— offers disease management; treatment and care for diseases and acute illnesses; and women’s health care. • 12171 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 102, Cedar Park • www.impactfamilywellness.com

In the news

11 Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center The center, which serves as a centralized hub for agencies specializing in child abuse and neglect cases, will construct an outdoor playground and sport-coated surface following approval from Commissioners Court May 21. • 1811 SE Inner Loop, Georgetown • www.wilcocac.org 12 Impact Family Wellness The clinic celebrated its fifth anniversary in April. Owned by Monica McKitterick, the membership-based

Closings

14 Mouton’s Southern Bistro The owner said on Facebook the closure of the Creole- Cajun restaurant’s Leander location was due to “rising food and labor costs, coupled with stagnating sales.” The Cedar Park location will remain open. • Closed May 20

• 309 N. US 183, Leander • www.moutonsbistro.com

CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Impacts

Far Northwest Austin

Coming soon

4 ATX Braces and Smile Aligners Owned and operated by Drs. Ross Brenner and Nikoleta Konstantoni, the clinic will offer a variety of orthodontic treatments such as metal and clear braces, Invisalign and its own brand of teeth aligners—called ATX Smile Aligners—for patients of all ages. • Opening in the fall • 10521 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 1, Austin • www.atxbraces.com 5 Oumi Sushi Grill & Bar The restaurant will feature all-you-can-eat sushi as well as sashimi, tempura rolls, hibachi, seafood and other

Now open

183A TOLL

AVERY RANCH BLVD.

1 Homesense The chain home furnishings store sells discount furniture, rugs, lighting, art and other home accessories for kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms. • Opened April 25 • 14028 N. US 183, Bldg. B, Austin • www.homesense.com 2 Eskimo Hut The business offers frozen daiquiris to-go, jello shots, loaded gummy bears, beer, chips and candy. • Opened May 10 • 13201 N. RM 620, Ste. U-108, Austin • www.eskimohut.com 3 JustFoodForDogs The dog food brand sells fresh-frozen and pantry-fresh wet and dry dog food; treats; and supplements, and offers custom diet plans and veterinarian-prescribed meals. • Opened May 17 • 11521 N. RM 620, Ste. 400, Austin • www.justfoodfordogs.com

183

LAKELINE MALL DR.

LAKELINE BLVD.

45 TOLL

620

Japanese-fusion dishes. • Opening in spring 2025

• 13845 US 183, Ste. D-180, Austin • Business website not available

620

ANDERSON MILL RD.

SILVER CREEK DR.

6 Einstein Bros. Bagels The shop serves bagels and cream cheese as well as breakfast and lunch sandwiches, pastries, and coffee. • Opening in mid-July • 9215 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 110, Austin • www.einsteinbros.com

WILSON PARK AVE.

AMHERST DR.

BOULDER LN.

620

2222

MAP NOT TO SCALE

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7 Blo Blow Dry Bar The salon offers a variety of hair blow out services as well as hair treatments, extension installation and makeup application. • Opening in mid-August • 10510 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 114, Austin • www.blomedry.com

up the space, install a new bar top, and add or replace TVs. The restaurant serves American food and cocktails

Worth the trip

and has three other locations. • 10526 W. Parmer Lane, Austin • www.leaguekitchen.com

Closings

10 Conmaye Mexican Bar & Grill The restaurant, which opened last June as a brick- and-mortar location of food truck Taconmaye, served tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas and cocktails. The company’s food trucks will remain open at 3309 W. Hwy. 29, Georgetown, and 1615 Scottsdale Drive, Bldg. 1, Ste. 110, Leander. • Closed May 5 • 10700 Anderson Mill Road, Ste. 109, Austin • www.taconmaye.com 11 Summer Moon A company representative confirmed that after six years at the Trails at 620 shopping center, the business’s owner decided not to renew the lease. Other locations in Steiner Ranch and Cedar Park will remain open, serving the shop’s signature oak-roasted coffee drinks and pastries. • Closed in April • 8300 N. RM 620, Ste. 300G, Austin • www.summermooncoffee.com

