North Central Austin Edition | May 2022

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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 MAY 23JUNE 26, 2022

ONLINE AT

Downtown history is on the line as its skyline transforms

AUSTIN ON THE RISE

BY BEN THOMPSON

Austin’s development boom is showing no signs of slowing down with plans already in place to bring hundreds of stories of new development to the city skyline in the next few years, potentially at a cost to much of the familiar downtown landscape. As Austin’s core is moving further from its mid-1900’s low-rise prole to prominent high-rises and high-prole

20+ new towers

1,000+ new stories

14M+ new square feet of construction

Austin’s skyline is rapidly growing vertical with more than 20 new towers in the works. (Courtesy Falcon Sky Photography)

CONTINUED ON 24

SOURCES: VARIOUS DEVELOPERSCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

Record-high property values stress homeowners

ASSESSING APPRAISALS Travis County saw a 54% increase in the median appraised value of a home in 2022. The year prior, homeowners saw a 16% increase.

In 2021, Nicholas Jowlabar got the keys to his newly built East Austin home. The process should have taken place in 2020, but due to the pandemic, supply shortages and myriad other issues, he did not close until early 2021. In April, Jowlabar said he received a notice that his home BY CLAIRE SHOOP & DARCY SPRAGUE

value had increased by more than $250,000, or more than 50%. Because he closed in 2021, his taxable property value will not be capped at a 10% increase, meaning he’ll likely pay more in taxes than his neighbor who closed a few months earlier for about the same price. “I don’t know if I want to live in my home for as long as

I thought I would,” Jowlabar said. As the median increase for property values was 54%, according to the county data, experts are warning residents not to panic until homeowners receive their tax bills in Octo- ber, as tax breaks and new tax rates set by municipalities to CONTINUED ON 26

2021 2022 2020 2019 2018 2017

$411,261 $632,208 $353,800 $355,836 $338,260 $316,020

53.72% 16.24% 5.2% 7.04% -0.57%

SOURCE: TRAVIS COUNTYCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

Austin passes marijuana proposition

IMPACTS

TODO LIST

GOVERNMENT

BUSINESS FEATURE

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LEARN ABOUT AUSTIN’S Water Quality

Continuous Quality Controls and Increased Frequency of Testing for the Highest Quality Water Innovations and quality controls have been added to strengthen our water treatment processes and ensure you receive the best – every time you turn on the tap. For example, Austin Water increased the frequency of water testing above what is required by regulatory agencies to ensure water quality. In addition to daily and hourly testing at each water treatment plant, a minimum of 300 tests are taken throughout the distribution system every month to check for bacteriological contaminants, chlorination levels, and other important parameters. An expanded snapshot of our rigorous quality controls and upgrades is posted on our website as well as an annual Drinking Water Quality Report that provides information about the City of Austin’s drinking water. Find the 2021 Consumer Confidence Report online at the link below, or call 512-972-0155 to receive a copy by email or mail.

Austin Water Quality Report 2021 Austinwater.org/WaterQuality Para una versión en Español llame al 512-972-0214

Austin Water’s annual consumer confidence report describes the overall quality of water from its raw collection and storage to the treated purity at your tap. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that all drinking water suppliers provide a water quality report to their customers on an annual basis.

austinwater.org

COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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

