Cedar Park - Far Northwest Austin Edition | March 2024

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Cedar Park Far Northwest Austin Edition VOLUME 1, ISSUE 11 MARCH 13APRIL 11, 2024

2024 Camp Guide

‘Come for the sun, stay for the stars’

On April 8, a total solar eclipse will cross through portions of 13 U.S. states, with Texas being the rst in its path.

COURTESY NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

Central Texas cities prepare for April solar eclipse, expected inux of tourists

Oct. 14, when the moon covered the center of the sun, leaving a “ring of re.” Once the eclipse is over, ocials in the Hill Country are hoping to attract astro-tourists back for the view of the stars at night, which they are working to preserve.

said Shantelle Dunn Brannon, Williamson County interim director of emergency management. “We’re all planning for the unknown. We don’t know what to expect, but we are erring on the side of caution.” The total solar eclipse will be the second celestial event Central Texans will experience in the span of six months, following an annular solar eclipse

BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON

For about three minutes on April 8, Central Texans will experience a rare event—a total solar eclipse—and ocials across Williamson County have been preparing for the high number of visitors it is expected to draw for more than a year. “It’s better to plan for an event before it comes,”

CONTINUED ON 24

Also in this issue

Impacts: The Crossover gains three new food trucks (Page 6)

Development: Leander Springs project stalled (Page 20)

Community: More than 70 area summer camps (Page 27)

Business: Remote control car fans gather at The Hobby Shop (Page 36)

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CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Summer Theatre Camps

Photo: KirkTuck.com

Weekly camps May 28-August 8 | Ages 3.5-Grade 10 | Register: zachtheatre.org/education

Downtown: 1510 Toomey Road | education @ zachtheatre.org

North: 14010 N. Highway 183, Suite 540 | zachnorth@achtheatre.org

Summer Camp Presenting Sponsor

This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Texas Commission on the Arts, and the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity. About Community Impact

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Brittany Anderson Elle Bent Amanda Cutshall Kameryn Griesser Sierra Martin Katy McAfee Haley McLeod Hannah Norton Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson

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Impacts

3 Stewart Title Company The Houston-based company has offices and agents worldwide, offering insurance and closing services to homeowners, builders and real estate professionals. • Opened in December • 6300 183A Toll, Ste. 280, Cedar Park • www.stewart.com

MOCKINGBIRD HILL

270

KAUFFMAN LP.

Leander

1 7

Coming soon

183

4 416 & Mane Owned by Cedar Park residents Mandy Hasty and Hajer Cellura, the salon will offer hair services including color, cuts, treatments and extensions. • Opening March 19 • 500 Cypress Creek Road, Ste. 130, Cedar Park • www.416andmane.com 5 Desi District The Indian fusion restaurant and grocer serves a variety of dishes and will have a meat market where customers can purchase fresh goat, fish and chicken, franchise owner Anoop Alladi said. • Opening this fall • 12301 W. Parmer Lane, Bldg. 8, Cedar Park • www.desidistrict.com 6 Top Spin Tennis Academy The indoor tennis facility plans to offer classes to children ages 5-16, according to owners Praveen Thadakamalla and Venkat Narahari. The facility’s three courts will be reservable and capable of converting into pickleball courts. • Opening by late 2024 • 3220 E. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park • Contact information not available as of press time 7 PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans The coffee shop’s first Central Texas location will serve a variety of coffee, tea, espresso and frozen drinks. The business also offers a menu of light bites, such as muffins, bagels, croissants and beignets. • Opening in late April or early May • 11620 Hero Way W., Leander • www.pjscoffee.com

13 14

183A TOLL

HIGHLAND FALLS DR.

W. BROADE ST.

183

SCOTTSDALE DR.

Cedar Park

SCOTTSDALE DR.

ARROW POINT DR.

183A TOLL

VISTA RIDGE BLVD.

1431

183

MAP NOT TO SCALE

AVERY RANCH BLVD.

Cedar Park & Leander

• Opened Feb. 26 • 11620 Hero Way W., Ste. 160, Leander • www.chebahut.com 4

ANDERSON MILL RD.

