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Bastrop Cedar Creek Edition VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 MARCH 30 MAY 1, 2024
Inaugural issue
Fields to factories
Starlink Warehouse
Hyperloop Plaza
The Boring Co. Facility
Together, The Boring Co. and SpaceX companies own 281 acres o FM 1209 northwest of the city of Bastrop.
BARRY TATE COMMUNITY IMPACT
Elon Musk-led companies spur transformation of Bastrop landscape
the Austin area. “Having something like [The] Boring Co., SpaceX located in your backyard—and to a greater extent Tesla—is good,” lifelong Bastrop resident Reid Sharp said. “It means more people, more opportunity.”
Another Musk venture, SpaceX, completed construction on the company’s 12-acre Project ECHO warehouse in 2023 opposite FM 1209 along the Colorado River. Together, the two companies make up about 281 acres of the billionaire’s roughly 3,500 acres in
BY JANE TURCHI
Since moving his startup The Boring Co. to Bastrop County in 2021, Elon Musk has grown his land holdings. The development includes Boring’s 80,000-square-foot warehouse, a bodega and a housing complex.
CONTINUED ON 18
Also in this issue
Impacts: Chipotle to open this fall (Page 7)
Government: Old Iron Bridge assessment underway (Page 8)
Election: Bastrop City Council Place 4 race on May 4 (Page 11)
Education: BISD bond funds two new elementary schools (Page 13)
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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BASTROP EDITION
RICK COFER & ELIZABETH DUGGAN
Best Lawyer THE AUSTIN CHRONICLE ’21-’23 Super Lawyer THOMSON REUTERS ’21-’24
Bastrop ISD Alumni Texas A&M Class of ’17
BASTROP’S GO-TO CRIMINAL DEFENSE TEAM
6
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
HAWTHORNE ST.
Impacts
GORDON ST. BY AMANDA CUTSHALL & JANE TURCHI
Relocations
969
3
95
FISHERMAN'S PARK
71
5
1
6
7
304
21
20
150
8
21
EMILE ST.
2 4
71
71
SOUTH ST. Community Gardens, Radiant Juice + Smoothie Bar reopened at the corner of Chestnut and Jefferson streets—one week after new owner DeLacey Martin bought it. Radiant Juice + Smoothie Bar relocated from 601 Chestnut St. • Opened Jan. 14 7 Radiant Juice + Smoothie Bar Founded in 2019 by Danielle McDonald at
MAP NOT TO SCALE
N TM; © 2024 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
• Opening this fall • 707 W. Hwy. 71, Bastrop • www.chipotle.com
Now open
• 1002 Chestnut St., Bastrop • www.bastropjuicebar.com
111
1 Taxolote Owner Jose Gerardo Cavazos puts a twist on Northern Mexican cuisine with his Bastrop food truck. • Opened Jan. 10 • 1067 Hwy. 71, Bastrop • Instagram: taxolote 2 AT&T Situated near Walmart, between GNC and Great Nails, the newest store offers help with AT&T services, in addition to carrying a range of smart devices. • Opened Dec. 7 • 494 W. Hwy. 71, Ste. 140, Bastrop • www.att.com
4 Frost Bank Grand opening festivities for the location can be
expected in the summer. • Opening in early April • 494 W. Hwy. 71, Ste. 100, Bastrop • www.frostbank.com 111
for over a dozen years. DevineLites Soap Shop relocated from downtown Elgin. • Relocated in January
5 DeLeon Beauty Institute The brainchild of Eve DeLeon, founder of DeLeon Nail Studio, the beauty school will offer two program options: cosmetologist and manicurist. • Opening in early spring
• 702 Chestnut St., Ste. 202, Bastrop • www.divinelites-soapshop.square.site
Expansions
• 815 W. Hwy. 71, Ste. A, Bastrop • www.deleonbeautyinstitute.com
8 H-E-B Plus The addition of a True Texas BBQ restaurant inside the store, curbside area expansion and pharmacy reconfiguration are planned. • Expanding July 1 • 104 Hasler Blvd., Bastrop • www.heb.com
Coming soon
Relocations
3 Chipotle Chipotle’s Bastrop location is expected to feature a “Chipotlane,” a drive-thru digital order pickup lane.
6 DivineLites Soap Shop DivineLites Soap Shop owner Iris Noriega has sold soaps
EVERYBODY LOVES A COOL NEIGHBOR.