ACTIVE

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$800,000

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$1,450,000

3 bds

2 ba

1,695 sq ft

3 bds

2 ba

1,439 sq ft

2 bds

1 ba

1,200 sq ft

4 bds

2 ba

2,526 sq ft

1915 Wooten Dr, Austin, TX 78757 Jen Berbas | 512-655-3830

2140 Mccloskey St, Austin, TX 78723 Katherine Sokolic | 512-809-3497

6100 Laird Dr, Austin, TX 78757 Laurie McGary-Ginsel | 512-695-7461

4405 Greystone Dr, Austin, TX 78731 Amy Paczosa | 512-743-3667

ACTIVE

PENDING

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$2,199,000

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$1,450,000

$1,550,000

5 bds

4 ba

3,031 sq ft

3 bds

3.5 ba 2,842 sq ft

4 bds

3.5 ba 2,957 sq ft

3 bds

3 ba

2,681 sq ft

1201 Alguno Rd, Austin, TX 78757 Dora Martinez | 512-565-9909

4001 Manifest Ln, Austin, TX 78731 Joe Schleis | 512-779-6745

6805 Rockledge Cv, Austin, TX 78731 Eric Meissner | 512-695-2867

4212 Endcliffe Dr, Austin, TX 78731 Joe and Cara Keenan Team | 512-917-2326

PENDING

SOLD OVER ASKING

realtyaustin.com/p/2052202

realtyaustin.com/p/7520678

realtyaustin.com/p/3611889

realtyaustin.com/p/2314390

$2,000,000

$850,000

$950,000

$1,250,000

4 bds

3 ba

3,286 sq ft

3 bds

2.5 ba 1,543 sq ft

4 bds

3 ba

2,064 sq ft

4 bds

3 ba

3,461 sq ft

4506 Shoalwood Ave, Austin, TX 78756 Jonna Juul-Hansen | 512-663-8881

4905 Westfield Dr, Austin, TX 78731 Raymond and Catherine Team | 512-297-5133

7000 Priscilla Dr, Austin, TX 78752 Jennifer Shahry | 512-636-0834

5406 Pendleton Ln, Austin, TX 78723 Adam Walker | 512-554-5516

As a homeowner in Austin, you don’t want rising home values to impact how much you pay in property taxes. Protest Your Property Taxes

Scan the QR code for all the information you need to take control of these costs.

NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • MAY 2022

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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

THIS ISSUE

ABOUT US

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched the rst edition of Community Impact Newspaper in 2005 with three full-time employees covering Round Rock and Pugerville, Texas. We have expanded our operations to include hundreds of employees, our own printing operation and over 30 hyperlocal editions across three states. Our circulation is over 2 million residential mailboxes, and it grows each month with new residents and developments.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH

FROM DEEDA: You can’t cross a bridge over Lady Bird Lake these days without rubbernecking to see our skyline. There’s so much change. So many former gaps of sunshine now lled with tower cranes. In our front-page story, reporter Ben Thompson looks into the council decisions behind the demolitions and what eorts there are to preserve our historic structures. We’re taking a look back at where we came from as city leaders try to bridge old Austin with new Austin. Deeda Lovett, GENERAL MANAGER dlovett@communityimpact.com

Community Impact Newspaper teams include general managers, editors, reporters, graphic designers, sales account executives and sales support, all immersed and invested in the communities they serve. Our mission is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our core values are Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.

FROM DARCY: This year’s skyrocketing property valuations are driving homeowners and renters alike to ask new and in- depth questions about our property tax system and the local housing market. While reporting on our front-page story, I learned a lot myself. Inside (see Page 26), I try to answer some of those questions. Darcy Sprague, EDITOR dsprague@communityimpact.com

Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other.

WHAT WE COVER

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MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Deeda Lovett EDITOR Darcy Sprague REPORTER Ben Thompson

BUSINESS & DINING Local business development news that aects you

TRANSPORTATION & DEVELOPMENT Regular updates on area projects to keep you in the know

SCHOOL, CITY & COUNTY We attend area meetings to keep you informed

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Don Grabowski ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Shawn Burrell METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Travis Baker MANAGING EDITOR Amy Denney SENIOR ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Haley Grace CORPORATE LEADERSHIP GROUP PUBLISHER Traci Rodriguez EXECUTIVE EDITOR Joe Warner CREATIVE DIRECTOR Derek Sullivan SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR Tess Coverman CONTACT US 16225 Impact Way, Ste. 1, Pugerville, TX 78660 • 5129896808 PRESS RELEASES ctanews@communityimpact.com SUBSCRIPTIONS communityimpact.com/subscriptions

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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • MAY 2022

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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

IMPACTS

Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon or closing

COMPILED BY SUMAIYA MALIK & DARCY SPRAGUE

183

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Domino's

Carve American Grille

3 7

COURTSEY DOMINO'S

RENDERING COURTSEY CARVE AMERICAN GRILLE

CLAYTON LN.

business. The restaurant will serve some meat, but its “focus is to highlight the greens in the pot.” It is located in the same parking lot as 85°C Bakery Cafe on Airport Boulevard and Lamar Boulevard. www.soupleaotpot.com 4 Carve American Grille is opening a second location in Austin at The Grove mixed-use community. The new location is set to open toward the end of 2022 at 2613 Perseverance Drive, Austin. The steakhouse, which is owned by Perry’s Restaurants, has a location at 415 South- west Parkway, Austin. The menu includes items such as long-bone chicken-fried pork chops and wagyu meatloaf cup- cakes. www.carveamericangrille.com 5 Provision Dining House will open in the Triangle in May. The restaurant will be located at 4600 W. Guadalupe St., Ste. B5, Austin. The menu includes items such as Short Rib Ragout, True Mac and Cheese and Garden Tagliatelle. The restaurant was previously located in North Austin but closed temporarily during the pandemic. www.provisionaustin.com 6 Dallas-based medical spa House of Preservation will open its rst Austin location later this year. The spa is set to open in the Triangle at 815 W. 47th St., Ste. 100, Austin. The salon oers Botox and other injectable treatments, facials, laser procedures, microneedling, derma- planing and other skin-focused services. The shop hopes to open in 2022. www.houseofpreservation.com RELOCATIONS 7 Vietnamese restaurant Bun Belly

