San Marcos - Buda - Kyle Edition | October 2024

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San Marcos Buda Kyle Edition VOLUME 15, ISSUE 6 OCT. 16NOV. 14, 2024

2024 Voter Guide

A reputation for research

Graduate student Rasha Khan researches direct potable reuse—a purication method that creates drinking water from treated wastewater—at the San Marcos Wastewater Treatment Plant.

AMIRA VAN LEEUWENCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Texas State University on track to becoming top-tier research institution

Ocer Shreek Mandayam said. “It’s not about being better, it’s about being dierent,” Mandayam said.

by a university’s public and private sectors to sup- port research conducted by faculty and students. Texas State is currently classied as an R2 univer- sity, but becoming R1 means Texas State will have a reputation for research excellence, Chief Research

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Texas State University is on the path to becoming a top-tier level research institution as ocials look to receive R1 Carnegie classication by 2027. The R1 designation measures investments made

CONTINUED ON 22

Also in this issue

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Election: Learn about what will be on local ballots in the November general election (Page 13)

Education: Read about how local school districts are responding to threats on campuses (Page 24)

Your superpower? Knowing where to go in an emergency. 24/7 emergency care, right here in Buda. Be a h ER o

5330 Overpass Road Exit 220, across from Cabelas Drive

Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers or Baylor Scott & White Health. ©2024 Baylor Scott & White Health. 09-BU-993545 DT

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SAN MARCOS - BUDA - KYLE EDITION

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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION

Impacts

• Opened Aug. 23 • 3939 I-35 frontage road, Ste. 1025, San Marcos • www.zadig-et-voltaire.com/us/en/ 6 Casita at Paloma Montessori This is Paloma Montessori’s second San Marcos location, which serves children from 18 months to 6 years old. • Opened Aug. 14 7 Austin Skin The practice—owned by Sarah Gee and Kristina Collins— offers a range of dermatology services. • Opened Aug. 16 • 1920 Corporate Drive, Ste. B-208, San Marcos • www.austinskinphysicians.com 8 Refuel The travel center—equipped with 20 gas pumps—is also home to Pollo El Rey, which specializes in charcoal • 709 W. Hopkins St., San Marcos • www.palomamontessori.com 9 Suds Deluxe Car Wash The car wash offers single-car washes and monthly package deals. • Opened July 14 • 2434 S. I-35 frontage road, San Marcos • www.sudsdeluxe.com 10 Taqueria Ay Papantla The food truck is locally owned by Cleotilde Livonia and serves Mexican cuisine. • Opened Sept. 2 grilled chicken. • Opened July 17 • 2438 S. I-35 frontage road, San Marcos • www.refuelmarket.com

San Marcos

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3 The San Market Locally owned by Kelly Bara and Janice Bowden Hardaway—The San Market offers locally sourced candles,

Now open

1 Midnight Smokers BBQ The food truck offers sliced and chopped brisket sandwiches. • Opened on Sept. 25 • 801 Chestnut St., San Marcos • Facebook: Midnight Smokers BBQ 2 Freaky Findz The small business—owned by Dean Gibson and Marta Knapp-Gibson—sells collectible masks, costumes, wigs and more. • Opened Sept. 23 • 218 N. LBJ Drive, San Marcos • www.freakyfindz.com

plants and T-shirts. • Opened Sept. 21 • 114 E. San Antonio St., San Marcos • www.thesanmarket.com

4 Nothing Bundt Cakes The bakery offers bundt cakes in a variety of flavors. • Opened Sept. 1 • 1430 N. I-35 frontage road, Ste. 110, San Marcos • www.nothingbundtcakes.com 5 Zadig&Voltaire The luxury French fashion label sells handbags, clothing and shoes.

