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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1 MAY 4 JUNE 1, 2023
Rail plans up in air; state could force new vote
After costs for Project Connect ballooned to more than $10 billion, o cials scaled back the light rail plans. Five new options are now being considered. Rail reduced
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Potential future extension Included in some options
More than a dozen new or coming-soon restaurants
BY AMANDA CUTSHALL
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As Project Connect planners con- sider scaled back light rail designs due to spiking cost estimates, state legislators are considering a bill that could put the plan back on the ballot. Project Connect, originally esti- mated to cost $7.1 billion, was approved by voters in Novem- ber 2020 with a property tax rate increase of $0.0875 to fund the proj- ect. Early plans included 28 miles of light rail that would go to Aus- tin-Bergstrom International Airport, move through a downtown subway and cross Lady Bird Lake on two ele- vated bridges. The options in consideration this spring are less than half the scale of the original 28-mile vision, and include the tunnel or the airport con- nection or neither. The rest of Project Connect, which includes a rapid bus system and commuter rail, is also delayed, according to o cials. During an open house March 29, o cials with the Austin Transit
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The University of Texas at Austin
Texas Capitol
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
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360 Two over Lady Bird Lake were in the original plan. The new proposals only have one. BRIDGES A Only included in one option, and in a di e r e nt c o n guratio n SUBWAY B Connection only included in one of the ve options. AIRPORT C
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AISD faces state oversight for special education
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State troopers patrol Austin
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Travis County takes rst steps on jail alternative
Travis County's diversion center—which could open as early as 2025—will redirect individuals with mental illness who are accused of a nonviolent crime to mental health resources. A PATH FOR MENTAL HEALTH
Public safety
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BY KATY MCAFEE
serving jail time was not deterring shoplifters as many of them seemed to be experiencing home- lessness, mental illness or a substance use disorder. “What we have seen in some of our stores [are] these repeat o enders,” Staley said. “They’ll get
Pull the newest teaser from CC Libraries
Craig Staley knows rst- hand what the impact of the mental health crisis is like in Austin. Over the past couple years, Staley’s Royal Blue Grocery stores in down- town Austin have become a target for shoplifting and break-ins. Staley noticed
annually to operate $5M Up to
$30M estimated cost to build
60 136 people eligible for diversion a month
SOURCES: THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS DELL MEDICAL SCHOOL, TRAVIS COUNTY COMMUNITY IMPACT
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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • MAY 2023
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE Mobility Authority
Navigating the tolling landscape can be complicated. We’re the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (Mobility Authority), and we’re here to help you understand important pieces of the tolling puzzle, like what we do and how your toll bill works.
The Mobility Authority is not the only toll operator
The Mobility Authority is one of two main toll road operators in the region.
Late payment fees do apply
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The Mobility Authority is not TxTag
We accept a variety of electronic tags
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Operates Loop 1 Toll, 45 North, 45 South East and SH 130 Toll. TxDOT Operates 183A, 45SW, MoPac Express Lane, SH 71 Toll Lane, 290 Toll and 183 Toll. Mobility Authority
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There’s a reason you might get a bill in the mail even if you have an electronic tag
There are payment options everywhere
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Keep your electronic tag account in good standing
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We use your address on file with the Texas DMV for bills
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71 LEGEND Mobility Authority Toll Roads
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Open to Traffic TxDOT Toll Roads SH 130 Concession Company Roads
Learn what to do when you sell your car
Using the Pay By Mail program costs you more
CREEDMOOR
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TOLL
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MUSTANG RIDGE
WE’RE ALWAYS HERE TO HELP
To learn more fast facts about paying your Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority toll bill, visit us at MobilityAuthority.com.
