Cedar Park - Far Northwest Austin Edition | December 2023

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Cedar Park Far Northwest Austin Edition VOLUME 1, ISSUE 8 DEC. 14JAN. 17, 2024

Plug and Play allows local startups mentorship and networking opportunities.

COURTESY PLUG AND PLAY

Global companies to bring headquarters, nearly 300 jobs to Cedar Park

deals recently arranged to bring jobs to Cedar Park and move away from the city’s previous reputation as a bedroom community, according to previous Community Impact reporting.

Plug and Play is a business that invests in advanced manufacturing startups while providing training, mentorship and partnership, said Kevin Parakkattu, a partner at the company. The agreement with Plug and Play is one of many

BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON

Startup accelerator Plug and Play is bringing a satellite location to Cedar Park following council’s approval of an economic performance agreement in late August.

CONTINUED ON 28

Also in this issue

Impacts: Wayback Burgers now open in Cedar Park (Page 6)

Development: New Scheels to bring 500 local jobs (Page 19)

Community: 27 senior living options in the area (Page 31)

Business: Fancy Marshmallow Co. oers sweets, treats (Page 36)

For children and women in Austin, everything changes. More comprehensive care for children and women in Austin.

LIFE�CHANGING CARE COMING TO AUSTIN In February ��, everything changes for children and women in Austin. The life-changing care from Texas Children’s Hospital is coming to your neighborhood to serve patients with all kinds of needs—from the simple to the most complex. A city driving global change deserves life-changing care.

See why the difference is life-changing at texaschildrensaustin.org.

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CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Perks on Quick Move-In Homes Limited Time Only!

1/0 Buydown on 30-Year Fixed FHA

New Homes $ 2 5 0s - $ 500s+ HomeWithBrohn.com | 512-580-8199

© 2023 CMG Financial, all rights reserved. CMG Financial is a registered trade name of CMG Mortgage Inc., NMLS #1820 in most, but not all states. CMG Mortgage, Inc. is an equal opportunity lender. Registered Mortgage Banker with the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending. To verify our complete list of state licenses, please visit www.cmgfi.com/corporate/licensing and www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. All loans subject to credit approval and only eligible with CMG Financial, Brohn’s lender partner. This incentive only valid on select spec homes that are contracted on or after 11/1/23 and close by during the limited time frame in which the incentive is offered and finance with CMG Financial. The rates shown above are for educational purposes only, not a commitment to lend, please contact LO to see your qualified rate. Rate may change or may not be available at time of rate lock. If the down payment is less than 20%, mortgage insurance may be required, which could increase the monthly payment and the APR. Estimated monthly payment does not include amounts for taxes and insurance premiums. Adjustable-rate loans and rates are subject to change during the loan term. That change can increase or decrease your monthly payment. The rates shown above are the current rates for the purchase of a single-family primary residence based on a 45 day lock period, 740 credit score and 80% LTV. These rates are not guaranteed and are subject to change. This is not a credit decision or a commitment to lend. Your rate will depend on various factors including loan product, loan size, credit profile, property value, geographic location, occupancy and other factors. Offer is for a limited time only and can be stopped at any time and with no prior notice. Offers only valid when financing through Brohn’s lender partner, CMG Financial. Please see a Brohn Homes Sales Consultant for complete details. Offer may not be available with all programs in all states. All figures are estimates and subject to change at any time. The information here is provided as a general guide to help you determine if a property may be viable for you. Rates, APR’s & programs are illustrations subject to change at any time. These do not constitute a ‘Loan or Good Faith Estimate’ for payments and closing costs. Everyone’s situation is different and it’s best to be pre-approved for a range of potential prices, payments or loan programs. Flex cash offers vary per home and per community. The flex cash amount is contingent on the price of the home and only valid on participating homes and in participating communities. Speak to a Brohn Homes Sales Consultant for details on participating homes and participating communities. If using flex cash to reduce the price of the home, the reduction cannot bring the home price below base price. *Stated rate may change or may not be available at time of rate lock. If you bought a $599,990 home with a 30 year loan at a fixed rate of 5.5% (6.125% Annual Percentage Rate), with a down payment of 5%, for a loan amount of $579,964.00 you would make 360 monthly payments of $3,293.00. Payment stated does not include taxes and homeowners insurance, which will result in a higher payment. These rates are not guaranteed and are subject to change. This is not a credit decision or a commitment to lend. Your rate will depend on various factors including loan product, loan size, credit profile, property value, geographic location, occupancy and other factors. Offer is for a limited time only and can be stopped at any time and with no prior notice. The flex cash amount is contingent on the price of the home and only valid on participating homes and in participating communities. Speak to a Brohn Homes Sales Consultant for details on participating homes and participating communities. The flex cash can only be used in one of the four ways shown in this advertisement, including reduction in purchase price (not being less than base price of home) or applying towards closing costs, or long term rate locks or buying down the interest rate (specific interest rate and associated APR fluctuate on a daily basis and change due to individual situations). A 30 year loan would result in 360 monthly payments. A 20 year loan would result in 240 monthly payments, and a 15 year loan would result in 180 monthly payments. **CMG Home Loans will cover all customary lender fees which are processing fee, administrative fee, tax service fee, appraisal fee and credit report fee. In addition CMG Home Loans will also credit the borrower up to $1,000 towards additional third-party fees. This offer does not cover discount points. Credit cannot exceed total fees. Rate Rebound is only valid on future conventional conforming, government, and jumbo loans in our retail channel (future Construction Loans, All in One, HELOCs, Bond or HFA loans are excluded). There may be additional restrictions based on investor. Offer may not be redeemed for cash or credit and is nontransferable. Offer cannot be retroactively applied to any loans. Offer may not be used with any other discounts, promotions or interest-only/buy-down and second lien products. This offer is subject to changes or cancellation at any time at the sole discretion of CMG Home Loans. Additional restrictions/conditions may apply. This is not a commitment to lend and is contingent on qualification per full underwriting guidelines. Program will be available on loans disclosed between 11/1/22 – 12/31/23, and closed by 3/29/24. Program is applicable for refinances 6 months after closing up to 5 years from original note date and with a net tangible benefit which includes a rate reduction of 0.5%, going from an ARM to fixed rate, reducing loan term, movement to a more stable product, or a lower principal and interest payment. By refinancing the existing loan, the total finance charges may be higher over the life of the loan. This is a limited time incentive program that can be stopped at any time and with no prior notice. Exterior home renderings are for representation purposes only and subject to change. The Brohn Group, LLC (DBA Brohn Homes) reserves the right to make changes to pricing, floor plans, specifications, features, materials, dimensions, and incentives without prior notice. Stated dimensions and square footages are approximate and should not be used as representation of the home’s precise or actual size. Copyright 2023 Clayton Properties Group, Inc. DBA in Texas as Brohn Homes.

