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GEORGETOWN EDITION
VOLUME 16, ISSUE 11 JULY 19AUG. 15, 2023
HOME EDITION 2023
Residential on the rise
Georgetown's rst Costco starts serving shoppers
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Tickets now on sale for August Blazin' Beer Crawl
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HOME EDITION 2023
Real estate data
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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)
Family-owned cleaners prioritize customer care
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 36
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
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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GEORGETOWN EDITION • JULY 2023
Dell Children’s Medical Center North Campus
Most advanced pediatric specialty care
NOW OPEN — 24/7 pediatric ER care
35 Dell Children’s Medical Center North Campus 9010 N. Lake Creek Parkway Austin, TX 78717
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From a name in Austin you already trust — closer to home
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Dell Children’s Medical Center is open near you! Now pediatric specialty care, including around-the-clock ER and trauma care, specialized surgical care, pediatric imaging, and outpatient rehab services, are right here, closer to where you live and work — without leaving Austin. You can schedule with specialists today! Many of our pediatric specialists are now in a new medical building on the same north campus.
Start a conversation with a pediatric specialist today ascension.org/DellChildrensNorth
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© Ascension 2023. All rights reserved.
© Ascension 2023. All rights reserved.
The place for Engag in
Join us for the Gather Round Georgetown Project Expo from 6-8 p.m. Aug. 3 at City Hall, 808 Martin Luther King Jr. St. During the event you will have the chance to help shape the future of Georgetown! Come let your voice be heard on current City planning initiatives and help inform decisions about future land use, transportation, and downtown. For more information, visit georgetown.org/gather-round-georgetown.
#LoveWhereYouLive |
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
THIS ISSUE
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: We hear that many of our readers enjoy reading our real estate news coverage, hyperlocal market data and neighborhood features. We cover real estate every month in our newspaper and on CommunityImpact.com, but every July we dive even deeper into local housing trends in our annual Real Estate Edition, now called the Home Edition. What a wild ride we have been on with the housing market the past few years. You can count on Community Impact to keep you updated with our residential (and commercial) real estate news coverage throughout the year. Denise Seiler, GENERAL MANAGER
MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Denise Seiler EDITOR Claire Shoop REPORTER Grant Crawford
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Alissa Foss ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Dana Smyth 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 geonews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING geoads@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
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 28-29). Claire Shoop, EDITOR
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GEORGETOWN EDITION • JULY 2023
DEL WEBB BLVD.
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IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
VERDE VISTA
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SHELL RD.
SERENADA DR.
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WILDWOOD DR.
NORTHWEST BLVD.
130 TOLL
LAKE GEORGETOWN
Swahn Studio
COURTESY SWAHN STUDIO
LAKEWAY DR.
110 levels. The company has more than 500 locations throughout the United States and Canada as well as studios in Austin and Cedar Park. Classes are held at varying times throughout the week, and members can reserve spots online. 512-814-8827. www.purebarre.com 110 Georgetown, on June 28. This is the seventh location for the small chain. Each store, which carries a variety of beer, wine and spirits, is locally managed. The business does not have a phone number or website. 29 June 27 at 4600 Williams Drive, George- town in the Cedar Breaks West Shopping pre- and post-surgery rehabilita- tion; fall prevention; long COVID-19; and sports injuries. PT Solutions has several locations across Central Texas and a presence in about two dozen states nationwide. 737-245-5490. www.ptsolutions.com 4 Chase Bank opened a new branch Center. The branch replaces a former Chase branch located inside the H-E-B across the street. The bank also has a location inside of Georgetown’s Wolf Ranch Town Center at 1027 W. University Ave. 512-869-4725. www.chase.com 5 Pure Barre held a soft opening June 19 and is now oering work- out classes at its new location at 1015 W. University Ave., Ste. 507, Georgetown. The studio provides musically driven group classes that work out the full body, focusing on low-im- pact and high-intensity movements. The classes and exercises are designed to suit a wide range of people and tness 6 Clint’s Liquor opened a new location at 940 Westinghouse Road, Ste. 100,
RIVERBEND DR.
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RIVERY BLVD.
E. MORROW ST.
WOLF RANCH PKWY.
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. 17THST.
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SCENIC DR.
