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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3 JULY 13AUG. 8, 2023
HOME EDITION 2023 Residential on the rise
Local clinic breaks ground on new Liberty Hill building
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HOME EDITION 2023
SPONSORED BY • Sitterle Homes
Mero Concepts outts homes with automation
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The Crescent Bluff neighborhood is one of several housing developments under construction along the Hwy. 29 corridor, which stretches between Georgetown and Liberty Hill. (Falcon Sky Photography/Community Impact)
Agape BBQ aims to o er best barbecue in state
Developers target Hwy. 29 for thousands of homes, straining infrastructure
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Pull the newest teaser from CC Libraries
BY GRANT CRAWFORD & ZACHARIA WASHINGTON
7,753 homes to the area once fully built out. Other sizable subdivisions are under construction or planned. New residents are attributing their moves to the northern suburbs to increasing home prices in Austin; the busyness of Austin; and the develop- mental potential for Leander, George- town and Liberty Hill. The increased number of housing
developments along Hwy. 29 has led to mixed reactions from resi- dents and left o cials looking at how the needs of existing residents can be balanced with the demand for infrastructure. Georgetown Assistant City Manager Nick Wool- ery said planning for the stretch of road requires coordination among CONTINUED ON 32
From Georgetown to Liberty Hill, thousands of homes now stand on what was once a bare corridor along Hwy. 29. The stretch of road encompasses three school districts and includes Santa Rita Ranch, one of the largest neighborhoods, which could bring
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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION • JULY 2023
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Regency at Santa Rita Ranch is a 55+ active-adult community intended to operate under the Housing for Older Persons Act of 1995, as amended. One resident must be 55+. Open Mon 10 am–6 pm; Tue 2 pm–6 pm; Wed–Sat 10 am–6 pm; Sun Noon–6 pm. Brokers welcome. Homes available nationwide. Prices subject to change without notice. Prices shown may refer to the base house and do not include any home site premium, or any optional features. Photos are images only and should not be relied upon to confirm applicable features. This is not an o ering where prohibited by law.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
THIS ISSUE
MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Denise Seiler EDITOR Claire Shoop REPORTERS Grant Crawford, Zacharia Washington GRAPHIC DESIGNER Alissa Foss METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Travis Baker MANAGING EDITOR Amy Denney COPY EDITOR Kasey Salisbury ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Rachal Elliott CONTACT US 16225 Impact Way, Ste. 1, Pugerville, TX 78660 • 5129896808 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES llhnews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING llhads@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 ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched 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.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH
FROM DENISE: It is amazing to see how many of you rely on our publication to keep you informed about what’s going on in the community and share our mission of wanting to support our local businesses. We have received a lot of feedback regarding our decision to split the Cedar Park-Leander publication into two, and we want you to know that we hear you! You will be seeing a little more Cedar Park news in the coming issues of the Leander-Liberty Hill edition. More news is great news! Denise Seiler, GENERAL MANAGER
FROM CLAIRE: Every year, our July issue focuses on residential real estate and the home. Our front-page story this month looks at all of the housing construction happening along the Hwy. 29 corridor between Liberty Hill and Georgetown. On that stretch of road alone, 16 neighborhoods are building, bringing more than 14,000 houses between them. Reporters Zacharia Washington and Grant Crawford talked to developers, residents and city ocials about what this growth means. You’ll also nd our annual Home Improvement Guide featuring contractors working in the region (see Pages 24-25). Claire Shoop, EDITOR
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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION • JULY 2023
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
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FEATURED IMPACT COMING SOON Cannabis-themed sandwich shop Cheba Hut will open in October. The menu includes subs named after various strains of cannabis, though the food does not include the herb. The sandwich shop will also oer a full bar with draft beers and signature cocktails. Owned by father and son Joseph and Vincent DeMaioribus, the new location will be at 11620 Hero Way W., Ste. 160, Leander. www.chebahut.com Cheba Hut features a menu full of subs named after strains of cannabis. COURTESY CHEBA HUT
be at 19380 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 420, Leander. www.casagarcias.com 7 Tropical Smoothie Cafe will open a location in Bar W Marketplace in October. Tropical Smoothie Cafe sells smoothies, ¢atbreads, wraps, sandwiches, quesadillas and salads. Franchisees Mike and Kara Shep- pard own the Leander location at 19388 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 620. www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com 8 A third location of Night Owl Bar will open in late August in Old Town Leander. Night Owl Barwill feature an upscale cocktail lounge with a fami- ly-friendly outdoor area featuring the Nice To Meat You barbecue food truck. Night Owl Bar has locations in Austin and Round Rock. The third location will be at 203 N. Brushy St., Leander. 972-415-8227. Facebook: Night Owl Bar 9 Pizza Twist Taco Twist will open its rst Austin-area location in late fall. Originating in California, Pizza Twist Taco Twist will oer an Indian twist on pizza and tacos. Owned by franchisee Mandeep Bal, the new location is at 13920 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Bldg. 2, Ste. 205, Leander, in the new Shops at Reagan’s Hope retail center. Pizza Twist has over 60 locations nationwide. www.pizzatwist.com California-based restaurant Daddy’s Chicken Shack will open its rst Aus- tin-area location in Leander by early 2024. It sells chicken sandwiches; sal- ads; sweets; and breakfast food, such as burritos and wa§es. A company repre- sentative said while the business has not solidied an o¡cial location, franchisees Chuck and Nicole Goddard are looking at a space on Crystal Falls Parkway. www.daddyschickenshack.com