• 1525 Aquarena Springs Drive, San Marcos • www.mexicanfoodtruckssanmarcos.com

11 Las Dos Fridas The restaurant—locally owned by Yvette Galvan, Irving Galvan and Mario Chavarria—serves authentic Mexican cuisine with a valley-style twist.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY SARAH HERNANDEZ & AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

• Opened Sept. 5 • 201 S. LBJ Drive, San Marcos • Facebook: Las Dos Fridas

Relocations

Now open

14 Audio Outlet The store relocated from 1520 S. I-35 to 2626 Hunter Road. Audio Outlet offers car audio services. • Relocated Sept. 2 • 2626 Hunter Road, Ste. 202, San Marcos • www.audio-outlet.com

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing The San Marcos franchise is veteran-owned by Robert Yanez and offers comprehensive plumbing services. • Opened Sept. 10 • San Marcos, surrounding areas • www.benjaminfranklinplumbing.com/san-marcos

In the news

Coming soon

15 Volante of Sage Springs Sage Spring Senior Living changed its name to Volante of Sage Spring on Sept. 17, according to a news release. • 800 Leah Ave., San Marcos • www.volanteseniorliving.com/sage-spring

12 Urban Bird Hot Chicken The veteran-owned restaurant serves Nashville Hot Chicken sandwiches and tenders. • Opening mid-November

17 Dolce & Gabbana The Italian fashion label opened a retail store inside the San Marcos Premium Outlets. Dolce & Gabbana sells shoes, clothing and accessories. • Opened Aug. 22 • 3939 I-35 frontage road, Ste. 1000, San Marcos • www.dolcegabbana.com/en-us

• 205 W. Hopkins St., San Marcos • www.urbanbirdhotchicken.com

Closings

13 Layne’s Chicken Fingers The College Station-based restaurant serves chicken finger meals and sandwich combos. • Opening in December • 1617 Aquarena Springs Drive, San Marcos • www.layneschickenfingers.com

16 Conn’s HomePlus The home goods retailer is going out of business and will close its San Marcos location on Oct. 31. • Closing Oct. 31 • 917 TX-80, San Marcos • www.conns.com

The Great Pumpkin Patch FALL FESTIVAL

SATURDAY & SUNDAY | OCT. 19- 20 10AM - 6PM Join us for this wonderful, family-friendly fall festival at La Cima, where you can enjoy loads of fun with the family and pick out your favorite types of pumpkins to bring home! We’ll have plenty of activities for the kids and gorgeous family photo opportunities. While you’re here, you can drop by any of our beautiful builder models and learn about new home opportunities at La Cima. Come by and enjoy the fun! LA CIMA AMENITY CENTER 301 Central Park Loop (San Marcos 78666)

Scan the QR code or visit us online at: LaCimaTX.com

SAN MARCOS - BUDA - KYLE EDITION

Impacts

4 The Blank Space Yoga The yoga studio is owned by Texas State alumna Amber Brunkow and her partner Rhett Schutze. The Blank Space Yoga offers Vinyasa, Hatha and Yin along with High-Intensity Interval Training and pilates classes. • Opened Oct. 2 • 225 South Main St., Ste. 102, Kyle • www.theblankspace.com 5 La Trokita Locally-owned by Jorge Benitez, La Trokita serves breakfast tacos, burgers and sandwiches. Benitez said he also plans on offering weekly specials and catering. His wife—Arely Esquibel—is the food truck’s pastry chef. La Trokita serves chocolate flan and churro cheesecake. • Opened Sept. 16 TruBlue Home Service Ally Locally owned by franchisees Darrel and Traci Ferguson, TruBlue Home Service Ally offers handyman and home repair services as well as home modifications for seniors, such as ramp installation and removal, doorway widening, bathroom remodeling and more. • Opened Sept. 3 • 2610 Main St., Buda • Instagram: ltrokita

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• Servicing Kyle, surrounding areas • www.trublueally.com/hill-country

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BRENT BLVD.

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Coming soon

6 Dirty Dough Cookies The cookie shop is owned by franchisee Hetal Patel and specializes in stuffed, gourmet cookies with unique fillings and toppings. • Opening mid-November • 21150 I-35 frontage road, Ste. A, Kyle • www.dirtydoughcookies.com 7 Bread Basket The convenience store will offer a wide variety of snacks

Fixed Dental offers snap-in dentures, fixed arches and All-On-Four dental implants. • Opened Aug. 9 • 21511 I-35 frontage road, Ste. 103, Kyle • Facebook: Fixed Dental 3 Hays City Hideout Coffee House Locally owned by Madison Shipp, the coffee house serves coffee, tea, refreshers and lemonade. Hays City Hideout Coffee House also offers a selection of pastries. • Opened Sept. 26