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MAP NOT TO SCALE TM; © 2023 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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NOW OPEN 1 Swahn Studio , located
BLUE RIDGE DR. 2 Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming , located at 5725 Williams Drive, Ste. 230, Georgetown, opened May 26. Owned by Neeley Simmons, the business oers a variety of grooming services, including bathing, nail trimming and painting, teeth brushing, dematting, and ear cleaning. Pet owners will also nd gourmet pet treats and nutri- ent-rich foods. Simmons called the business the “Whole Foods of the dog world.” The company also has
1460 3 PT Solutions , a physical therapy provider, opened its Lake George- town location April 4. Located at 4506 Williams Drive, Ste. 115, George- town, the facility is owned by doctor of physical therapy Matt Lopez and oers treatment for joint, spine and jaw pain; concussion management; locations throughout Austin, Round Rock and Cedar Park. 512-240-5932. www.woofgangbakery.com
at 508 Riverbend Drive, Georgetown, opened June 5. The salon, which oers haircuts, coloring and blowouts, is owned by Jenn Gonzales, who has more than 17 years of experience. Gonza- les, who plans to hire more stylists, said the studio also houses a separate massage and chiropractic business. 512-961-9422. www.swahnstudio.com
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Dr. Craig P. Torres D.D.S., Endodontist Board Certied (COL US Army Dental Corps RET) • Non-surgical root canal therapy • Root canal retreatments • Root canal surgery Dr. Gloria T. Torres D.D.S., Prosthodontist (LTC US Army Dental Corps RET) 64 Years Combined Experience (Retired Army Dentists)
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Call for an appointment 512-868-5999 Advanced Technology CEREC (one day all ceramic crowns) Endodontic Microscopes Digital radiography/photography CBCT (3-D) scans Oral/nitrous sedation www.Torres-Dental-Specialties.com
• Restorative Dentistry • Cosmetic Dentistry • Full mouth reconstruction
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4402 Williams Drive, Suite 104 • Georgetown, TX • Hours M-F 8-5 • Most insurance accepted
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COMPILED BY GRANT CRAWFORD
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Georgetown’s first Costco location, which opened July 14, has a gas station. FEATURED IMPACT NOW OPEN Costco Wholesale opened at 2201 I-35, Georgetown, on July 14. With more than 800 locations worldwide, the membership warehouse club oers a wide selection of products and caters to those making large purchases. The business also includes its own gas station, and inside the store is a Great Hills Eye Care, providing eye exams, contact lens evaluations and eye disease treatment. www.costco.com GRANT CRAWFORD¦COMMUNITY IMPACT
Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming
Pure Barre
The Palomino
COURTESY WOOF GANG BAKERY & GROOMING
COURTESY PURE BARRE
COURTESY THE PALOMINO
RELOCATIONS 8 VeraBank will open a new location at 1101 W. University Ave., Georgetown, in the Wolf Ranch Town Center in mid- September, replacing the existing location at 1100 Williams Drive, Georgetown. VeraBank oers interactive ATMs, mobile and online banking, and notary services. 512-869-8181. www.verabank.com 9 Family counseling provider Starry com- bined its o¤ces in Georgetown and Round Rock to open a new location at 2100 Scenic Drive, Ste. 140, Georgetown, on May 1. Now designated a Williamson County o¤ce, the new location is the site of various coun- seling services, including the organization’s professional counseling and family support program, group counseling, and parent skills groups. The new o¤ce is a shared space with other Williamson County agen-
7 The Palomino , located at 305 E. Morrow St., Georgetown, held a grand opening July 15, after press time. The restaurant, owned by Amber Kurkowski, is housed in the former location of Bob’s Catsh-N-More. The Palomino serves pub-style food, Kurkowski said, starting with a menu of burgers and bratwurst. www.facebook.com/palominogtx Bambino Technologies Inc. launched an expansion of its app in May, allowing fam- ilies to connect with local babysitters in Georgetown. A mobile app, Bambino helps parents nd babysitters within their own neighborhood who have been reviewed and recommended by the surrounding community. Users can book appointments, schedule reminders and make payments through the app, while sitters can use the technology to nd work when it’s best for them. www.bambinositters.com
cies, including Samaritan Center, Impact Counseling and Texas Baptist Children’s Home. 512-388-8290. www.starry.org ANNIVERSARIES 10 Gabriels Funeral Chapel and Crematory , located at 393 N. I-35, George- town, is celebrating its 30th anniversa- ry this year. General Manager Michele Ellison said the locally owned business has been serving families in and around Georgetown since 1993. The funeral home provides a variety of burial and cremation services as well as planning arrangements. 512-869-8888. www.gabrielsfuneral.com The Pedernales Electric Cooperative celebrated 85 years of service May 19. The power provider, which has customers in Georgetown, opened its doors on that same date in 1938. www.pec.coop
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NE INNER LOOP
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COME HELP US CELEBRATE
OF SERVING GEORGETOWN & SURROUNDING AREA FAMILIES!