Lost Pines is your local escape, a place where you can swing by for some golf, a massage, or even just dinner and drinks after a long week (or during a long week; we won’t judge). There’s nothing better than hanging out with fun neighbors. So go ahead—come on over and stay awhile.
LOSTPINESRESORTANDSPA.COM
7
BASTROP EDITION
Government
969
REDUCED SPEED LIMIT OF 60 MPH
21
N
304
BEAR HUNTER DR.
City to reduce FM 969 speed limit to 60 mph The speed limit on the 0.75-mile section of FM 969 located within the city of Bastrop will be reduced from 65 mph to 60 mph. The change follows an April 2023 Texas Depart- ment of Transportation tra c investigation recommending the change. TxDOT will match the reduced limit for the section of roadway outside of city jurisdic- tion, o cials said. The council discussed further speed reduction in the future.
Assessment of the 100-year-old downtown Bastrop bridge began on March 11.
JANE TURCHI COMMUNITY IMPACT
Old Iron Bridge work to nish by April 2027 Engineering consultant Huitt-Zollars Inc. performed the initial assessment and design of repairs to The Old Iron Bridge in Bastrop for $1.13 million. Previous work by the company includes the Margaret Hunt Hill and Margaret McDermott bridges in Dallas.
The city reserved $18 million for repainting and repairs of the bridge. The timeline Assessment of the bridge began on March 11. Engineering design is scheduled to be completed in March 2025 followed by the completion of construction in April 2027. The design plan will include the installation of safety lighting, pedestrian railings and deck ame- nities. Tra c control and a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan will also be included.
Mural to honor Bastropian’s role in desegregation The city of Bastrop commissioned a mural at Minerva Delgado park to honor the civil rights advocate Minerva Delgado Lopez.
The background Dedicated in 2017, the park honors Minerva Delgado Lopez, whose family was the plainti in the landmark case Delgado v. Bastrop ISD that found Latino-Anglo segregation in Texas unlawful. “I’m just honored to be selected for the project,” Gri n said at the Jan. 23 council meeting.
The mural will be designed and painted by local artist Curtis Gri n. Gri n plans to use an aerosol application and gra ti protection in the design. Painting of the mural is expected to begin in April or May.
A depiction shows the planned mural prior to minor adjustments.
RENDERING COURTESY CITY OF BASTROP
8
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY JANE TURCHI
Bastrop restores Courthouse clock
City nears completion of Mayfest Park arena Mayfest arena work including chair installation and announcer box repairs will be completed in mid-April. Mayfest Park will be the site of two April events: Baileys Bull Bash on April 20 and the inaugural Festival de la Cultura on April 27-28. The background Bastrop City Council agreed to allocate $167,000 to address health and safety issues related to the Mayfest Park rodeo arena at the Aug. 22 City Council meeting. The proposition for repairs was accompanied by over 2,800 signatures from concerned citizens. “There are two exciting things: One, we’re going to stretch our dollars with the city, but two is the sense of community that is engaged in this,” council member Cynthia Meyer said at the council meeting.
Restorations on the Bastrop County courthouse clock tower will be complete in mid-May after work on the project began in November. By the numbers Bastrop County received a $250,000 grant from the National Park Service for resto- rations. The grant was part of the Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria Emergency Supple- mental Historic Preservation Fund. A closer look Restoration work includes the repair and replacement of rough carpentry and sheet metal. The clock face and mechanics will be restored. An electric strike for the bell will also be installed.
