South Central Austin Edition | February 2025

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South Central Austin Edition VOLUME 17, ISSUE 10 MARCH 5APRIL 1, 2025

After a decade of planning, the nearly 33-year-old Austin Convention Center will soon be torn down and rebuilt through a four-year project that will BY BEN THOMPSON New convention center revealed transform six square blocks of downtown.

Local leaders say the project will better position the center, which is much smaller than Houston, Dallas and San Antonio’s and already losing business due to its size. It’s also expected to help revitalize the area with new public features and a more inviting presence. “We will no longer be a barrier. We will be a gateway that transforms the southeast corner [of downtown] into what we hope will be a bustling community hub,” ACC Assistant Director Katy Zamesnik said. “We really want this to be a conven- tion center where our business opportunity meets our cultural enrichment.”

The $1.6 billion redevelopment kicks o with the center’s closure in April, soon after South by South- west Conference & Festivals, with reopening set in time for that event in 2029. It's expected to boost the local economy and Austin’s national prole, as well as impact the surrounding area, and city hotel and tourism operations in the years ahead, ocials said.

CONTINUED ON 32

Austin Convention Center site

The redeveloped Austin Convention Center will include new retail and public art, and reopen streets.

RENDERING COURTESY AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER DEPARTMENT & LMNPAGE

Also in this issue

2025 Camp Guide

Impacts: Check out new Middle Eastern grill now open o South Lamar (Page 8)

Transportation: Learn about toll rates impacting Austin-area drivers (Page 15)

Community: Discover 43 South Central Austin summer camps in our annual guide (Page 19)

For updates and instructional videos visit: austinwater.org

Locate your water shutoff Make sure everyone in your residence knows where the water main shutoff valve is located and keep it clear of debris and obstacles at all times. In an emergency, Austin Water recommends you always try to shut off your water at your property owner’s cutoff valve first. For most homes in our service area, the property owner’s shutoff valve is on your side of the water meter at the meter box. If you are not sure where, check the property inspection report from when you purchased your residence. For renters, please consult with your property manager. If you cannot find your shutoff valve or if it is damaged, then you should be prepared to access the City shutoff valve in the meter box. You may need a water meter key to open the meter box, during an emergency, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. Keep out cold air Tightly close doors and windows to the outside. Make repairs to broken or drafty windows, doors, and walls. Seal all leaks in crawl spaces and basements. Winterize unheated spaces and close garage doors for the duration of the freeze. Exposed pipes and water heaters Insulate pipes in unheated and drafty areas, such as an attic or garage. Also check Also check manufacturer recommendations for your tanked and tankless water heaters. Hardware and plumbing supply stores carry insulation to help keep pipes from freezing. Outside faucets Turn off outside faucets. Remove all connected hoses and wrap faucets with towels or a Styrofoam insulator. Turn off and drain automatic sprinkler systems. Prepare before leaving town If you plan to be away during a time when freezing temperatures are possible, turn off your water at the meter and set your thermostat to 65 degrees or higher. BE READY for the next cold snap EMERGENCY SUPPLIES to have on hand WATER METER KEY to access your meter box if necessary

Battery powered RADIO and FLASHLIGHT

INSULATION for indoor and outdoor pipes

Have enough water for 1 GALLON PER PERSON AND PETS PER DAY FOR 7 DAYS

HOSE BIB COVERS for outdoor faucets

In the event of an emergency and you can’t access your meter box, please call Austin Water’s 24 Hour Customer Service Contact Center at 512-972-1000.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

Keep plastic bags and styrofoam out of your blue cart. Recycle them safely in A ustin. Learn more AustinTexas.gov/Recycling

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BOB & JEAN : A LOVE STORY A new play by Pulitzer and Tony ® Award Winning playwright Robert Schenkkan A true tale about going the distance.

BEGINS MARCH 19 | THE WHISENHUNT AT ZACH THEATRE zachtheatre.org/bobjean

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

About Community Impact

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Brittany Anderson Amanda Cutshall Dacia Garcia Sarah Hernandez Elisabeth Jimenez Anna Maness Haley McLeod Jamie Moore Hannah Norton Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Amira Van Leeuwen Gracie Warhurst Chloe Young Graphic Designers Alissa Foss Abigail Hines Sabrina Musachia Karoline Pfeil Sam Schaer

Deeda Lovett General Manager dlovett@ communityimpact.com

Minh Nguyen Joseph Veloz Managing Editor Darcy Sprague Product Manager Gloria Gonzalez Quality Desk Editor Adrian Gandara Austin Market President Travis Baker

Elle Bent Editor ebent@ communityimpact.com

Gail Watson Account Executive gwatson@ communityimpact.com

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Maudie’s Tex-Mex

SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

Impacts

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

same ambiance of the original location. • Relocated Feb. 1 • 2525 W. Anderson Lane, Ste. 270, Austin • www.genuinejoecoffee.com

Now open

W. ANDERSON LN.

183

FAR WEST BLVD.