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Friday, August 11th 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m Georgetown Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics 4507 Williams Drive • Georgetown • 78633
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GEORGETOWN EDITION • JULY 2023
TO DO LIST
July & August events
found dead in his at. The production includes more than 150 characters and is performed by a cast of four. 7:30 p.m. (Fri.-Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sun.). $24 (student rush tickets); $32 (seniors, military, students); $34 (adults). Palace Playhouse, 216 W. Eighth St., Georgetown. 512-869-7469. www.georgetownpalace.com 29 THROUGH AUG. 12 TAKE A DRAWING CLASS Carolyn Todd will host three classes at the Georgetown Art Center, introducing the art of drawing across three Saturdays—July 29, Aug. 5 and Aug. 12. Over the course of the three sessions, participants will learn various techniques, tools and exercises for learning artists. 2-5 p.m. $50 per class. 816 S. Main St., Georgetown. 512-930-2583. www.georgetownartcentertx.org 30 HEAR FROM A ‘NEW YORK TIMES’ BESTSELLING AUTHOR Author Erin A. Craig will discuss her new book, “House of Roots and Ruin,” at Lark & Owl Booksellers. Her newest work is the second in a series following “House of Salt and Sorrows,” which has sold more than 100,000 copies. 7-9 p.m. $19 (includes copy of “House of Roots and Ruin”). 205 W. Sixth St., Ste. 101, Georgetown. 512-688-5582. www.larkandowlbooksellers.com
JULY 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 26 LISTEN TO TUNES AT THE PARK The last concert of the Georgetown Parks and Recreation Department’s Live on the Lawn series will feature The Saddle Sores, who will perform outside of the Garey House at Garey Park. The country band performs a medley of Western swing, Texas blues and rockabilly songs meant for audiences of all ages. 6:30-9 p.m. $5 (preregistration required). 6450 RM 2243, Georgetown. 512-930-3595. https://parks.georgetown.org 28 THROUGH AUG. 27 SEE A WHODUNIT A production of “The 39 Steps” will be held at the Georgetown Palace Theatre. Adapted from the 1915 novel by John Buchan and the 1935 lm Alfred Hitchcock, the play follows a hapless man who meets a woman claiming to be a spy before she is
PARTY WITH PETS DOG HOUSE DRINKERY & DOG PARK
JULY 22
AUG. 05
GO TO A BEER CRAWL GEORGETOWN SQUARE
Dog House Drinkery & Dog Park will host its third annual Summer Splash Pawty. The family-friendly event will feature a dog 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. www.facebook.com/ doghousedrinkerydogpark
The public is invited to participate in the Blazin’ Beer Crawl in downtown Georgetown, where stores and restaurants will be serving craft beer tastings. Proceeds from the event will go to the Georgetown Main Street Facade and Sign Grant Program. Participants will receive a keepsake tasting glass. 3-6 p.m. $30 (general admission), $60 (VIP). 716 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown. 512-930-2027. https://mainstreet.georgetown.org
Now open in Georgetown! Next to Costco 220 I-35, Ste A, Georgetown Call 512-793-7931 or scan here to schedule:
• High-tech eye exams • Contact Lens Evaluations • Eye Disease Treatment • Dilation-free Retinal Imaging
www.greathillseyecare.com
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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LIVE MUSIC
AUGUST 10 ADOPT A KITTEN The Georgetown Public Library and the Georgetown Animal Shelter are partnering for a cuddle and adoption event. Library patrons will have the chance to take a kitten home for a reduced adoption fee. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free (admission). 402 W. Eighth St., Georgetown. 512-930-3592. https://library.georgetown.org 11 CATCH A FLICK AT THE PARK The Georgetown Parks and Recreation Department will host its nal night of the 2023 Sunset Movie Series with a screening of “Lightyear” at The Legacy Pavilion at San Gabriel Park. The public is invited to bring blankets, chairs and snacks. The movie will begin at dusk around 8:30 p.m. Free. 445 E. Morrow St., Georgetown. 512-930-8468. https://parks.georgetown.org 11 THROUGH 12 WATCH A RODEO 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 12 DANCE FOR A CAUSE Open My World Therapeutic Riding Center is hosting its rst-ever Barn Dance to raise funds for the organization. The nonprot specializes in equine-assisted therapy for individuals with disabilities. Attendees are encouraged to dress in casual country attire for a night on the dance oor. The event includes a spread of barbecue and sides in addition to a cash bar. There will also be a variety of prizes included in a ra©e and a live auction. 