Home For All Sales Event
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Purchase Price Reduction* $0 Closing Costs $0 Down Move-In Long Term Rate Locks Early Lease Termination Interest Rate Buydown 10 Year Interest Rate Buydown on 10/6 ARM
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© 2023 CMG Financial, all rights reserved. CMG Financial is a registered trade name of CMG Mortgage Inc., NMLS #1820 in most, but not all states.CMG Mortgage, Inc. dba CMG Home Loans, NMLS# 1820, is an equal housing lender. Registered Mortgage Banker with the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending. To verify our complete list of state licenses, please visit www.cmgfi.com/corporate/ licensing and www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. All loans subject to credit approval. The rates shown above are for educational purposes only, not a commitment to lend, please contact LO to see your qualified rate. This incentive only valid on spec homes in select communities that are contracted on or after 1/6/23 and close by the end of May, and finance with CMG Financial. Adjustable-rate loans and rates are subject to change during the loan term. That change can increase or decrease your monthly payment. The rates shown above are the current rates for the purchase of a single- family primary residence based on a 45 day lock period, 740 credit score and 80% LTV. These rates are not guaranteed and are subject to change. This is not a credit decision or a commitment to lend. Your rate will depend on various factors including loan product, loan size, credit profile, property value, geographic ocation, occupancy and other factors. Offer is for a limited time only and can be stopped at any time and with no prior notice. Offers only valid when financing through Brohn’s lender partner, CMG Financial. Please see a Brohn Homes Sales Consultant for complete details. Offer may not be available with all programs in all states. All figures are estimates and subject to change at any time. The information here is provided as a general guide to help you determine if a property may be viable for you. Rates, APR’s & programs are illustrations subject to change at any time. These do not constitute a ‘Loan or Good Faith Estimate’ for payments and closing costs. Everyone’s situation is different and it’s best to be preapproved for a range of potential prices, payments or loan programs. The flex cash amount is contingent on the price of the home and only valid on participating homes and in participating communities. Speak to a Brohn Homes Sales Consultant for details on participating homes and participating communities. If using flex cash to reduce the price of the home, the reduction cannot bring the home price below base price. The flex cash can only be used in one of the six ways shown in this advertisement, including reduction in purchase price (not being less than base price of home) or applying towards closing costs, move-in costs, or early lease termination, or long term rate locks or buying down the interest rate on a 10/6 Arm (specific interest rate and associated APR fluctuate on a daily basis and change due to individual situations). A 30 year loan would result in 360 monthly payments. A 20 year loan would result in 240 monthly payments, and a 15 year loan would result in 180 monthly payments. This is a limited time incentive program that can be stopped at any time and with no prior notice. Must provide proof of current lease agreement, documentation confirming an early lease termination, the execution of a contract with Brohn Homes on a Brohn home that is set to close during the limited time frame in which the incentive is offered. The Brohn Group, LLC (DBA Brohn Homes) reserves the right to make changes to pricing, floor plans, specifications, features, materials, dimensions, and incentives without prior notice. Stated dimensions and square footages are approximate and should not be used as representation of the home’s precise or actual size. Copyright 2023 Clayton Properties Group, Inc. DBA in Texas as Brohn Homes.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
THIS ISSUE
MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Deeda Lovett EDITOR Darcy Sprague REPORTERS Amanda Cutshall, Katy McAfee, Ben Thompson GRAPHIC DESIGNER Joseph Veloz ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Stephanie Johnson METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Travis Baker MANAGING EDITOR Amy Denney COPY EDITOR Kasey Salisbury SENIOR ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Haley Grace CONTACT US 16225 Impact Way, Ste. 1, Pflugerville, TX 78660 • 512-989-6808 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES ctanews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING ctaads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter SUPPORT US Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today. We have expanded to include hundreds of team members and have created our own software platform and printing facility. CI delivers 35+ localized editions across Texas to more than 2.5 million residential mailboxes. ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH
FROM DEEDA: Why is it that when we have trouble falling asleep, we toss and turn all night, but without fail we will be getting the best sleep of our lives when our alarms go off in the morning? One of the ways I wake up my brain is by grabbing my phone and reading our email newsletters. I catch up on local news and start my day. It might just help you too. Subscribe at communityimpact.com/newsletter, and let me know! Deeda Lovett, GENERAL MANAGER
FROM DARCY: At a presentation on the new, scaled-back light rail options that are part of Project Connect, a presenter said one option was tailored to the “airport or bust” people, while another was for those in the “subway or bust” camp. In this issue, we laid out the five plans (see Page 26). Are you all in favor of one option? Or would you like to mix and match? Later this spring, we will see what transportation planners think. Darcy Sprague, EDITOR
"Our story is just beginning. " - JOHN GARRETT, COMMUNITY IMPACT CEO & FOUNDER, AS QUOTED BY TEXAS MONTHLY
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Check out Texas Monthly’s profile on Community Impact, featuring the story of our founders as well as a look at our business model, commitment to local journalism and future plans for CI Texas.
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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • MAY 2023
A Place to Call Home
WE’RE ON THE ROADS AGAIN! The City of Austin will be improving hundreds of streets this summer.
Helpful tips: • Loose rock is common and takes 4-6 weeks to fully settle • Avoid sharp turning and hard breaking to prevent spreading rock • Park vehicles away from streets for two days Visit austintexas.gov/streetmaintenance to see if your street is scheduled to be resurfaced or to submit feedback on recent street maintenance.