In the news

5 Stout House A craft beer and cocktail bar concept based from San Antonio, Stout House is pursuing a location in North Austin’s retail, dining and entertainment district The Linc. • Opening date TBD • 6406 N. I-35 service road, Ste. 1700, Austin • www.stouthousesa.com 6 Antonelli’s Cheese The local cheese shop is celebrating 15 years of business in February. Antonelli’s is celebrating with tasting

MOPAC

N. LAMAR BLVD.

2 SafeSplash Swim School Kicking o the new year, the performance-based SafeSplash Swim School has brought its program for swimming and safety skills to the Austin area. The school serves swimmers of all ages and skill levels, providing a variety of lesson options under certied teachers, including group, semi-private and private swim lessons. The location is owned by Siva Papolu and Shrikar Somayajula. • Opened Jan. 19 • 2020 W. Anderson Lane, Austin • www.safesplash.com

SHIRLEY AVE.

290

WALLINGFORD BEND DR.

events and free cheese. • 4220 Duval St., Austin • www.antonellischeese.com

W. 38TH ST.

DUVAL ST.

1 W. 37TH ST

Closings

MAP NOT TO SCALE

7 Flyrite Chicken The business closed its Burnet location in December, alongside its East location. The restaurant opened o Burnet in 2016 and served chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, wraps, sides and other dishes. • Closed in December 8 Trudy’s North Star Trudy’s closed its last location, Trudy’s North Star o Burnet Road. Trudy’s South Star, o Little Texas Lane, closed in May 2024. The restaurant, which opened in 1977, led for bankruptcy in 2020 and was purchased by a private equity rm that same year. • Closed in January • 8820 Burnet Road, Austin • www.trudys.com • 6539 Burnet Road, Austin • www.flyritechicken.com

North Central

3 Love Lamp Matcha This new coee shop recently celebrated its grand opening and focuses on drinks made with matcha, a

Now open

green tea powder. • Opened Jan. 25

1 Oribello’s The new sports lounge oers a blend of Filipino and American dishes to pair with cocktails, beer and wine. Oribello’s is owned by Darrel Oribello, a restaurateur and partner in Sazan Ramen and Endo Sushi, and his sons, DJ and Wesley Oribello, and partner Brandon Kim. • Opened Jan. 18 • 519 W. 37th St., Austin • www.oribellos.com

• 6910 Shirley Ave., Austin • www.lovelampmatcha.com

Relocations

4 Genuine Joe Coeehouse The coee shop moved to a new home in what was a GMC oce after its West Anderson Lane location was forced to closed due to the property being sold. Owner Josh Brown said that the new space will maintain the

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Impacts

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

• Opening in February • 2815 Guadalupe St., Ste. A, Austin • Instagram: dokabubbletea.texas

Now open

5 1972 Austin’s first pub dedicated to women’s sports is set to open on The Drag. Formerly ATX Women’s Sports Pub, 1972 was co-founded by Debra Hallum and Marlene du Plessis. The pub will showcase women’s sports year- round. The pub will welcome women, men, the LGBTQ community and allies. • Opening in March • 2530 Guadalupe St., Austin • www.1972pub.com 6 Justine’s Brasserie Partnering with the Blanton Museum of Art, Justine’s Brasserie will offer French cuisine, taking inspiration from Paris-style cafes. The brain behind Austin spaces such as Uchi and La Condesa, Joel Mozersky will be designing the new concept’s interior. The East Austin location will remain open. • Opening in 2025 • 200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Austin • Instagram: @justinesxblanton

GUADALUPE ST

BRAZOS ST.

2 Abby’s Learning Center Located in downtown Austin, the learning center “embraces neurodiversity,” bringing the community an inclusive therapy center dedicated to all types of learning and exploration. Clinical professionals on staff follow a “loose structure” during sessions providing applied behavior analysis, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, as well as sensory and music therapy. • Opened Jan. 22

SAN JACINTO BLVD.

• 510 W. 15th St., Austin • www.abbyscenter.com

In the news

7 Antone’s Nightclub Iconic blues venue Antone’s will celebrate 50 years in downtown Austin this year. Self-proclaimed “home of the blues,” the stage has featured legendary names such as B.B. King, Ray Charles, Stevie Ray Vaughan and James Brown, among others. • Opened in 1975 • 305 E. Fifth St., Austin • www.antonesnightclub.com 8 P. Terry’s Burger Stand The Austin-based chain celebrated 20 years this year. The eatery offers burgers, fries, hand-spun milkshakes, and lemonade and orange juice made from freshly

Downtown/West Campus

3 Lockton Independent insurance brokerage firm Lockton has opened its first office in Austin, helmed by CEO Steve Idoux. Located in the Google Office Building, it will house a team of 30 employees. • Opened in January • 500 W. Second St., Austin • www.lockton.com

Now open

1 Spec’s Wine, Spirits & Finer Foods The store is now open in what was previously Goodwill. This is the Houston-based brand’s 16th Austin location and the first downtown. Spec’s Wine, Spirits & Finer Foods offers alcohol, cigars, gifts and more. • Opened Nov. 23 • 914 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin • www.specsonline.com

Coming soon

4 Doka Bubble Tea The bubble tea shop will serve a wide variety of bubble tea and fruit tea options. Doka Bubble Tea was founded in Taiwan and this will be the first Austin location.

squeezed citrus. • Opened in 2005 • 515 Congress Ave., Austin • www.pterrys.com

RICK COFER AUSTIN’S GO-TO CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

RICKCOFER.COM 602 W. 11 TH ST., AUSTIN, TX 78701 • 512-200-3801

SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

Impacts

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Coming soon

Now open

MOPAC

WOODLAND AVE.