Now open

1 Caliber Collision The company offers collision and auto glass repairs. Caliber Collision also has locations in San Marcos, New Braunfels, Austin and throughout Texas. • Opened Sept. 9 • 1174 Robert S. Light Blvd., Buda • www.caliber.com 2 Fixed Dental The practice is locally owned by Christopher Kimmel.

and beverages. • Opening TBD • 2550 FM 967, Buda • www.thebreadbasketstores.com

• 8600 FM 150, Ste. 300, Kyle • www.hayscityhideout.coffee

COFER & CONNELLY HAYS COUNTY CRIMINAL DEFENSE COFER &

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY SARAH HERNANDEZ & AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

8 Abbott’s Frozen Custard The dessert shop and drive-thru opened on Oct. 9, according to General Manager Natasha Saenz. Abbott’s Frozen Custard serves custard cones, sundaes, shakes and more. • Opened Oct. 9

• 21150 I-35 frontage road, Ste. E, Kyle • www.kyleflowershop.com

Relocations

In the news

10 Christian Brothers Automotive The auto repair shop celebrated its 15th anniversary on Sept. 22, according to a Facebook post. Owned by Karl and Cami Frasier, Christian Brothers Automotive offers oil changes, wheel alignments, brake inspections, batteries and more, according to its website. • 18660 S. I-35 frontage road, Buda • www.cbac.com/buda

• 2242 Kohler’s Crossing, Kyle • www.abbottscustard.com

Oasis Services The air conditioning and electric company—locally owned by Richard Benavides—sells and installs air conditioners and furnaces.

• Opening in early, mid-October • 150 Commerce Center, Buda • www.atxoasis.com

Closings

12 Adventures with Dick Hobby & Games The hobby shop relocated from a space inside the Kyle Flea Market to a brick-and-mortar location in Plum Creek Square. Locally owned by Richard Sager, Adventures with Dick Hobby & Games sells Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh and Magic: The Gathering trading card games as well as other items. • Relocated Sept. 4 • 130 Kirkham Circle, Kyle • www.adventureswithdickhobby.com

11 Blu Edge Fitness The 24-hour gym offered individual, family and month- to-month memberships. Blu Edge Fitness also offered group classes, such as yoga and Zumba as well as personal training, according to its website. • Closed Sept. 30

Relocations

9 Kyle Flower Shop The flower shop relocated from 1101 Bunton Creek Road, Ste. 110, to 21150 I-35 frontage road, Ste. E, in Kyle. Locally owned by Kristy Clanton, Kyle Flower Shop offers floral designs for weddings, funerals and special occasions. The shop also offers same-day delivery for local orders. • Relocated Oct. 14

• 5 Brent Blvd., Ste. 100, Kyle • www.bluedgefitness.com

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SAN MARCOS - BUDA - KYLE EDITION

Government

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Buda City Council creates public improvement district for Persimmon Buda City Council approved the creation of a public improvement district, or PID, along with its first tax increment reinvestment zone, or TIRZ, for the Persimmon development on Sept. 17. The TIRZ is in partnership with Hays County, and will serve as a financial mechanism for supporting the public infrastructure improvements outlined in the development, according to a news release. Per the development agreement, Buda will con- tribute 50% of the city’s property taxes collected for the portion of the project located within city limits and 75% of the city’s property taxes col- lected for the portion of the development located within Travis County. Hays County has also agreed to contribute 50% of the county’s property taxes for the property located within Hays County, according to the news release.

Kyle’s Parks and Recreation offices looks to relocate

By the numbers $266 million in incremental property taxes will be generated over a 45-year period $125 million of those taxes will be retained by the city $250 million is the cost for the proposed public improvements that will be recovered through a special assessment levied within the development

On Oct. 2, Kyle City Council took steps to complete a $3.78 million purchase of proper- ties located at 208 and 246 Republic Drive. Langley said the department’s current space, located at 700 Lehman Road, is overcrowded. The details If the contract is approved, both buildings would house recreation administration and beautification services, providing space for equipment and other inventory, according to agenda documents. Looking ahead The city hopes to close on the properties in November.

SOURCE: CITY OF BUDA/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Explained A TIRZ records all taxable value of property within that geographic area and deposits those funds in a tax increment fund. Revenues from that fund can only be used for the improvement projects located inside the TIRZ, according to the

news release. What’s next?

The TIRZ board will analyze the financial and service plan before the council issues PID bonds.