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LEANDER NOW OPEN
4 Education center Skill Samurai opened June 10 at 706 Leander Drive, Ste. 504, Leander. The enrichment program is geared toward children ages 6-16 and oers classes on coding, robotics and YouTube. It will add math code in the fall. The education center also provides af- ter-school programs and camps accommo- dating all levels and ages. 512-986-7415. www.skillsamurai.com/tx-wilco COMING SOON 5 Noble Delights Bakery will open in July at 2091 US 183, Ste. B, Lean- der. Owned by Regina Noble, the bak- ery will make custom cakes, cookies, cupcakes and other desserts. Noble Delights Bakery will host a grand opening event Aug. 26. 512-766-7703. www.nobledelightsbakery.com 6 Austin-based Mexican restaurant Casa Garcia’s will open its seventh location in Bar W Marketplace in late fall. This location will be Casa Garcia’s “largest space by far” with capacity for 500, Chief Financial O¡cer Lenny Arellano said. It will feature 21 beers on tap, booth seating and a separate party room available for events. The new restaurant location will
1 Local brewpub 5th Element Brewing opened June 30 in Old Town Leander. The brewery produces artisan beer and has a beer garden with plans for a dog run and play area for kids in the future, co-owner Mike Brune said. Located at 100 E. Evans St., Leander, Brune owns 5th Element with his wife, Kimberly Destefano-Brune. www.5thelementbrewing.com 2 Matinee Co ee + Concessions opened in Wildre Park at 209 W. Broade St., Leander, in April. It serves specialty coee sourced from across the country and makes exclusive syrups for dierent lattes. Owner Adam Rivera plans to add food, such as homemade pretzels, beer cheese and guava pastries. 404-406-2706 3 Leander Jewelry opened in mid- May at 301 N. US 183, Ste. A, Lean- der. Owned by Shadan Jeezan, the business sells a variety of jewelry, oers repair services, and apprais- es and buys jewelry. 512-502-2440. www.leanderjewelry.co
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EXPANSIONS 10 Leander Athletic Club expanded its facility May 9 to add a Vitality Bar, a yoga and Pilates studio, a cycle studio, a kids club, and a wellness and recovery center, owner Starlena Vaughn said. The wellness and recovery center features red- light therapy, compression, cryotherapy, IV drip therapy, a sauna and a cold plunge. The gym is located at 190 N. Bagdad Road, Ste. D-3, Leander. 512-876-1855. www.leanderathleticclub.com
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COMPILED BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON
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Care First Clinic broke ground on its new building in May.
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RELOCATIONS 4 Open Door Baptist Church will build a permanent location at the northwest corner of Hwy. 29 and Stonewall Park- way in Liberty Hill. Once construction begins, pastor Kevin Alexander said it will take eight to 10 months to com- plete. Open Door Baptist Church was founded in 2019 and meets in a store- front at 13997 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill. The new location does not yet have an address. 512-337-6814. www.odb.church ANNIVERSARIES The Pedernales Electric Cooperative celebrated 85 years of service May 19. The power provider, which has customers in Leander and Liberty Hill, rst opened its doors on that same date in 1938. www.pec.coop
FEATURED IMPACT RELOCATIONS Care First Clinic broke ground in May on its new facility, which will open at the end of 2023 at 12635 W. Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill. Kaela Thurman owns the primary and urgent care practice, which will move from 12701 W. Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill. 512-548-5373. www.carerstclinic.com
LIBERTY HILL NOW OPEN
103 Forrest St., Liberty Hill. Owned by couples Justin and Tina McGuire along with Nathan and Rachel Curley, the business will oer coee, beer, wine and a variety of dierent teas. Nathan Curley said the coee shop will also serve pastries, baked goods and appe- tizer-style shared dishes. Facebook: Forrest Coee House 3 Impact Family Wellness will open its second location at 9017 W. Hwy. 29, Bldg. 1, Ste. 205, Liberty Hill, in mid-July. Owned by Monica McKitterick, the primary care pro- vider oers memberships for weight loss management services; treatment and care for diseases and illnesses; and women’s health. 512-537-2177. www.impactfamilywellness.com
1 Karmm Dental Group opened at 201 St. Joseph Court, Ste. 101, Liber- ty Hill, on May 1. The dentist o¡ce’s services include root canals, llings, extractions, implants, teeth whitening, Invisalign and Clear Correct for all ages. Karmm Dental Group is owned by Drs. Mooni Shah, Arati Shah and Ankur Desai. 737-216-7731. www.karmmdental.com COMING SOON 2 Local coee shop Forrest Co ee House will open in early September at
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DMV DMV DMV ADDRESS: 1234 Sesame 34 Sesa St t r eet DMV ADDRESS: 1234 Sesame Street 123 Main Street 123 Main Street State law requires the Mobility Authority to use the address on file with Department of Motor Vehicles registration records. The Mobility Authority mails all bills and late notices via First-Class Mail as required by law. First-Class Mail is assumed delivered if not returned.
