Lake Travis - Westlake Edition | December 2024

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Lake Travis Westlake Edition VOLUME 15, ISSUE 11 DEC. 20, 2024JAN. 28, 2025

Customers stand in line at Vivel Crepes & Coee, a small business in Lakeway.

GRACE DICKENSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

“Loyal to Lakeway”: City program seeks sales tax boost

Luckily for owners like Bendella, the city of Lake- way has plans to prop up local businesses this holi- day season and beyond with its “Loyal to Lakeway” Buy Local campaign, aimed at increasing awareness about the impact of supporting local businesses.

business owners face another obstacle: visibility. “Half of my customers are from out of town, and that’s big, because if I only depend on local business, it’s not enough,” Bendella said. “We have a lot of people in Lakeway that don’t even know we exist because we can’t have signage on the streets.”

BY GRACE DICKENS

On a rainy Tuesday afternoon, a trickle of patrons made their way into Vivel Crepes & Coee, situated at the back of the Oaks at Lakeway shopping center. Alongside stang and ination, Vivel owner and Executive Chef Ali Bendella said many Lakeway

CONTINUED ON 20

Also in this issue

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Impacts: Feeling hungry? Here are seven new restaurants now open in the Lake Travis and West Austin areas (Page 8)

Community: Find out more about the variety of living options available for seniors (Page 27)

As you embark on this amazing journey, know that we’re by your side for every moment. We’re here to keep you calm, make you comfortable and remind you just how strong you are. This is your moment. You’ve got this. And we’ve got you.

Find care

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. ©2024 Baylor Scott & White Health. 67-LW-1190567 DT

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Hog Heaven Sporting Club helps Austinites connect with nature, build relationships PAID ADVERTISEMENT Baylor Scott & White NeuroHealth Institute: Helping patients with epilepsy live better

“We are excited about having this resource for the Greater Austin community. We have a team of experts who are passionate about providing quality care.” MICHAEL WESTON, DIRECTOR FOR THE BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE NEUROHEALTH INSTITUTE

“We really have three rules: be safe, be a good human and no politics. We’re not here to push any agendas. We’re an outdoor club focused on helping people connect with nature and each other.” NICHOLAS VEDROS, CEO AND CO-FOUNDER.

Located south of 290 on Ranch Road 12 in Dripping Springs, Hog Heaven Sporting Club offers an oasis for outdoor sports enthusiasts of all ages. The club is over 120 acres and offers a wide range of activities including fish- ing, archery, kayaking, sporting clays, and pistol shooting. What sets Hog Heaven Sporting Club apart is its mis- sion to foster community and personal growth in a welcoming, judgment-free environment. “We really have three rules: be safe, be a good human and no politics,” CEO Nicholas Vedros said. “We’re not here to push any agendas. We’re an outdoor club focused on helping people connect with nature and each other.” Vedros, who recently sold the Bee Cave outfitter Sportsman’s Finest to focus solely on the growth of the club, compared Hog Heaven Sporting Club to a high-end country club focused on fishing and shooting rather than tennis and golf. It’s designed for busy professionals and families who may not have the time for long commutes, but still want to enjoy outdoor experi- ences. Located within 30 minutes of most members, the club provides easy access to a wide range of activities traditionally found much farther away from the city. Members can enjoy 100 sporting clay throwers, pistol and archery ranges and guided outdoor experiences including plentiful hunting opportunities. The property is also home to diverse wildlife, including foxes and our two resident bald eagles. There’s something at the sporting club for all members—whether they have years of experience or they’re new to the outdoor sporting world. to succeed to your full potential,” said Victor Montoya, MD, a neurologist and epileptologist on the medical staff at the Baylor Scott & White NeuroHealth Institute Epilepsy Center. To help these patients, as part of the NeuroHealth Institute, Baylor Scott & Epilepsy patients may experience burdens such as impaired cognitive ability and memory. Recurrent sei- zures can also affect alertness, which can impact the ability to drive. “It curbs all of your chances in life While epilepsy is a complex med- ical condition, patients now have resources, guidance and support in the Greater Austin area to help them navigate the chronic condition. A spe- cialized team at Baylor Scott & White’s NeuroHealth Institute takes an indi- vidualized approach to help patients manage symptoms like seizures and improve their quality of life. “Nearly three million people have epilepsy in the United States. It’s one of the most common neurological disorders, a category which includes Alzheimer’s and strokes,” said Diego Tovar, MD, a neurologist and epileptol- ogist on the medical staff at the Baylor Scott & White NeuroHealth Institute Epilepsy Center in Lakeway. “Epilepsy patients are at increased risk of recur- rent seizures, which can cause loss of awareness, loss of consciousness and convulsions.”