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IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
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Chameleon Cos.—o ers modern Chinese food, including twice-cooked pork belly, Hunan-style beef and Sichuan-braised eggplant. Wu Chow will also serve a Sun- day dim sum menu with soup dumplings, shrimp Shumai, cold sesame noodles and other items. www.wuchowaustin.com 4 A new independent bookstore called First Light Books is slated to open in Hyde Park in July. The bookstore—owned by locals Robin and Taylor Bruce—will have a selection of books to purchase and a cafe serving beer, wine, co ee and light bites. First Light Books will be located at 4300 Speedway, Ste. A, Austin, in a former post o ce building. www. rstlightaustin.com EXPANSIONS 5 Helping Hand Home for Children opened its expanded campus in March. The nonpro t, which provides residential child care, opened the 25,000-square- foot campus in the Hyde Park neigh- borhood across the street from the main facility at 3804 Avenue B, Austin. The expansion includes 17 additional beds in eight new homes and expands its capacity by 41%. 512-459-3353.
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six locations throughout Austin and Round Rock, including an o ce at 5531 Burnet Road, Austin. 512-334-9894. www.forestfamily.com 7 Baby boutique Bright Beginnings will celebrate 40 years in business in May. The family-owned store sells a curated selection of clothes, accesso- ries, toys, books and more for children. Bright Beginnings boutique is located at 3010 W. Anderson Lane, Ste. B, Austin. www.brightbeginningsboutique.com IN THE NEWS 8 A new community park and pavilion will open at Austin Community College Highland Campus, at 6101 Highland Campus Drive, Austin, this summer. The UFCU Pavilion is named after donor United Federal Credit Union and The St. John Encampment Commons Park is named after an African American school that used to occupy that space in the early 1900s. www.austincc.edu
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COMING SOON 2 Tiny Grocer will open a second location in Hyde Park this summer. The new location will carry many of the same items as the rst location and also have expanded kids, pets and wine sections. The store will have indoor and patio seat- ing, and a restaurant serving French com- fort food for dinner and weekend brunch in addition to its all-day cafe menu. The new store, owned by Steph Steele, will be located at 4300 Speedway, Ste. 101, Austin. www.tinygrocer.com 3 Chinese restaurant Wu Chow will open a new location at 3800 N. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 170, Austin, in the former Rosedale Kitchen and Bar space this summer. The restaurant—owned by
1 A new comfort food and wine restau- rant called Rosé Gosé opened at 5201 Airport Blvd., Austin, in the former ATX Grill space March 1. Rosé Gosé serves over 250 wines, 30 craft beers and 10 house cocktails. The menu includes items such as a raw bar, mussels and a burger. On the weekends, it also o ers a break- fast menu with items such as pancakes. It is owned by Belarus natives Igor Drypsiak and Veronika Hurynava. They own three restaurants in Belarus. Rosé Gosé is their rst Austin venture. Instagram: rose_gose_austin
www.helpinghandhome.org ANNIVERSARIES
6 Forest Family Dentistry celebrated its 10-year anniversary during the rst week of April. The o ce o ers general, cosmetic, and restorative services. In 2013, Dr. Robin Bethell opened the rst location at 2700 W. Anderson Lane, Ste. 418, Austin. Now, the practice has
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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • MAY 2023
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
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Graduate Austin
COURTESY JEWBOY SLIDERS
RENDERING COURTESY GRADUATE HOTELS
class and pick up afterward. Studio Three Austin is located at 501 Brazos St., Austin. 512-692-9040. www.studiothree.com 4 JewBoy Sliders will open April 24 at Austin’s downtown food hall Fare- ground, 111 Congress Ave., Austin. The eatery—owned by El Paso native Mo Pit- tle—will serve beef, Reuben, French dip and falafel sliders for hot sandwiches along with a club, smoked chicken salad, smoked turkey breast and tuna for cold ones. Mini latkes, fries, border-style queso and a Caesar salad will also be available. www.jewboysliders.com COMING SOON 5 A new luxury hotel called Graduate Austin will open in 2025 due to a land acquisition by Adventurous Journeys Capital Partners. The hotel will climb 18 stories and include a tness center, a cafe, a rooftop bar and restaurant and a rooftop pool. The hotel will be located at Guadalupe and West 18th Streets, which currently houses a closed o ce and several vacant lots. The hotel will join the collection of 33 Graduate Hotels across the U.S. and U.K. www.graduatehotels.com RELOCATIONS 6 Seafood restaurant Truluck’s is closed while moving its downtown loca- tion from its home of almost 23 years to a new two-story building down the block. The space—located at 300 Colorado St., Austin—will include a bar on each level, a mezzanine dining room and an outdoor patio. It will open sometime in May. www.trulucks.com
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COURTESY THE SCARBROUGH