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CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Impacts

offering training to those age 18 months through adults in late August for several dance varieties. • Opened Aug. 28 • 1420 Cypress Creek Road, Ste. 100, Cedar Park • www.affinitydanceunlimited.com 5 Instill Coffee Co. Founded by Michelle and Ryan Bell in 2021, the coffee business opened in its first brick-and-mortar location in Cedar Park, serving coffee with add-ins alongside specialty toasts. • Opened Sept. 15 • 406 W. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. 202, Cedar Park • www.instillcoffee.com 6 The Little Gym of Cedar Park A gym for children between 4 months and 12 years opened in Cedar Park with gymnastics, dance, sports skills and karate classes. • Opened Dec. 2 • 1335 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. T-160, Cedar Park • www.thelittlegym.com 7 Jamba and Auntie Anne’s Pretzels A dual-brand Jamba/Auntie Anne’s Pretzels owned by locals Bradley Davis and Amanda Lorimer offers smoothies and various pretzels. • Opened Dec. 14, after press time • 13920 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Leander • www.jamba.com, www.auntieannes.com 8 TrueCore Fitness The fitness center offers a variety of classes, including Pilates, barre, yoga and cycling. • Opened Dec. 1 • 1880 Crystal Falls Parkway, Ste. 200, Leander • www.truecoretx.com 9 Trippiez Smoke Shop The business offers a variety of vapes, THC pens, and CBD and delta-8 products as well as water pipes, ashtrays, grinders, hookahs, lighters and backpacks. • Opened Aug. 28 • 11699 Hero Way W., Leander • www.trippiez.com

Leander

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45 TOLL 3 Jeremiah’s Italian Ice The shop offers a variety of flavored frozen treats, including gelati, Italian ice and soft-serve ice cream. • Opened Nov. 14 • 11620 Hero Way W., Ste. 110, Leander • www.jeremiahsice.com LAKELINE MALL DR. offering its classic menu with burgers, shakes and fries. • Opened Dec. 5 • 1905 E. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park • www.shakeshack.com