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE Mobility Authority
Navigating the tolling landscape can be complicated. We’re the Central Texas Regional 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
Late payment fees do apply
The Mobility Authority is not TxTag
We accept a variety of electronic tags
There’s a reason you might get a bill in the mail even if you have an electronic tag
There are payment options everywhere
Keep your electronic tag account in good standing
We use your address on file with the DMV for bills
Learn what to do when you sell your car
Using the Pay By Mail program costs you more
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/tolling101.
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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION • JULY 2023
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
COMPILED BY CHLOE YOUNG
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The hospital provides pets with same-day and next-day care for nonemergent needs.
COURTESY VCA ANIMAL HOSPITALS
FEATURED IMPACT NOW OPEN VCA Animal Hospitals Urgent Care - Cedar Park opened June 7 at 115 S. Lakeline Blvd., Bldg. 1, Ste. 120, Cedar Park. The urgent care clinic provides pets with same-day and next-day care for “important but nonemergent needs,” said Lauren Herrmann, VCA Animal Hospitals external communications manager. Immediate assistance is available for allergic reactions, eye issues, ear infections, rashes and skin issues, acute toxin ingestion, and more, she said. Through VCA’s 24/7 online live chat, pet owners can connect with on-call veterinarian technicians who can assess their pet’s condition before advising them on whether they should visit the urgent care clinic or tions and cocktails. Snooze was founded in 2006 in Denver by brothers Jon and Adam Schlegel, and is now a national chain with locations across the country. www.snoozeeatery.com 5 Dog Haus , a gourmet hot dog restaurant, will open in August at 3101 E. Whitestone Blvd., Unit F, Cedar Park. The national chain is known for its all-beef hot dogs, handcrafted sausages and black Angus beef burgers served on King’s Hawaiian rolls. The restaurant also oers plant-based burgers, chicken
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an emergency room. Pet owners can also view appointment wait times online and join a virtual waiting room until arriving at the urgent care clinic. The online live chat and virtual waiting room are the best ways to reach VCA Urgent Care - Cedar Park,
CEDAR PARK NOW OPEN
Snooze an A.M. Eatery
COURTESY SNOOZE AN A.M. EATERY
1 Uptown Cheapskate , an upscale thrift store, opened its rst Cedar Park storefront May 4 at 11066 Pecan Park Blvd., Ste. 105, Cedar Park. The store sells and purchases gently used clothes, bags, shoes and accessories. Shoppers can sell their items for cash on the spot or in-store credit for 25% more. The franchise has two other Austin-area locations in South Aus- tin and Round Rock. 512-386-1033. www.uptowncheapskate.com/ location/cedar-park 2 Firm Foundations Chiropractic opened in April at 930 S. Bell Blvd., Ste. 305, Cedar Park. The practice, owned and operated by Dr. Nick Fedele, treats various musculoskeletal condi- tions through chiropractic adjustments, rehabilitative exercises and soft-tissue therapies tailored to meet patients’ individual needs. Appointments can be made online or by calling 512-900-5723. www.rmfoundationschiro.com 3 AJ's Yotas LLC opened its rst storefront in March at 2301 W. White- stone Blvd., Cedar Park. The shop provides auto repairs, maintenance and modication services for Toyotas
Herrmann said. 737-279-8764
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or Lexus 4X4s, specializing in Toyota Land Cruisers. Owner AJ Llano started the business out of his home garage in 2022 and has 15 years of experi- ence in auto repairs. 737-333-9652. www.instagram.com/ajyotas COMING SOON 4 Snooze an A.M. Eatery will open in 2024 at 1915 E. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park. The modern breakfast spot oers an extensive menu including pancakes, Benedicts, tacos, lighter breakfast op-
and a full bar. Dog Haus rst opened in 2010 in Pasadena, California. Today, the franchise has over 50 locations across the country. www.doghaus.com 6 Construction for the University Federal Credit Union New Hope branch began May 30 at 5202 183A Toll, Cedar Park, with an expected opening date in early 2024. The credit union provides nancial services, including bank accounts, cards, loans, insurance and investments. UFCU is a member-owned, not-for-prot nancial cooperative. www.ufcu.org
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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION • JULY 2023
TO DO LIST
July & August events