7 Longtime bicycle shop Mellow Johnny’s is moving to 115 Sandra Muraida Way, Austin, next to The Loop Running Supply, this summer. The shop—dubbed the “brainchild of Lance Armstrong,” who is co-owner—has been open on Nueces Street since 2008. The shop sells bicy- cles, apparel, helmets, locks and other gear. Mellow Johnny’s also o ers rentals, repairs and a cycling club for all levels. 512-473-0222. www.mellowjohnnys.com NAME CHANGES 8 Downtown eatery Ze Crepes rebrand- ed to The Scarbrough on March 29. The new concept will continue serving the sweet and savory crepes that were on the menu at Ze Crepes along with adding several healthy dishes, a full bar with a happy hour and a dinner menu. The Scarbrough is led by Marco Hernandez, a French-trained chef with experience working in restaurants around the world. It is located in the Scarborough building at 522 Congress Ave., Austin. www.thescarbrough.com
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DOWNTOWN WEST CAMPUS NOW OPEN
2 Fast-casual restaurant Freshii opened at 111 Congress Ave., Austin, at the Fareground food hall March 24. The Canada-based restaurant serves healthy wraps, salads, soups, bowls, smooth- ies and cold-pressed juices. Freshii replaced The Market at Fareground. It has more than 400 stores worldwide. www.freshii.com 3 Boutique tness center Studio Three opened its rst Texas location at the bot- tom oor of the Thompson Austin hotel April 15. Studio Three combines interval training, yoga and cycling classes. The Austin location, which is led by four local female tness experts, also has a grab- and-go cafe for members to order before
1 Swift Fit Events opened a permanent location at 918 Congress Ave., Austin, on March 31. The new location, dubbed the “Texas Wellness Oasis,” will be open every Friday starting at 5 p.m., serve non- alcoholic drinks from Sans Bar and play a sound bath. The wellness oasis will also serve as a rental space for conferences and corporate events. 512-660-7746. www.swift tevents.com
COFER & CONNELLY FAMILY LAW • CRIMINAL LAW • PERSONAL INJURY
Rick Cofer
COFERCONNELLY.COM • 602 W. 11 T H ST., AUSTIN, TX 78701 • 512-200-3801
Jeffrey Connelly
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COMPILED BY KATY MCAFEE
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March 17. Freebird sells Western-style boots, sandals, heels and accessories made of leather, suede, snakeskin and other materials. www.freebirdstores.com 4 Austin Community College reopened its Latin American Cultural Center into a larger space at the Riverside Campus at 1020 Grove Blvd., Austin, on April 11. The space—called El Centro—includes a library with a rare book collection, a film screening center and a public gathering area for students to explore their cultural heritage. The center offers activities, training and mentorship opportunities for ACC students. www.austincc.edu 5 Cork and Brew Market opened a second location at 4410 Menchaca Road, Austin, on April 12. Cork and Brew is a specialty grocery and conve- nience store with a curated selection of wine and beer. The locally owned market offers grocery needs and snacks along with breakfast, lunch and din- ner from the kitchen. 512-551-9409. www.corkandbrewmarket.com COMING SOON 6 Local smoothie chain JuiceLand , owned by Matt Shook, will open three new locations in South Austin in 2023, including a location at 600 E. Ben White Blvd., Ste. 400, Austin, which will open in the fall. The other locations are on far South Congress and Slaughter Lane, which will both open this summer. Each location will offer JuiceLand’s full menu with fresh-pressed juices, smoothies, lattes and plant-based meals. www.juiceland.com
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RELOCATIONS 7 Strait Music Co. is relocating its South Austin location from 2428 W. Ben White Blvd., Austin, to a larger and newer space at 3201 Bee Caves Road, Ste. 140, Austin, by late May. The new location will sell a wide range of instruments as well as of- fering rentals, repairs and music lessons. Strait Music Co.’s north location at 13945 N. US 183, Austin, will remain open. The family-owned music store has been in Austin since 1963. www.straitmusic.com IN THE NEWS 8 Local dive Crow Bar will be demol- ished after extensive damage was found in the walls and in the older part of the building near the patio. The bar—located at 3116 S. Congress Ave., Austin—had been closed since the fall due to a fire and was slated to reopen in early 2023. Owner Steve Gee said he is looking to relocate the bar to a new space. Instagram: crowbar78704
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SOUTH CENTRAL NOW OPEN
2 A new vinyl listening bar called Equipment Room opened in the base- ment of Hotel Magdelena at 1101 Music Lane, Austin, on March 3. The listening bar serves a two-sided cocktail menu that symbolizes a vinyl record with popular classics, such as the Oaxacan Old Fashioned, on the “A” side and their house cocktails on the “B” side. The bar also serves beer; wine; some nonalcoholic options; and snacks, such as a Japanese take on Buc-ee’s beaver nuggets. Equip- ment Room is led by a group of locals, including James Moody of Mohawk, Josh LaRue and Gabe Vaughn of Breakaway Records, and Bunkhouse Executive Chair Amar Lalvani. www.equipmentroom.com 3 Denver-based boot store Freebird opened its first Austin location at 1009 S. Congress Ave., Ste. 3-150, Austin, on
1 A candle store called Society by Jack- son Vaughn opened at 1608 S. Congress Ave., Austin, in the former South Con- gress Books space March 10. Society sells a line of signature candles with unique blends, such as one with basil, eggplant and sandalwood. The store also sells home goods, incense and other scented products. The store is family owned by mother and son Pam and Peter Jackson along with their interior design partner Jeremi Vaughn Headrick. The South Con- gress store marks Society’s first Austin location and fourth store overall with two Dallas locations and one in Wimberley. www.jacksonvaughn.com
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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • MAY 2023