Now open

1 Paper Bark Birch Children’s Bookstore Stephanie Robertson held a grand opening in early December for her new child-focused bookstore. • Opened Dec. 2 • 601 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste 218, Cedar Park • www.paperbarkbirch.com 2 Shake Shack Shake Shack opened in Cedar Park in early December,

620

4 Affinity Dance Unlimited Owners Kristina and Taylor Trotti of Austin began

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BY GRACE DICKENS

10 Bar-B-Q Boutique The shop, locally owned by Rubul Das, will sell over 100 raw, marinated meats, tofus, paneer and vegetables. • Opened in early December • 13920 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 203, Leander • www.barbqboutique.com 11 Family Care Center The mental and behavioral health center opened in Cedar Park, offering individual, children’s, couples and family therapy, medication management and more. • Opened Sept. 11 • 1411 Medical Parkway, Ste. 201, Cedar Park • www.fccwellbeing.com/clinic-locations/tx-clinics/ cedar-park-clinic

Now open

16 Wayback Burgers Owned by local Francisco Gonzalez, fast-casual chain Wayback Burgers offers made-to-order burgers, chicken sandwiches, milkshakes and more. Gonzalez said one of the best-selling menu items is the Cheeeesy Burger—one “e” for each slice of cheese—served on an inverted, grilled bun with two beef patties. • Opened Oct. 17 • 406 W. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. 200, Cedar Park • www.waybackburgers.com

18 Obsidian Brewery Obsidian Brewery opened in mid-November in Leander. The brewery offers a variety of craft beers, cocktails and wine, plus a food menu featuring pizza and bratwurst. • Opened Nov. 10 • 11880 Hero Way W., Ste. 208, Leander • http://obsidianbrewery.com

Coming soon

12 Planet Fitness A Planet Fitness gym will open in Cedar Park by the end of 2023. • Opening Dec. 30 • 13530 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. C-100, Cedar Park • www.planetfitness.com/gyms/cedar-park-tx 13 Austin Texas Temple The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will begin construction on a temple in Cedar Park in 2024. Read more about the project on Page 20. • Opening in June 2026 14 Williamson County Bagel Co. The Williamson County Bagel Co., owned by Alexandra and Scott Lawson, will open at Centro Plaza and offer hand-rolled bagels, beer and wine. • Opening in summer 2024 • 14300 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Leander • www.wilcobagel.com 15 Cold Stone Creamery Ice cream parlor chain Cold Stone Creamery will open off Whitestone Boulevard in Cedar Park in June. The • 1801 E. Park St., Cedar Park • www.churchofjesuschrist.org

parlor also sells sorbets, cakes, shakes and smoothies. • Opening in June 2024 • 410 W. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. 304, Cedar Park • www.coldstonecreamery.com

• 1811 S.E. Inner Loop, Georgetown • www.wilcocac.org

Closings

Expansions

19 Cajun Skillet New Orleans-style restaurant and food truck Cajun Skillet closed in October. The business served Cajun cuisine, such as gumbo, po’boys, jambalaya, etouffee and more. • Closed Oct. 19 • 251 N. Bell Blvd., Ste. 101, Cedar Park • www.cajunskillet.com

17 Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center The nonprofit organization helping children who have experienced abuse or trauma expanded by adding a 15,000-square-foot facility to its existing location in Georgetown. • Opened in mid-October

CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Impacts

CEDAR PARK

Far Northwest Austin

C-BAR RANCH TRL.

Now open

1 The Happy Cat Hotel & Spa The business offers short- and long-term overnight boarding for cats, with 27 themed suites ranging from 30-60 square feet with bedding, windows, climbing equipment, toys and more. • Opened Nov. 11 • 13581 Pond Springs Road, Austin • www.happycathotel.com/austintxnorth 2 Dr. Golf Studio The indoor golf facility opened by Sukjoon “SJ” Yoon offers all skill levels opportunities to play. Inside are six bays with technology, such as Trackman and GC Quad. • Opened Nov. 27 • 13776 N. US 183, Ste. 107-A, Austin • www.drgolfstudio.com 3 Lazeez Mediterranean Food Owned by Bilal AlJalam, the eatery serves a variety of Mediterranean dishes, such as falafel, dolma, kibbeh and more. The first location will remain open at 6812 RM 620, Austin.