This Pedestrian Safety Month, the Mobility Authority wants to help you stay two steps ahead. Use these tips to keep walkers, runners and cyclists safe.

MOTORISTS

PEDESTRIANS

• Stay alert at intersections for pedestrians. • Slow down in neighborhoods and school zones. • Avoid distractions like cell phones to stay focused. • Leave space between your car and the crosswalk at stops.

• Look both ways and make eye contact before crossing. • Cross at corners and follow signals. • Walk facing traffic if there is no sidewalk. • Wear high-visibility clothing.

MORE THAN MILES

www.MobilityAuthority.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Proposed project could bring grocer, retail to Kyle’s east side

Kyle City Council is considering a 99-acre mixed- use development called The Grove—dubbed Project Sahara—for the city’s east side. The city will also consider a planned unit devel- opment, or PUD, public improvement district, or PID, and tax-increment reinvestment zone concur- rently with a development agreement, according to agenda documents. The overview The proposed project, located at 1100 E. FM 150, is being developed by Streamline Advisory Part- ners—a privately-owned real estate development and consulting company. The Grove would consist of 65,000-square-feet of commercial space and a 15,000-square-foot grocery store, which developers identied as family-owned Marigold Market + Cafe. “This is a dierent type of grocer, but it’s a full-service grocer that oers all of the food and it also has prepared food,” Abigail Gillllan, principal

400 townhomes and single-family homes 300 market rate multifamily homes 350 aordable multifamily homes Miscellaneous

150

Kyle

The Grove would be a mixed-use development consisting of retail, a grocer and single-family and multifamily homes.

158

RENDERING COURTESY CITY OF KYLE

planner and partner at Lionheart Places said. The project would dedicate 1.5 acres to a park, featuring an indoor meeting space, playscape, covered sports court and pavilion. The Grove would have 7 acres of trails in addition to 2 acres dedicated to the Vybe Trail, according to agenda documents.

Developers plan to construct about 0.8 miles of Goforth Road and two roundabouts located at FM 150 and CR 158. The city will continue discussions with develop- ers. A denite timeline for the development has not been determined yet.

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Election

BY SIERRA MARTIN

Voter Guide

2024

Dates to know

Where to vote

Oct. 21: First day of early voting Oct. 25: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Nov. 1: Last day of early voting Nov. 5: Election Day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or Nov. 6 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election on Election Day)

Hays County residents can vote at any Hays County polling place. Visit www.hayscountytx.gov/elections for Hays County polling locations.

Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.

KEY: D Democrat G Green L Libertarian R Republican *Incumbent

Federal elections President

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 7 R Gina Parker D Nancy Mulder* Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 8 R Lee Finley D Chika Anyiam Texas Senate, District 25 R Donna Campbell* D Merrie Fox

Hays County constable, Precinct 2 R David L. Sáenz, Sr. D Michael Torres* Hays County Proposition A: The city will issue

R Donald J. Trump D Kamala D. Harris L Chase Oliver G Jill Stein U.S. Senate R Ted Cruz* D Colin Allred L Ted Brown U.S. Representative, District 21 R Chip Roy* D Kristin Hook L Bob King U.S. Representative, District 35 R Steven Wright D Greg Casar* State elections Texas Railroad Commissioner

$439,634,000 in bonds to build, maintain, and operate roads. A tax will be levied to pay off the bonds and interest. Kyle City Council, District 5

Courtney Goza Marc McKinney Melisa Medina San Marcos mayor Jane Hughson* Juan Miguel Arredondo San Marcos City Council, Place 5

Texas House, District 45 R Tennyson G. Moreno D Erin Zwiener* Texas House, District 73

R Carrie Isaac* D Sally Duval Justice, 3rd Court of Appeals District, Place 2 R John Messinger D Maggie Ellis Judge, District 483 R Tanner Neidhardt* D Alicia Key Local elections Hays County judge, Court-at-Law Number 3 R Robert E. Updegrove D Elaine S. Brown Hays County district clerk (unexpired term) R Philip Muzzy D Amanda K. Calvert Hays County sheriff R Anthony Hipolito, Jr. D Alex Villalobos Hays County commissioner, Precinct 3

Roland Saucedo Atom Von Arndt Griffin Spell Lorenzo Gonzalez San Marcos City Council, Place 6 Amanda Rodriguez Maraya Dunn Austin Community College board of trustees, Place 7 Sherri Lynn Taylor Cole Wilson Austin Community College board of trustees, Place 9 Joe Sefton Julie Ann Nitsch* San Marcos CISD Proposition A: The district is proposing an ad valorem tax rate of $1.015200 per $100 valuation for the current year. This rate will lead to a 1.3% increase in maintenance and operations tax revenue compared to the previous year, resulting in an additional $851,078 for the district.