6-10 p.m. $75 (general admission). 850 CR 225, Georgetown. 512-808-6024. https://event.gives/omwbarndance 18 THROUGH SEPT. 17 EXPERIENCE A CLASSIC MUSICAL The Georgetown Palace Theatre will host a production of “The Sound of Music” for its end-of-season show. The classic musical portrays the real story of the von Trapp family singers and Maria, an Austrian postulant who is sent to live with a naval oªcer and serve as the governess to his seven children. 7:30 p.m. (Fri.-Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sun.). $17 (children); $33 (age 55 and up, military, students); $36 (adults). 512-869-7469. www.georgetownpalace.com
BARKING ARMADILLO BREWERY 507 River Bend Drive, Georgetown 512-240-5137 www.barkingarmadillo.com JULY 22 Noah Grin 29 Bob Case AUGUST 05 Bethany Becker DALE’S ESSENHAUS 3900 FM 972, Georgetown 512-819-9175 www.dales-essenhaus-walburg.com JULY 28 Backroads Band 29 Hourglass AUGUST 12 Whitestone 19 Steve the Brit 26 Derek Anweiler
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts will play at Round Rock Amp in August.
HARDTAILS BAR AND GRILL 1515 N. I-35, Georgetown 512-869-5454 www.hardtailsbarandgrill.com JULY 22 Train Wreck 27 The Silvertones 28 Dom Cours & Company 29 The Eddie Beethoven Band ROUND ROCK AMP 3701 N. I-35, Round Rock www.roundrockamp.com JULY 28 Gary Allan 29 H-Town Throwdown AUGUST 04 Clint Black 11 Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
Find more or submit Georgetown 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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GEORGETOWN 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
TRANSPORTATION UPDATES
BY GRANT CRAWFORD Georgetown, TxDOT lay out plan for Leander Road LEANDER ROAD IMPROVEMENTS
COMPLETED PROJECT
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The city of Georgetown and the Texas Department of Transporta- tion are combining eorts to make improvements along RM 2243, or Leander Road, from the Southwest Bypass to Norwood Drive. According to TxDOT ocials, the existing roadway, which includes one travel lane each way and a center turn lane, doesn’t provide adequate capacity to address the current and future trac volumes, resulting in congestion. Drivers also can make unpredictable left turns that could be dicult for other driv- ers to anticipate, the department stated in a presentation. The project would widen Leander Road to two lanes each way as well as construct raised medians, add dedicated turn lanes at inter- sections, install a new signal at RM 2243 and River Ridge Drive, and reconstruct the Southwest Bypass intersection. Pedestrian and bike improvements include a 10-foot
The city of Georgetown and the Texas Department of Transportation are in the design stage for road work to be done along RM 2243, also called Leander Road.
Provide additional pedestrian and bicyclist paths
SOUTHWEST BYPASS
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Southwest Bypass extension Williamson County marked the opening of the nal segment of the Southwest Bypass, connecting the road from Wolf Ranch Parkway to Hwy. 29, with a ribbon-cutting June 23. Now, the two-lane roadway forms a quarter-circle loop from I-35 to Hwy. 29. Additionally, a 10-foot- wide shared-use path was built next to the road from the north bank of the San Gabriel River to Hwy. 29. Cost: $4.3 million Timeline: August 2022-June 2023 Funding sources: city of Georgetown, Williamson County
NORWOOD DR.
Widen the road to two lanes in each direction and construct raised medians with turn lanes
RIVER RIDGE DR.
Install new trac signal
Reconstruct the Southwest Bypass intersection
2243
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SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT
shared-use path from the Southwest Bypass to the I-35 frontage road. Funding for the $15.8 million project comes in part from the city of Georgetown's 2021 mobility bond. In addition to the $7.7 million from the bond, the city is anticipating funding
from TxDOT through the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. The nal design of the project is expected to be done sometime in 2025. Meanwhile, construction of the improvements is not expected to begin until 2026.
ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF JULY 11. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT GEONEWSCOMMUNITYIMPACT.COM.
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GEORGETOWN EDITION • JULY 2023
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DEVELOPMENT
First retail, residential buildings underway at Wolf Lakes Village
BY GRANT CRAWFORD
multifamily and townhome project, Rise510 by local development com- pany Novak Brothers. The village is also the location of a new Ascension Seton Health Center, which is set to open this summer, oering a range of specialty and out-
WOLF RANCH PKWY.
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A project decades in the making, the Wolf Lakes Village master-planned development in Georgetown is considered a “legacy project” to last more than 100 years and is designed to mirror ancient villages across Europe, Wolf Lakes LP
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The European-style design of Wolf Lakes Village is meant to one day serve around 5,000 residents. (Rendering courtesy Wolf Lakes Village) A SELFSUFFICIENT COMMUNITY Developers of Wolf Lakes Village in Georgetown have designed the property to include retail, dining and housing options, attracting businesses and organizations like H-E-B and Ascension Seton to establish locations there.
patient health ser- vices. In between the two properties, Wolf Lakes Drive— adorned with a fountain encircled by Roman-like colonnades—leads trac into the heart of the development. The
“WE’RE TRYING TO CREATE A SELFSUFFICIENT VILLAGE A TOWN WITHIN A TOWN SO THAT IT’S WALKABLE AND YOU HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED." DONALD MCLACHLAN, WOLF LAKES LP VICE PRESIDENT
President Iva Wolf McLachlan and Vice President Donald McLachlan said. Now, noticeable progress has been made on the all-in- one community, located at the northwest corner of
164 total acres
2,500 housing units
85 acres of undeveloped land
5,000 residential capacity
I-35 and Hwy. 29, where 164 acres of multifamily housing, retail, medical services and corporate campuses are being developed. The site is home to the newly opened Wolf Lakes Village HEB and is designed to meet all the needs of its future residents. “We’re trying to create a self-su- cient village—a town within a town—so that it’s walkable and you have every- thing you need,” Donald McLachlan said. “You don’t have to get in your car and go anywhere.” The Wolf Lakes developers have completed 60% of the infrastructure for the community, the nal build-out of which aims to have 2,500 units of multifamily and townhome housing. Currently under construction, the property will have a 336-unit com- plex known as Varenna Lakeside, developed by Hines. Next door is the location of a 301-unit, garden-style
sidewalks feature black lamp posts to match the ones found in downtown Georgetown. Benches, palo verde and live oak trees, and rose bushes dot the surroundings. The McLachlans designed for double the landscape than what was required by the city. It’s part of the couple’s vision to bring a European-inuenced village and community to life. They worked with design consultant Je Blackard to plot out the property, including plans to potentially build an outdoor amphitheater and wedding chapel. “Where is your example this vil- lage concept is going to work? Thou- sands of years all over the world,” Iva Wolf McLachlan said. “In America, zoning laws prevented this over the years. It used to be you could only have retail over here, residential over here. Then we realized we’ve divided our communities instead of
Con rmed tenants:
60,000 square feet Ascension Seton Health Center Phase 1
121,000 square feet Wolf Lakes Village H-E-B
SOURCE: WOLF LAKES VILLAGECOMMUNITY IMPACT
bringing them together. So this is the idea: one big community.” Roughly 85 acres of Wolf Lakes Village is undeveloped. The McLach- lans said they are waiting for the right developer to complete their vision. “We’re not going to compromise,” Iva Wolf McLachlan said. “We’re in it for the long haul. If we just wanted a cookie-cutter development, we could have done this many times over and been done with it.” The Wolf Lakes Village duo intend to nd a developer willing to construct
and manage the remaining land, adding retail stores, restaurants and hotels, while reserving around 14 acres for a corporate user. It’s a requirement that the developers meet a threshold for commercial property before more housing is introduced to the site. “For my whole childhood growing up—from birth to high school—George- town was a town of 5,000 people,” Iva Wolf McLachlan said. “It’s kind of extraordinary to me that we’re creat- ing a village that can accommodate 5,000 people.”