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LAKE CREEK PKWY.

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SPICEWOOD SPRINGS RD.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY GRACE DICKENS

• Opened Dec. 14 • 9215 W. Parmer Lane, Austin • www.lazeezaustin.com

Now open

Coming soon

4 Pain Specialists of America-Lakeline Ambulatory Surgery Center The Texas-based practice will offer a multidisciplinary approach to pain management, including spine diagnostics, regenerative medication treatments and more. • Opening in late 2024 • 2218 S. Lakeline Blvd., Bldg. 1, Ste. 101, Cedar Park • www.psadocs.com

6 Godavari Austin Opened by locals Avinash Abbineni and Koushik Koganti, South Indian restaurant Godavari Austin began serving the North Austin area in September. Godavari Austin offers a wide range of South Indian and Chinese dishes for both vegetarians and meat eaters. A buffet is offered during lunchtime hours, while a la carte servings are offered in the evenings. • Opened Sept. 1 • 12233 RM 620, Ste. 205, Austin • www.godavarius.com/food-menu-austin

7 Mutts Canine Cantina Co-owners and twin sisters Lisa Ladewig and Laura Ladewig Landers opened the first Austin-area Mutts Canine Cantina in mid-November. The 1.6-acre facility includes a K-9 Splash Pad, large- and small- dog parks, self-wash dog stations, covered patios, fire pits, private cabanas, and more. Mutts also offers food menus for both people and pets as well as alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverage options. • Opened Nov. 13

In the news

5 Chick-fil-A The chain restaurant will open in 2025, according to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. • Opening March 2025 • 11907 Anderson Mill Road, Austin • www.chickfila.com

• 9825 Lake Creek Parkway, Austin • www.muttscantina.com/tx-austin

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CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

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

The Mobility Authority is not an electronic tag provider or operator. We encourage all electronic tag customers to log into their account with their tag provider to ensure they are in good standing and to avoid receiving a Mobility Authority Pay By Mail bill in the future.

Late payment fees do apply

Valid Payment Method

The Mobility Authority is not TxTag

We accept a variety of electronic tags

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There’s a reason you might get a bill in the mail even if you have an electronic tag

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We use your address on file with the Texas DMV for bills

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Using the Pay By Mail program costs you more

* Check with your electronic tag provider for all criteria.

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To learn more fast facts about paying your Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority toll bill, visit us at MobilityAuthority.com/tolling101.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON

Rezoning sought for more residential space near schools Developers are looking to rezone portions of a 289-acre tract of land from multiuse corridor to neighborhood residential with the aim to eventually bring single-family homes to the area. Overview LJA Engineering—the representatives of proposed development Burleson Ranch—came to Leander City Council on Nov. 16 to seek feedback on a Comprehensive Plan amendment that would allow the proposed site to be zoned as all neighborhood residential. As of now, the proposed site is zoned as mostly neighborhood residential with two sections zoned as multiuse corridor and one as commercial—which each open the door for commercial development on

Construction on Bell Park to start in winter As part of Cedar Park’s ongoing Bell District development, a new park will begin construction in December. The details Senior Project Manager Caleb Stockton said the scope of work in the Bell Park project includes: • Roughly 4,000 linear feet of new trails, including a shared-use path • Trail network connections, a trailhead pavilion and nature areas • A play structure and art installations • Restroom facilities The cost The project will cost the city $2.8 million and is expected to be complete by fall 2024.

Proposed zoning

Monta Akin Elementary School

Stiles Middle School

MULTIUSE CORRIDOR ZONING SOUTHEAST

RESIDENTIAL ZONING NORTHEAST

BULL NETTLE DR.

RESIDENTIAL ZONING

SANDBUR LN.

COMMERCIAL ZONING

SOURCE: CITY OF LEANDERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

the tract. The multiuse sections are being consid- ered for rezoning. What’s next? The majority of council agreed to support rezon- ing the northeast portion to neighborhood residen- tial, while the southeast section would remain as multiuse. A nal decision has not been made as of press time.

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CEDAR PARK FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

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Government

BY ELLE BENT, KATY MCAFEE & BEN THOMPSON

ATCEMS lands $1.73M for nonemergency services A growing number of nonemergency calls to Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Ser- vices has prompted a $1.73 million funding boost from Travis County on Nov. 7 to nd alternative solutions to alleviate strain from paramedics and the county’s limited eet of ambulances. The details Only about 10% of the calls ATCEMS receives are for life-threatening situations, EMS Chief Robert Luckritz said. Many of the remaining 90% of calls are a result of a growing number of Austin and Travis County residents using 911 as a safety net, he said. “There is a huge subset of the community that utilizes 911 because they don’t have anyone else to call,” Luckritz said. “Whether it’s life-threatening or not, they need care. And so they rely on the 911 system and they rely on EMS.”