5 Pins Mechanical Co. Pins Mechanical Co., a Midwest-based social

entertainment company, will open a location in the St. Elmo neighborhood this spring. Pins Austin will oer duckpin bowling, pinball, “old-school” entertainment, craft beers and classic cocktails. The bowling alley and arcade will replace what was once promised to be the St. Elmo Public Market before the project went dark and was quietly listed for sale in 2022. • Opening this spring • 4323 S. Congress Ave., Austin • www.pinsbar.com

E. OLTORF ST.

MENCHACA RD.

Relocations

2 Halal Bros The Middle Eastern grill opened a new location near Target on South Lamar Boulevard. Halal Bros serves street-style food, such as beef, lamb or chicken shawarma over rice or in a wrap or salad. • Opened Feb. 6 • 4211 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. A30, Austin • www.thehalalbros.com

6 Integritek Previously in Westlake Oaks, the managed information technology service provider moved its headquarters to South Central Austin. • 1949 S. I-35, Ste. 203, Austin • www.integritek.net

290

PRATHER LN.

290

In the news

MAP NOT TO SCALE

7 Common Ground by LifeWorks LifeWorks, an organization focused on providing services for homeless youth, young adults and families, launched a new peer support program for children ages 13 through 17. Services will be available at no cost and can be made by appointment or through walk-in. The program will be held at their South oce.

South Central

3 Sundazed Stained Glass Studio The glass studio from Lesleigh Arratia opened a South Austin location this year. The new space oers classes for all skill levels. • Opened early January

Now open

• 3700 S. First St., Austin • www.lifeworksaustin.org

1 The Outrun Hour The Outrun Hour is oering the community a fresh creative outlet, owner Zane Pickett said. The studio features a synthwave-inspired rug tufting studio, where guests can make their own rugs. Experiences can be scheduled by appointment, and memberships are also available. • Opened in October

• 2104 Prather Lane, Austin • www.sundazedglass.com

8 Grata’s Pizzeria February marks ve years of business for the pizzeria. The “Philly-centric” pub boasts a full bar and oers authentic Philly cheesesteaks and Neapolitan-style pizza. • 2700 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin • www.gratapizza.com

4 ULU Recovery & Wellness The heath and wellness studio features four private sauna and cold plunge rooms, a light therapy bench, an IV lounge and small retail area. • Opened Jan. 18 • 1600 S. First St., Ste. 140, Austin • www.uluwellness.com

• 3425 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin • www.theoutrunhour.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Impacts

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Relocations

Coming soon

BARBRA JORDAN BLVD.

E. 38TH 1/2 ST.

5 Texas Coffee Traders The local coffee roasting company relocated its cafe and retail space to a new spot on East Seventh Street from Fourth Street. The cafe offers coffee, espresso and tea drinks, as well as pastries and fresh roasted coffee beans. • Relocated in December 6 Crafternoon ATX The nature-focused youth art studio will move its operations to a new studio in East Austin. Crafternoon ATX owner and art teacher Camille Lema has operated out of a detached garage in her backyard for the last four years. Their new studio, a house in the Cherrywood neighborhood, offers more space and “potential for programming.” • Relocating in March • 3223 E. Seventh St., Austin • www.texascoffeetraders.com

AIRPORT BLVD.

183

N. PLEASANT VALLEY RD.

3 Twin Isle From chef Janelle Romeo, also behind local food truck Shirley’s Trini Cuisine, Twin Isle is a fast-casual restaurant inspired by her native island, Trinidad and Tobago, and the surrounding Caribbean islands.

• 1603 E. 38th 1/2 St., Austin • www.crafternoonatx.com 973

Austin Bergstrom International Airport

• Opening early spring 2025 • 1401 Rosewood Ave., Austin • www.twinislerestaurant.com

In the news

183

PRESIDENTIAL BLVD.

7 The Lucky Duck This day-to-nighttime bar from Michael Bajec is celebrating five years in East Austin this February. The bar hosts afternoon live music and karaoke nights, along with other events. Beer, cocktails, wine, burgers, and other food and drink options are available on the menu. • 1300 E. Sixth St., Austin • www.atx.luckyducktx.com 130 TOLL

MAP NOT TO SCALE

East Austin

Bergstrom International Airport. The opening of Half Moon marks the first new sit-down food concession on the nonsecure side of the airport since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. • Opened Jan. 29

Now open

• 3600 Presidential Blvd., Austin • www.halfmoonempanadas.com

1 Poke House The restaurant, now open in Mueller, offers

Closings

customizable poke bowls. Poke House is based in Austin and was founded by brother-sister duo Edin and Aida Tabakovic in 2017. • Opened Jan. 25 • 1201 Barbara Jordan Blvd., Ste. 1410, Austin • www.pokehousetx.com