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13
GEORGETOWN EDITION • JULY 2023
EDUCATION BRIEFS
News from Georgetown ISD & Texas
HIGHLIGHTS GEORGETOWN ISD The district held a two-day reuni cation training facilitated by The “I Love U Guys” Foundation in late June. Funded by a special grant, the training demonstrated best practices for handling, organizing and reunifying students and sta who have experienced human- caused, technological or natural disasters. According to the district, this training would allow for a uni ed response between the district and law enforcement. GEORGETOWN ISD In partnership with Lone Star Circle of Care, the district Health Center at Richarte High School is oering physical-only exams to GISD students for $35 this summer. These appointments will satisfy the physical health exam requirement for GISD athletics, career and technical education classes, and ne arts programs. Georgetown ISD board of trustees will meet Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. in the Hammerlun Center for Leadership and Learning at 507 E. University Ave., Georgetown. 512-943-5000. www.georgetownisd.org MEETINGS WE COVER
Board approves budget with $5.8M general fund shortfall
High school students improve STAAR scores
BY DANICA LLOYD
BY CLAIRE SHOOP
TEXAS Standardized testing scores in all ve high school end-of-course exam subjects—Algebra I, English I, English II, Biology and U.S. History— increased this spring compared to last year, showing continued academic recovery in the aftermath of pandem- ic-related disruptions, according to a June 30 news release from the Texas Education Agency. Some context: Because the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness were redesigned in 2023 to emphasize writing and better align with classroom instruction, this year’s scores cannot be directly compared to those of previous years. The details: In four of the ve subjects, testing scores surpassed prepandemic levels. Algebra I saw gains year over year, but scores were six percentage points below 2019 scores.
SPENDING PRIORITIES Instruction expenses top the list of the district’s ve largest budgeted expenditures for scal year 2023-24.
GEORGETOWN ISD The board of trustees passed a budget with a $5.8 million shortfall for scal year 2023-24, meaning projected expenditures outpace forecast revenues. What o cials are saying: GISD Chief Financial Ocer Jennifer Hanna said the gap is based on projections and could change throughout the year as sta monitors the budget. “We have worked this year to reduce our decit and have come out better than budget,” Hanna said. “We hope to do the same for next year.” The breakdown: Of the $192.2 million projected expendi- tures in the general fund budget, $82.4 million will go toward instruction, according to GISD.
Expense
Cost
Instruction
$82.4 million
Recapture payments
$49.7 million
Maintenance
$14.9 million
School leadership
$8.8 million
Transportation $5.8 million
SOURCE: GEORGETOWN ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT
While the board will approve the tax rate later this summer, this estimate accounts for an $0.08 decrease in the maintenance and operations component of the rate, which funds daily district functions, Hanna said.
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14
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
CITY & COUNTY
News from Georgetown & Williamson County
QUOTE OF NOTE
City Council approves aordable housing project
Georgetown City Council will meet July 25 and Aug. 8 at 6 p.m. at 510 W. Ninth St., Georgetown. 512-930-3652. www.georgetown.org Williamson County Commissioners Court will meet July 25 and Aug. 1, 8 and 15 at 9:30 a.m. at 710 S. Main St., Georgetown. 512-943-1100. www.wilco.org MEETINGS WE COVER GEORGETOWN City Council will consider using special-use permits for CBD stores, vape shops and payday lending stores after directing sta to prepare a future workshop to discuss the requirements. District 1 City Council Member Amanda Parr said this process would help facilitate a conversation about how many of these businesses there are in the city and where they should potentially go. NUMBER TO KNOW positive for West Nile virus in Georgetown from May 25-June 29, according to the Williamson County and Cities Health District. 2 The number of mosquito trap samples that have tested HIGHLIGHTS GEORGETOWN City Council gave initial approval to rezone 90 acres near the intersection of DB Wood Road and Cedar Break Road upon the annexation of the property for public facility zoning. This property is meant to serve as the site of Georgetown ISD’s third comprehensive high school, which is tentatively scheduled to open by 2027. A demographics report from January presented to the GISD board of trustees projected the district will add around 3,100 students over the next ve years. GEORGETOWN City Council also gave the rst of two required approvals to rezone 9 acres of land at 2020 Airport Road from single family to industrial and general commercial land. This site, which sits across the street from the Costco Wholesale that opened July 14, will house a development that will bring additional services, shops and jobs to the city, Hunt Group Project Manager John Lam said in a letter to the city. “THE CITIZENS BOND COMMITTEE VOTED UNANIMOUSLY THAT THERE'S SUFFICIENT NEED FOR A PARKS BOND ELECTION TO BE CALLED.” DAVID HAYS, WILLIAMSON COUNTY CITIZENS BOND COMMITTEE CHAIR
BY GRANT CRAWFORD
GEORGETOWN City Council narrowly passed a measure May 23 allowing Dominium Housing and Development LLC to apply for housing tax credits for the construction of a 250-unit aordable housing the project said it will provide true workforce housing, while those opposed said the tax ramications are greater than the potential benet for residents. development near Hwy. 195. Council members in favor of The gist: Dominium, a multifamily housing developer, applied for a state 4% tax credit to build an apartment complex that provides additional workforce housing, which requires sign o from the City Council. After a lengthy discussion, council members approved the measure 4-3.