City creates Homeless Strategy Oce Austin ocials established a new stand-alone Homeless Strategy Oce to better focus the city’s work with the local unhoused community. The reorganization, eective Dec. 4, also came with the promotion of David Gray as Austin’s permanent homeless strategy ocer, who has served as interim in the position since September. The breakdown The city’s homeless strategy division orig- inally operated within Austin Public Health, a method which interim City Manager Jesús Garza said was not eective enough. The new oce will handle multimillion dollar homeless service contracts, public space management, operations at city shelters and several other services.

Increased funding The $1.7 million for Austin and Travis County results in:

$693,322 for additional ambulance coverage $448,652 for a program directing patients to correct resources $588,728 for ongoing departmental costs, such as supplies and equipment

SOURCE: TRAVIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURTCOMMUNITY IMPACT

The impact He estimates the department could divert 35% of the calls EMS receives to an alternative responder, such as a licensed counselor, physician, or opioid use disorder paramedic; or the calls could be handled via telehealth. Commissioners approved increasing the coun- ty’s portion of the interlocal agreement with the city by 11% to $17.66 million. The funding increase equates to $1.73 million additional dollars for Austin and Travis County EMS.

Parking requirements eliminated for new projects New developments in Austin will no longer be required to include a set amount of parking after Austin City Council voted to strike parking minimums citywide Nov. 2. The gist In May, ocials moved to remove Austin’s Member Zo Qadri. He and supporters of the change said those rules, based on calculations for dier- ent projects across Austin, were an unnecessary barrier to new construction.

“[A parking minimum] gobbles up scarce land. It adds burdensome costs to developments that get

passed on to renters and buyers. It makes it harder for small businesses to get o the ground.” ZO QADRI, COUNCIL MEMBER

The update is expected to help with the cost of living at new developments, according to city sta. A analysis by city sta conducted ahead of coun- cil’s vote rated the changes as having a positive impact on aordability and closing equity gaps.

long-standing minimum parking mandates from city code based on a resolution from Council

CEDAR PARK FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

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Education

BY BROOKE SJOBERG & CHLOE YOUNG

LISD officials unveil police force plans Leander ISD began the process of forming its own police department, following a new law that requires armed guards at every campus. What you need to know On Nov. 30, the board passed a resolution to create the police department and amend the district’s budget by $1.1 million this fiscal year to fund Phase 1 for initial staffing, equipment and training needs.

RRISD pay increases pushed to January Round Rock ISD officials provided an update on next steps for district employees after voters passed a tax rate election to fund compensation increases for teachers and staff Nov. 7. In a nutshell Voters who live in RRISD passed a ballot measure to award teachers and staff a 3% pay increase earlier this month, but employees will not receive those increases until January as the district faces time constraints to implement the pay rate adjustments, HR Director Eddie Curran said at a Nov. 16 meeting. The raises are funded by $19 million in additional tax revenue generated by the higher rate. Curran said this is due to shorter work months in November and December, giving his team less time to implement the pay rate adjustments.

Pay changes Round Rock ISD staff will receive the following:

All teachers will receive a general pay increase of $1,750.

Other eligible employees will see a 3% increase based on the midpoint rate for their pay grade.

For all employees paid on a monthly basis, the increase starts Jan. 25.

For all employees paid on a semimonthly basis, the increase starts Jan. 30. Pay raises are retroactive to the start date of employees hired for the 2023- 24 school year, included as a lump sum in January paychecks.

Phase 1

• Hiring a police chief and assistant police chief

• Hiring 10 school marshals

• Hiring an administrative assistant

SOURCE: LEANDER ISD/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: ROUND ROCK ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Education

BY CHLOE YOUNG

LISD faces crossing guard shortage

The impact

A lack of crossing guards has threatened safety for students and drivers as students run across unattended intersections, and trac accidents become more likely, Bellah said. To keep the busiest intersections safe, the district has reassigned some crossing guards, Franco said. “When we move these other crossing guards, then we take away this relationship-building, this interaction with the kids who get used to seeing the crossing guards,” Franco said. Some campuses have taken it into their own hands to keep students safe by employing teachers to serve as crossing guards, Bellah said.