The Mayfest Park rodeo arena hosts various community events and free ride days.
JANE TURCHI COMMUNITY IMPACT
21
BASTROP STATE PARK
AMERICAN LEGION DR.
150
MAYFEST PARK
71
N
City of Bastrop to treat SpaceX wastewater in 2026 A joint agreement between the city of Bastrop, SpaceX and Corix Utilities for the treatment of wastewater from the FM 969 and FM 1209 SpaceX properties at the city of Bastrop’s new plant has been approved, according to a March 8 news release from the city. Service to SpaceX will begin in early 2026.The city and SpaceX paid $3.5 the city’s plant. The gist Construction of the city’s wastewater treat-
“Treating wastewater does not happen at a loss, it is a profitable enterprise, and serving such a large
customer will help keep rates low and the plant operating in tip-top shape for decades to come.” SYLVIA CARRILLO, CITY MANAGER
ment plant No. 3 began in August 2021 to accom- modate Bastrop’s rapid growth. Despite delays, the plant is expected to begin operating in April. The SpaceX deal will help pay for the $32.6 million plant, Bastrop City Manager Sylvia Carrillo said.
million and $3 million for the deal respectively. Corix will conduct the transfer of wastewater to
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BASTROP EDITION
Commercial Roof Replacement
Residential Roof Replacement
Commercial Roof Repair
Residential Roof Repair
Commercial Roof Maintenance
Siding Replacement
Siding Repair
Gutters
10
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Election
BY JANE TURCHI
*INCUMBENT
Bastrop City Council Place 4 election
What will be the top priorities of your term if elected? I’ll prioritize revamping the building code for usability. Generating funding for road, drainage and infrastructure projects to lessen nancial burden on residents. Adding a recreation center, multipurpose elds, and upgrading the Rodeo Arena. Promoting local workforce development and business growth to boost wages and sales tax revenue.
What makes you quali ed for this position?
I bring 10 years of city government experience, serving on council and key boards. Formed a focus group for city permitting improvement. Reallocated funds for street maintenance and historic bridge repair. With over $1B in construction projects, I understand infrastructure planning and funding. Committed to responsive and resident- friendly city government.
Kerry Fossler Occupation: Real estate agent Relevant experience: Licensed Realtor; Boards: Chamber, Visit Bastrop, Parks, Bird City; Industries: lm, hospitality, wellness, oil/gas www.KerryForBastrop.com Jimmy Crouch* Occupation: Sr. project manager Relevant experience: Current City Council member; past board member for: Parks Board, Construction Standards Board www.voteforjimmy.net
As a recognized leader in an industry that relies on ethics and integrity, I’ve spent my career reviewing detailed contracts, handling con dential information, abiding by laws, advising in stressful times, nding creative solutions, negotiating, and listening with compassion and respect. I’ve also served in leadership roles on many community boards.
An urgent priority is securing additional City Recreation Center space for immediate use while planning for long-term expansion. I see great need for increasing community input in public decisions and monitoring road improvements. Council’s priorities should always be infrastructure, public safety and leveraging tax dollars for the entire community’s bene t.
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
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11
BASTROP EDITION
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CHEERS FOR BASTROP’S TRASH AND RECYCLING CHAMPIONS Meet Winston, one of our Waste Connections drivers, come rain or shine, he’s making sure Bastrop stays clean and green!
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12
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Education
BY JANE TURCHI
Bastrop ISD to build 2 new schools
The background
Prior to 2021, the district had not passed a bond since 2007, despite being a fast-growth Texas district. The 2021 and 2023 bonds will fund $499.3 million worth of projects:
“BISD is a fast-growth school district and continues to experience steady growth as more families and new businesses choose to relocate here,” said Lee Raspberry, the director of construction and planning at BISD, in an email. Along with new construction, the bonds fund repairs for existing schools as well as the construction of athletic and fine arts facilities.