Relocations

8 Rainbow’s Edge Childcare Owner Bianca King relocated her licensed home day care facility from 702 Vanguard St., Lakeway. The business offers part- and full-time educational, holistic, and nature-based programs for preschool- aged children, as well as after-school activities for children ages 12 and under. • Relocated March 1

Austin Pickle Ranch More than three years in the making, cofounders Tim Klitch and Dan Keelan opened the brand’s second location at the former Golfsmith spot. The 50,000-square-foot Braker-area facility offers 16 regulation-sized indoor pickleball courts— twice as many as the original location on West Sixth Street. The facility is open to members and nonmembers with reservations. • Opened in late May • 11000 Middle Fiskville Road, Bldg. B, Austin • www.austinpickleranch.com

• 12901 Silver Creek Drive, Austin • www.rainbowsedgechildcare.com

In the news

9 The League Kitchen & Tavern Prior to reopening June 10, Owner Tony Ciola said the restaurant was temporarily closed for remodeling to open

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Government

BY PARKS KUGLE

Williamson County ocials held a groundbreaking ceremony May 14 for a new administration building. Located on a 170-acre tract of land near the corner of Southwestern Boulevard and SE Inner Loop in Georgetown, the 120,000-square-foot building will house many county oces and departments, according to a county press release. Plans for the new headquarters show a three-story building with parking circling the structure. Slated to cost $90 million, construction is expected to be completed in late 2025. The project is funded by short-term debt approved in 2021, according to previous Community Impact reporting. County admin building begins

Why it matters

The groundbreaking marked the construction of the sixth courthouse in Williamson County’s 176-year history, Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell said. The fth courthouse—located on the Georgetown Square—cost $137,000 and broke ground in 1910. Though the historic courthouse has been renovated and expanded, the new headquarters is designed to meet the needs of one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas, Gravell said. The historic courthouse will remain in the possession of Williamson County and will house other county departments, Gravell said, although ocials are still determining the specic plans for the building. “It’s time for us ... to plan for the next 100 years, starting with a new center of county government,” Gravell said.

Williamson County ocials broke ground on the new 120,000-square-foot administration building May 14.

PARKS KUGLECOMMUNITY IMPACT

Williamson County administration building site

1460

WILLIAMSON COUNTY PROPERTY

CEDAR PARK FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Government

Google Fiber bringing high-speed internet Within the next two years, the Cedar Park community will have the opportunity to receive Google Fiber’s high-speed and high-bandwidth internet services. Google Fiber is planning to offer plans with connection speeds up to 8 gigabits per second to residents and business owners throughout the city, according to a May 9 news release. The service will come with no data caps, equip- ment fees or annual contracts. Sorting out details During its May 9 meeting, council unanimously approved a nonexclusive public rights-of-way license agreement with Google Fiber Texas, LLC. The agreement will allow the company to install, maintain and operate a fiber-optic infrastructure network in the city’s public rights of way, accord- ing to the release.

Cedar Park to remodel old library building Upon completion of the new public library in the Bell District, Cedar Park leaders are planning to repurpose and remodel the existing facility at 550 Discovery Blvd. into a new space focusing on mixed programming. Zooming in The new space will be called RE|CREATE and will provide a variety of programs under the direction of the city’s parks and recre- ation department, according to city docu- ments. Other opportunities include senior programming, homeschool and education classes, and children’s playtime, according to the documents. During its May 23 meeting, City Council approved a $300,000 agreement with Dahlin Group to provide architectural services for design and construction of the project.

“Cedar Park is now more globally connected than ever, boasting a diverse community of residents and businesses,

and our City Council is committed to providing our community as many options as possible for their infrastructure needs.”