For the past six years, LISD crossing guard Beverly Harris has greeted students at the corner of Cougar Country Drive and Lakeline Boulevard near Running Brushy Middle School. Harris transitioned to the role after serving as a bus monitor when she realized the district was experiencing a crossing guard shortage, she said. While students can be sure to see Harris each day, LISD ocials said many intersections in the district are currently unattended. The district has struggled to employ enough crossing guards to adequately cover its campuses for the past few years; however, 2023 has been particularly challenging, LISD Safety and Training Supervisor Robert Bellah said. Almost 68% of the district’s 109 crossing guard positions were vacant at the end of last school year. As of November, the vacancy rate dropped to almost 58% as Lead Crossing Guard Lavenda Elmer said she hired 14 more guards over the last

Beverly Harris helps students cross Lakeline Boulevard near Running Brushy Elementary School.

CHLOE YOUNGCOMMUNITY IMPACT

couple of months. While the district had 42 crossing guards in November, it would need 50 to 60 to cover major roads and up to 120 to cover the entire district, LISD Director of Transportation Tracie Franco said.

What's next

Bellah said he and Elmer go out each morning to try and ll in the gaps. The district is also working with child nutrition services sta members to allow them to work as a crossing guard before and after their cafeteria shift, LISD Chief Communications Ocer Crestina Hardie said. Transportation sta have and will continue to recruit more crossing guards by attending district events, such as football games and PTA meetings, and posting banners, yers and newsletters across campuses and online. In the 2021-22 school year, the district increased the starting pay for crossing guards from $10 to $15 an hour, Elmer said. Visit www.leanderisd.org/careers to learn more about these positions and apply.

Leander ISD crossing guard positions and vacancies

Number of crossing guards

Number of vacant positions

100 120

0 20 40 60 80

2017-18

2018-19

2019-20

2020-21*

2021-22

2022-23

2023-24**

2016-17

School year

*IN 2020, THE DISTRICT BEGAN STAFFING GUARDS AT TRAVIS COUNTY SCHOOLS AFTER THE COUNTY STOPPED FILLING THOSE POSITIONS. **AS OF NOVEMBER 2023

SOURCE: LEANDER ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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BY CHLOE YOUNG

Concordia University Texas lowers tuition by almost 40%

Concordia University Texas will reduce its tuition and fees by almost 40% next school year to make higher education more accessible in Central Texas, ocials announced in October. The overview Ocials with the private Christian university in Austin unveiled a new initiative to lower tuition, fees and textbook costs for traditional undergrad- uate students. This new program, The Right Call Initiative, will reduce tuition from $35,750 this school year to $23,500 for the 2024-25 school year. The amount students will pay in tuition depends on their individual nancial aid eligibility and other circumstances, according to university ocials. Additionally, the school will also cover all required fees for every student next year, such as general, course and graduation fees as well as textbook costs, said Kristi Kirk, Concordia Univer- sity Texas provost and executive vice president. As the average undergraduate student will pay $37,858 in tuition, fees and textbooks this school year, the new tuition structure will reduce overall costs for students by 38%. “For many of our families, higher education feels out of reach; it feels unattainable, and we at Concordia are committed to changing that perception,” Kirk said. The approach The university has historically charged high tuition rates while providing large scholarships and nancial aid allocations, Kirk said. Concordia will now oer fewer scholarships and less nancial aid but reduce families’ out- of-pocket expenses by lowering tuition and fees,

Kristi Kirk, Concordia University Texas provost and executive vice president, announced the university will reduce its tuition for next school year at a news conference Oct. 25.

CHLOE YOUNGCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Kirk said. She said the university will continue to oer some academic scholarships and need-based nancial aid as well as accept outside scholarships, including state and federal aid. The impact More aordable higher education will strengthen the workforce in Central Texas, specif- ically for rst-generation students, said Cedrice Bennett, senior director of operations of E3 Alliance, a data-focused education collaborative. “Our data shows us that a Central Texas student within six years of high school with no post- secondary credentials only has a 12% chance of earning a livable-wage job,” Bennett said.