relocated to the Crescent Shopping Mall at 6929 Airport Blvd., Ste. 132, Austin, in April. It is replacing 101 by Tea Haus. The eatery oers noodle dishes, Bahn Xeo—a Vietnamese crepe, Bahn Mi and spring rolls. It was previously located at 5001 Airport Blvd., Austin. 512-358-4101. www.bunbellyatx.com 8 Kitch Cabinetry and Design opened at 5929 Burnet Road, Austin, in April. The store is owned by locals Jeremy and Jennifer Edwards. The business was previously located at 2210 W. Anderson Lane, Austin, before the couple moved to the current, bigger location. The busi- ness sells bathroom and kitchen coun- tertops and cabinets. 512-300-3260. www.kitchcabinetryanddesign.com CLOSINGS 9 Allandale restaurant Way South Philly Deli closed April 30. The shop, lo- cated at 5222 Burnet Road, Austin, was known for its cheesesteaks with Cheese Whiz. It also sold Italian sausage sand- wiches, subs, pizzas and other comfort foods. Owner William Pearce said he was unable to stay open because he could not nd enough sta. 10 San Antonio fast-casual restaurant Bill Miller Bar-B-Q closed its North Aus- tin location in late April after more than a decade. The 8103 Burnet Road, Austin, location faced constant stang short- ages, according to a spokesperson for the company. The company has raised its minimum wage to $15 an hour. There are six Bill Miller locations in Austin and 70 in San Antonio, Corpus Christi and other parts of Texas. www.billmillerbbq.com

PERSEVERANCE DR.

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development and manufacturing. It will host a variety of programs geared to help students enter Austin’s manufacturing pipeline. It also oers small and midsize manufacturers the space and resources to develop physical prototypes. 512-223-7724. www.austincc.edu/impactlab COMING SOON 3 Soupleaf Hot Pot , a local Austin Chinese hot pot restaurant oering dine-in and takeout, is expected to open in six months at 6929 Airport Blvd., Ste. 127, Austin. The 7,000-square-foot restaurant focuses on vegetable-friendly options with some meat. The restaurant will feature stock from scratch daily with a focus on the vegetables, said Nelson Lin, one of the owners in the family

1 Domino’s at 6929 Airport Blvd., Ste. 100, Austin, opened March 24 for pickup and delivery. The menu includes pizzas, pastas, sandwiches and desserts. The location is owned and operated by Kris Sanches. The location marks Domino’s 50th Central Texas store. 512-374-1000. www.dominos.com 2 Austin Community College opened its Innovative Manufacturing Partner- ships Accelerating Central Texas Lab on its Highland Campus on April 30. The IMPACT Lab , located at 6101 Highland Campus Drive, Austin, is a 5,000-square- foot facility focused on physical product

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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • MAY 2022

IMPACTS

Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon or relocating

W. 32ND ST.

DKR TEXAS MEMORIAL STADIUM

SAN JACINTO BLVD.

Salsa Limon

Texas Sele Museum

SUMAIYA MALIKCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

SAN JACINTO BLVD.

and specialty meats such as braised and roasted beef and tripe. It has a vegetarian selection, a specialty bar and catering. 512-716-7900. www.salsalimon.com 4 Rosen Bagel opened a second brick- and-mortar in Republic Square. The location, 422 W. Fifth St., Ste. C, Austin, was formerly home to Salt & Time Cafe. The New York-style boil-and-baked bagels restaurant began as a food truck in East Austin and opened its rst brick- and-mortar location in North Austin in January. Along with Rosen’s staples of bagels, schmears, lox and egg sandwich- es, the Republic Square menu will also include items inspired by Salt & Time, such as the Wagyu Roast Beef Sandwich and Bagel Cobb Salad. 512-502-5027. www.rosensbagels.com 5 Canadian sandwich chain Meat & Bread opened its rst U.S. location in Austin on March 8. The shop, which specializes in signature carved-to-order porchetta sandwiches with salsa verde and crackling, is located at 360 Nueces St., Ste. 20, Austin, below the 360 Condo- miniums. The menu also features meatball and Bualo chicken sandwiches as well as a weekly special. 512-330-4736. www.meatandbread.com 6 Texas Sele Museum , an indoor photography studio where customers can take pictures and videos, opened March 20. Owned and operated by three friends originally from Ukraine, the studio in Austin is located at 503 Neches St., Austin, in a historic building that in 1911 was a funeral parlor. The studio is home to about 35 colorful backdrops and props ready with cellphone stands and ring lights. Daily tickets and annual member-