JULY 19 SING ALONG TO A MINI MUSICAL Kids will get the opportunity to watch “Lady Paen’s Imaginary Dragon Mini Musical” and attend a theater- making workshop afterward. The show will include puppets, oversized props and catchy tunes for children to sing along with. At the workshop after the performance, participants will get a chance to hear how Paen creates her shows and then make one of their own. The event is open to all ages. 10 a.m. Free. Leander Public Library, 1011 S. Bagdad Road, Leander. 512-259-5259. www.leandertx.gov/library 25 CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN JULY Whitestone Brewery Liberty Hill will host its Christmas in July event with a special release of the Barrel Aged Melted Snowman, a beer that is typically only available in the fall. 3-8 p.m. Free. 15390 W. Hwy. 29, Bldgs. 2 and 3, Liberty Hill. 512-765-4828. www.whitestonebrewery.com 29 BE AMAZED AT A MAGIC SHOW “The John O’Bryant Magic Show” will be packed with stunts, special eects, illusion, comedy,
props, mind reading, thrilling escapes, music, audience interaction and fun for all ages. 11 a.m. and noon. Free. Leander Public Library, 1011 S. Bagdad Road, Leander. 512-259-5259. www.leandertx.gov/library 29 DO SOME YOGA Aloft Austin Round Rock will host a Beer Yoga event on-site with instructor Sarah Pegues. The event allows attendees to relax while practicing yoga and enjoying a cold beer. A ticket to the event includes admission plus two free beverages, including beer, wine or zero-proof beverages. 7-9 p.m. $40. 2951 Jazz St., Round Rock. 737-615-4408. Eventbrite: Beer Yoga with Sarah Pegues at the Aloft Austin Round Rock 29 HAVE FUN AT A POOL PARTY Sunbyrne - The Ultimate Talking Heads Pool Party with HeartByrne will take place at Volente Beach Resort & Waterpark. Tickets for the all-day event include admission to the water park, a performance from Talking Heads tribute band HeartByrne, an after-party with DJ Papa Glitch and family-friendly music from Radha’s School of Music. Attendees may go on a 90-minute boat trip on Lake Travis with their groups for an additional fee. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. $27. 16107 FM 2769,
GET DOWN AND DIRTY AT A RODEO H E B CENTER
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SPLASH AT THE BASH WETZEL PARK SPLASH PAD
The weekend-long Cedar Park Rodeo will be presented by Michelob Ultra. This event will feature a series of professional rodeo events, such as bull riding, bareback riding, calf roping, barrel racing, steer wrestling, breakaway roping and mutton busting. 7:30 p.m. $20-$30 (ages 2-12), $25-$35 (age 13 and older). 2100 Ave. of the Stars, Cedar Park. 512-600-5001. www.hebcenter.com (Courtesy H-E-B Center)
The city of Liberty Hill will host its annual Back to School Bash to close out the summer season at Wetzel Park. During the event, the park’s splash pad will be open to attendees. Other event activities include summer-themed tunes, contests, games, treats and giveaways. The Back to School Bash is open to all ages. 1-3 p.m. Free. 821 Loop 332, Liberty Hill. 512-548-5511. www.experiencelhtx.com (Courtesy City of Liberty Hill)
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the Cedar Park Depot. The 44-mile train ride will last 3 1/2 hours with a 15-minute layover and feature the Professional Princess Team from Central Texas Theatre Academy. 8 a.m. (doors open), 9 a.m. (train departs). $35-$55. 401 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. C-100, Cedar Park. 512-915-2340. www.austinsteamtrain.org 10 HAVE FUN AT A HAPPY HOUR The Turquoise Peacock will host its fourth annual Back to School Happy Hour. Teachers will receive a 10% discount with a valid school ID and a T-shirt with a $50 purchase. All attendees will be entered to win a giveaway. This event includes shopping, drinks and sales. 4:30-6:30 p.m. Free (admission). 660 S. Bagdad Road, Ste. 330, Leander. 432-853-1253. Facebook: Turquoise Peacock Boutique 12 PUT ON BOOTS AND DANCE Leander nonpro«t Open My World will host its inaugural Barn Dance to raise funds for its mission of providing therapeutic horseback riding. The event will feature country dancing, live and silent auctions, horse bingo, a barbecue dinner with dessert, and a cash bar. 6-10 p.m. $75. Reunion Ranch, 850 CR 255, Georgetown. 512-808-6024. www.openmyworld.org
Ste. D, Leander. 512-524-9663. Eventbrite: SUNBYRNE • The Ultimate Talking Heads Pool Party with HeartByrne 30 ATTEND A WRESTLING MATCH WWE will bring the NXT Great American Bash featuring live matches among superstars Carmelo Hayes, Bron Breakker, Dragon Lee, Roxanne Perez, Wes Lee and Tiany Stratton. 5:45 p.m. (doors open), 6:30 p.m. (matches begin). $20-$150. H-E-B Center, 2100 Ave. of the Stars, Cedar Park. 512-600-5001. www.hebcenter.com AUGUST 01 PARTICIPATE IN AN INTERACTIVE MOVIE Children in grades 6-12 can participate in Interactive MovieFest featuring showings of “The Princess Bride” and “Napoleon Dynamite.” Audience participation is encouraged when certain words or phrases are used during the movie. 8 p.m.-midnight. Free. Leander Public Library, 1011 S. Bagdad Road, Leander. 512-259-5259. www.leandertx.gov/library 05 TAKE A TRAIN RIDE Princess Flyer, a princess- themed train ride by the Austin Steam Train Association, will depart from
The Summer Splash Pawty hosted by Dog House Drinkery & Dog Park is a dog-friendly, carnival-like event that features vendor booths, raffle prizes and games.