“We don’t care what your background is,” Vedros said. “If you’re nice, we’ll teach you some really fun stuff. We don’t care about your skill level, just that you’re here to learn and have fun.” Hog Heaven Sporting Club offers events that are open to the community such as Pistol PT, a workout to build physical endurance and test pistol skills. The club also offers special, member-only events like Cosmic Clays, a black light clay shoot, and exclusive dinners on the bridge overlooking the lake. Vedros said fostering connections is just as important as providing outdoor experiences. With members ranging from retirees, to famous faces, business owners and executives, the club has become a social hub where individuals can build friendships over shared interests. “That’s what we really focus on: out, do all these fun things, but then also to learn and grow and develop,” Vedros said. THE CLUB OFFERS THREE MEMBERSHIP TIERS: SHOTGUN: This package is tailored to sporting clay enthusiasts. At $175 per month, this membership also

includes discounted golf cart rentals and invitations to special events. Until January 31st, Community Impact readers can lock in a special mem- bership rate of $125 per month when they mention this ad. PREMIER: At $275 per month, this membership provides full access to the sporting club facilities (for the entire family) and other exclusive resources to fuel members’ passion for the outdoors. This is the club’s primary offering and the primary experience the club is designed around. Initiation is $6,500. CORPORATE: This package is an extension of the “Premier” membership, but designed for businesses or large families. At $275 a month per key- holder, this tier includes free golf cart rentals, retail discounts, and access to a myriad of our exclusive “Premier” only member events and amenities. Initiation is $10,000. As Hog Heaven Sporting Club continues to expand, including plans for a new bar and lounge next year, Vedros and his team remain dedicated to providing a space where people can unplug, reconnect with nature and build lasting relationships. To learn more about membership options, special events, or even hosting your own event at Hog Heaven, visit

comprehensive evaluation, they can decide based on that information.” One unique aspect of the new center is that physicians can monitor brain activity and gain insight into the patient’s condition in the institute’s Epilepsy Monitoring Unit located at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Lakeway. “The Epilepsy Monitoring Unit is a physical space in the hospital, but what makes the unit special is the staff,” Weston said. “The nurses and EEG technologists in the unit are trained to help us in evaluation to care for the unique needs of these patients. They are the ones who are monitoring the patients 24/7.” The team at Baylor Scott & White NeuroHealth Institute is committed to improving local epilepsy patients’ lives. You can learn more about the Baylor Scott & White NeuroHealth Institute Epilepsy Center at BSWHealth.com/NeuroHealth.

White Health recently launched the comprehensive Epilepsy Center. “We are excited about having this resource for the Greater Austin com- munity. We have a full team of experts who are passionate about providing quality care,” said Michael Weston, director for the Baylor Scott & White NeuroHealth Institute. The Baylor Scott & White Epilepsy Center at the NeuroHealth Institute helps patients live better lives by providing comprehensive treatment options in one convenient location. Its integrated care helps patients achieve quality outcomes. Epilepsy Center providers under- stand the nuances and complexities of brain health and can create custom- ized treatment options. “Each patient who experiences recurrent seizures has a condition very unique to them, like a fingerprint.” Dr. Montoya said. “The idea is for us to identify those features and adapt the treatments to them. After a

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LAKE TRAVIS - WESTLAKE EDITION

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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 Hannah Norton Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Amira Van Leeuwen Gracie Warhurst Chloe Young Graphic Designers Alissa Foss Gloria Gonzalez Melissa Johnson Sabrina Musachia Karoline Pfeil Sam Schaer

Taylor Stover General Manager tstover@ communityimpact.com

Minh Nguyen Joseph Veloz Managing Editor Darcy Sprague Senior Product Manager Haley Grace Quality Desk Editor Adrian Gandara Publisher Travis Baker

Grace Dickens Editor gdickens@ communityimpact.com

Jacqueline Harris Account Executive jharris@ communityimpact.com

16225 Impact Way, Ste. 1 Pugerville, TX 78660 • 5129896808 CI Careers

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LAKE TRAVIS WESTLAKE EDITION