Bastrop ISD is in the process of selecting land for the district’s ninth and 10th elementary schools. The new schools are part of the 2021 and 2023 bond programs to address enrollment growth as well as critical system upgrades and replacements. The district expects to accommodate 3,150 more students by the 2028-29 school year as student enrollment is projected to grow 3.5% each year.
May 2021 bond
Total $177.83 million
Growth and instructional capacity projects: $76.07 million Colony Oaks and Camino Real elementary schools: $64.38 million General renovations and improvements: $27.97 million
Bastrop ISD enrollment projections District capacity
Safety and security upgrades: $9.41 million
12K 15K
14,861
New school construction and expansions: $272.77 million School renovations: $31 million Police operations facility: $17.73 million May 2023 bond
0 3K 6K 9K
Total $321.5 million
*2023-24
2024-25
2025-26
2026-27
2027-28
*FALL 2023 STATS
SOURCE: BASTROP ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Bastrop elementary school capacity
Capacity with portables
Over capacity
2023-24
2024-25
2025-26
2026-27
2027-28
What’s next?
1,000 1,200
200 400 600 800
The district’s next major project will involve the conversion of two intermediate schools into middle schools, minimizing class size for grades six to eight. Raspberry said a third comprehensive high school will likely be the district’s next new construction, although it is years away. “We will continue managing our current bond projects with fidelity and meeting the commitments we made to our community,” Raspberry said.
0
Bluebonnet
**Camino Real
Cedar Creek
**Colony Oaks
Emile
Lost Pines Mina Red Rock
**OPENED TO STUDENTS IN FALL 2023
SOURCE: BASTROP ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
GET LOST—CLOSE TO HOME. Lost Pines is right in your own back yard, but it’s also a world away—perfect for a staycation, milestone celebration, or maybe just a dinner that’s a little different (in all the right ways). Hit the spa. Play some golf. Stay for a day, a night, or join our club and make Lost Pines your home away from home. It’s 405 acres of endless adventure, and it’s all just a short drive away.
LOSTPINESRESORTANDSPA.COM
13
BASTROP EDITION
Real estate
Education
BY JANE TURCHI
In February, the majority of Bastrop homes sold were in the $300,000-$499,999 price range. Residential market data
BISD attendance below prepandemic numbers Bastrop ISD is averaging a 92% attendance rate for the 2023-24 school year—lower than the district’s prepandemic average of 94%. While the district saw some recovery over the rst semester, illness following the winter break brought attendance back down, BISD Chief Financial O cer Dina Edgar said at the March 19 board meeting. “Most school districts across the country are still experiencing this phenomenon,” Edgar said. “It is not new to Texas or to Bastrop ISD.” The report presented March 19 was part of the 2024-25 budget development update. What it means Average daily attendance, along with total student enrollment, are considered when the state decides how much funding each district receives. “Similar to last year, one of the most signi cant factors impacting this year’s budget is average daily
BISD to keep chaplains volunteers, not sta Ahead of a March 1 state deadline, Bastrop ISD school board voted to maintain the current guidelines for volunteer chaplains. Under the policy, chaplains are allowed in BISD schools as visitors and volunteers or can be considered for employment if quali ed. The board did not adopt any further policy regarding chaplains under Senate Bill 763, which states Texas schools can choose to employ or accept volunteer chaplains without the need for certi cation. What they’re saying “Chaplains are another source of caring adults in our community, and we would love to see them volunteer in our schools through our mentor program,” Vice Superin- tendent Kristi Lee said at the Feb. 20 school board meeting.
Homes sold by price point in February 2024
Attendance e ects funding Attendance e ects funding Districts receive $6,160 per student who meets the criteria for average daily attendance. Bastrop ISD o cials said they will continue to budget for lower than prepandemic attendance rates. Bastrop attendance rates
78602
78612
1 1
1 1
$900,000+
$700,000-$899,999
11
3 6 3
2018-19
$500,000-$699,999
94.6%
33 16
$300,000-$499,999
2019-20
97.9%
<$299,999
95
2020-21
78602
92%
71
21
2021-22
90.6%
21
Median home sales price
304
2022-23*
78612
February
2023
2024
92%
*DISTRICT ESTIMATE AUGUST THROUGH FEBRUARY
N
$378,660
$344,945
78602
SOURCE: BASTROP ISD, TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY COMMUNITY IMPACT
attendance,” Edgar said. O cials said the district will continue to budget for lower-than-expected attendance for the 2024-25 school year.
MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY AUSTIN BOARD OF REALTORS AND UNLOCK MLS 512 454 7636 • WWW.ABOR.COM
$440,000
$407,500
78612
BASTROP 739 State Hwy 71 (512) 308-0250
ELGIN 1100 US-290 (512) 285-2741
GIDDINGS 1920 E Austin St (979) 212-4031
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
41
Transportation
BY JANE TURCHI
A ected roads:
• Annika Way • Barbara Way • Belinda Court • Bills Circle
MAPLE ST.
95
BOB BRYANT PARK
HAWTHORNE ST.
MAGNOLIA ST.
BUSH COVE
• Blair Avenue • Bryant Drive • Carole Cove • Caylor Cove • Charles Boulevard • Elizabeth Lane • Hasler Shores • Jennifer Lane • Jessica Place • Jordan Cove • Katy B Lane • Kelly Court • North Lori Circle • Marino Court • Nicole Way • Patton Lane • Rebecca Lane • Schaefer Boulevard
LOCUST ST.
GARFIELD ST.
LINCOLN ST.
HASLER SHORES
ELM ST.
ROOSEVELT ST.
MYRD.
BUTTONWOOD ST.
95
FISHERMAN'S PARK
21
HIGGINS ST.
150
WALNUT ST.
GRADY TUCK LANE
WALNUT ST.
AUSTINST.
21
EMILE ST.
304
71
21
A ected roads:
150
21
71
• Antelope Trail • Bear Hunter Drive • Big Horn Pass • Bird Dog Bend • Bowstring Bend • Buckshot Court • Bushmaster Bend • Caliber Cove • Carbine Court • Double Barrel Court • Grutsch Drive
• Home Depot Way • Hunters Crossing Boulevard • Hunters Point Drive • Javelina Trail • Magnum Trail • Maverick Drive • Mossberg Lane • North Hunting Lodge Drive • Out itter Drive • Pack Horse Drive • Pony Pass
• Peccary Pass • Pheasant Trail • Remington Run • South Hunting Lodge Lane
HUNTERS CROSSING BLVD.
COMMERCIAL DR.
HOME DEPOT WAY
PARK LANE
• Steel Shot Court • Thompson Trail • Trophy Court • Wild Cat Drive • Wolverine Pass
CORPORATE DR.
304
MAP NOT TO SCALE N
SOURCE: THE CITY OF BASTROP COMMUNITY IMPACT
City of Bastrop to start $1.1 million road maintenance project
Spring Street • May 1-2: Hunters Crossing Boulevard, Home Depot Way, Out tter Drive, Industry Drive, Corporate Drive, Mauna Loa Lane • May 3-4: Hunters Crossing Boulevard Bowstring Bend, Wildcat Drive, Bear Hunter Drive, Hunters Point Drive, Antelope Trail, Grutsch Drive • May 6-7: Hasler Shores, Barbara Way, Elm Street, Gar eld Street, Lincoln Street, Bush Cove • May 8-9: Home Depot Way, Magnum Trail, Thompson Trail, Mossberg Lane, Carbine Court, Out tter Drive • May 10-11: Pack Horse Drive, Pony Pass, Wildcat Drive, Javelina Trail, Wolverine Pass, Trophy Court, Bird Dog Bend, Browning Drive, Out tter Drive, Hunters Crossing Boulevard
mobility can call the Holbrook Asphalt O ce at 435-652-4427 to coordinate accommodations. What they’re saying The city will engage in further road work and planning over the next 18 months, City Manager Sylvia Carrillo said. The strategy is part of the city’s e orts to work smarter, not harder, Carrillo said. Further updates will be available on the Community Impact website: communityimpact.com. Looking forward Surfacing projects are a part of the city’s work to repair and rehabilitate the roads. The new trans- portation impact fee will fund new roads such as Blakely Lane and Agnes Street. Initial roadwork dates (April 29-May 11): • April 29-30: Cedar Street, Haysel Street,
Roads within Bastrop’s downtown, Tahitian Village and Hunters Crossing are among those scheduled to receive high density mineral bond pavement preservation treatment this spring. The treatment extends the life of asphalt streets, lasting two to three times longer than seal coats, o cials said. Following a November vote to redistribute a portion of sales tax funds to road work, the city is expected to receive an extra $3.3 million a year for road work. The project is part of the city’s new approach to roadway maintenance. What to expect Weather permitting, roadwork will take place 7 a.m.-7 p.m. from April 29-June 15. Cars parked on streets the day they are scheduled to be treated will be towed. Residents with limited