ships are available. Owners said proceeds from memberships will be donated to Ukraine aid organizations. 512-651-8383. www.originalselemuseum.com COMING SOON 7 Dean Italian Steakhouse will open in the JW Marriott Austin this summer. The restaurant, which will be located at 110 E. Second St., Austin, incorporates a classic American steakhouse with Italian inspiration. The menu will include prime cuts of beef and house-made pasta, such as USDA Prime 28-day dry-aged steaks, American Wagyu, Short Rib Gnocchi and True Bucatini. 512-608-4490. www.deanssteakhouseaustin.com RELOCATIONS 8 Pacha Organic Cafe relocated to 2915 Guadalupe St., Austin, on Feb. 26. The coee shop was previously located on Burnet Road for almost 20 years. The menu includes organic coees, teas, pan- cakes, omelets and sandwiches. 512-420-8758. www.pachacafe.com ANNIVERSARIES 9 The University of Texas at Austin began lighting the Tower on April 25 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Army Reserve Ocer Training Corps. UT Austin’s Army ROTC program, located at 305 E. 23rd St., Austin, oers a commis- sion as a second lieutenant in either the active Army or Reserves/National Guard in a variety of career elds. www.liberalarts.utexas.edu/arotc

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2 Ascension Seton opened a multispe- cialty health care facility called Capital Medical Clinic at 1004 W. 32nd St., Austin, on April 27. The freestanding center, which is adjacent to the main Ascension Seton Medical Center, provides patients three kinds of personalized care—cardiovascular care, spine care and outpatient imaging services. www.healthcare.ascension.org 3 Salsa Limon , a new Dallas-based Mexican-style taco restaurant, opened near the University of Texas at 3001 Guadalupe St., Austin, on April 27. Owned by two sisters originally from Oaxaca in southern Mexico, the restaurant brings build-your-own tacos with standard

1 Pecan Square Cafe opened in Clarks- ville on April 11. The restaurant, located at 1200 West Sixth St., Ste. B, Austin, oers seasonal brunch, lunch and dinner menus inspired by Californian and Medi- terranean cuisine. Current menu options include Pork Shoulder Schnitzel and Texas Lamb Steak Hache. The restaurant, formerly home to Cafe Josie, is owned by the McGuire Moorman Lambert group. 512-265-1612. www.pecansquarecafe.com

COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

COMPILED BY SUMAIYA MALIK & DARCY SPRAGUE

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Hermès

COURTESY HERMÈS

4309 S. First St., Austin, on April 18. The business moved into the former site of Axis Chiropractic. V.I.P. oers ad- justments, postural analysis, a physical therapy room, in-house X-rays and more. Appointments can be made in person, by phone or online. 512-809-1113. www.vipchiropractic.care NEW OWNERSHIP 7 Independent live music booking and creative agency Resound Presents and events service Heard Presents will merge, the companies announced May 5. The merger will expand the compa- nies’ services for artists, sta and fans. Resound will continue to specialize in producing, presenting and market- ing shows, while Heard will continue handling venue operations, including management, concessions and event production. The companies will open a new headquarters at 211 E. Alpine Road, Ste. 100, Austin, and employ 18 total sta. www.resoundpresents.com IN THE NEWS 8 Gordon Butler was named the new CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area eective May 16. Prior to accepting the position, Butler was the assistant superintendent for sta and student services at Carroll ISD. BGCAA has served the Austin area for 54 years, and its clubs provide services for nearly 7,000 registered members. The nonprot serves children ages 6-18 at 20 locations in schools, community centers and public housing sites across Austin. BGCAA has a South Austin location 1201 W. Live Oak St., Austin. www.bgcaustin.org

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rant also features several cocktails with nonalcoholic options available. Maie Day’s operating hours will be 3-10 p.m. with brunch service planned for the future. The restaurant is located inside the South Congress Hotel and took over the space housing the hotel’s New American restau- rant, Central Standard. Central Standard’s last day was April 2. www.maieday.com 3 Rue 21 opened a location in Barton Creek Square on April 23. The new store is located next to Abercrombie & Fitch on the lower level of the mall. The casual apparel store oers options for men and women in standard and plus sizes. It also sells a variety of accessories, including jewelry, bags, sunglasses, belts and more at 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin.

construction on the 11-acre lot, which was previously home to La Bare. The building is designed by architect Fred Hubnik, who is behind other Austin venues such as Whislers, Armadillo Den and Sour Duck Market. NoCo Hospitality opened Higher Ground in 2021 and is led by partners Charles Ferraro and Paolo Soriano. The venue is expected to open in fall 2022. The project is being funded by Elevate Development Partners, NoCo Hospitality and C3 Presents. 5 ATN Corp: Night Vision and Thermal Imaging Optics will open a store inside Barton Creek Square Mall in July at 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin. ATN Corp. is a manufacturer and developer of tactical night vision and thermal imaging optics for hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, military members and law enforcement. Products include goggles, binoculars, scopes and cameras. www.atncorp.com RELOCATIONS 6 V.I.P. Chiropractic Care relocated to 3115 S. First St., Ste. 101, Austin, from