Impacts

620

LAKE TRAVIS

3 Lake Travis Community Library West Located off Hwy. 71, the 5,000-square-foot library offers materials such as books, audiobooks, magazines and DVDs, according to a news release. • Opened Nov. 18 • 21209 W. Hwy. 71, Spicewood • www.laketravislibrary.org 4 Lakeway Nail Spa The spa offers manicures, pedicures, waxing, Gel X extensions and dip powder nail sets. • Opened Dec. 8 • 18225 Hwy. 71, Ste. 400, Austin • www.lakewaynailspa.com 5 Frost Bank The financial institution in Four Points offers checking and savings accounts, personal and business loans, investment options and insurance. • Opened Nov. 19 • 8111 N. RM 620, Austin • www.frostbank.com 6 Tancho Sushi and Sake Lantana Place now has a sushi restaurant offering omakase-style dining, meaning the choices are left up to the chef. • Opened Nov. 22 • 7415 Southwest Parkway, Bldg. 4, Ste. 300, Austin • www.tancho.com 7 Sivestar Indian Tacos Pandiyan Kaliyamoorthy opened the Indian-Mexican fusion restaurant in Oak Hill Plaza. The restaurant serves classic Mexican dishes like street tacos and burritos with Indian spices and ingredients. • Opened Oct. 28 • 7101 Hwy. 71, Ste. E1 and E2, Austin • www.sivestarindiantacos.com 8 La Traviata The local Italian restaurant reopened in Lantana Place after closing its South Congress Avenue location in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. • Opened Sept. 25

I L S O N

ROCK HARBOUR DR.

VISTA PARKE DR.

STEINER RANCH BLVD.

620

Lakeway

2222

EMMA LONG PARK

360

COMMONS FORD RANCH

West Lake Hills

CROSS TOWN PKWY.

Rollingwood

BOB WIRE RD.

BARTON CREEK HABITAT PRESERVE

BARTON CREEK BLVD.

BEE CREEK RD.

6 8

MOPAC

Bee Cave

PEDERNALES SUMMIT PKWY.

290

MAP NOT TO SCALE

2 Swedish Hill The location offers freshly-baked pastries and signature cakes, as well as made-to-order sandwiches, salads and soups. • Opened Nov. 25 • 3663 Bee Caves Road, Ste. 4A, West Lake Hills • www.swedishhillaustin.com/westlake

Now open

1 Another Round Disc Golf The store sells discs, accessories and apparel. • Opened Oct. 26 • 5300 S. MoPac Expressway, Ste. 505, Austin • www.anotherroundaustin.com

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• 7415 Southwest Parkway, Bldg. 4, Ste. 100, Austin • https://latraviataaustin.toast.site

Now open

Coming soon

9 Air & Plumbing Today in Lakeway The business offers expert A/C, heating and plumbing

repair in Austin. • Opened Nov. 12 • 2009 N. RM 620, Ste. 740, Lakeway • www.airandplumbingtoday.com

10 UTea Kitchen Following its success in West Campus, owners of UTea Pho opened a new Vietnamese restaurant, UTea Kitchen, in Lakeway. The new location offers a diverse menu of Vietnamese dishes and bakery items like cream puffs. • Opened Sept. 14 • 2422 S. RM 620, Lakeway • www.uteakitchen.com 11 Curry Pizza House The fast-casual restaurant chain offers curry pizzas, with toppings like tandoori chicken and palak paneer. • Opened Dec. 5 • 3620 S. RM 620, Ste. 160, Bee Cave • www.currypizzahouse.com Art of Drawers The business based in the Barton Creek area provides custom organization solutions for cabinets and pantries, offering hand-crafted, solid wood pull-out drawers. • Opened Oct. 1 • www.artofdrawers.com

13 Day Maker Half Day Cafe From the team behind Jack Allen’s Kitchen and Salt Traders Coastal Cooking, Jack Gilmore and Tom Kamm’s new breakfast and brunch restaurant offers traditional brunch items, like eggs benedict, in addition to the Breakfast Burger and Big Belly Pastrami Sandwich. The Day Maker is open daily from 7 a.m.-3 p.m., with a walk-up coffee bar as well as full-service cocktail bar. • Opened Nov. 22