R Christi Craddick* D Katherine Culbert L Hawk Dunlap G Eddie Espinoza Texas Supreme Court Justice, Place 2 R Jimmy Blacklock* D DaSean Jones Texas Supreme Court Justice, Place 4 R John Devine* D Christine Vinh Weems Texas Supreme Court Justice, Place 6 R Jane Bland* D Bonnie Lee Goldstein L J. David Roberson Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, presiding judge R David J. Schenck D Holly Taylor

R Morgan Hammer D Rebecca Minnick

Order of sample ballot was pulled from the Hays County generic sample ballot.

SOURCE: HAYS COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

SAN MARCOS - BUDA - KYLE EDITION

Election

KEY: D Democrat R Republican *Incumbent

The most important issue facing the District Clerk’s office is the community not having faith in the office to do its job and know that it will be executed timely and correctly. Restoring that trust with the community will be our goal before the remainder of [the] term is complete. What is the most important issue facing residents and how would you address it?

Hays County District Clerk

If elected, what would be your top 3 priorities?

My top three priorities are to immediately address high priority issues experienced by legal professionals and the public, to develop a systematic training procedure for staff to increase knowledge and have consistent operating procedures, and to ensure we are meeting all standards and reporting requirements required by law.

Amanda K. Calvert Occupation & experience: Administrative Felony Lead

Supervisor at Hays County District Attorney’s Office, 11 years at the District Attorney’s Office www.ac4dc.vote

An exuberant amount of taxpayer money is spent outsourcing inmates awaiting trial. I will provide the courts all documents and case filings in a timely manner and improve the jury service experience. This will allow courts to efficiently set hearing dates and conduct speedy trials.

Return the office to full compliance; create an online records search option that will provide the public and attorneys access to documents from home or work; and improve the jury service experience for all.

Philip Muzzy Occupation & experience: Business owner, 30 years of budgetary, policy and administrative leadership experience in both public and private sectors www.muzzy.vote

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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BY SIERRA MARTIN

Increased growth and ensuring the Hays County Sheriff's Department can meet the county's demands in its traditional roles, support its role as a regional law enforcement partner, and build strong relationships with all areas. What is the most important issue facing residents and how would you address it?

Hays County Sheriff

If elected, what would be your top 3 priorities?

Build trust with the community, build a robust recruitment and retention plan for the Hays County Sheriff's Department, school safety, reduce crime through community engagement, and build a 5-year strategic plan that modernizes the sheriff's department to be able to respond to our fast- changing community.

Alex Villalobos Occupation & experience: Candidate did not respond before publication time. www.alexforsheriff.com

The most pressing issue is maintaining public safety amid the fentanyl crisis and ensuring school security. I will focus on enhancing community policing, improving response strategies, and increasing educational efforts to combat drug abuse. By prioritizing these areas, we can create a safer environment for all residents.

If elected, my top three priorities will be: enhancing employee retention and recruitment to build a strong team, ensuring overall public safety through community-focused initiatives, and developing a robust school resource officer program to have a presence in every school across the county, safeguarding our children effectively.

Anthony Hipolito Occupation & experience: Deputy, Hays County Sheriff’s Office, 26 years of law enforcement, 23 of those years at the Austin Police Department www.hipolitoforsheriff.com

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Live Music, Food Trucks, Annual State of the City Address, and a Pumpkin Patch!

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SAN MARCOS - BUDA - KYLE EDITION

Election

KEY: D Democrat R Republican *Incumbent

Hays County Commissioner Precinct 3

Hays County is experiencing drought and diminishing water levels in our aquifers, endangering our recreation economy, public safety and our future. I would speed up the expenditure of the Parks & Open Space Bond funds for conservation lands, codify already proposed responsible development initiatives and promote citizen awareness and involvement. What is the most important issue facing residents and how would you address it?