6 Builders - New Designs!
Zero Energy Capable Homes
Nestled along the thriving SH 130 corridor in East Austin, Whisper Valley is the model for sustainable living. This one-of-a-kind community is committed to groundbreaking energy-efficiency and technology, as well as providing a healthier, more idyllic lifestyle. Visit today to tour our models and take advantage of special incentives, plus 1 year FREE HOA dues if you purchase by June 30th! * PACESETTER HOMES • THURMAN HOMES • AHA DREAM HOMES GFO HOME • TERRATA HOMES • CHESMAR HOMES NEW HOMES FROM THE MID $300s - $600s WhisperValleyAustin.com
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IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
COMPILED BY DARCY SPRAGUE
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1900 Aldrich St., Ste. 145, Austin, in the summer. The Minnesota-based eatery o ers acai, mango, pitaya, spirulina and coconut smoothie bowls with toppings. Nautical Bowls smoothies are organic and naturally dairy, gluten and sugar free. www.nauticalbowls.com 5 Aviator Pizza & Drafthouse will open its fth Austin location at 1905 Aldrich St., Austin, in early summer. The fami- ly-owned restaurant will serve over 20 specialty pizzas and over 50 beers on tap. www.aviatorpizza.com 6 Dish Society —an all-day diner based in Houston—will open a new location this fall at 1900 Aldrich St., Ste. 130. The diner will serve a seasonal menu with items including brisket-stu ed sweet potatoes and Nutella French toast. www.dishsociety.com 7 Boardroom Salon , a men’s groom- ing studio, will open a location at 1900 Aldrich St., Ste. 1A0, Austin in the fall. The salon serves customers of all genders. It focuses on comfort by o ering complimentary beer for patrons. The store has more than 44 locations across the United States. www.boardroomstylinglounge.com RELOCATIONS 8 Local optometrist Emily Simonek will move Austin Eye Studio to 1910 Aldrich St., Austin, this spring. The o ce is currently located inside H-E-B at 1000 E 41 St., Ste. 120, Austin. www.austineyestudio.com
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1 Veracruz Fonda & Bar , a new brick- and-mortar concept from Reyna and Maritza Vazquez, the local family behind Veracruz All Natural, opened April 8. The new concept includes a lunch and dinner menu with dishes such as mole enchiladas, pork tamales and tres leches cake. The restaurant also serves breakfast and features a drink menu with custom cocktails. It is located at 1905 Aldrich St., Ste. 125, Austin. 737-318-4896. www.veracruzfonda.com 2 Ike’s Love & Sandwiches opened in February at 1201 Barbara Jordan Blvd., Ste. 1210, Austin. The shop, which started in San Francisco, features more than two dozen sandwich options, including the Matt Cain with roast beef, salami and turkey. 737-304-7277. www.ikessandwich.com 3 Bento Teppanyaki Asian Cuisine opened March 1. The restaurant, located at 1201 Barbara Jordan Blvd., Ste. 1230, Austin, is from Ye Ling, the owner of Xian Sushi and Noodle. It o ers upscale Chi- nese dishes made fresh to order. Custom- ers can order a bento box—a combo with di erent dishes—or standalone items. 512-296-2288. www.bentoatx.com COMING SOON 4 Smoothie bowl spot Nautical Bowls will open its rst Austin location at
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Dish Society
COURTESY AVIATOR PIZZA & DRAFTHOUSE
COURTESY DISH SOCIETY
1900 ALDRICH STREET, SUITE 170 AUSTIN, TX 78723 512-617-9157 *Get Your First Now Open
SCAN HERE TO FIND OUR LOCATION
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11
NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • MAY 2023
512-232-5000 EdServices@austin.utexas.edu
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
TO DO LIST
May events
COMPILED BY ELLE BENT & KATY MCAFEE
MAY 25 28
ATTEND A FOOD FESTIVAL THROUGHOUT AUSTIN
MAY 29
FINISH A TRIATHLON DOWNTOWN AUSTIN
Hot Luck, started by Aaron Franklin and other Austin restaurateurs, is a three-day festival honoring soul food, barbecue, amed eats, tailgates and community. The event includes three food events and live music. Proceeds fund the Southern Smoke Foundation, a nonpro t for food and beverage workers. Prices, times and locations vary. www.hotluckfest.com