16 Anderson Parker Owned by Michael McCollum Adams and named after her oldest daughter, the luxury children’s apparel and monogram boutique plans to open in WestBank Market. Monogram services are offered by in-house expert Meredith McCollum, the stepmother of Adams. • Opening in spring • 3300 Bee Caves Road, Ste. 375, Austin • www.shopandersonparker.com

• 1101 S. MoPac, Austin • www.daymakeratx.com

14 Ethan Allen Bee Cave The furniture store plans to open a showroom in the Hill Country Galleria. The locally owned and operated family business offers furniture for living spaces, dining rooms, bedrooms, home offices, the outdoors and more, CEO Bradley Chesnick said. • Opening by April 1 • 12800 Galleria Circle, Bee Cave • www.ethanallen.com

according to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation permit. • 12812 Shops Parkway, Ste. 300, Bee Cave • www.traderjoes.com 17 Farmand’s Family Kitchen The family-friendly restaurant has plans to open in Steiner Ranch in spring, according to a TDLR permit. The location is named after restaurateur Tony Farmand, and is a collaboration with restaurant developer Carlos Griego and a Culinary Institute of America-trained chef, according to its website.

Coming soon

12 AustinDEEP The practice offers a massage experience with The DEEP Method, which uses deep tissue massage to target connective tissues below the skin called fascia. • Opening Jan. 3 • 2700 Barton Creek Blvd., Ste. 110, Austin • www.austindeep.com

In the news

• 5145 RM 620, Bldg. C, Austin • www.farmandskitchen.com

15 Trader Joe’s The grocery chain has plans to open in Shops at The Galleria in the spot that currently houses Office Depot,

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LAKE TRAVIS - WESTLAKE EDITION

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Government

BY GRACE DICKENS

What to know about local tax rates for fiscal year 2024-25 Many taxing entities in the Lake Travis-Westlake area have proposed higher tax rates for the upcoming year, which could result in higher tax bills depending on a homeowner’s place of residence. The following information outlines the increase in taxes for a home with a taxable value of $600,000 or $1 million between fiscal year 2023-2024 and FY 2024-25. For more information on locating your municipal utility district and emergency service district rates, visit the original web story posted for this article available through this QR code:

Travis County The county raised both its own tax rate and the rate for Central Health, the county’s hospital district. Part of the tax rate increase for the county rate will go toward affordable child care measures passed as part of Proposition A in November.

Cost change for $600K taxable value

Cost change for $1M taxable value

2023 rate

2024 rate

% change

Travis County

$0.304655

$0.344445

+13.06%

+$238.74

+$397.90

Travis Central Health

$0.100692

$0.107969

+7.23%

+$43.66

+$72.77

Cities Lakeway and Rollingwood both raised tax rates for FY 2024-25. The increase in Lakeway was largely attributed to the $22 million parks bond passed by voters in May, according to city information.

Cost change for $600K taxable value

Cost change for $1M taxable value

2023 rate

2024 rate

% change

Bee Cave

$0.020000

Lakeway

$0.144000

$0.159800

+10.97%

+$94.80

+$158.00

Rollingwood

$0.191700

$0.205800

+7.36%

+$84.60

+$141.00

West Lake Hills

$0.178600

School districts School districts across the area decreased tax rates in line with statewide compression requirements mandating a district to further compress its tax rate if property values within its boundaries rise above 2.5% annually.

Cost change for $600K taxable value

Cost change for $1M taxable value

2023 rate

2024 rate

% change

Eanes ISD

$0.888000

$0.885500

-0.28%

-$15.00

-$25.00

Lake Travis ISD

$1.074100

$1.065600

-0.79%

-$51.00

-$85.00

Leander ISD

$1.108700

$1.086900

-1.97%

-$130.80

-$218.00

Emergency service districts Emergency service districts provide fire and emergency medical services for residents. Some ESDs increased tax rates for the upcoming year, including ESD No. 3 in the Westlake area and ESD No. 6, or Lake Travis Fire Rescue.