Why are you running?

My love of the Texas Hill Country and my commitment to a bright future for all of our descendants has inspired me to run for this office. Working with my neighbors and citizens to improve my Wimberley community has spurred me to take my public service to the next level.

Rebecca Minnick Occupation & experience: Real Estate Agent, Wimberley Mayor Pro Tem since 2019, Planning & Zoning Commissioner, 30+ years in corporate communications joinrebecca.org

I want to ensure my daughter grows up in a safe community. Experience with Hays County Sheriff’s Citizen’s Academy has provided insights into improving law enforcement. As a financial advisor, I understand budgets and can make effective, efficient decisions. I will serve my community and remain accessible to all constituents.

The primary concern I’ve heard from voters is the effective use of their taxpayer dollars. I am committed to making decisions that enhance our spending efficiency for the county, not only for today but also for the years to come. Additionally, I have the time to oversee these decisions thoroughly.

Morgan Hammer Occupation & experience: Financial Advisor, creating budgets, managing projects, proven leadership and management expertise, strong

communication skills hammerforhays.org

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San Marcos Mayor

Why are you running?

If elected, what would be your top 3 priorities?

Implementation of the Comprehensive Plan. Update of the Land Development Code. Finalize spending federal funds related to COVID-19 recovery. Continue our Strategic Goals of Quality of Life and Sense of Place; Economic Vitality; Public Safety, Core Services, and Fiscal Excellence; Mobility and Connectivity; and Environmental Protection.

Affordable housing. Maintain and grow city services including future water—which we have. Quality of life for all including more grocery stores, more jobs for our residents, and supporting local businesses, while protecting our river and sensitive environmental areas. All of this while spending tax dollars carefully.

Jane Hughson* Occupation & experience: Retired IT Professional at Texas State University, Mayor of San Marcos for 6 years, council member for 10 years janehughson.org

I’m running for mayor to bring new energy and ideas to address the pressing issues San Marcos faces. I want to focus on housing affordability, job creation, and infrastructure improvements to make sure that students, families and lifelong residents can all thrive in our community.

1. Expanding housing options that are affordable and accessible. 2. Attracting high-paying jobs to support economic growth. 3. Improving infrastructure to meet current and future needs while protecting our aquifer and natural resources.

Juan Miguel Arredondo Occupation & experience: Hill Country Strategies Consultant, Four- time elected school board trustee, San Marcos native, Texas State alumnus, former legislative staffer www.facebook.com/VoteJMA

SAN MARCOS - BUDA - KYLE EDITION

Enhanced TxTag customer service is coming!

To improve customer experience, the Texas Department of Transportation is working toward transitioning toll collection, billing, and customer service operations to the Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA).

Be sure that you’re ready. If you have a TxTag, log in to your account and confirm that your contact information, license plate(s), and payment methods are up to date. You must be signed up for AutoPay for your credit card information to transfer to HCTRA.

Don’t have a tag? Get one now. After the transition, drivers with a TxTag or other toll tag will continue to pay the lowest rates on toll roads in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Kansas. Avoid higher toll rates and fees by paying any overdue toll bills and signing up for a tag today.

To learn more about this transition, visit TxTag.org.

1-888-468-9824

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Transportation

BY SIERRA MARTIN & HALEY MCLEOD

Airport taxiway project breaks ground Construction on two new parallel concrete taxiways at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport began Sept. 27, a step toward the development of a new 20-plus gate concourse. About the project The project will streamline aircraft move- ment by connecting the runways between the existing Barbara Jordan Terminal and future Concourse B, airport officials said, and is expected to be complete by spring 2027. What you need to know Travelers can expect temporary traffic changes on the airport’s south side in 2025, as officials prepare for the closure of the South Terminal in 2026.

Talley Loop road rehabilitation to begin The Talley Loop rehabilitation project in Buda is slated to begin reconstruction this fall. The road will be constructed from Cullen Boulevard to Garlic Creek Drive. Buda City Council contracted the design firm K Friese + Associates on Sept. 17 to begin construc- tion in October. The subgrade under the road and base needs to be replaced and that requires an engineering analysis, Buda Public Information Officer Michelle Henley said in an email to Community Impact . During construction, half of the roadway is anticipated to be closed for construction and safety of the crews, Henley said. The cost The $1.12 million project was initially approved by voters in the Buda 2021 bond election.