1 French luxury brand Hermès opened its rst store in Austin at 1221 S. Congress Ave., Ste. 104, Austin, on April 30. The new Hermès store oers two oors of men’s and women’s ready-to-wear col- lections; perfumes; beauty; jewelry and watch collections; home items; acces- sories, including handbags, scarves and belts; and a large shoe salon. The SoCo location is the brand’s third retail outlet in Texas. The independent family-owned company keeps the majority of its pro- duction in France. 737-309-0530. www.hermes.com 2 The team behind Southern restau- rant Olamaie and hospitality group New Waterloo opened Maie Day , a new steak restaurant, at 1603 S. Congress Ave., on May 1. Maie Day oers several steak dish- es—porterhouses, ribeyes, chicken-fried steaks and butcher’s steaks—along with seafood, salads and desserts. The restau-

www.rue21.com/store COMING SOON

4 NoCo Hospitality has leased 110 East Riverside, where it will open an unnamed nightlife venue in partnership with C3 Presents and Elevate Development. A 12,000-square-foot venue is under

NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • MAY 2022

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IMPACTS

Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon

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Mi Mundo Coeehouse & Roastery

Daddy’s Barbershop

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6 The University of Texas at Austin broke ground on an aordable graduate student housing development in East Campus in April. The housing complex will be at 21st Street between Comal Street and Leona Street and will include 784 beds among studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units. The community will also feature public courtyards, an outdoor classroom and amphitheater, a tness center, study spaces and a community events room. The building is scheduled to be completed in fall 2024. www.utexas.edu 7 California based salon Daddy’s Barbershop will open an Austin loca- tion this year. The LBGTQ-owned and -operated shop is focused on serving the gay community and allies and provides a blend of old and new ser- vices such as hot-towel shaves, fades, cuts, pompadours, scalp treatments, rest-facials, beard sculptures, trims and cleanups. The salon will be located above the Cisco’s Restaurant at 1511 E. Sixth St., Austin. Owner Arlen Lasater said he hoped to open the salon in June, but he is now aiming for August due to permitting and construction delays. www.daddysbarbershop.com 8 A new apartment complex is under construction near the Mueller neighborhood. The complex, the Solomon , will be ve stories with 379 units. The property, 1414 E. 51st St., Austin, will also feature a rooftop pool, a tness center, two courtyards and other community spaces. The complex is expected to open in fall 2024. Endeavor Real Estate group is developing the property. www.solomonatx.com

in Central Texas that oers kidney transplants for children, ranging from newborns to young adults with end-stage renal disease or kidney failure. The center is a collaboration between Dell Children’s and UT Health Austin, the clinical practice of Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin. Dell Medical School already oers abdominal transplant services for adults. 512-324-0070. www.partnersincare.health/pediatric- abdominal-transplant-center 4 Dell Children’s Medical Group opened a new pediatric center in Mueller on May 9. The Dell Children’s Medical Group Pediatrics Mueller was opened in partnership with Dell Medical School and will provide general pediatric health care services in the Strictly Pediatrics Subspecialty Center at 1301 Barbara Jordan Blvd., Ste. 304, Austin. The clinic will expand Dell Children’s oerings by providing preventive and primary care to more Austin families, including ADD/ADHD consultations, anxiety and depression screening, immunizations and healthy lifestyle counseling. 512-324-0975. www.bit.ly/39UQSdK COMING SOON 5 KG BBQ will open a permanent loca- tion at Oddwood Brewing this summer. The food truck, which will be located at 3108 Manor Road, Austin, blends Texas barbecue and Egyptian avors. Kareem El-Ghayesh, the founder and pitmaster of KG BBQ, moved to Austin in 2016 after a career in nance to pursue his dream of cooking Texas barbecue. El-Ghayesh has been hosting pop-up events and catering around Austin. www.kgbbq.com

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2 Pasta|Bar , a Los Angeles-based Michelin-starred restaurant, opened a second location in Austin on March 13. The restaurant is located at 1017 E. Sixth St., Austin. The restaurant oers a price- xe dinner menu for $195 per person. The menu features scratch-made dishes inuenced by Texas avors. Reservations are required. The restaurant is located in the Corazon Apartments. 512-360-8207. www.exploretock.com/pastabaraustin 3 Dell Children’s Medical Centeropened the Pediatric Abdominal Transplant Center on April 5 at 4900 Mueller Blvd., Austin. The center is the rst program

1 Locally owned Mi Mundo Coeehouse & Roastery opened a second shop near The University of Texas at Austin’s East Campus. The location, at 1701 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Ste. 103, Austin, held its soft opening May 1 and is now fully open. The shop uses ethically and sustainably sourced coee beans, which are roasted in the company’s agship location in Round Rock. www.mimundocoee.com

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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • MAY 2022

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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