4 Handsome Dan’s Founded by Josh Hare, also behind brewery Hops and Grain, Handsome Dan’s offers ciders, wine, THC-infused drinks and beers on tap, including nonalcoholic beer. Guests can also take to-go items, including sandwiches made with Easy Tiger bread. • Opened Feb. 21 • 979 Springdale Road, Ste. 124, Austin • www.handsomedansbar.com

8 Flyrite Chicken Sandwiches The original Flyrite location closed in January alongside its Burnet location. The business opened its shop nine years ago off Seventh Street, serving chicken sandwiches and other dishes. Other locations are still operating. • Closed Jan. 11

• 2129 E. Seventh St., Austin • www.flyritechicken.com

2 Half Moon Empanadas The Miami-based eatery is now open in the Austin-

Expansion is in flight

JOURNEY WITH AUS

SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

SPRING INTO SPECIAL SAVINGS (Now through March 31)

The Watershed Protection Department is updating impervious cover data, which may result in some customers seeing changes to the drainage charge on their bill.

5 FOR

HARDWOOD MULCH

$ 15 $ 25

For most accounts, the update will result in no change or a change of less

/ YARD

LIVING MULCH (BAGS)

than $1 per month. Accounts with the largest changes will receive additional notification via phone.

(REGULARLY $ 35 / YARD)

Garden-Ville.com

Learn more at AustinTexas.gov/DrainageCharge

Offer valid through March 31, 2025 at all Garden-Ville locations. Not valid with any other offer. Offer valid for retail customers only. One cubic yard minimum purchase required for bulk offer. Wholesale and contractor pricing available by the pallet at our Evans Road and Creedmoor locations only.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY ELISABETH JIMENEZ, HALEY MCLEOD & BEN THOMPSON

Post-arrest legal assistance program ramps up this year

Austin revising rules for short- term rentals Spurred by recent court decisions and chal- lenges with regulation, Austin is updating some policies for short-term rental, or STR, operators and platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. What’s happening While STRs must be licensed by the city, sta believe a vast majority of the thousands of rental spaces operating today are doing so o the books. Austin has about 2,220 licensed rental properties, but the STR database Inside Airbnb currently reports more than 15,000 total active rental listings on that platform. Unlicensed rentals have remained a city target due to concerns over nuisances in neighborhoods, lost city tourism revenue and housing aordability. Changes up for adoption Feb. 27, after press time, include requiring platforms to display STR license numbers in online listings to ensure registration; delisting spaces without valid licenses at the city’s request; requiring 1,000-foot buers between STR operators’ units as a “density cap;” and banning business entities from operating STRs on properties with three units or less.

Legal support expands Counsel for arrestees who can’t pay for their own lawyer is being made available more often, with expanded hours on additional days.

2024

April: CAFA pilot program begins October/November: One shift, three days a week December: One shift, four days a week January: One shift, ve days a week February: One shift, seven days a week July: Two shifts, seven days a week

Expanded post-arrest legal services, a longtime priority for local civil rights advocates, received $8.2 million from Travis County and $7.19 million from Austin in January. The overview County ocials earmarked $15.5 million last year for Counsel at First Appearance, or CAFA, support during the post-arrest evaluation and bail-setting, regardless of a person’s ability to pay for a lawyer. Together with Austin, the county began con- ducting “test” shifts last April. The rst $5.8 million in county funding was then doled out in October, paying for 43 new positions that support CAFA, including defense attorneys, clerks, legal secretaries and translators. Since April, there have been a total of 1,132 arrested individuals that have received legal counsel under the CAFA program, according to county documents. Precinct 4 Commissioner Margaret Gomez noted local ocials have been discussing representation for those unable to aord it for nearly 30 years, and that it’s taken an extreme amount of eort and coordination to make the CAFA initiative a reality. The details The CAFA program was rolled out in a phased approach as departments hired and trained sta. The rst shift of CAFA was expected to be fully operational—2-11 p.m., seven days a week—this February. The funding approved by commissioners

2025

SOURCE: TRAVIS COUNTYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

in January will support the implementation of the next shift of legal representation, which will operate from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. “With 86 [new hires], this is the largest commit- ment the county has ever made in the fastest time possible,” Travis County Budget Director Travis Gatlin said. What to watch As Austin gradually discontinues its magis- tration services and the county takes over, city ocials have expressed growing concerns about potential delays, particularly for arrestees who may fall under the jurisdiction of the Downtown Austin Community Court, or DACC. DACC serves as an alternative approach to the criminal justice system for individuals experienc- ing very low income, mental illness or addiction. Council members directed sta to work with the county to address the 24-hour waiting period for transporting and processing DACC arrestees, which could be even longer on weekend arrests.

The number of unregistered rental properties in Austin is estimated to be several times higher than city-licensed STRs.

2,133 licensed properties (all operators)

15,500 total listings (Airbnb only)

NOTE: AS OF FEB. 21

SOURCES: CITY OF AUSTIN, INSIDE AIRBNBCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Austin launches new on-demand pickup services

Austin residents can also schedule waste drop-os with the city. The impact More than 3,000 appointments were completed and 22.5 tons of material diverted in just three weeks under the new service. City sta will con- tinue analyzing program data to track its success. District 2 council member Vanessa Fuentes said easy access to waste disposal responds to commu- nity safety and illegal dumping concerns.