JIM PENNIMANMORIN, MAYOR OF CEDAR PARK

Per the release, Google Fiber will pay a license fee equivalent to 1% of gross revenues back to the city in exchange for its use of public rights of way. Stay tuned Google Fiber construction is expected to begin before the end of 2025, a company representative said, with services available in early 2026. Cedar Park will be the fourth city in Texas to receive the Google Fiber services, after Austin, San Antonio and Round Rock.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY BEN THOMPSON & ZACHARIA WASHINGTON

Some homeowners to see tax cut increase Senior and disabled homeowners in Austin will be able to take off an additional $30,000 of property value for their next tax bills following a City Council vote to raise the local homestead exemption, a move designed to keep taxes flat for that portion of the population. The setup In Texas, some of the value of residents’ primary residence can be reduced for taxing purposes under the homestead exemption. Local entities, such as cities and school districts, have the option to further cut a property’s taxable value. Council approved the senior and disabled homestead exemption May 30. It raised the value of the exemption from $124,000 to $154,000 effective for the 2024 tax year.

Bryson Farmstead plan leads to noise concerns A proposed plan to redevelop the Bryson Farmstead property in Leander has left several neighboring community residents concerned about increased noise. What happened The Leander Chamber of Commerce recently submitted a planned unit development, or PUD, application to the city, which includes proposals for the redevelopment of the 6-acre Bryson Farmstead property, located near the intersection of 183A Toll and San Gabriel Parkway. As part of the proposal, outdoor activities on the property would take place between 9 a.m.-11 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and national holidays; and 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday. Any outdoor sound would be allowed as long as it’s in compli- ance with the city’s noise ordinance. The planning and zoning commission denied

PLEASANT HILL RD.

Bryson Farmstead

183A TOLL

the PUD application on May 9, citing noise con- cerns and the intended uses for the property. The application was supposed to go before council on May 16 but was pulled from the meeting agenda. Officials said over 100 residents submitted com- ments to the city expressing their concerns about noise and a possible increase in traffic surrounding the neighborhood. Next steps The chamber agreed to make the PUD proposal more detailed and bring it before council at a future meeting.

“Work like you don’t need the money. Love like you’ve never been hurt. Dance like nobody’s watching.” Satchel Paige

Professional Baseball Player 1926-1965, Pitcher Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1971

Celebrating Juneteenth and the diversity of our community

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Education

BY CHLOE YOUNG

LISD shifts dyslexia services to be under special education

A new state law requires school districts in Texas to provide special education services to students with dyslexia and heightened the requirements for who can evaluate them. While proponents of the law say the change is designed to improve services for students, Leander ISD officials and some educational organizations have expressed concerns that the changes may put a strain on staff members and result in additional costs for districts. House Bill 3928, passed in 2023, removed the ability for districts to provide instruction to dyslexic students through a Section 504 plan for students with disabilities. By the end of the 2024-25 school year, districts must transition all students needing dyslexia instruction to an Individualized Education Program, or IEP, said Kimberly Waltmon, assistant superintendent of special programs and services for LISD. Prior to the change, some dyslexic students received instruction under

special education while others did so through a Section 504 plan. Some students may continue to receive accommodations for dyslexia under a Section 504 plan, such as more time to take tests, while any students needing to be pulled out of their classes to receive dyslexia-specific instruction must now do so through special education, said Steven Aleman, senior policy specialist for Disability Rights Texas. Of the 2,236 dyslexic students in LISD, 52% received services through a Section 504 plan in the 2023-24 school year, Waltmon said. Districts may now need to re-evaluate dyslexic students to determine if they require specially designed instruction under special education, Aleman said. Additionally, the law outlines new requirements staff must meet to evaluate students and participate in their special education Admission, Dismissal and Review committee meetings, or ARD meetings. According to the new law, qualified staff must now meet one of the following criteria to evaluate students and participate in their special education ARD meetings: Be a licensed dyslexia therapist Have “the most advanced dyslexia-related certification” Meet additional training requirements adopted by the State Board of Education can evaluate students are unclear and could present challenges for the district, she said. The district’s most highly trained dyslexia providers may be restricted to evaluations and ARD meetings, Waltmon said. Additionally, the district’s dyslexia specialists, who provide instruction to students, may no longer participate in case manage- ment without being certified in special education.