17
BASTROP EDITION
Fields to factories From the cover
KEY:
The big picture
Developed land
Undeveloped land
SpaceX: Owned by SpaceX, the Starlink factory produces equipment for residential and mobile high-speed internet. Acres: 94.07 Opened: Dec. 2023 Permanent jobs: 1,000 Starlink warehouse
The installation of Boring and SpaceX in Bastrop County has expanded the workforce opportunities in the region. The two companies have brought about 1,200 medium-to-high- level jobs to Bastrop County and employ local contractors, Precinct 1 County Commissioner Mel Hamner said. The two businesses follow the establishment of Tesla—another company owned by Musk. Musk moved Tesla’s headquarters to eastern Travis County—30 minutes from SpaceX and Boring facilities—in 2020. Since that time, the company has paid $15 million in taxes to Travis County. Tesla now boasts 15,000 employees in the Austin area. With an estimated value of $7 billion, Boring manufactures tunneling machinery for tra c, utility, freight and pedestrian use. SpaceX’s Project ECHO facility produces Starlink satellites capable of global internet service. Boring and Starlink did not ask for or receive incentives from the county for building in the area, Hamner said. Boring’s grounds now house 110 module homes for the company’s employees. The 108-acre space neighboring Boring has the potential to accommodate 1,500 houses.
Hyperloop Plaza: The Boring Bodega, His & Her Barbershop Salon and Prufrock Pub make up Hyperloop Plaza. Weekly yoga and pickleball tournaments are held on the premises and open to the public. Opened: Nov. 2023
969
The Boring Co. : Boring produces tunneling machinery at its headquarters in Bastrop County. Musk established the town of Snailbrook, which was established in 2021. The property currently houses 110 module homes for the company’s employees. The 108- acre space neighboring Boring has the potential to accommodate 1,500 houses. Acres: 187
1209
218
Opened: early 2022 Permanent jobs: 200 Boring facility
Snailbrook
© GOOGLE MAPS
MAP NOT TO SCALE N
SOURCES: BASTROP COUNTY COMMISSIONER PRECINCT 1 MEL HAMNER, TRAVIS COUNTY DOCUMENTS COMMUNITY IMPACT
The impact
not responded to Community Impact’s request to comment. Chap Ambrose runs the “Keep Bastrop Boring” campaign to bring attention to the company’s violations. “It’s really unfortunate and disappointing as someone who’s like a fan of a lot of the same things Elon wants to do,” Ambrose said.
The road can handle 1,700 cars a day, more than the current demand. “[Boring and Starlink] have been a little slow sometimes to get the correct permits, but they’ll pay the nal one,” Hamner said. Since May 2022, the company has received ve TCEQ violations. As of the time of publication, Boring has
As expansion of the area continues, water and road improvements are a priority for the city of Bastrop, City Manager Sylvia Carrillo said. Hamner said tra c from the two companies has not added to transportation issues on county roads in the immediate area because Walker Watson Road, the side road for Boring, was built by the two companies and paved by the county.