COURTESY DOG HOUSE DRINKERY & DOG PARK FEATURED EVENT TAKE YOUR PUP TO A PARTY Dog House Drinkery & Dog Park will host its third annual Summer Splash Pawty on July 22. The family-friendly event will feature a doggy swimsuit contest, adoptable pups, dog ice cream, rae prizes, games and booth vendors. Event sponsors and donations are encouraged, and funds raised will benet the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter. Noon-4 p.m. Free (admission).
3800 CR 175, Leander 512-291-6664 Facebook: Dog House Drinkery & Dog Park
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Find more or submit Leander and Liberty Hill 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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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION • JULY 2023
TRANSPORTATION UPDATES
COMPILED BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON
Leander repaves 4 roadways improving ride quality Construction on the roads identied in Leander’s 2023 Roadway Rehabili- tation Program was completed in late June, improving overall quality and durability, city sta said. Leander ocials selected four roads COST OF REPAIR The city of Leander spent $2.4 million on a contract with Bennett Paving, Inc. for the repair and improvement work on streets identied in the 2023 Roadway Rehabilitation Program. HORIZON PARK BLVD. 2 1
UPCOMING PROJECTS
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Loop 332/Bailey Lane realignment Loop 332—which is in the process of being renamed by the city of Liberty Hill to Main Street—will be realigned to Bailey Lane, and trac lights will be im- plemented, allowing residents to safely enter and exit Hwy. 29. Because Liberty Hill ISD is adding 1,300 students this fall, more cars will be using Loop 332 and Hwy. 29 during peak times for school drop-o and pickup, city ocials said, and not having a trac light at this intersection is a safety concern, especially for drivers turning left onto Hwy. 29. Timeline: spring 2024-spring 2025 Cost: $1.8 million Funding source: city of Liberty Hill
to improve. Costing $2.4 million, the work conducted on these roads included mill and overlay, striping, and full-depth repairs. Mill and overlay—the process of grinding o the top layer of old asphalt and replacing it with new material—and striping was done on Union Street from Crystal Falls Park- way to Washington Square Drive and Horizon Park Boulevard from Crystal Falls to McCarthur Drive. Lakeline Boulevard from Leander city limits to Stinnett Drive and Heritage Grove Road from Oak Grove Road to US 183 underwent a mill and overlay as well as striping in addition to full-depth repairs. A full-depth repair replaces 6 inches of asphalt to make the road smoother. The Roadway Rehabilitation
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Program is conducted every year to keep up with regular maintenance. Public Works Director Gina Ellison said city sta selects roadways for the program using a condition assessment, which is done every four to ve years. “[The work] extends the life of the pavement, [and] it improves the ride quality,” she said. “It’s just mainte- nance ... keeping that quality of road and ride for the community.” SOURCE: CITY OF LEANDERCOMMUNITY IMPACT Total: $2.4 million 2 Horizon Park Boulevard: $212,496 3 Lakeline Boulevard: $1.48 million 4 Heritage Grove Road: $437,996 1 Union Street: $281,256
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ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF JUNE 15. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT LLHNEWSCOMMUNITYIMPACT.COM.
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EDUCATION BRIEFS
News from Leander ISD, Liberty Hill ISD & Austin Community College
HIGHLIGHTS AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE The district hosted a series of public forums June 27-29 with the three nalists for the system’s new chancellor. In January, ACC Chancellor Richard Rhodes announced he would be retiring at the end of August. ACC has 11 campuses, including one in Leander. The district’s board of trustees will eventually vote on the appointment of Rhodes’ successor. LEANDER ISD The board of trustees approved new attendance zones for secondary schools June 8. The students to be rezoned will begin at their new campuses in the 2024-25 school year. Middle school students going into eighth grade as well as juniors and seniors in high school will have the option to remain at their zoned campus if they complete a transfer request and provide their own transportation. More information can be found at www.leanderisd.org. NUMBER TO KNOW The total cost Leander ISD will spend on its compensation package that the board of trustees approved May 25, including a 4% pay raise for all full-time employees $12.75 million Leander ISD board of trustees will meet Aug. 10 at 6:15 p.m. at 300 S. West Drive, Leander. 512-570-0000. www.leanderisd.org Liberty Hill ISD board of trustees will meet July 17 at 6 p.m. at 301 Forrest St., Liberty Hill. 512-260-5580. www.libertyhill.txed.net Austin Community College board of trustees will meet July 24 and Aug. 7 at 3 p.m. at 6101 Highland Campus Drive, Austin. 512-223-7000. www.austincc.edu MEETINGS WE COVER
Leander ISD budget includes 4% pay raise for sta LEANDER ISD On June 15, the board approved the scal year 2023-24 budget, which includes $32 million more allocated for payroll than last year. BY GRANT CRAWFORD BUDGET BREAKDOWN Leander ISD expects 12% of expenses to go toward recapture payments. Excluding those, other expenses are as shown. REVENUE EXPENSES* Contracted services: 4% Supplies/materials: 5% Utilities: 2% Payroll: 88%
Federal funding: 1% Other local sources: 2% State funding: 12% Local tax collections: 85%
Travel costs: 1%
LHISD teachers to receive 3.5% raise; other sta to get 2% Quote of note: “With very little new revenue from the state, we are excited to be able to bring this budget to the board,” Chief Finan- cial Ocer Pete Pape said. The gist: LISD is expecting nearly $491 million in revenues in the FY 2023-24 general fund and $494.6 million in expenditures. Recapture payments to the state will make up 12% of expenditures, which also include a 4% raise for all district sta.