Dyslexic students receiving services in Leander ISD

Special education Non-special education

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

SOURCE: LEANDER ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

The context

Diving in deeper

The TEA has encouraged districts to provide dyslexia services under special edu- cation after the agency was subject to a cor- rective action plan from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs in 2018, said Karlyn Keller, division director of school Medicaid services and student solutions for the Texas Association of School Boards. The department’s evaluation included concerns about dyslexic students being excluded from special education. Compared to a Section 504 plan, a special education plan gives parents and students more protections through robust documen- tation and provides greater accountability, special education advocates said.

A dyslexia therapist is the gold standard for evaluating students under the law, but districts have flexibility for their staff to acquire national creden- tials or receive additional training provided by the Texas Education Agency, Aleman said. There were 1,039 licensed dyslexia therapists in Texas as of August, according to the Texas Depart- ment of Licensing and Regulation. Meanwhile, nearly 330,000 public school students in the state have dyslexia, according to the TEA. Becoming a licensed dyslexia therapist requires a master’s degree and at least 900 hours of coursework and training, according to the TDLR. While Waltmon said she believes it will be beneficial to serve all dyslexic students under special education, the new requirements on who

requirements—will continue to advocate for more special education funding. Although the recent changes did not come with any funding, they have costs to districts, TCASE Director of Governmental Relations Andrea Chevalier said. “We’re already underfunded in special education,” Chevalier said. “Now, we’re sending people to training and getting them certified.”

provide more clarity on the new personnel requirement in the draft version of the handbook, which is expected to be finalized by the end of June, Waltmon said. Additionally, TASB, Disability Rights Texas and the Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education—which opposed HB 3928 due to its heightened personnel

Going forward

The State Board of Education is working to revise its dyslexia handbook to detail how the new law should be enforced, Aleman said. LISD is asking the SBOE to

CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Education

Leander ISD raises sta pay by 2.5% for 202425 At a May 9 meeting, the Leander ISD board of trustees approved increasing employee pay by 2.5% next school year following an hourlong debate over whether to provide 2% or 2.5% raises. The overview This move will increase the overall compensa- tion budget by almost $8.13 million, according to district information. The approved plan also allows the board to approve a one-time retention payment of $1,000 for full-time employees and $500 for part-time employees at a later date. District administrators recommended raising employee pay by 2% at an April 25 meeting—lower than pay raises in previous school years—as the district projects a $15 million budget shortfall for scal year 2024-25.

Leander ISD sets up grant fund for sta Leander ISD employees will soon be able to apply for grants through a new district fund. The gist The board of trustees approved transfer- ring $2 million from the district’s general fund balance to launch the Empowerment Grant Fund at an April 25 meeting. The one-time grants will fund programs and new initiatives by sta members as the district’s budget tightens amid a lack of state funding, according to district information. In their own words “We need to be able to empower our sta, and that means not just our teachers but all of our educators across the system to be able to do what they need to do,” Superintendent Bruce Gearing said.

Compensation increase details

Recommended Approved

Compensation increase

+2% $6.5M

+2.5% $8.13M

Cost Retention payment for full-time employees One-time cost out of fund balance Total cost

$1,000

$5.5M

$12M

$13.63M

SOURCE: LEANDER ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

What they’re saying Place 1 board member Trish Bode expressed concerns over increasing costs amid state funding cuts. With a 2.5% raise, the district could not ll all of the 30 new positions it selected after receiving over 300 requests for new positions, Chief Finan- cial Ocer Pete Pape said. School board president Gloria Gonzales-Dhola- kia spoke in support of the 2.5% raise as it kept the district within its budget threshold, or 3% of its revenues, and said the district already had many vacant positions.