food trucks and live music. Times vary. Free. Austin Speed Shop, 3507 Chapman Lane, Austin. www.republicoftexasmotorcyclerally.com 17 ENJOY LIVE MUSIC Alternative rock band Backseat Lovers will bring its Waiting to Spill world tour to Austin. The Utah-based band is most known for its 2019 single “Kirby Girl.” 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $60. The Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin. www.thebackseatlovers.com 19 THROUGH 20 LAUGH AT A COMEDY SHOW Steve Martin and Martin Short will bring their “You Won’t Believe What They Look Like Today!” show to Bass Concert Hall. Martin and Short met in 1986 on the set of a lm and have been touring as a comedy duo since 2015. 8 p.m. $89.50-$500. Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin. www.texasperformingarts.org 20 THROUGH 21 SHOP A CITYWIDE VINTAGE SALE A vintage sale for the city of Austin will be held at the Palmer Events Center, featuring furniture, vintage clothing, toys, electronics, collectibles, home decor and jewelry. Admission is valid for both days of the event with the provided hand stamp, and shoppers can purchase a special ticket to get early entry before the event o cially begins May 20. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (May 20), 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (May 21). Free (admission for age 12 and under), $9-$12 The Ascension Seton CapTex Tri sponsored by Life Time Fitness will take place on Memorial Day in downtown Austin. Participants will swim in Lady Bird Lake, bike downtown, run through Butler Park and nish at Auditorium Shores. Snacks and drinks will be provided after the race. Times vary. $159-$359. Auditorium Shores, 900 W. Riverside Drive, Austin. www.captextri.com
Jester King Brewery o ers goat yoga.
FEATURED EVENT WORTH THE TRIP
Jester King Brewery, located on a 165-acre ranch in the Texas Hill Country, will host Doom Metal Goat Yoga sessions every Saturday with Oak + Lotus Yoga through May 27. 10-11 a.m. $25.
MAY THROUGH MAY 29 DO SOME SPRING SHOPPING
13187 Fitzhugh Road, Austin. www.jesterkingbrewery.com
The third annual May Market will run every Friday and Saturday. Blue Genie Art Bazaar hosts the market as a spring shopping and art event consisting of over 100 regional artists and artisans. The event is family friendly and will include a ra e and samples of locally made items. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Free. Blue Genie Art Bazaar, 6100 Airport Blvd., Austin. www.bluegenieartbazaar.com THROUGH MAY 31 DRINK BEER FOR DOGS Barks for Beers is Divine Canines’ annual fundraising event to support more than 140 active dog handler teams equipped to provide free therapy dog services for older adults and hospitalized patients. For $30, participants can purchase the 2023 Divine Canines pint glass and “pawsport.” Participating breweries will allow one pour at each brewery. Visit the website for the list of participating breweries. www.divinecanines.org/ barksforbeers 05 THROUGH 07 RIDE TO A BIKER RALLY The Republic of Texas Biker Rally is the state’s largest motorcycle gathering, attracting thousands of bikers since 1995. The ROT Rally includes the Derwood International Builder Show, a ride-in show, customs from the Austin Speed Shop, vendors,
(general admission). 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin. 512-441-2828. Facebook: City-Wide Vintage 21 ATTEND A MIMOSA PARTY The second annual Mimosa Fest will feature live music, food trucks, vendors and mimosas at Wanderlust Wine Collective. The event celebrates National Mimosa Day, and tickets include bottomless mimosas. The celebration includes a mimosa contest, and attendees can nominate their favorite restaurant or bar in Austin. The event is age 21 and up. Noon-4 p.m. $100. Wanderlust Wine Collective, 702 Shady Lane, Austin. SEE ‘BLUEY’ ON THE BIG STAGE A theatrical adaptation of “Bluey,” an Emmy award- winning children’s show, is headed to the Long Center, featuring an original story by creator Joe Brumm. VIP Uplift tickets include a meet and greet with Bluey and Bingo. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Free (children under age 2), $32-$161 (general admission), $75 (VIP). 701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin. 512-474-5664. www.thelongcenter.org www.mimosa-fest.com 27 THROUGH 28
Find more or submit Central Austin 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.