Bulk, brush and household hazardous collection services are now on demand only in Austin. The overview Scheduled service replaces the former semi- annual bulk and brush pickup on predetermined days. Customers can now schedule up to three collections per service every year. Residents can schedule pickup appointments through the Austin Recycles App, by calling 3-1-1 or visiting www.austintexas.gov/myschedule. All

Austin oers new on-demand residential brush, bulk and household hazardous waste collection services.

COURTESY CITY OF AUSTIN

SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

State

BY BEN THOMPSON & CHLOE YOUNG

5 legislative updates from Austin-area lawmakers

The 89th Texas Legislature convened for its ve-month biennial session on Jan. 14 in Austin. The session opened with the Texas Houses’ election of a new speaker, Rep. Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, as review of the hundreds of bills led in late 2024 and early 2025 has begun. The Austin area’s pool of lawmakers have brought legislation on a variety of topics aimed at local and statewide issues, and will continue to le and review those proposals through the months ahead.

2 Additional protections proposed for renters Rep. Gina Hinojosa,

3 Leaders look to ban local ‘guaranteed income’ programs

Rep. Ellen Troxclair, R-Lakeway, and Sens. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston and Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, led House Bill 530 and Senate bills 395 and 743 to ban local governments from oering unconditional cash payments. In Austin, millions of dollars have been spent over the past few years on income programs.

D-Austin, led bills that would further protect tenants from last-minute rent increases. House Bill 1185 would require landlords to give written notice of rent increases at least seven days before a tenant is required to provide notice of vacating by the end of

Rep. Gina Hinojosa

1 Creation of high-speed rail line oated

Austin-area Democrats Sen. Sarah Eckhardt and Rep. John Bucy submitted legislation last fall— Senate Bill 424 and House Bill 483—in support of a new high-speed rail project that’d link San Antonio, Austin and Dallas along I-35. Lawmakers are looking to partner with a private entity to build and operate the new rail line capable of running at least 110 miles per hour. Eckhardt said the new travel option would reduce vehicle accidents and emissions, and the “excise tax” of trac that’s imposed on lower-income workers today. 35

their lease term. The notice must also state any improvements the tenant’s property would receive under the rent increase. Additionally, HB 1184 would bar landlords from leasing a unit to a tenant at a dierent rate than what was included in the application process. Landlords who violate either of these polices would be required to pay a $100 penalty to the tenant, plus additional fees.

4 Bill aims to strike state fees for rst-year businesses Under House Bill 346 from Rep. Caroline Harris Davila, R-Round Rock, new businesses starting up around Texas could be in line for some nancial relief. All licensing and registration fees typically imposed during the rst year would be waived.

Dallas

“High-speed rail is part of modernizing our economy, and the longer we wait the more Texans will pay,” she said. The proposal comes as local ocials have worked to secure support for new Central Texas rail.

5 Eorts to increase school funding underway

Basic allotment over time in Texas

Rep. Vikki Goodwin, D-Austin, led House Bill 1770 to raise the basic allotment from $6,160 to $7,500 for the 2025-26 school year. The legislation would then adjust the basic allotment for ination each year. Goodwin told Community Impact she led the legislation as Austin-area school districts are facing budget decits and eliminating programs as well as teaching positions. Eorts to raise the basic allotment failed during the 2023 legislative session as the additional funding was tied to the passage of school vouchers, she said.

$8K

High speed rail line

$6,160

$5,040

$6K

$4K

Austin

San Antonio

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY BEN THOMPSON

Nearly two dozen people experiencing homelessness are dying in an average month in Austin and Travis County. Their life expectancy is years shorter than the area population as a whole, according to new reporting from the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition, or ECHO. It’s the closest look yet at area homeless mortality given historically lacking data on that community, ECHO Healthcare Systems Manager Danica Fraher said. “If we continue to not include mortality data in our systems planning, people are going to continue to die preventable deaths,” she said. At least 1,010 homeless people died from 2018-23. That total is likely an undercount given limitations related to the data. Homeless deaths rising in Austin

Zooming in

Deaths in local homeless community Hundreds of homeless people recently died on the streets or in medical facilities. Death on the street Reported by medical examiner and hospital Death in the hospital

Overdoses were the leading cause of death, with a surge in drug-related fatalities beginning in 2021 with more fentanyl in the community, Fraher said. Transportation-related accidents and cardiovascular disease were the next-most common reasons. The ECHO report recommended new housing and shelter, improving community-based health care, new harm reduction spaces, and better tracking of mortality trends. Austin Homeless Strategy Officer David Gray said the new information laid out the “unfortunate reality” faced by homeless clients and service providers, and the importance of available interventions. He said the city has made progress in some areas like housing construction and shelter access, and that policies and programs remain under review this year.

300 200 100 0

2018

2019 2020 2021 2022 2023

NOTE: 2024 DATA IS NOT YET AVAILABLE. DEATHS CAN APPEAR IN BOTH MEDICAL EXAMINER AND HOSPITAL RECORDS IF SOMEONE IS BROUGHT TO A HEALTH CARE CENTER AND DIES WITHIN 24 HOURS.