Leander ISD names future police department chief

“I am excited and honored to join the LISD community, and look forward to fostering positive relationships and

Lucretia “Shā” Rogers will become Leander ISD’s rst chief of police. The board of trustees approved Rogers’ hiring as the district’s executive director of safety and security at a May 9 meeting. Rogers will transition into the role of police chief once the district receives state approval to launch its own police department, according to district information.

What you need to know Rogers has worked for Houston ISD’s police department as the assistant chief of police since 2018, following time as a criminal investigator and campus police ocer, according to district information. She was previously a patrol deputy for the Precinct 4 Constable’s Oce and the Brazos County Sheri’s Department in Bryan.

creating a safe and nurturing environment for our students, sta and community.” SHĀ ROGERS, LISD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SAFETY AND SECURITY

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BY BROOKE SJOBERG & CHLOE YOUNG

Balanced budget projected after district identifies $30M in cuts Round Rock ISD has identified an additional $20 million in cuts to its proposed budget for the 2024-25 school year, on top of a previous $10 million identified in April, a May budget update from the district shows. The total $30 million in reduced expenditures would put the proposed $466 million budget in a position more favorable to district goals, adminis- trators say, and lend to a balanced budget. What you need to know In April, RRISD Chief Financial Officer Dennis Covington shared that the district was projecting a $30 million shortfall due to increases in costs on multiple fronts including special education services, fuel and school safety. In recent budget updates, Covington shared

Round Rock ISD puts police chief on leave Round Rock ISD named Lauren Griffith interim chief of police, as Chief Dennis Weiner has been put on administrative leave. What happened Weiner, who has served the district as its chief of police since 2022, was placed on administrative leave May 14. On May 15, he sent a letter to the district’s superintendent alleging the mishandling of an assault and calling on the Texas Attorney General to investigate the individual case, as well as “actions of district leadership as they relate to police matters.” In a statement to Community Impact regarding the letter, Anne Drabicky, RRISD chief of public affairs and community relations, said the letter misrepresents the matters and actions it describes.

Proposed cuts A proposed budget for the 2024-25 school year includes the following reductions in cost:

52 unfilled or reassigned positions

Increased class sizes by about two students at every school level

Reduced maintenance and operations budgets

SOURCE: ROUND ROCK ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

that his department was working to find addi- tional efficiencies to reduce the district’s shortfall and reliance on its fund balance to make up the difference. What’s next? Trustees are expected to vote on a final pro- posal as required by the Texas Education Agency by June 30.

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CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Transportation

BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON

Design work begins on Bell District path Cedar Park officials kicked off the design process for the Bell District shared-use path, or SUP, at the end of April. Intended for pedestrians and bicyclists, the new path will provide a connection from the existing path on the west side of Bell Boule- vard to the one on the east side of the 183A Toll, according to city officials. Design is expected to wrap up this winter. A construction timeline is yet to be determined.

Pavement work coming to Lakeline Boulevard Various parts of Lakeline Boulevard will undergo pavement improvements after Cedar Park City Council approved a $533,848 construction contract with Bennett Paving Inc. on May 9. About the project Cedar Park’s 2024 Lakeline Boulevard rehabili- tation/mill and overlay project is expected to boost the roadway’s longevity, rideability and aesthetic, according to city documents. The project is included in the city’s 2022 bond program. The rehabilitation part of the project includes a full-depth repair stretching from Whitestone Bou- levard to New Hope Drive, per city documents. A full-depth repair involves removing existing asphalt, repaving the road and fresh pavement markings. Capital Projects Manager Chris Brickey said the mill and overlay will be conducted from Riviera Drive to Whitestone Boulevard and on different

Rehabilitation

Mill and overlay

NEW HOPE DR.

183

183A TOLL

LAKELINE BLVD.

RIVIERA DR.

portions of the road. A mill and overlay consists of grinding off the top layer of old asphalt and replac- ing it with new material. What to expect The rehabilitation will require up to two weeks of single-lane closures overnight Monday through Friday, Brickey said. Daily lane closures will also occur during mill and overlay. While a start date was not specified, city officials said construction is expected to last about 30 days.