Debt service: 0.12% Capital outlay projects: 0.28%
*DUE TO ROUNDING, THE TOTAL DOES NOT EQUAL 100%.
SOURCE: LEANDER ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT
What else? The LISD board also approved the debt service and child nutrition budgets. Budgeted revenue is based on a
lower property tax rate of $1.2644 compared to FY 2022-23’s tax rate of $1.2746 per $100 valuation. The board will adopt the tax rate by September.
Two future schools receive names
PAY INCREASE HIGHLIGHTS
Liberty Hill ISD is raising pay for all sta¤ for the 2023-24 school year.
3.5% increase for teachers 2% increase for other sta¤ $1 increase per hour for nonsalary positions $16 per hour base salary
BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON
LIBERTY HILL ISD The district’s proposed new elementary and high schools received names June 19.
BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON
LIBERTY HILL ISD The board approved an employee compensation plan June 19 for the 2023-24 school year with pay increases for all positions. The big picture: With the district continuing to grow and ination on the rise, LHISD ocials said to support its teachers and sta, salary and benets had to be increased to a comparable
Two-minute impact: • Elementary School No. 7 was
SOURCE: LIBERTY HILL ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT
named Tierra Rosa Elementary. It will be located in Santa Rita Ranch and open in August 2024. • High School No. 2 was named Legacy Ranch High School. The district has secured lots for both Legacy Ranch and Middle School No. 3 on CR 258.
rate in the area, according to a news release. “In Liberty Hill our teachers and sta are a top priority when consid- ering the budget,” board President Megan Parsons said in the release.
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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION • JULY 2023
GOVERNMENT Design of Leander sports facility begins; city eyes 2025 opening
COMPLEX DETAILS The Leander Municipal Athletic Complex at South San Gabriel River Park is anticipated to bring new park amenities to Leander. It will have more oerings than the city’s two complexes, Benbrook Ranch Park and Robin Bledsoe Park.
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SOMERVILLE ST.
BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON
Tummons said construction on the project will likely be completed in two phases, and the city of Leander has funding only for the initial phase. Costing roughly $10 million, the work done in the rst phase will include site development, utilities, infrastructure, some parking, roadways and a few multipurpose elds. Some of the other complex ameni- ties, such as the playscape area and the trails, are not included in the rst phase. Construction of these features is dependent on costs when the city seeks bids for the project in spring 2024, after the design and engineering phase is complete. Engineering rm Parkhill is conducting the master planning, design and construction phase services for the project. Construction on the rst phase of the project is anticipated to take about 12-15 months, which correlates with a late summer 2025 opening. This
Softball elds Playscapes Nature areas Walking and hiking trails
An upcoming 77-acre athletic complex will bring six elds for girls softball; multipurpose elds for soccer, lacrosse, cricket and rugby; nature areas; and picnic pavilions to the city. City Council approved one of two design options for the Leander Municipal Athletic Complex at South San Gabriel River Park in mid-May. The sports park will be located east of US 183 and north of the river in front of the Larkspur neighborhood. Parks and Recreation Director Mark Tummons said the feedback from the March 30 community workshop showed the majority of residents preferred the selected layout, which includes more parking space and additional multipurpose elds. The goal of the workshop was to receive a nal response from the community on any additional amenities or desires for the complex, he said.
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Multipurpose elds for soccer, lacrosse, cricket and rugby Picnic pavilions
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RENDERING COURTESY CITY OF LEANDER
project has been in the works for about six to seven years, and it has been a high priority for the community and city ocials, Tummons said. It was a part of Leander’s 2016 bond package. Tummons said the complex is “taking the best” of what the city’s
two smaller facilities, Benbrook Ranch Park and Robin Bledsoe Park, oer. “Leander residents can expect a quality, high-class facility,” he said. “As we continue to do additional phases, we’ll be able to move into more economic impact for the park itself.”