TODO LIST

May & June events

COMPILED BY GLORIE MARTINEZ & DARCY SPRAGUE

WORTH THE TRIP JUNE 11: FREDERICKSBURG CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL The inaugural Fredericksburg Craft Beer Festival will bring craft beer, brewmasters, homebrew suppliers, food vendors and live music to the Marktplatz in the heart of Fredericksburg’s historic district. The event will run from 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m. $20 (General admission, including four beer sampling tickets). 114 W. Main St., Fredericksburg www.gcraftbeerfestival.com The rst Fredericksburg Craft Beer Festival will take place in June. COURTESY FREDERICKSBURG CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL

SPICE IT UP AT A LATIN FOOD FESTIVAL ANI’S DAY AND NIGHT

RUN FOR THE TRAIL FOUNDATION SAND BEACH PARK

MAY 28

JUNE 02

Sazon Latin Food Festival will take place at Ani’s Day and Night in East Austin. The outdoor event will feature curated food vendors from numerous Latin American countries and Latin tunes. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free entrance with RSVP. 7107 E. Riverside Drive, Austin. www.ourlatincity.com/tickets

Maudie’s Moonlight Margarita Run, benetting the Trail Foundation, is back for its 19th year. Cost includes entry into the 5K race, a T-shirt, two margaritas and Maudie’s Tex-Mex at the post-race party. 8 p.m. $35 (party only), $50 (race and party). 111 Sandra Muraida Way, Austin. 855-448-7245. www.thetrailfoundation.org/mmr

COURTESY LATIN CITY

COURTESY THE TRAIL FOUNDATION

MAY THROUGH AUG. 21 FEEL THE JE NE SAIS QUOI

JUNE 02 THROUGH 05

FOR 3 MONTH PIF MEMBERSHIP

CELEBRATE TELEVISION’S

The Blanton Museum is featuring a temporary exhibit, the “Fantastically French Design and Architecture in 16th- to 18th-Century Prints,” highlight artistic imagination across 16th to 18th century France. The exhibit is visible during the museum’s normal hours and included in the entry price. Free (members; University of Texas, military and teacher ID holders; children 12 and under), $5 (youth and college ID holders), $10 (age 65 and up), $12 (adults). 512-471-5482. www.blantonmuseum.org 26 THROUGH 29 ATTEND A FOOD FESTIVAL Hot Luck Fest brings together culinary oerings from chefs and live music acts. Events will take place at various venues including The Mohawk, Franklin Barbecue, Hotel Vegas and The Wild Onion Ranch. Hot Luck Fest 2022 will benet Southern Smoke Foundation, a crisis- relief organization for food and beverage industry workers. Times and locations vary. $15-$550. www.hotluckfest.com 27 STUDENTS START SUMMER The last day of classes for Austin ISD students will be May 27. Graduation ceremonies will take place May 26–June 3. Classes for the 2022-23 academic year will resume Aug. 17. www.austinisd.org/calendar 28 EAT CRAWFISH FOR A CAUSE Chisos Boot Co. will host a crawsh boil to benet the Texas Military Forces Museum at Camp Mabry. The event will feature a 22-foot tall, 50-foot long inatable slip ‘n slide, hundreds of pounds of crawsh, live music and dancing. 1-5 p.m. Entry is free. Crawsh can be purchased for a cash donation. 3507 S. First St., Austin. 512-866-7222. www.chisos.com/memorialday

PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE ATX TV Festival is an annual event that celebrates all things television. Featured events include panels, screenings and Q&A sessions with industry professionals. Times vary. $50-$525. Locations vary.

www.atxfestival.com 03 THROUGH 04

SWING WITH AUSTIN

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Austin Symphony Orchestra will present two performances of “Swing is the Thing,” a program that highlights the biggest dance hits of the 1940s and 50s. The show will feature the music of Duke Ellington, Glen Miller and more. World-champion swing dancers will perform alongside the orchestra. 8 p.m. $27 (general admission), $47 (table seating). 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin. 512-476-6064. www.my.austinsymphony.org/events 15 THROUGH JULY 24 HEAR ‘THE SOUND OF MUSIC’ Zach Theatre will present a reimagined performance of the award-winning musical “The Sound of Music.” 7:30 p.m. (weekdays). 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (weekends). $35 (youth traditional seating), $50 (adults); $89 (youth table seating), $104 (adults). 202 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin. 512-476-0541. www.zachtheatre.org 18 CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH The Central Texas Juneteenth Committee will host a parade and festival celebrating the historic day, which marks the of the abolition of slavery in Texas. 10 a.m.-noon (parade). Noon-10 p.m. (festival). Free. The parade will begin at 1183 Chestnut Ave., Austin. Festivities will be held at 2300 Rosewood Ave., Austin. www.juneteenthcentraltexas.com

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WORTH THE TRIP MAY 28: HEROES APPRECIATION BBQ Nonprot organization Heroes Night Out will host its 10th annual Heroes Appreciation BBQ in honor of military members and veterans. The event is the largest free military and veteran barbecue in Texas, according to the Heroes Night Out website. Family- friendly activities will be oered. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission is free for active military, veterans, rst responders and family members. RSVPs can be made online. 850 CR 255, Georgetown www.heroesnightout.org/events

MUST SIGN UP BEFORE JUNE 30TH

121 Pickle Road Austin, Texas 78704

6015 Dillard Circle #B Austin, Texas 78752

255

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Find more or submit local events at communityimpact.com/event-calendar. Event organizers can submit local events online to be considered for the print edition. Submitting details for consideration does not guarantee publication.

NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • MAY 2022

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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

TRANSPORTATION UPDATES

COMPILED BY DARCY SPRAGUE & BEN THOMPSON

Project Connect rail cost jumps

ONGOING PROJECT

PROJECT CONNECT RAIL LINE COSTS INCREASE $4.5B As Austin’s Project Connect team moves from its 15% design to 30% design stage this summer, planners say factors such as real estate and construction costs and ination are upping project costs 77%.

Original estimate (5% design stage)

Revised estimate (draft 30% design stage)

BY BEN THOMPSON

New cost estimates show a 77% spike in cost as planning for Project Connect’s Orange and Blue light-rail lines is on track to progress from the 15% to 30% design stages this summer. Austin voters approved a $7.1 billion package for Project Connect in November 2020 to expand the city’s bus and rail network. At the 5% design stage, estimates for the light-rail lines totaled $5.8 billion: the Orange Line at $2.5 billion, the Blue Line at $1.3 billion and extensive tunnel work for both tracks at $2 billion. Now, heading into the 30% design phase, those gures have jumped to $10.3 billion. Transit ocials said the $4.5 billion revision, including $600 million more for the Blue Line and around $2 billion each for the Orange Line and tunnel, has several causes.

$1.3 billion

Blue Line

$1.9 billion

$2.5 billion

Orange Line

$4.3 billion

$2 billion

ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF MAY 16. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT CTANEWSCOMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. Fourth Street redirection The city of Austin is reconguring Fourth Street from I-35 to San Mar- cos Street into a one-way heading eastbound to prevent issues between cars turning right onto the feeder and pedestrians or cyclists using the Lance Armstrong Bikeway along the north side of Fourth. Timeline: April-second half of 2022 Cost: $500,000 Funding source: Austin quarter Cent Fund and 2016 mobility bond

Tunnel

$4.1 billion

$1B

$2B

$3B

$4B

SOURCE: CAPITAL METROCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

Among those is a “signicant” increase in land acquisition costs along the proposed rail lines given Austin’s hot real estate market and nationwide ination that is driving up the construction budget. Ocials said the new estimates will not aect Project Connect’s voter-approved tax rate, but the extra cost could aect the timeline

of the project. “The Project Connect program is not immune to the global and national economic pressures that everyone is feeling. Transit, air- port, highway, utility, housing and commercial projects are all seeing cost increases,” Project Connect Program Ocer David Couch wrote in an April 7 memo.

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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • MAY 2022

THE SOUND OF MUSIC

The hills are alive

MUSIC BY RICHARD RODGERS LYRICS BY OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN DIRECTED BY DAVE STEAKLEY MUSIC DIRECTION BY ALLEN ROBERTSON

with the sound of music!

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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

EDUCATION BRIEFS

News from Austin ISD

COMPILED BY GLORIE MARTINEZ, MATT PAYNE & DARCY SPRAGUE

HIGHLIGHTS AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE During its rst in- person spring commencement since 2019 on May 13, Austin Community College celebrated a record number of graduates. Combined with the almost 3,400 graduates who were recognized at fall commencement in December, ACC recognized 7,080 graduate candidates this academic year. AUSTIN ISD Members of Austin ISD’s employees union Education Austin advocated for higher wages for the district’s classied employees at a school board meeting April 28. AISD’s preliminary budget for next school year includes increasing bus drivers’ minimum wage to $21 an hour and raising base pay for all classied employees to $16 an hour. Education Austin members urged the board to further increase teacher raises and adopt a $20 per hour minimum wage for all classied employees.

Superintendent Elizalde picked to helm Dallas ISD AUSTIN ISD Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde was named the lone nalist for the Dallas ISD superintendent role May 18. In a statement, Austin ISD board President Geronimo Rodriguez wrote trustees would meet soon to establish a transi- tion plan. “Thank you to Dr. Elizalde for her steadfast leadership through what has been an unprecedented and challenging two years,” Rodriguez said in the statement. Elizalde, who was Dallas ISD's

BALANCING THE BUDGET

Recapture 50.3%

Payroll cost 43%

As Austin ISD struggles to balance its budget amid declining enrollment, less than half of taxpayers’ dollars actually go to AISD’s budget. The rest goes to recapture.