195
35
N
Dominium Housing and Development is planning to construct a 250-unit aordable housing complex in Georgetown. (Rendering courtesy Dominium)
A closer look: Dominium’s Northside Village will include two-, three- and four-bedroom units meant to serve residents who make no more than 60% of the area median income. For one person, the annual median income in Georgetown is $46,380. For a family of four, it’s $66,180. Through a partnership with Capital Area Housing Corp., the property will be tax exempt. As
County takes new approach to ooding BY CHLOE YOUNG WILLIAMSON COUNTY Ocials will soon implement an operation ood intelligence system to prepare for, respond to and recover from emergency oods. The big picture: County leaders signed a contract with real-time ood intelligence company FloodMapp on June 6, which enables the Oce of Emergency Management to access FloodMapp’s tracking technology. a way to contribute back to the community, the developer pledged to make annual payments directly to the city, Williamson County and Georgetown ISD in lieu of taxes. The rst proposed payment is $235,000, of which 62% will go to GISD, while the city and county will each receive 19%. The payment would also increase annually based on increases to the consumer price index.
City ocials to narrow possible bond projects
FUNDING FACILITIES City Council and sta have agreed on three projects they want included in a November bond package with others still under consideration. $54 MILLION: City administration building $12 MILLION: Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter expansion $10 MILLION: YMCA partnership/ facility
BY GRANT CRAWFORD
GEORGETOWN City Council members and city sta are narrowing down what projects could land on an upcoming November bond election with ocials showing interest in several facility improvements during a June 27 workshop. The potential bond would include roughly $300 million in projects.
SOURCE: CITY OF GEORGETOWN¡ COMMUNITY IMPACT
Committee recommends putting $1.8B road, parks bond before voters
BY CHLOE YOUNG
PROPOSED PROJECTS The Williamson County Citizens Bond Committee recommended a $1.8 billion bond for November that includes 59 transportation projects and 35 parks projects.
WILLIAMSON COUNTY The Williamson County Citizens Bond Committee recommended an almost $1.8 billion bond election for county roads and parks to the Williamson County Commissioners Court at a June 27 meeting, express- ing a need to accommodate the county’s growth. The update: The committee recommended a $1.68 billion county transportation bond for 59 projects along with a separate $78.96 million parks bond for 35 projects. Commissioners agreed a 2023 bond election could be nec- essary but that the nal gure will probably be much lower.
Transportation bond Parks bond $1.68 billion $78.96 million
Total: $1.76 billion
SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTYCOMMUNITY IMPACT
15
GEORGETOWN EDITION • JULY 2023
NEWS BRIEFS O cial hints at new industries coming to WilCo
News from Williamson County & Texas
State’s largest city sues over ‘death star’ bill
“THE WHOLE IDEA BEHIND THIS IS TO DIVERSIFY THE ECONOMY, SO THE NEXT TIME THERE’S A RECESSION .. WE DON’T JUST TANK.”
BY SHAWN ARRAJJ
new ordinances in response to changing or complex needs as well as fears the bill could leave cities vulnerable to litigation. The details: HB 2127—also called the Texas Regulatory Consistency Act by its supporters and referred to as the “death star” bill by its opponents—prohibits cities and counties from adopting ordinances that go beyond what state law already allows in several key areas. It also allows “any person who has sustained an injury in fact, actual or threatened” from a violating ordinance to bring legal action against the city or county.