COUGAR AVE.

183

183A TOLL

B R U S H Y

BRUSHY CREEK LOOP

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Development

BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON

Ocials with cable television shopping network Shop LC conrmed the start date for construction of the company’s Cedar Park headquarters will likely be in 2027. The company was supposed to break ground on the new facility in early 2023 and open in mid-2024. However, the groundbreaking has been signicantly delayed due to ination, cost of construction and interest rates, Shop LC President Vineet Ganeriwala said. Ganeriwala said the company resigned a lease in April for its building in Round Rock. The new lease will expire in June 2029. Shop LC still owns the land at 1500-1700 N. Bell Blvd., Cedar Park, and the company is not looking to sell it, Ganeriwala said. Shop LC’s new HQ hits delays

Also of note

Per a 2021 economic development performance agreement with the city of Cedar Park, Shop LC is responsible for building a 200,000-square- foot oce with a $50 million capital investment. The company is also responsible for creating a $75.7 million payroll with 1,000 full- time employees by 2033. Shop LC is expected to bring roughly 500-700 jobs to Cedar Park. While Shop LC’s agreement with the city will not change, Ganeriwala said the company will be discussing the deadlines outlined in the agreement with city ocials. He said the company has informed the city about the construction delays. If construction begins on the new facility in 2027, it will take roughly 18 months to reach completion, Ganeriwala said.

Shop LC is a cable television shopping network that sells jewelry, handbags, fashion accessories and more.

ZACHARIA WASHINGTONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Dates to know

Original timeframe for Cedar Park groundbreaking Original timeframe for Cedar Park opening

Early 2023

Mid-2024

Shop LC resigned lease in Round Rock

April 2024

New expected Cedar Park groundbreaking

2027

Round Rock lease expires; Cedar Park facility opens

2029

R Bank announces the retirement of President and CEO, Steve Stapp, marking the end of a remarka years, has led the bank from a ingle location with 12 employees to a successful institution operating rooted in the values of community-driven banking. R Bank announces the retirement of President and CEO, Steve Stapp, marking the end of a remarkable era of leadership. Steve’s tenure, spanning 16 years, has led the bank from a single location with 12 employees to a successful institution operating 10 locations with over 150 employees, all deeply rooted in the values of community-driven banking. After an extensive search that spanned several months, R Bank's Board of Directors has appointed thorough search process, led by Chairman Reese Ryan, involved evaluating numerous candidates to ensu Steve Stapp’s legacy is one of growth, community involvement, and unwavering dedication to personalized service. Under his leadership, RBank has become a pillar in the community, known for its commitment to fostering relationships and supporting local businesses. As he steps down, the bank is well-positioned for continued success under Todd’s leadership. Todd Engemoen Chosen as New President and CEO for R Bank as Todd Engemoen Chosen as New President and CEO for R Bank as Steve Stapp Announces his Retirement After an extensive search, R Bank’s Board of Directors has appointed Todd Engemoen as the new President and CEO.