Impact of the changes The update to the college’s tuition policies could decrease tuition for qualifying students signicantly, according to the college.

tuition reduction in 2024-25 school year, depending on nancial status $10,250 lower than 2023-24 school year tuition, depending on nancial status 38%

SOURCES: CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY TEXASCOMMUNITY IMPACT

I wish all my neighbors a safe and happy holiday season and the very best in the New Year. It’s a true joy to be part of such a wonderful community. Happy Holidays, neighbors. Felices Fiestas, vecinos. Se Habla Español

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JT Reisdorph ChFC CLU, Agent 103 N. Bell Blvd Suite B1 Cedar Park, TX 78613 Bus: 512-219-7295 www.insuremejt.com

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Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. ® I wish all my neighbors a safe and happy holiday season and the very best in the New Year. It’s a true joy to be part of such a wonderful community.

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CEDAR PARK FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Transportation

BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON

Cedar Park vacates portion of CR 178 Officials are looking to vacate a portion of right of way on CR 178 for future roadway and development projects in the area. The full story The section of road is associated with the Toro Grande Boulevard improvement project, Brushy Creek North Fork Trail project and others. Council will consider the ordinance for final approval at the Dec. 14 meeting, after press time.

New detection system planned for traffic signals Traffic lights in Cedar Park will soon have updated detection and optimization systems following a unanimous council decision Nov. 9. The context Traffic signal detection is a hardware system located at intersections throughout the city that informs the signal where a vehicle is waiting or approaching, so it knows how and when to change, Assistant Director of Public Works Stephen Hanuscin said. Hanuscin said the city’s three main goals with the new system are to ensure maintenance, efficiency and safety are achieved at intersections across Cedar Park. Diving in deeper City staff recommended implementing an updated detection system due to the age of the

existing system and goals outlined in the city’s master mobility plan. The new system will include: • Simultaneous video and radar detection, instead of solely relying on video • Object-based detection, which recognizes the type of vehicle identified • Alerts to drivers with connected mobile devices One more thing The new system will cost the city up to $3.5 million, with one of the largest funding sources being Cedar Park’s 2022 bond program. A timeline for implementation was not approved as of press time. “This technology is awesome, and hopefully it helps improve the traffic moving through Cedar Park by being smart about traffic flows at different times of day.” MEL KIRKLAND, COUNCIL MEMBER

178

1431

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Development

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

New Scheels store to bring over 500 jobs

What’s next?

Construction is expected to begin in early 2024. The employee-owned sporting goods store will be located in the soon-to-come CedarView development near the H-E-B Center along New Hope Drive between 183A Toll and US 183, the release said.

Scheels has dozens of stores across the nation with plans to open in Cedar Park in 2026.

Sporting and outdoor recreation retailer Scheels will open a new location in Cedar Park in 2026, according to a news release. The 240,000-square-foot development is set to employ more than 500 people, most of which the company plans to hire locally. The employee-owned business will oer over 1 million pieces of inventory across specialty shops and boutiques, the release stated. Additionally, the location will have entertainment attractions and family- friendly activities. The Cedar Park location will be the second in Texas and the 35th Scheels nationwide.

The new Scheels will have:

A 65-foot ferris wheel

75 specialty shops

CEDARVIEW DEVELOPMENT

A 16,000-gallon aquarium

A wildlife mountain

183

183A TOLL

Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory

Ginna’s Cafe

Interactive arcade games and sports simulators

SOURCE: SCHEELSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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CEDAR PARK FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Development

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL & ZACHARIA WASHINGTON

Religious temple breaking ground in 2024 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will begin construction on a 30,000-square-foot temple in Cedar Park in June 2024. The details The new temple, named Austin Texas Temple, will sit on a 10.6-acre lot adjacent to the existing meetinghouse on East Park Street, ocials said. Upon completion, the temple will include two instruction rooms, two sealing rooms and one baptistry at 1801 E. Park St., Cedar Park. What’s next? The temple is estimated to be completed in June 2026. President Russell M. Nelson has noted that there are six other temples in Texas either in operation or under construction in various metros.

Multifamily housing opening in 2024 An emerging apartment complex in Crystal Village Leander is expected to open in fall 2024, with work on the restaurant and retail components happening at the same time. Zooming in Called The Evergrove, the new apartment complex sits on 15 acres of the 65-acre devel- opment and will have just under 350 units, said Sharon Beeson, chief nancial ocer at Koniag Real Estate.

The temple is on track to be ready for the public by mid-2026.

RENDERING COURTESY THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

CREEK VISTA BLVD.