The city of Houston led a lawsuit July 3 challenging the constitu- tionality of a new law in Texas that limits how cities and counties can govern themselves across a variety of government codes. The overview: The law, set to go into eect Sept. 1, stems from House Bill 2127, authored by State Rep. Dustin Burrows, RLubbock, during the 2023 legislative session and passed on a largely party- line vote. Concerns over the bill revolve around how it could kneecap cities by prohibiting them from passing
BY GRANT CRAWFORD
Along with the inux of new resi- dents in Williamson County, economic leaders are expecting an increase in new industries coming to the area in the next several years. Dave Porter, executive director of the Williamson County Economic Development Partnership, said during a Georgetown Chamber of Commerce luncheon June 13 the scope and magnitude of potential companies to establish operations in Williamson County “is astonishing.” So far this year, Williamson County has formed an agreement with the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency. Per the deal, the two entities will work together to advise new Korean companies looking to invest in Williamson County. During a trip to South
DAVE PORTER, WILLIAMSON COUNTY ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Korea, Porter said the delegation of county ocials was told around 100-150 semiconductor industry suppliers are interested in establish- ing locations in Central Texas. Porter said the county is planning to make an announcement about a new auto part manufacturer from Korea that has chosen to set up shop in the county. Meanwhile, a urry of other companies from a variety of industries is interested in moving to the area, according to Porter.
AFFECTED AREAS House Bill 2127 would
Labor Local government Natural resources Occupation Property
Agriculture Business and commerce Finance Insurance
restrict cities from adopting local governing ordinances separate from state laws in several areas, including: SOURCE: TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINECOMMUNITY IMPACT
16
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Commissioners push back on upping grant- funded sta positions due to funding gaps
Attorney General Paxton won’t testify in impeachment trial
TRACKING POSITIONS
As of June, there were 50 total grant-funded positions at the county level in Williamson County in a variety of departments.
BY CHLOE YOUNG
the August budget approval. Williamson County had 50 grant- funded positions as of June 14, most commonly funded through state aid and the American Rescue Plan Act. The action taken: The court approved a measure to fund 50% of the salary for the program case manager at County Court at Law No. 2. Funding for two Williamson County Veterans Treatment Court and DWI/Drug Court positions was also approved for when state funding is no longer available, totaling $181,023. The county also approved putting $115,808 toward the salary for the county’s adult sexual assault prosecu- tor but denied a partially grant-funded detective position for the Heart of Texas Auto Theft Task Force. Moving forward: Amid the debate, commissioners agreed they should take steps to evaluate grants.
Some Williamson County Com- missioners Court members have expressed concerns about using grants to create and ll county sta positions. While grant-funded positions are often created when they have been fully funded by local, state and federal grants, county departments have looked to the court to continue funding those positions once those grants decrease in funding or expire, County Judge Bill Gravell said. The update: At meetings June 13 and 27, several county departments requested the court approve county dollars for grant-funded positions in need of additional funding. Some positions had not received enough grant money to continue or were waiting on the renewal or approval of future grants. Williamson County entities had until July 1 to request funding ahead of
BY HANNAH NORTON
Join Us for a BBQ Benefit Supporting the Leander Police & Fire Friday, July 14th 2:00 5:00pm • Touch A Truck Suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton will not testify in front of the Texas Senate during his upcoming impeachment trial, his lead defense lawyer said. In a July 3 statement, lawyer Tony Buzbee called the 20 articles of impeachment against Paxton “merit- less and absurd,” arguing that Texas House leaders “ignored precedent” and are now attempting to “ambush him on the oor of the Senate.” House lawmakers voted to impeach the third-term Republican on May 27, immediately suspending him from oce without pay. Paxton’s decision challenges the rules governing the trial, which senators adopted June 21. A resolution requires Paxton and his legal defense team to be present for the start of the trial by 9 a.m. Sept. 5.
Juvenile department: 32 District attorney positions: 4 County attorney positions: 4 Sheri/jail positions: 3 District court positions: 2 County court at law positions: 2
District clerk positions: 1
Commissioners Court positions: 1
Animal shelter positions: 1
SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT COMMUNITY IMPACT
Friday, August 11th • 1:00 3:00pm Get a head start on your fall wardrobe and discover select items from Chico’s®. Aerwards, enjoy a trunk show and shopping as you snack on tea sandwiches and sip on your choice of sparkling rosé or white strawberry marnis. VERENA AT LEANDER IS BRINGING THE RUNWAY TO YOU! Fits that Flatter Fashionista Extravaganza FEATURING CHICO’S AND ACCESSORIES BY KENDRA SCOTT JEWELRY
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17
GEORGETOWN EDITION • JULY 2023
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