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13
NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • MAY 2023
News from Austin ISD EDUCATION BRIEFS AISD faces TEA oversight due to special education concerns
HIGHLIGHTS AUSTIN ISD Less than a week after finalizing a superintendent profile for Austin ISD’s hired search firm to use in finding a full-time leader, trustees voted March 30 to slow the search and extend the contract with interim Superintendent Matias Segura to June 30, 2024. Trustees have not provided a new timeline for a full time replacement. “WHAT WE NEED FROM THE STATE IS MONEY—MONEY TO FILL THE POSITIONS TO SUPPORT OUR KIDS IN THIS DISTRICT.” KEN ZARIFIS, EDUCATION AUSTIN PRESIDENT, REGARDING THE STATE’S PROPOSED CONSERVATORSHIP IN AUSTIN ISD QUOTE OF NOTE
AUSTIN ISD On April 17, Austin ISD officials announced they would challenge the state’s decision to install conservators—or state-ap- pointed individuals with binding decision powers—due to concerns with the district’s special education evaluation backlog. What’s new: AISD requested an infor- mal review by the Texas Education Agency’s plan. If the TEA assigns a conservator following that process, the district will have an opportunity to file a petition for review with the State Office of Administrative Hearings, AISD Board President Arati Singh said. How we got here: If a family believes their student may have a learning disability, they can request an evaluation through the district. The state mandates how quickly the district must complete each step in the process. A TEA report found BY AMANDA CUTSHALL & DARCY SPRAGUE
SPECIAL EDUCATION BACKLOG
Austin ISD is facing possible state conservatorship over its backlog of special education evaluations.
More than 4,000
evaluations and re-evaluations were overdue as of March 20. 1,808
evaluations have been requested since January. 1,263
evaluations were completed between May 2022 and March 2023.
SOURCE: AUSTIN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Austin ISD experienced significant delays and failed to meet the timeline in dozens of cases. Austin ISD interim Superintendent Matias Segura said several issues led to this: • During COVID-19 virtual learning, the district could not conduct evaluations. • Only 21 of AISD’s 72 positions for special education diagnosticians were filled as of March 31. There are only about 250 people licensed to provide those services in Central Texas, Segura said.
Quote to know: “This would not be a takeover of the school district as is currently happening in Houston ISD,” Singh said. The plan: The district is considering significant wage increases for these positions as part of its 2023-24 budget, Segura said, along with: • Up to $20,000 in annual incentives • Centralized evaluations tracking system • Help from outside experts • Committee of board leadership to monitor progress
MEETINGS WE COVER
Austin ISD will meet May 18 at 6 p.m. 4000 S. I-35, Austin www.austinisd.org
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
GOVERNMENT
Austin Water taking on audit proposals
AUSTIN WATER ACTIONS
Most changes at Austin Water proposed in a January audit are complete or in the works.
Example recommendation: Incorporate new training positions and make training consistent for all staff. Result: Trainer positions are filled; a new training program was launched in February. Example recommendation: Identify and find solutions for scenarios that would challenge water quality and treatment ops. Result: Emergency response planning is underway and will be complete in October. Example recommendation: Confirm how AW responds to emergencies and take on related analyses. Result: Reviews are underway, and major facilities will be stress tested this summer. Example recommendation: Have Austin Water report directly to the city manager. Result: AW and city leaders do not agree; AW reports to interim Assistant City Manager Robert Goode.
14 COMPLETE
23 UNDERWAY
BY BEN THOMPSON
Austin Water is progressing on the recommended fixes laid out in a third-party review following a series of high-profile water quality incidents. City Council directed an external evaluation of Austin Water in 2022 in the wake of the February citywide boil-water notice. The University of Texas Center for Water and the Environment took on the review, released in January, for about $816,000. The review found AW has solid infrastructure and generally produces safe drinking water for the city, but also had staffing, management and operations issues to address. City leaders were most recently briefed on the evaluation and dozens of fixes pro- posed by UT during a March 29 committee meeting. Austin Water Director Shay Ralls Roalson, who took the helm at the water utility in January, said AW has already finished responding to 14 of UT’s 53 proposals with most of the remainder now in the works. AW did not agree with four proposals covering the utility’s reporting structure and human resources work, and does not plan to address those.
12 PLANNED 4 NOT TAKING PLACE
53 TOTAL PROPOSALS
SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT
“We are more robust and resilient than we have ever been, but we are also facing threats that we’ve never seen in our history. Implementing the recommendations from this report will make Austin Water stronger and better positioned to face climate change and extreme weather events,” Roalson said in a statement. The key issue of staffing remains a priority for AW as the utility’s vacancy rate sits around 13%. To address the staffing shortfall, most of AW’s 200 vacant positions have either been filled or posted for interested applicants. Roalson said AW’s recruitment push is now going “very well.” So far, AW’s response to the audit earned a
positive response from council members overseeing the process. “You clearly are taking this review and the charge that we’ve given you as a council seriously, and demonstrated a lot of forward movement,” District 10 Council Member Alison Alter told Roalson during the March 29 meeting.