RAIDER WAY

183A TOLL

CRYSTAL VILLAGE

Real estate

Number of homes sold

October 2022

October 2023

Residential market data

57 49

19 15

-14%

-21.05%

78613

78729

Year-over-year home sales and average home sales prices were mixed in October, according to data from the Austin Board of Realtors.

23 24

21 22

+4.35%

+4.76%

78717

78750

183

45 TOLL

9 6

-33.33%

78726

620

MOPAC

Average home sales price

2022

2023

78613

-10.7%

$500,000

$560,000

78613 78729

78717 78750

78726

78717

-16.19%

$574,500

$685,500

78726

+1.19%

$784,250

$775,000

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY AUSTIN BOARD OF REALTORS 512-454-7636 WWW.ABOR.COM

78729

-8.16%

$450,000

$490,000

78750

+13.73%

$712,500

$626,500

Events

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

December

Breakfast with Santa Santa Claus will eat a waffle bar breakfast with children ages 2-5 along with their parents or guardians. Other activities will include stories and songs. Photo opportunities with Santa Claus will also be available, and those attending should bring their own cameras. Children will receive a free holiday ornament. Participants must register online before the event. • Dec. 16, 9-11 a.m. • $5 per child • Cedar Park Recreation Center, 1435 Main St., Cedar Park • www.cedarparktexas.gov Peppermint Parkway The drive-thru event is adorned with millions of lights and holiday scenes to help visitors get into the spirit of the season. After the drive-thru, guests can walk through Peppermint Plaza decorated with more holiday lights and a mistletoe kissing booth. The event also has a 30-foot-tall holiday tree, a Ferris Wheel and a range of amusement park rides, a petting zoo, a market and more. • Daily through Dec. 30; 6-9 p.m. (Peppermint Parkway), 5-10 p.m. (Peppermint Plaza) • $40-$99 (admission, per vehicle) • 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Austin • www.peppermintparkway.com Austin Trail of Lights A holiday tradition for many, Austin’s Trail of Lights event features more than 2 million lights, 96 holiday trees, and over 70 other holiday displays and lighted tunnels illuminating Zilker Park. Visitors will have the chance to meet Santa Claus, roast s’mores along the trail, see live entertainment on the Zilker stage, purchase snacks and drinks from local vendors, and more. • Days vary, runs through Dec. 23, 7-10 p.m. • Free-$95 • Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin • www.austintrailoflights.org

Lone Star Light Show The Mendoza family of Cedar Park will hold a large holiday light display synchronized to music to raise awareness and money for Court Appointed Special Advocates of Williamson County. Attendees can park at the fence line and enjoy the show from the front gate. Santa Claus and The Grinch make weekly appearances. • Daily through Dec. 31, 6-9:30 p.m.

Cedar Park Market Days The two-day Christmas market will offer holiday- themed games, and arts and crafts as well as Santa Claus, who will be available for free photos on both days. Those attending can browse more than 90 local vendors selling everything from art and clothing to crafts, jewelry, food and more. • Dec. 16-17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. • Free (admission)

• Monetary donations accepted • 905 Lone Star Drive, Cedar Park • www.linktr.ee/lonestarlightshow

• 11066 Pecan Park Blvd., Cedar Park • www.cedarparkmarketdays.com

Chefs in the Park To wrap up Cedar Park’s 50th anniversary of incorporation, the city will team up with local company Tivity to bring together five private chefs who will each provide separate three-course meal samplings to try in Lakeline Park. Water is complimentary; however, locally brewed beer and wine will be available with the three included drink tickets per person. • Dec. 30, 2-6 p.m. • $69 • 1510 Alexis Drive, Cedar Park • www.cedarparktexas.gov

• Dec. 23 and 30, 9 a.m. • Free (admission)

• 11200 Lakeline Mall Drive, Cedar Park • www.texasfarmersmarket.org/lakeline

Cirque Musica: Holiday Wonderland The family-friendly show will feature acrobats and aerialists performing with live holiday-themed music for a fun-filled afternoon. All-inclusive options for seating, food and drink packages are available for an additional fee. • Dec. 24; 1 p.m. (doors open), 2-4 p.m. (show) • $34.50-$79.50 • H-E-B Event Center, 2100 Avenue of the Stars, Cedar Park • www.hebcenter.com

Texas Farmers Market at Lakeline: Holiday Edition

Visitors can shop from a selection of over a hundred local vendors selling fresh produce, homemade goods and holiday treats.

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