$1.68 BILLION

Purchase and contracted services 3.8%

Other operations 1%

Supplies 1.8%

SOURCE: AUSTIN ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

Austin ISD to owe $846M in recapture

AUSTIN ISD Record increases in Travis County property values drove up Austin ISD’s expected recapture payment from $800 million to $846 million, according to the district. Recapture refers to Texas legislation that requires property-rich school dis- tricts, such as AISD, to pay a portion of locally collected property tax revenue to the state, which then distributes the funds to property-poor districts.

Due to rising property values, AISD has the highest recapture payment of all districts in the state—more than Houston, Plano and Midland, the next three highest-paying districts, combined. The district also faces declining enrollment, which reduces the district’s income. Less than half of every dollar collected from Austin taxpayers goes to AISD.

chief of school leadership, was hired by AISD on Aug. 11, 2020, after a nearly six-month

MEETINGS WE COVER

Austin ISD Meets June 9 at 5:30 p.m. 4000 S. I-35, Austin www.austinisd.org

search to nd the district’s next leader.

Stephanie Elizalde

FEEL GOOD AGAIN

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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • MAY 2022

CITY & COUNTY

News from Austin & Travis County

Thousands of 911 calls diverted to mental health specialists

Commission pushes for higher EMS pay

3,766 calls to 911 diverted from law enforcement in 2021 request mental health help beyond the standard police, fire or EMS services. CALLING FOR CHANGE Austin 911 callers can 80%-85% of those calls are not returned to law enforcement When police are aware of mental health issues

BY BEN THOMPSON

AUSTIN As contract negotiations between the city of Austin and its three public safety labor associations continue, the public safety commission is advising officials to grant a request for increased pay from the Austin EMS Association. ATCEMS opened budget negotiations with a request for $27 an hour minimum wage. Last month, the city offered Austin-Travis County EMS medics a $0.14 raise last month. During a May 2 safety commission dis- cussion of the labor contract process, EMS Association President Selena Xie said EMS pay is falling behind the cost of living in Austin, which the city’s initial offer would not address. The EMS vacancy rate had risen past 18% as of February, and Xie said the department is short around 25% of its budgeted positions—a situation she labeled as a “crisis.” After hearing from Xie, commissioners largely sided with the EMS association and called on Austin to up its initial offer. Negotia- tions will continue through this spring.

in our community the assistance and help they most need. The second thing is, is that this kind of response that’s more tailored to the actual need is going to make us all safer,” Mayor Steve Adler said. Most calls that are directed away from an initial police response do not require law enforcement intervention, Murphy said. The city has seen between an 80%-85% “true diversion rate,” or share of calls that are never transferred back to police or EMS after the mental health option is selected. In addition to freeing up resources in the call center, Murphy said recent trends also show the practice has improved outcomes for those involved. APD data shows when officers are aware they are being dispatched

AUSTIN In town, those calling 911 are met with the standard police, fire and EMS options in addition to a fourth choice for mental health emergencies. Calls requesting help with a mental health issue are then forwarded to a specialist at the 911 call center and could result in clinicians and case managers, rather than police, responding to an incident. At an April 19 City Council meeting, Austin Police Depart- ment Lt. Ken Murphy said 3,766 calls to 911 were diverted away from law enforcement in 2021. Murphy said that figure could reach as high as 7,800 diverted calls this year. “This is what change looks like. That does two things. One is that it better gets for the people

56.3% reduction in use of force

45.5% reduction in arrests

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/ COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

to a call with a mental health component, arrests fell 45.5%, and uses of force declined 56.3%, comparatively.

PROP A PASSES Austin voters approved decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana and ending “no-knock” warrants. For: 58,119 Against: 9,857

Voters end low-level marijuana enforcement, ‘no-knock’ warrants

BY BEN THOMPSON

and are official. “This is an extremely strong

Proposition A’s passage codified current Austin Police Department policy on marijuana enforcement, effectively ending ticketing and arrests for Class A and B misdemean- ors related to marijuana possession. APD officers are also now prohib- ited from requesting or participating in “no-knock” search warrants, or warrants carried out without advance warning.

AUSTIN Voters passed Proposition A by over a 5-1 margin May 7, formally ending low-level marijuana enforce- ment and the practice of “no-knock” warrants in the city. Travis, Williamson and Hays counties reported a total of 58,119 votes—83.04%—tallied in favor of Proposition A with 9,857 against as of May 7. Results have been canvassed

mandate from Austin voters that they want these reforms, and they want them now,” said Mike Siegel, political director for the voter engagement group Ground Game Texas, in an election night interview. “We’re hopeful that other cities across Texas will take this as inspiration, that this is what the voters want.”

SOURCE: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE/ COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

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