A L L E Y L O O P

Buda

The background The pavement recommendation was presented to the Buda Bond Oversight Committee on Nov. 20, 2023, and Jan. 22, according to the project website. A public meeting was held on Dec. 4, 2023, at the Garlic Creek Amenity Center where stake- holder input was collected to factor into the final design. The pavement recommendation was presented to city council on Feb. 6 for approval, according to city officials.

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SAN MARCOS - BUDA - KYLE EDITION

Development

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

New oce space breaks ground in west Buda A new business park called 24 Belly Professional Business Park, located at 690 S. FM 1626, is bring- ing 67,000 square feet of oce space to Buda. Project details The business park will have a total of 14 build- ings constructed in two phases. Developers broke ground on the rst phase— which will consist of 31,030-square-feet of oce space across six buildings—in July, said Chris Dunkin, a realtor and broker with Star Tex Real Estate. The second phase of the project will consist of eight buildings that will be constructed once all buildings in Phase 1 have been leased. Phase 1 is slated to be completed in September 2025.

Apartment complex gets $3M renovations A $3 million makeover is underway for The Lynx Apartments & Townhomes—for- merly known as Sutton Apartments, located at 518 Linda Drive in San Marcos. Long story short Regional Property Manager Omar Ramirez said they have replaced the main sewer line on the property and completed roof repairs. Each unit has received all new windows and comes with stainless steel appliances.

The Merriman to be completed by fall 2025 Construction for The Merriman, an apartment complex located at 1301 Leah Ave., San Marcos, is on track to be complete in August 2025, according to an email from Jacob Clark, a senior investment associate at Long View Equity. The complex is being built at the former Starplex movie theater, which was demolished in 2022. Project timeline The multifamily project broke ground in Septem- ber 2023 and is being developed by Texas-based investment management company Long View Equity. Clark said The Merriman’s rst units should be available by the end of 2024 or the beginning of 2025. More details The Merriman will consist of 313 units across nine buildings. The complex will have a mix of one-,

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The Merriman

24 Belly Business Park will be located at 690 S. FM 1626, across from Elm Grove Elementary School in Buda.

RENDERING COURTESY STAR TEX REAL ESTATE

two- and three-bedroom units. Residents will have access to a variety of ameni- ties including a pool, basketball and pickleball court. The complex will also oer a gym, yoga studio and grab-and-go market, similar to what people see in hotel lobbies. The Merriman will also have a dog park, and select units will come with private yards or patios. “Our goal is that this project will simultaneously provide a luxury-style residential experience while helping to alleviate the increasing housing costs in the city,” Clark said.

Check this out Dunkin said the property owner is a longtime Buda resident, who played football under Bob Shel- ton at Hays High School. Shelton had served as the high school’s rst head coach until his retirement in 2010, according to Hays CISD’s website. Their team used to execute The Belly Play, a football play focusing on the basics, which inspired the owner to name the business park 24 Belly, Dunkin said.

O Y

Buda

E E K

1626

24 Belly Professional Business Park

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A reputation for research From the cover

The big picture

continue over the next two years. “We [had] 71 this year, and if we keep the momentum going, we will get there,” Mandayam said. Although the university met its rst metric to be granted an R1 designation, the university will need to continue investing in its new and existing doctorate programs.

degrees each year over three consecutive years, Mandayam said. Texas State met the $50 million marker in 2016 and continues to increase its research expenses, with $160 million invested in 2024. The 2024 reporting period was also the rst year the university awarded over 70 doctoral degrees—a milestone university ocials say will need to

University faculty members receive grants from either the state, federal or private industry to fund research with undergraduate and graduate students. Researchers look to solve problems that are of interest to society, Mandayam said. To receive an R1 designation, universities must have at least $50 million in research expenses and graduate an average of 70 doctoral

Research expenses and doctoral degrees awarded since 2015

$200M

71 doctoral degrees awarded

The R1 designation requires universities to spend $50 million or more on research annually.