CENTRAL AUSTIN LOCATION
WE’RE HIRING
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15
NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • MAY 2023
ONE SMART NEIGHBOR
As lake levels continue to drop in the face of drought this summer, it’s important that we all help conserve our precious resource. The new My ATX Water Program provides the tools to help you save water and money. Your new City of Austin water meter, along with the My ATX Water Customer Portal , will give you access to near- real-time water use data so you can maximize the savings.
Benefits of My ATX Water 6 Continuous usage and leak notifications 6 Personalized alerts 6 Water budgeting features
6 Customized water-saving tips and rebate information Don’t have your new meter yet? Don’t worry!
You can still join the My ATX Water Customer Portal now to access monthly water use data and other benefits at myatxwater.org .
austinwater.org
INSIDE INFORMATION
Austin transportation
BY BEN THOMPSON
WHO’S IN CHARGE? Road work responsibilities in and around Austin can fall to the city, county or state as well as private companies or utilities. Di erent city departments work on streets and may have more information about their projects for residents.
1325 DID YOU KNOW? Many roads in Austin are owned by the Texas Department of Transportation. The state, not the city, is responsible for maintenance. 620
Austin Water
Austin Energy
LEARN MORE ABOUT A ROAD PROJECT
UNDERSTANDING ROAD WORK
Every year, thousands of road projects take place throughout Austin. Have you ever wondered what was causing the delay on your commute or closing down your neighborhood street, and how to learn more?
Austin Transportation and Public Works
Many di erent entities work on Austin streets. Residents can contact the city using 311 for more information or to le a request.
Roads maintained by TxDOT
W. KOENIG LN.
CITY STRUCTURE City departments tied to road work merged this year with a goal of improving their activities and customer service for residents.
290
While Transportation and Public Works handles general road work, hundreds of millions of dollars in voter-approved bonds are funding other improvements residents may see around the city such as: BUILDING WITH BONDS
ALLANDALE RD.
360
Requests related to road work concerns can be ledthrough the city's nonemergency line HAVE A REQUEST? • Dial 311 or 512-974-2000 • Use the mobile app • Fill out an online form at www.austintexas.gov/department/311
TYPES OF COMMON ROAD WORK The most commonly requested permits by public and private entities include:
“ THE TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT PRIORITIZES WORK THAT IMPROVES SAFETY AND MOBILITY FOR ALL USERS OF A STREET, INCLUDING PEOPLE WALKING, BIKING AND DRIVING.” AUSTIN TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC WORKS SPOKESPERSON
MOPAC
BEE CAVES RD.
N. LAMAR BLVD.
E. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BLVD.
AIRPORT BLVD.
71
Austin Transportation Department
Austin Public Works
Corridor Program O ce
Project Connect O ce
35
290
71
1826
Excavations Temporary use of right of way
MENCHACA RD.
Driveway, sidewalk, curb and gutter work
183
973
S. CONGRESS AVE
OLD NEW
Bridges
Bikeways
Most city permits are issued for utility-related construction, such as gas or water lines.
45
Residents can make requests related to stop signs, speed bumps, crosswalks, sidewalk upgrades, streetlight repairs or pothole patching —through 311. Residents can also request local speed studies on a rst-come, rst-served basis, which could lead to tra c calming measures. 60 resident requests are selected by city sta each spring and fall, while city sta choose 60 of their own.
1626
Austin Transportation and Public Works
812
1625
1327
130 TOLL
Capital Delivery Services Department (created to manage capital programs)
Urban trails
Street reconstruction
PUBLIC WORK Right of way includes public land such as streets, sidewalks or anything else up to private property lines. Right of way work can be completed by the city or private entities.
Austin’s right of way management team received and reviewed
45
MAP NOT TO SCALE N
permits were issued.
More information on various road projects is available through the city and state.
For mobility bond projects, call 512-974-2300 or email mobilitybonds@austintexas.gov
Residents can reach TxDOT Austin District O ce at 512-832-7000
Residents can reach Austin Transportation and Public Works at 512-974-1150
permit requests this scal year.
plans for tra c control around road work were approved.
NOTE: THE 311 SYSTEM HAS AN OPTION FOR RIGHT OF WAY SERVICE REQUESTS.
SOURCES: AUSTIN TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC WORKS, TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION COMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCES: AUSTIN TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC WORKS, TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION COMMUNITY IMPACT
HIGHLAND 5775 Airport Blvd (512) 366-8300 ARBORETUM 10515 North Mopac Expressway (512) 342-6893
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