Manner of deaths

Accident: 73.4%

Homicide: 1.1% Suicide: 6.7% Natural cause: 18.8%

NOTE: INCLUDES ONLY DEATHS REPORTED TO THE MEDICAL EXAMINER'S OFFICE.

SOURCE: ENDING COMMUNITY HOMELESSNESS COALITION/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Mobility For a Healthier Heart The Mobility Authority’s multimodal transportation

solutions support heart health while keeping you connected to the people and places you love. This Heart Health Month, explore the Mobility Authority shared use paths, bridges, and sidewalks to walk, bike, or run your way toward a healthier heart.

Learn More at www.MobilityAuthority.com/shared-use-paths

SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

Education

BY ELISABETH JIMENEZ

South Austin elementary school food pantry opens

AISD gets cameras to prevent bus passing Video cameras will be installed on the outside of Austin ISD school buses to record vehicles passing when the stop-sign arm is being used, as part of an initiative to prevent illegal passing of school buses. What you need to know Only 294 out of 555 AISD school buses had cameras installed, as of the time of the Jan. 30 board meeting. Those with on-camera oenses are ned $300. If caught by an ocer, a person can be ned anywhere from $500 to $1,250. Repeat oenders may have their driver’s licenses suspended for up to six months. In the 2024-25 academic year so far, there have been over 3,100 violations, according to agenda documents.

Galindo Elementary School celebrated the ocial opening of a food pantry on campus during a ribbon cutting ceremony on Jan. 14. The details The food pantry oers fresh produce, protein, shelf-stable products, dairy and other pantry sta- ples received from the Central Texas Food Bank. Austin ISD parent Linda Santos said the pantry, which is available for all Austin ISD families to use, opens the door for families to access essentials such as food. “The word is ‘opportunity,’” she said. “I think the goal here is to keep the opportunity to ask for help and get help. Our kids are the end goal.” Travis County faces a childhood food insecurity rate of 20.9%, which is higher than the 17.9% national average, CTFB ocials said. An estimated 61% of students at Galindo Ele- mentary rely on free or reduced lunch and about 88% live in an economically disadvantaged home,

AISD parent Linda Santos spoke at Galindo Elementary.

ELISABETH JIMENEZCOMMUNITY IMPACT

according to CTFB. Austin ISD Superintendent Matias Segura said the pantry will help address food insecurity in Galindo and across the district.

The My ATX Water Program Austin Water launched a new smart water meter across the city. This program involves upgrading traditional water meters to digital ones connected to a wireless network. My ATX Water also includes a customer tool that offers near- real time water use information, leak alerts, emergency notifications, water conservation tips, and customizable features. program called My ATX Water

Austin’s Smart Water Meter System

AustinWater.org

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Transportation

BY HALEY MCLEOD

Rates increase along 6 toll lanes across metro The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, the agency responsible for managing and collect- ing toll fares on many of the express lanes in the Austin area, increased toll rates Jan. 1. What you need to know The majority of toll collection points will see between a 2%-3% increase. The rate increases follow Mobility Authority pol- icy that adjusts rates each year based on ination to prevent larger hikes every ve years. Most tolling location points will see between a $0.01 to $0.05 increase for toll users compared to previous rates in 2024, while three tolling points along the 183A Toll—the Crystal Falls ramp, Crystal Falls Mainline Plaza and Lakeline Mainline Plaza— will see a $0.09 increase. The Mobility Authority predicts weekday trac increases of more that 50% by 2040.

MoPac South project to start next steps Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority leaders discussed next steps during a Jan. 29 board meeting to address more than 1,200 comments received on the MoPac South expansion. In a nutshell The agency has dialed in on plans for up to two new toll lanes in either direction to address trac for an 8-mile stretch of south MoPac from Cesar Chavez Street to Slaugh- ter Lane. Austin City Council member Paige Ellis urged the Mobility Authority to limit expansion to only one additional express lane, while the city of West Lake Hills joined Rollingwood in pushback against the project due to its impact on local mobility.

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The MoPac Express Lane will also see an $0.08 rate increase. Additionally, the agency is eyeing an extension of the MoPac Express Lanes in South Austin.

Ocials break ground on east-west trail connection City of Austin ocials broke ground Jan. 31 on the rst phase of the Bergstrom Spur Trail, trans- forming the abandoned Union Pacic Railroad tracks into an east-west shared-use path. The details

The route will serve to connect neighborhoods, parks and destinations, according to city docu- ments, specically outlined as an alternative route to walk or bike to the airport. What’s next Construction is divided into three phases, starting near St. Elmo Elementary School, with full completion expected by late 2027.

The trail is expected to be 6.5 miles long in total and connect Vinson Drive in South Austin to East Riverside Drive and US 183 in Southeast Austin.

Local ocials celebrated the groundbreaking of the Bergstrom Spur Trail on Jan. 31.

COURTESY CITY OF AUSTIN TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

Development

BY HALEY MCLEOD & BEN THOMPSON

TravCo partners with Austin Habitat Travis County commissioners awarded $1.9 million to Austin Habitat for Humanity on Jan. 28. The funding will go toward the construction of 48 new homes in the eastern Travis County intended for low- to moder- ate-income families. The single-family homes will be three- and four-bedrooms, starting at $230,000 for fam- ilies earning up to 80% of the annual median income, or $97,800 for a family of four.