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CITY & COUNTY
News from Leander, Liberty Hill & Williamson County
COMPILED BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON
Leander City Council will meet July 20 and Aug. 3 at 6 p.m. at 201 N. Brushy St., Leander. 512-528-2700. www.leandertx.gov Liberty Hill City Council will meet July 26 and Aug. 9 at 6 p.m. at 2801 RM 1869, Liberty Hill. 512-778-5449. www.libertyhilltx.gov Travis County Commissioners Court will meet July 18 and Aug. 1 and 8 at 9 a.m. at 700 Lavaca St., Austin. 512-854-4722. www.traviscountytx.gov Williamson County Commissioners Court will meet July 18 and 25 and Aug. 1 and 8 at 9:30 a.m. at 710 S. Main St., Georgetown. 512-943-1100. www.wilco.org MEETINGS WE COVER approved a $125,000 payment to Hal Associates Inc. on May 24. The rm will prepare the city’s Downtown Strategic Plan, which will explore parking, property inventory, signage, the look and feel, and land use recommendations. The plan will be completed by late 2023. NUMBER TO KNOW The amount in grant funding that the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter received from Petco Love, a nonprot dedicated to lifesaving animal welfare work, for its eorts to reduce euthanasia and euthanize animals responsibly $100,000 HIGHLIGHTS LIBERTY HILL City Council approved its third budget amendment for scal year 2022-23 on June 14. The change increased revenue to the general fund by $1.6 million due to fees charged to the utility funds, and includes $78,715 in water budget expenses to replace meters and add a collector for the Liberty Hill Water Department. LIBERTY HILL City Council
Schools zones in Leander will display radar signs LEANDER Public and private schools within the Leander ISD Assistant Chief of Police Billy Fletcher said.
A newly installed radar display sign will cost roughly $3,400. The city will control the signs and handle costs of maintenance. WHAT THEY’RE SAYING “If we’re going to use these, [I ask] that we have the correct signage in place because we want to be
Water rates to rise; new study in works LIBERTY HILL New water and wastewater rates for Liberty Hill customers will start Oct. 1. How we got here: Council adopted new rates from a rate study in early 2019. The study recommended other adjustments for January 2020 and provided forecasted rates. Reasons why the previous council did not adopt the January 2020 or forecasted rate adjustments are unknown. City sta will complete a new rate study by late 2024, but they do not think rate increases can wait. the speed of oncoming vehicles. The signs, however, will not be used for direct law enforcement by the police but will help gain speed compliance from drivers instead, boundaries will now be required to install radar display signs in all new school zones. A closer look: City Council approved the change June 1 with the aim to slow tra c and improve safety for pedestrians. All schools within the LISD boundaries will have to pay for and implement the signs in new school zones. Radar display signs are solar powered and equipped with sensors that detect and display
Council Member David McDonald raised concerns about the accuracy of the signs, pointing to an existing one at Crystal Falls Parkway near Pleasant Hill Elementary that ashed the wrong speed limit. That sign was one of the rst to be implemented, and existing sign posts were used. Drivers would have to adjust their speed according to the times listed on those signs. Sgt. Ryan Doyle assured council that the newly designed signs will be accurate based on the time of day, and it will correlate with the correct speed display.
credible to our citizens. ... We should not be trying to advertise that [the speed limit] is something dierent during the hours that it’s not.” DAVID MCDONALD, LEANDER CITY
COUNCIL MEMBER
The takeaway: The ordinance applies only to new school zones.
Old EMS site to turn into city oce space LEANDER The city will renovate a pair of buildings in Old Town Leander. In a nutshell: City Council approved a $577,362 contract June 15 to transform the emergency medical services build- ing into open o ce space for the city’s inspectors and a conference room.
RAISING THE RATES New water and wastewater rates will go into eect Oct. 1 in Liberty Hill using forecasted rates for January 2021. The following shows the monthly minimum charge for residents in city limits. Charges vary depending on water usage.
Water rate Current rate: $35.09 New rate: $37.95 Wastewater rate Current rate: $49.67 New rate: $57.86
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SOURCE: CITY OF LIBERTY HILL COMMUNITY IMPACT
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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION • JULY 2023
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AT THE CAPITOL
News from the 88th legislative session
QUOTE OF NOTE
Paxton impeachment trial to begin Sept. 5 in Senate
NUMBER TO KNOW have set aside in a 1,030-page budget, which will fund a variety of state programs for scal years 2024 and 2025. $321B That’s how much Texas lawmakers PETER LAKE, OUTGOING CHAIR OF THE PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION OF TEXAS. LAKE RESIGNED JUNE 2. “TODAY OUR GRID IS MORE RELIABLE THAN EVER. TOGETHER WE’VE OVERCOME INSURMOUNTABLE CHALLENGES AND DELIVERED ON OUR PROMISE TO TEXANS SOMETIMES SEEMINGLY THAT WE’D KEEP THE LIGHTS ON.” UPDATES FROM LOCAL LEGISLATORS
BY HANNAH NORTON
A TIMELINE OF THE IMPEACHMENT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL KEN PAXTON
After two days of discussions behind closed doors, the Texas Senate set a Sept. 5 start date for the impeachment trial of suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton and adopted rules governing the proceedings. The 31 state senators will serve as jurors, and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick will preside over the court, similar to a judge. Sen. Angela Paxton, RMcKinney, the attorney general’s wife, must be present for the trial, but is not allowed to participate or vote, according to a resolution adopted in a 25-3 vote June 21. The attorney general is accused of bribery, conspiracy, retaliation against former employees and more. The Texas House adopted 20 articles of impeachment against him with a 121-23 vote on May 27. Paxton was immediately suspended without pay follow- ing the House vote. The Senate will decide whether he will be reinstated or permanently removed from oce. Former secretary of state John Scott is serving as interim attorney general in the meantime. Paxton can plead guilty or not guilty to 16 articles of impeachment during the trial. A two-thirds vote is needed to convict him of any charges. Houston attorneys Tony Buzbee and Dan Cogdell will defend the attorney general during the trial. Dick DeGuerin and Rusty Hardin, who are also based in Houston, will prosecute Paxton on behalf of the House.