Cost change for $600K taxable value

Cost change for $1M taxable value

2023 rate

2024 rate

% change

ESD No. 3

$0.040000

$0.053000

+32.50%

+$78.00

+$130.00

ESD No. 6

$0.083100

$0.087600

+5.42%

+$27.00

+$45.00

ESD No. 8

$0.081000

$0.083000

+2.47%

+$12.00

+$20.00

SOURCE: TRAVIS COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

ESD No. 9

$0.073500

$0.071000

-3.40%

-$15.00

-$25.00

ESD No. 10

$0.100000

LAKE TRAVIS - WESTLAKE EDITION

Government

BY HALEY MCLEOD & KAROLINE PFEIL

Lakeway prepares for charter election Lakeway City Council held a special meeting Dec. 2 to discuss proposed amendments to the Lakeway City Charter put forward by the council, staff, and the city’s Charter Review Committee. Diving deeper Some of the proposed changes include removing certain boards and city positions and removing the residency requirement for city managers. The discussion included debate on if item 16, which shifts the responsibility of approving updates on police policies from City Council to the city manager, who would provide council oversight to the police department. Additional concerns were raised over the dissolution of the Board of Ethics. A revised version several items will be brought to the council’s January meeting, and if approved, a special election will be called for May 3.

West Lake Hills shares new fire safety plans West Lake Hills is putting forward plans to improve its fire safety. Announced at a council meeting Nov. 13, the city has approved a Firewise USA Site Community Wildfire Action Plan, which is designed to increase outreach, implementa- tion and education efforts for fire safety in West Lake Hills over the next three years. A few action items listed under Year 1 in 2025 include: • Developing online resources for education on fire safety • Maintaining tree canopy of public streets and city-owned properties • Aligning vegetative debris management communications to property owners • Holding evacuation drills

Charter updates

Among the 17 proposed changes to the charter, City Council will revisit the following in January:

ITEMS 1, 2, 7

Removing certain boards and city positions, including city treasurer, City Building Commission and Board of Ethics

ITEM 13

Updating appointment process and terms for board, commission and committee members

ITEM 16

Allowing city manager to approve police policy and procedures

ITEM 17

Removing residency requirement for city manager

SOURCE: CITY OF LAKEWAY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

TravCo sees first decline in opioid overdoses in 3 years Local and state officials announced Dec. 2 that Travis County has been awarded a $1.6 million federal grant to launch a jail-based substance use intake program as recent data shows the first decline in accidental opioid deaths in more than launching a jail-based substance use intake program, which will be overseen by the county’s Health and Human Services Department, Sheriff’s office, and Integral Care.

Opioid-related deaths in Travis County Fentanyl-related

All accidental opioid deaths

400

300

200

The program will utilize medication-assisted treatment alongside harm reduction approaches and peer recovery support within the Travis County jail system and follow an individual as they reenter the community.

three years. The details The latest federal funding will join local efforts,

100

2022

2023

2024

SOURCE: TRAVIS COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Transportation

BY KAROLINE PFEIL & HALEY MCLEOD

Public meeting to be held on Camp Craft closure West Lake Hills officials will hold a public meet- ing in Westlake High School’s small auditorium on Jan. 9 from 6-8 p.m. to address the shutdown of Camp Craft Road for construction in February and discuss other ongoing road projects. Camp Craft Road improvements were priori- tized in the city’s 2021 road improvement bond, which aims to improve the drainage and overall safety of six major roads in West Lake Hills. The overview Improvements to Camp Craft will include removing the road’s low-water crossing and replacing it with larger box culverts that reduce the likelihood of flooding during heavy rain events. The project will require a full road closure, and residents needing to access Westlake High School are encouraged to utilize Westbank Drive, City

Airport receives over $33M in federal funds Austin-Bergstrom International Airport officials announced a $33.27 million funding grant from the Federal Aviation Administra- tion in October to support the construction of the airport’s nearly $2 billion Concourse B project. What we know The “Journey with AUS” expansion program includes several projects at the airport spread over many years, such as a new baggage handling system, passenger gates, airfield upgrades, new taxiways and a second concourse. Airport leaders aim to begin construction in 2027 and anticipate opening the new facility as early as 2030, according to a news release.

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Manager Trey Fletcher said. Logistical details pushed the start date of the project from summer 2023 to January 2025, but the new timeline will prevent construction from running into the start of the 2025-26 school year, Fletcher said. What’s next Preconstruction work on the road will begin in January, and the road will be closed Feb. 1. The road is expected to reopen no later than July 31, Fletcher said.