New South Lamar housing, retail proposed The 2700 and 2800 S. Lamar Blvd. blocks in South Austin could look a little dierent in coming years, as developers look to construct an eight- and six-story building in place of the aban- doned Goodwill and duplexes currently onsite. The details The mixed-use project is making its way through the city’s permitting process awaiting site plan approval. According to site plans, there are two buildings being proposed. The rst building at 2700 S. Lamar Blvd. will be 8 stories and consist of 399 apartment units totaling 97,215 square feet. The second building at 2800 S. Lamar Blvd will be 6 stories and consist of 19,640 square feet of oce space and 4,480 square feet of retail. The roughly ve acres of property at 2700 and 2800 S. Lamar Boulevard, referred to as the SoLa

DB90 zoning designation SoLa Mixed Use project

Mixed Use project, is owned by investment rm Seamless Capital LP. Part of the site received approval for DB90 rezoning back in August, which grants addi- tional height in exchange for income-restricted housing. The multifamily building will provide a mini- mum of 10% of units for workforce housing up to 80% median income for the area, or $97,800 for a family of four.

“This partnership will result in life changing investments for families in the historically underserved Eastern Crescent. ...” TRAVIS COUNTY COMMISSIONER JEFF TRAVILLION

Music venue OK’d in 109-acre Riverside development Plans to feature a music venue in the mixed- use River Park mixed-use just east of Oracle’s Riverside headquarters were approved by Austin’s Planning Commission in December. The big picture

Music venue

More than 10 million square feet of housing, hotels, oces, and commercial space are included in the planned development from Partners Group and Texas-based Presidium. River Park will also feature about 30 acres of parks, trails and open space along Country Club Creek and Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Metro Park. The development team has yet to announce a formal timeline for construction.

The 109-acre River Park will transform several blocks o East Riverside Drive and South Pleasant Valley Road.

ART PARKS 3/15 • 11AM

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Development

BY BEN THOMPSON

Sixth Street renewal eorts advance; road reopening in place

A stretch of the Sixth Street entertainment district reopened to weekend vehicle trac under a new city public safety strategy this year, while a project to restore and revitalize several of the corridor’s historic buildings is moving ahead. What happened Austin police started a trial run for Sixth Street’s reopening in December before fully implementing the change in January. While several blocks had traditionally been lled with crowds on the week- ends, the roadway is now open while sidewalk areas are expanded and blocked o with rubber curbs, plastic poles and fencing. “The chaos that ensues when we’re locking down these streets like this and inviting more chaos into this place, it is not tenable,” Police Chief Lisa Davis said after the change. Plans to reopen Sixth Street were in develop- ment well before the deadly Jan. 1 vehicle attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, ocials said,

and the new strategy will remain under review. Zooming out Sixth Street is also undergoing cosmetic and business changes as Stream Realty Partners seeks to revamp some of the many vacant commercial spaces it now owns along the corridor. The rm’s Old 6th initiative involved many civic reviews to ensure structures and character in the historic district would be maintained. Building reha- bilitation work is well underway as of early 2025. Old 6th no longer includes any larger residen- tial, hotel or oce construction; the project will stick to bringing bring street-level commercial concepts to existing properties. The initiative may eventually end up bringing a mix of new eateries, tness studios, retailers and other busi- nesses to the corridor. For now, Stream is starting with a search for new restaurant concepts. The Old 6th team hopes to have new tenants opening their doors in 2026.

Fencing and barriers divide the sidewalks and roadways. BEN THOMPSONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Reopened on weekends Old 6th properties

SAN JACINTO BLVD.

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Community

This list is not comprehensive

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Camp Guide

2025

All Saints’ Episcopal Day School Type: education Ages: 3-6 years old Dates: May 27-July 18; two-week-long sessions Cost: $630-$765 per session

• First Baptist Church of Austin, 901 Trinity St., Austin • www.austinfilmfestival.com

Austin

Austin Playhouse Theatre Camps Type: arts

• 209 W. 27th St., Austin • www.allsaintseds.org

Ages: 5-12 years old Dates: June 2-Aug. 8 Cost: $195-$340 • Austin Playhouse West Campus, 405 W. 22nd St., Austin • www.austinplayhouse.com/camps

ATX Ballers Fun Summer Basketball Camps! Type: sports

Ages: K-9th graders Dates: June-August

ATX Kids Club Type: education

Austin School of Film Type: arts, education Ages: 10-17 years old, varies by camp session Dates: varies by camp session

Cost: $200-$400 • Various locations • www.atxballers.com/holidaycamps

Ages: 4-13 years old Dates: May 27-Aug. 15 Cost: $475; financial aid available

Cost: $595 per session • 3908 Avenue B, Austin • www.austinfilmschool.org

• Various pickup/drop-off locations, 2006 Philomena St., Austin; 1100 Kingsbury St., 6710 Arroyo Seco, Austin • www.atxkidsclub.org

Austin Film Festival’s Summer Film Camp Type: arts Ages: 9-18 years old Dates: June 2-July 27, weekly sessions Cost: $275-$495 per session; discounts available

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Summer at the Bullock Museum

A season of fun for Texans, big and small.