FEB. 10 Paxton enters into a $3.3 million settlement agreement with four former employees who said they were wrongfully red in 2020. FEB. 21 Paxton asks the Texas Legislature to fund his settlement with taxpayer money. MARCH 820 House General Investigating Committee opens an investigation into Paxton and the proposed settlement. MAY 24 Attorneys present material from the investigation during a four-hour committee hearing. MAY 25 The committee unanimously adopts 20 articles of impeachment against Paxton. The articles and a full transcript of the hearing are shared with House lawmakers. MAY 31 Gov. Greg Abbott appoints former Secretary of State John Scott to serve as interim attorney general. MAY 27 After four hours of debate, Texas House votes 121-23 to impeach Paxton. He is immediately suspended from oce. SEPT. 5 The impeachment trial is scheduled to begin in the Texas Senate. State senators will serve as jurors and determine if Paxton is guilty of 16 individual charges. JUNE 21 After two days of deliberations, the Texas Senate adopts 31 rules governing the impeachment trial.
SOURCE: TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINECOMMUNITY IMPACT
STATE REP. TERRY WILSON
District 20 Republican Elected: 2016
Texas lawmakers clash on property tax cuts
Texas Legislature expands rearm background checks
HOUSE BILL 3908 Called Tucker’s Law, this piece of legislation requires qualied individuals to educate students about the risks of fentanyl. The bill, which was signed by Gov. Greg Abbott on June 17, mandates annual research-based instruction on fentanyl abuse prevention and drug poisoning awareness for all public school students in grades 6-12. Additionally, the governor will designate one school week a year as Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Week.
BY HANNAH NORTON
POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF TAX RELIEF PLANS
After the Texas Legislature ended its regular legislative session May 29, Gov. Greg Abbott quickly called lawmakers back to Austin for a 30-day special session to cut prop- erty taxes and increase penalties for human smuggling. The governor specied lawmakers should provide “lasting property tax relief for Texas taxpayers” by reduc- ing tax rates for public schools. The Texas House passed three bills May 30 that met the governor’s request and adjourned for the rest of the session. This left the Senate with two options: pass the House’s proposals or end the session without any bills being signed by the governor. Senators passed their own legislation but did not approve the House bills. All bills must be passed by both chambers to become law. Abbott said he would call a second special session to resolve the issue if lawmakers do not agree on a property tax proposal.
The Texas House and Senate advanced competing plans to cut property taxes May 30. Here’s what the two proposals could mean for homeowners. Both plans • Use $12.3B in state funds to compress school tax rates House Bill 1 • Reduce rates by $0.162 for every $100 of a home’s value Senate Bill 1 • Reduce rates by $0.10 for every $100 of a home’s value • Raise homestead exemption from $40,000 to $100,000 Homestead exemption : the portion of a home’s value that cannot be taxed Tax rate compression : state provides money to public school districts to reduce their tax rates
BY HANNAH NORTON
Under a new law, federal law enforcement can access informa- tion about Texans with potentially harmful mental health conditions during the routine background checks completed before someone can buy a rearm. Senate Bill 728 requires county clerks to notify the Texas Depart- ment of Public Safety if a court determines an adult with a mental illness or intellectual disability is unt to go to trial, is not responsi- ble for their own actions, or needs inpatient services or residential long-term care. State Rep. Je Leach, RPlano, said the law does not impact responsible gun owners but will “[keep] rearms out of the hands of dangerous Texans who do not need to have them.” Gov. Greg Abbott signed the bill June 2. It will become law Sept. 1.
STATE REP. CAROLINE HARRIS
District 52 Republican Elected: 2022
HOUSE BILL 3014 This bill, signed by Gov. Greg Abbott June 10, dictates that electric motor vehicles that are not equipped with an internal combustion engine and do not run on gasoline are exempt from certain exhaust requirements in Texas. The bill’s regulations will be eective Sept. 1. Sign up for our newsletter at communityimpact.com for daily updates throughout the session. SUBSCRIBE TODAY
SOURCES: TEXAS COMPTROLLER OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS, TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE COMMUNITY IMPACT
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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION • JULY 2023
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