"We are thrilled to welcome Todd Engemoen as our new President and CEO," said Reese Ryan. "His depth of experience and alignment with our core values make him the perfect choice to lead R Bank into the future. We extend our deepest gratitude to Steve for his exceptional leadership and dedication." Todd Engemoen, a native of Austin, brings over 15 years of comprehensive banking experience to his new role. Todd attended Arts in Economics and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. His impressive career has seen him with him serving most recently as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of another banking institution prior to strategic planning, operational excellence, and customer-centric initiatives, making him exceptionally well-equipped to lead R Bank in Todd Engemoen, a native of Austin, brings over 15 years of comprehensive banking experience to his new role. Todd attended the University of Texas, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. His impressive career has seen him hold pivotal positions in the financial services industry, with him serving most recently as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of another banking institution prior to joining R Bank. Todd’s extensive background includes strategic planning, operational excellence, and customer-centric initiatives, making him exceptionally well-equipped to lead R Bank into its next chapter. Todd Engemoen, a native of Austin, brings over 15 years of comprehensive banking experience to his new role. Todd attended the University of Texas, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. His impressive career has seen him hold pivotal positions in the financial services industry, with him serving most recently as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of another banking institution prior to joining R Bank. Todd’s extensive background includes strategic planning, operational excellence, and customer-centric initiatives, making him exceptionally well-equipped to lead R Bank into its next chapter. "I am honored to step into this role and build upon the foundation that Steve has established," said Todd Engemoen. "R Bank is known for its commitment to doing the right thing for our customers, employees, and communities. I look forward to continuing this tradition, building relationships with our customers and communities, while driving our mission forward." Todd's appointment marks a new chapter for R Bank, bringing a wealth of expertise to the leadership team. His deep roots in the Austin area, experience, and strong educational background have equipped him with a unique perspective on the local community's financial needs. Todd's strategic vision and innovative approach are expected to drive R Bank's growth and enhance its service offerings to better serve its valued customers. Steve Stapp's legacy is one of growth, community involvement, and unwavering dedication to personalized service. Under his leadership, R Bank has become a pillar in the community, known for its commitment to fostering relationships and supporting local businesses. As he steps down, the bank is well-positioned for continued success under Todd's leadership. Reflecting on his retirement, Steve Stapp shared, "It has been an incredible journey leading R Bank and working with the best bankers and individuals in the community. Our success is built on the relationships we've created, and I am confident that Todd will continue to build on this legacy." "I am honored to step into this role and build upon the foundation that Steve has established," said Todd Engemoen. "R Bank is our customers, employees, and communities. I look forward to continuing this tradition, building relationships with our custom forward." “I am honored to step into this role and build upon the foundation that Steve has established,” said Todd Engemoen. “R Bank is known for its commitment to doing the right thing for our customers, employees, and communities. I look forward to continuing this tradition, building relationships with our customers and communities, while driving our mission forward.” R Bank remains steadfast in its mission of being the bank that goes above and beyond for customers and communities. With Todd Engemoen's leadership and the continued support of the Board of Directors, R Bank is positioned for continued growth and success. Todd's appointment marks a new chapter for R Bank, bringing a wealth of expertise to the leadership team. His deep roots background have equipped him with a unique perspective on the local community's financial needs. Todd's strategic vision and growth and enhance its service offerings to better serve its valued customers. Paid Advertisement R Bank announces the retirement of President and CEO, Steve Stapp, marking the end of a remarkable era of leadership. Steve's tenure, spanning 16 years, has led the bank from a ingle location with 12 employees to a successful institution operating 10 locations with over 150 employees, all deeply rooted in the values of community-driven banking. Todd Engemoen Chosen as New President and CEO for R Bank as Steve Stapp Announces his Retirement "We are thrilled to welcome Todd Engemoen as our new President and CEO," said Reese Ryan. "His depth of experience and choice to lead R Bank into the future. We extend our deepest gratitude to Steve for his exceptional leadership and dedication." Reflecting on his retirement, Steve Stapp shared, “It has been an incredible journey leading R Bank and working with the best bankers and individuals in the community. Our success is built on the relationships we’ve created, and I am confident that Todd will continue to build on this legacy.” “We are thrilled to welcome Todd Engemoen as our new President and CEO,” said Reese Ryan. “His depth of experience and alignment with our core values make him the perfect choice to lead R Bank into the future. We extend our deepest gratitude to Steve for his exceptional leadership and dedication.” After an extensive search that spanned several months, R Bank's Board of Directors has appointed Todd Engemoen as the new President and CEO. The thorough search process, led by Chairman Reese Ryan, involved evaluating numerous candidates to ensure the right fit for the bank's vision and values. Todd Engemoen R Bank remains steadfast in its mission of being the bank that goes above and beyond for customers and communities. With Todd Engemoen’s leadership and the continued support of the Board of Directors, R Bank is positioned for continued growth and success.

CEDAR PARK FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

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