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The Bullock Museum, a division of the Texas State Preservation Board, is funded by Museum members, donors, and patrons, the Texas State History Museum Foundation, and the State of Texas.

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Community

This list is not comprehensive

Camp Vamonos! Type: day Ages: 5-11 years old Dates: June 2-Aug. 8 Cost: $245 per week

Ages: 6-12 years old Dates: June 1-Aug. 8 Cost: $170 per week • 6406 N. I-35 frontage road, Austin • www.bigblueswimschool.com

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Austin Youth Fitness Type: sports Ages: 4-11 years old Dates: June 2-July 25 and Aug. 4-15 Cost: $325-$600 per week • Pease Park, 1100 Kingsbury St., Austin • www.austinyouthfitness.com/summercamps

• 6919 Reese Lane, Austin • www.campvamonos.com

Brandy Perryman Shooting Camp Inc. Type: sports Ages: 7-16 years old Dates: June 2-Aug. 7; four-day-long sessions Cost: $299 per session • 1314 Exposition Blvd., Austin • www.bperrymanshootingcamp.com

Chaparral Ice Type: sports

Badgerdog Creative Writing Summer Camps Type: arts Ages: third-12th grade Dates: June-July Cost: $400 (two weeks); $550 (three weeks) • Griffin School, 5001 Evans Ave., Austin • www.austinlibrary.org

Ages: 6-14 years old Dates: June 2-Aug. 8 Cost: $450 per week; prorated at $90 for partial weeks

• 2525 W. Anderson Lane, Austin • www.chaparralice.com/camps1

Camp Latinitas Type: education Ages: 9-14 years old

Creator Camp Type: education, arts Ages: 6-13 years old Dates: June 2-Aug. 1

Dates: June 9-July 18, varies by camp session Cost: $350 per week; scholarships available • 1023 Springdale General, Ste. 2C, Austin • www.latinitasonline.org Camp Headwaters at River Campus Type: education

Battle of the Bands Music Camp Type: arts, education Ages: 12-18 years old Dates: June 2-Aug. 2, two-week-long sessions Cost: $600 • 1701 Simond Ave., Unit 110, Austin • www.musicacademyofaustin.com

Cost: $174-$266; discounts and summer passes available • Glad Tidings Church, 2700 Northland Drive, Austin • www.creatorcamp.org Crux Climbing Center Summer Camp Type: sports Ages: 6-9 years old; 9-12 years old; varies by session Dates: June 2-Aug. 1; weekly sessions; varies by age group Cost: $325-375 per week

Ages: 6-12 years old Dates: June 2-Aug. 1 Cost: $400-$500 per week • 801 Rio Grande Road, Austin • www.headwaters.org/camp

Big Blue Swim School Super Improver Clinics Type: sports, education

Minds that think • Hearts that Love • Hands that help.

Now enrolling ages Two through Transitional Kindergarten. Summer Program available

Scan to learn more

May 27 through July 18 Located in central Austin 209 W. 27th St

Camp El Ranchito offers scholarship-based overnight nature camps for grades 4-12 REGISTRATION@ELRANCHITO.ORG

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

First Tee Type: sports

• 6015 Dillard Circle, Ste. B, Austin • www.cruxclimbingcenter.com

Austin

Ages: 5-17 years old Dates: June-August Cost: $150-$350; scholarships available • 5501 Ed Bluestein Blvd., Austin • www.firstteeaustin.org

Dance Discovery Type: arts, sports Ages: 3-18 years old Dates: June 17-20; July 15-18 Cost: $290 per week • 7729 Burnet Road, Austin • www.austin-dance.org/central-studio

Game Worlds Type: education Ages: 8-18 years old

ESTEAM Learning Labs Type: education Ages: 4-16 years old Dates: tailored camp session to the time frame needed Cost: $450 per week • 7300 Hart Lane, Austin • www.esteamlearninglabs.com Fantastic Magic Camp Type: magic, juggling, puppetry and games Ages: 6-12 years old,; 5-8 years old Dates: June 2-Aug. 15 Costs : $425 per week; discounts available • 7500 Woodrow Ave, Austin; 13609 N. I-35, Austin • www.magiccamp.com

Dates: May 26-Aug. 8, weekly sessions Cost: $725 per week; discounts available • 7950 Anderson Square, Ste. 109, Austin • www.gameworldscamp.com

German-Texas Heritage Society Sommercamp Type: education Ages: 3-10 years old Dates: June 9-Aug. 8 Costs: $400 per week; after-hours camp $275 • 507 E. 10th St., Austin • www.germantexans.org/sommercamp

Girlstart Summer Camp Type: day Ages: fourth-eighth graders Dates: June 2-Aug. 1, weekly sessions Cost: $450 • 1400 W. Anderson Lane, Austin • www.girlstart.org

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l m

SUMMER FILM CAMP & filmmaking workshops

For more information and to register, call 512-478-4795 or visit austinfilmfestival.com/sfc week-long sessions | June 2 - JulY 25, 2025 Sponsored by:

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