Musk companies’ Central Texas impact
Starlink facility complete December 2023
Boring Co. moves headquarters to Bastrop County Summer 2021
Boring given two moderate and one minor violations, including failure to install/maintain proper erosion controls March 20, 2023
Hyperloop Plaza and Boring Bodega opens November 2023
Boring given two major Texas Commission on Environmental Quality violations, including failure to obtain a Texas Pollution Discharge Elimination System May 25, 2022
Tesla Gigafactory o cially opens April 7, 2022
SOURCES: TDLR, TCEQ AND BASTROP ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY JANE TURCHI
Going forward
What's next?
Bastrop Chamber of Commerce President Becki Womble has observed some positive outcomes from the two companies. “I think that Elon Musk is kind of a unique individual, and there’s this mystique around him, but I’m not nding that like with the people that are working at either one of those organiza- tions,” Womble said. Under Boring ownership, Hyperloop Plaza opened on a neighboring plot of land in November. The plaza is home to three businesses: The Boring Bodega, His & Her Barbershop Salon, and Prufrock Pub, all of which are open to the public. Events such as Sunshine Yoga are hosted weekly at the plaza. Pickleball courts, paddles and balls are available for use outside the build- ing for $1 an hour. “We’re seeing a lot more interaction from The Boring Co., especially with a bodega,” Womble said. “They’re starting to engage, but I think there’s just a natural curiosity.”
While at the time of publication, Boring and SpaceX have not responded to Community Impact’s request for comment, there are signs of more development to come to Bastrop. According to a job posting on WayUp, Musk will open a Montessori school called Ad Astra in July. The school will be located on about 40 acres on a former horse ranch. The companies are currently trying to generate community interest in a sports center on the property along the Colorado River, Hamner said. “It’s all just fascinating and fantastic,” Sharp said. “[To] think about [how] that’s happening in our own backyard and the bene ts that our own children and grandchildren might see out of it—I mean, we’re really on the map.”
A playground and pickleball court are located at Hyperloop Plaza.
TRACI RODRIGUEZ COMMUNITY IMPACT
The Boring Bodega sells snacks, drinks and frozen meals.
JANE TURCHI COMMUNITY IMPACT
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BASTROP EDITION
Events
BY AMANDA CUTSHALL
• $160 (general admission) • Downtown Bastrop, 1008 Main St., Bastrop • www.cityofbastrop.org
April
Solar eclipse party The park will be filled with games, eclipse-themed music, food vendors and more. Solar glasses will be available until supplies run out. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. • April 8, noon-2 p.m. • Free (admission) • Bob Bryant Park, 600 Charles Blvd., Bastrop • www.visitbastrop.com A Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Benefiting the local Children’s Advocacy Center, the fundraiser will offer 10 rounds of bingo for designer purses, along with small bites, sips, auctions and more. • April 13, 2 p.m. • $100 (general admission) • Bastrop Convention & Exhibit Center, 1408 Chestnut St., Bastrop • www.childrensadvocacycenter.org Table on Main Farm-style tables will fill Main Street, where attendees will be served a multi-course meal and cocktails prepared by area restaurants. • April 14, 6:30-10 p.m.