$150M

$100M

40 50

$50M

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

SOURCE: TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

New Ph.D. programs in Fall 2025

Pending approval

The outlook

Ph.D. in electrical engineering Ph.D. in nursing practice Ph.D. in kinesiology Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction Ph.D. in mechanical and manufacturing engineering Ph.D. in engineering management Ph.D. in construction management Doctorate of Business Administration

Ph.D. in civil engineering Ph.D. in integrated molecular and biophysical chemistry Ph.D. in mathematics

Mandayam said the university has invested $18 million in existing Ph.D. programs through scholarships, stipends and assistantships for Ph.D. candidates. Texas State has also invested $50 million in new Ph.D. programs—which will double the amount oered over the next year.

There are 13 pre-existing doctoral programs at Texas State.

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BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Total endowment Texas State’s endowment—which works similarly to a savings account—is valued at $392.97 million following its "Next is Now" capital campaign.

Annual giving Philanthropists and alumni raised over $275 million overall for Texas State’s “Next is Now” capital campaign.

Marking a milestone

Texas State’s “Next is Now” capital campaign, which concluded on Aug. 31, was designed to achieve R1 designation. The campaign launched publicly in October 2021 and raised over $275 million overall, according to a news release. Lawmakers also passed the Texas University Fund, or TUF, during the 88th Texas legislative session, which required a constitutional amend- ment—Proposition 5—to go before Texas voters in November 2023. The voter-approved proposition funds certain institutions of higher education to become major research universities. Texas State was one of four universities that received $1 billion in TUF funding, which will fund new Ph.D. programs, recruit personnel and provide faculty with the resources they need to win federal grants, Mandayam said.

$50M

$400M

138.16% increase

$44.36 million received in 2024

$40M

$300M

$30M

$200M

$20M

$100M

$10M

2016 2018 2020 2022 2024

The impact

Looking ahead

Mandayam said he would like to quadruple the number of Ph.D. programs Texas State oers and increase research expenses by another 50% in the future. Texas State will also be looking to focus on the semiconductor industry, articial intelligence, environmental sustainability and water research, Mandayam said. “We have a huge focus on digital humanities, and we want to recruit scholars for the humanities from across the nation,” he said.

Mar Huertas Pau, an associate biology profes- sor, said receiving the R1 status as a designated Hispanic-serving institution would help the university double its eorts in working for the Hispanic community. Carlton Fong, an associate professor in the department of curriculum and instruction, said the R1 classication would unlock additional support, resources and opportunities. He said it would also allow the university to attract and retain the best talent to help them continue reaching their goals.

“We’re working to advance how to make education systems more equitable by maximizing the potential for all learners and educators,

especially those who have been historically excluded or institutionally marginalized.” CARLTON FONG, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR IN THE DEPARTMENT OF CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION

Education

Concerns raised with program in Hays CISD Nine Hays CISD special education teachers, paraprofessionals and parents shared concerns at Sept. 16 and Sept. 24 board meetings regarding the district’s Foundational Learning classes, citing large class sizes, safety issues and potential Individualized Education Program plan violations. Some context Special Education Executive Officer Michelle Velasquez and Special Education Director Melissa Corona said Foundational Learning students have significant cognitive needs and require specialized curriculum and instructional support. Foundational Learning Structured classrooms provide more rigid structure for students who need it. However, FLS shifted solely to FL during the 2024-25 school year. Velasquez said this was attributed to a “title change” and does not equate to a change in services.

FBI investigates false threat at SMHS More than 80 law enforcement officers from San Marcos and other jurisdictions responded to a call for a threat at San Marcos High School on Sept. 24—which was deemed non-credible and is now being investigated by the FBI. What happened San Marcos Police Chief Stan Standridge said the phone threat came from a “swat- ting” incident, which is the tactic of making hoax emergency calls. “We learned that number was involved in two [other] incidents, one in Hunt County, Texas, and one in Kent County, Michigan,” Standridge said. SMCISD Superintendent Michael Cardona said students will have access to counseling services on campus.

Students receiving special services

2022-23

2023-24 *2024-25

200 150 100 50 0

Elementary Middle school High school

*NUMBERS REFLECT STUDENTS RECEIVING FL SERVICES ONLY. SOURCE: HAYS CISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Special education parent Lorraine Patterson said the change has been challenging. “This abrupt change in transition away from a structured class has unfortunately resulted in our [daughter] causing numerous injuries to multiple staff, students and herself,” Patterson said. What’s being done Velasquez and Corona said FL teachers have asked for changes including an increase in the special education stipend, appropriate classroom space and regular substitutes.

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