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Education

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON & CHLOE YOUNG

Lake Travis ISD delays opening of new high school

LISD considers open enrollment policy Leander ISD is considering opening enroll- ment to students living outside of the district as its enrollment growth slows. The details The district’s Long-Range Planning Com- mittee formed a subcommittee to determine what it might look like for LISD to enroll additional students. District officials provided an update on the subcommittee’s work at a Nov. 21 board of trustees meeting. The district would need to assess how open enrollment would impact its resources and staffing, including potential constraints on staff, and determine which campuses and grade levels could accept transfers based on their available space, said Mike Howard, LISD director of fine arts and administrative co-chair on the subcommittee.

Lake Travis ISD officials postponed the opening of the district’s second high school and eighth elementary school at a Nov. 20 board meeting as enrollment growth projections slow. What’s happening LTISD officials are now planning to open High School No. 2 off Hwy. 71 in the fall of 2028 instead of 2027, Superintendent Paul Norton said. Additionally, the opening of Elementary School No. 8—initially slated for 2026—will be delayed at least a year or “until our enrollment justifies the construction,” Norton said. The district had 11,010 students as of Oct. 25, which was 263 students less than the year prior, said Pam Sanchez, assistant superintendent for business services. Some context High School No. 2 was delayed to revise its design to accommodate 1,500 students instead

Revised timelines

Original plan Updated plan

High School No. 2

Opening fall 2027

Opening fall 2028

Possible opening fall 2027, dependent on enrollment SOURCE: LAKE TRAVIS ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Elementary School No. 8

Opening fall 2026

of the initial 2,000 expected, as Travis County purchased over 2,100 acres of land for conser- vation easements that were originally expected to become single-family homes, Population and Survey Analysts president Stacey Tepera said at a March 20 meeting. Across its elementary campuses, the district is seeing a decline in kindergarten enrollment in light of high housing costs and interest rates, Sanchez said.

Eanes ISD parents voice concerns on blended campus model proposal

$2 million, was first proposed as a cost-saving mea- sure to lessen EISD’s projected $6 million shortfall in 2025-26 during a Nov. 11 budget workshop. Parent concerns included safety, traffic and parking, classroom sizes, lunch periods, and overall campus capacity. Many also said there are “less disruptive” and “more equitable” options available, such as rezoning the entire district or pausing transfers.

Eanes ISD officials are evaluating cost-saving measures for the 2025-26 school year and beyond, including one option to potentially blend the Bar- ton Creek and Valley View elementary campuses. Diving in deeper Over 50 parents spoke out against the blend at the Nov. 19 board of trustees meeting. The potential blend, estimated to save the district

“It is so wrong and disheartening seeing this decision being driven by faulty assumptions with no real input from the staff or community.” LAUREN AMADOR, VALLEY VIEW PARENT

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Development

BY KAROLINE PFEIL

Lakeway is moving ahead with plans for a new Lake Travis Fire Rescue station. The station, approved at a Lakeway City Council meeting Nov. 19, will be built on 3.09 acres of land located at 15617 Flint Rock Road. By creating this new station, the department expects to improve its emergency response time to surrounding neighborhoods, per a city staff report. The station’s design and construction will be paid for by Lake Travis Fire Rescue, with an estimated completion date of 2031, a Lake Travis Fire Rescue representative said. The new station would eliminate plans for a New fire station coming soon to Lakeway

Looking ahead

620

Benefits of the new station, apart from its convenient location, would also include a reduced call volume to the existing fire station at Lohman’s Crossing, Assistant City Manager Ashby Grundman said. “That could be the difference, with oxygen deprivation, between somebody surviving a medical emergency and not surviving a medical emergency,” Council member Christopher Forton said. Abbott said that another fire station is currently in development for Serene Hills, with operation slated to begin in 2028. With the Flint Rock Road station now approved, Abbott said that the city will likely see the benefit of having a total of four functional fire stations within the next 10-11 years.

proposed park in the area, subject to a “fee in lieu,” which would be paid to the city by developers and put into a special fund reserved for city park development and maintenance. The current average response time for fires in the region is five minutes and two seconds, Chief Robert Abbott of Lake Travis Fire Rescue said. By choosing this location for the new fire station, he estimates that response times could be reduced by two to two and a half minutes. The new station could also help improve Lakeway’s Insurance Services Office rating, or ISO, which insurance companies use to determine homeowner insurance costs, Abbott said.

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