Springfest The family-friendly event aims to raise awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month. Those attending can dance to the music and eat from local food trucks. Other activities will include a kids play zone with prizes, inflatable bounce houses and water activities. • April 20, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. • Free (admission) • Fisherman’s Park, 1200 Willow St., Bastrop • www.childrensadvocacycenter.org Festival De La Cultura The two-day, family-friendly festival will focus on celebrating Hispanic heritage in the area. The event will start with a parade and Bastrop ISD ballet folklorico dancing, followed by live music, food trucks, vendors and more. • April 27, 11 a.m.-11 p.m., April 28, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. • Free (12 and younger), $10 (single-day access), $150 (VIP two-day access) • Mayfest Park, 25 American Legion Drive, Bastrop • www.festivaldelacultura.com
Sherwood Forest In its 15th year, the medieval-themed festival offers over 150 shows and 170 vendors, in addition to a host of food and drink choices. Entertainment options include jousting contests, musicians, magicians, jugglers and more. Attendees are encouraged to dress in medieval- or fae-themed costumes. • Weekends through April 21, 10 a.m.-dusk • $15.50-$26 (general admission) • 1883 Old Hwy. 20, McDade • www.sherwoodforestfaire.com
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Dining
BY JANE TURCHI
Neighbor’s Kitchen and Yard o ers award- winning food, music Neighbor’s Kitchen and Yard is a fami- ly-owned and -operated restaurant along the Colorado River. The restaurant o ers indoor and expansive outdoor seating. How it started Tom Dickey visited Neighbor’s Kitchen and Yard for the rst time as a halfway point to meet some college friends in summer 2017. Sitting behind Dickey and his friends in the restaurant was the previous owner and their business broker discussing the sale of the property. Completely new to the restaurant business, Dickey and his wife, Lori, were the o cial new owners of Neighbor’s Kitchen and Yard in
January 2018. What to expect
“Gettin’ Figgy Wit It” pizza ($13) and “Comeback Dip” ($9) are available at Neighbor’s Kitchen and Yard.
JANE TURCHI COMMUNITY IMPACT
Neighbor’s is located beside the iconic down- town Bastrop bridge. Attendees can enjoy live performances every weekend. “Mother Nature gave us a very distinct advantage being on the river and having the elbow room to sit outside on the patio, look at the bridge [and] enjoy live music,” Dickey said. Voted best pizza by Best of Bastrop for the sixth year in a row, Neighbor’s o ers specialty, made- to-order pizzas, sandwiches and wings. “It would be bragging if I called [Neighbor’s] the ‘Cheers’ of Bastrop, but that’s what we’re shooting for,” Dickey said. “We want people to come in and feel good—know them by name and know their story.”
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601 Chestnut St., Bldg. C, Bastrop www.neighborstx.com
Lori (right) and Tom Dickey are the owners of Neighbor’s Kitchen and Yard.
COURTESY TOM DICKEY
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BASTROP EDITION
Business
AMANDA CUTSHALL
Sydni Smith created the drive-thru coffee kiosk: Neon Bean.
1209
71
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1634 Hwy. 71, Cedar Creek Instagram: neonbeanco ee
Neon Bean serves avored espressos, iced co ees, blended drinks, teas and bagels.
PHOTOS COURTESY NEON BEAN
‘Wake up on the bright side’ with Neon Bean An inconspicuous, drive-thru co ee kiosk—no more than 13 feet by 14 feet—sits just o Hwy. 71 in Cedar Creek, slightly south of Dollar General, called Neon Bean. Despite its size, owner Sydni Smith said she and her team consistently help their customers “wake up on the bright side” with each visit. “We’ve gotten to meet so many incredible people through that small drive-thru window,” Smith said.
How it started A former ight medic in the U.S. Army, Smith said after having her two girls, she was ready to nd her “civilian passion.” “Driving into Austin, I realized there were no con- venient drive-thru co ee options between Bastrop and Austin,” Smith said. It was then Smith said she came up with the idea to apply her love of service and co ee to begin her next chapter. In February 2023, she opened Neon Bean. Smith said she came up with the name because the word “neon” invokes a bright and fun image that shouts, “Come on in.”
On the menu Neon Bean o ers a variety of co ees, avored espressos, and blended options such fruit smooth- ies. Teas, such as organic black and green as well as loose-leaf hot teas, are also available in addition to plain and avored bagels and cream cheese. Looking ahead With her background in service, Smith said she would like to nd more ways to give back to the community this year. “We wouldn’t be able to do what we do if it weren’t for the love and support Bastrop County has shown us,” Smith said.
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