Now open

2 Beyond Pompeii Pizza Menu items include pizza crafted from dough made in- house, wings, cheesy bread, salads and desserts. • Opened in mid-November 45 TOLL

1 Cheba Hut The restaurant, owned by father and son duo Joseph and Vincent DeMaioribus, features a menu of over 30 sandwiches and subs named after various strains of cannabis, though the food does not include the herb.

• 3651 US 183, Ste. 170, Leander • www.beyondpompeiipizza.com

LAKELINE MALL DR.

620

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

8 Hype Bar & Grill Owner Hari Marti said the restaurant will feature a full- service bar and a menu that mixes Indian cuisine with classic American bar food. • Opening in June • 821 W. New Hope Drive, Stes. 210-212, Cedar Park • Contact information not available as of press time 9 Daddy’s Chicken Shack Originally scheduled to open in early 2024, the restaurant sells chicken sandwiches, salads, sweets and breakfast foods, such as burritos and waffles. • Opening in August • 3501 Lakeline Blvd., Ste. 110, Leander • www.daddyschickenshack.com 10 Summer Moon Coffee The Austin-founded coffee shop offers lattes with “moon milk,” the brand’s signature sweet cream, among other espresso drinks, pastries and merchandise. • Opening in early 2025 11 Alloy Personal Training The fitness franchise offers training in small groups with assistance tailored to each individual’s needs. This will be the first location for owners Dan and Deyon Jenson. • Opening in April • 908 W. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. 200, Cedar Park • www.alloypersonaltraining.com 12 August Dental Led by Dr. Preethi Kuknooru, the dental office will offer all-age teeth cleanings and checkups. • Opening in May • 210 N. Lakeline Blvd., Cedar Park • Contact information not available as of press time 13 Waxing the City The business offers full-body hair removal, brow tinting, lash tinting, brow henna and brow lamination. • Opening this fall • 145 S. Brook Drive, Ste. 104, Leander • www.waxingthecity.com • 603 US 183, Bldg. 1, Leander • www.summermooncoffee.com

14 Great Clips The salon franchise offers haircuts, trims, shampoos and styles for all ages. This location at the Southbrook Station retail center will be the company’s third in Leander. • Opening this fall • 145 S. Brook Drive, Leander • www.greatclips.com 15 QualTech Automotive Owned by Billy Leavings, the company offers major mechanical repairs and maintenance for vehicles.

Now open

• Opening summer 2025 • 17205 RM 1431, Leander • www.qualtechauto.com

16 DocStar and NurseStar Medical Partners The new office will replace the former NurseStar office in Discovery Business Park and serve as both of the Florida- based companies’ Texas headquarters. The organizations place doctors and nurses in hospitals across the country. • Opening in June • 1405 Arrow Point Drive, Ste. 1106, Cedar Park • www.nursestarmedical.com

19 Casa Garcia’s The Central Texas Mexican chain serves burritos, tacos, enchiladas, seafood and fajitas. The new Leander restaurant, located in Bar W Marketplace, is the company’s seventh location, and features 21 beers on tap, a party room for events and booth seating. • Opened Feb. 23 • 19380 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 420, Leander • www.casagarcias.com

Relocations

17 LearnLee The education-focused business moved from

1640 Highland Falls Drive, Ste. 802, Leander, to a space in Cedar Park. Owned by Nicole Lee, the center provides academic and social enrichment through tutoring and study hall programs, hosting events for parenting support, and having a seasonal young entrepreneurs market. • Relocated Dec. 15 • 2301 S. Bagdad Road, Ste. 301, Cedar Park • www.learnlee.com

• Expanding by late 2024 • 100 Mockingbird Hill, Leander • www.tigermountaincenter.org

In the news

20 The Crossover The sports complex and entertainment venue added three food trucks and two new restaurants in February. Owned by Javi Maggiolo, Coat & Thai, Have a Taco and Habibi ATX are the newest additions to the existing food truck park. Maggiolo also opened pizza shop Whole

Expansions

18 Tiger Mountain Center The archery and martial arts practice is adding a 10,000-square-foot building onto its 10-acre property, which will allow for more indoor classes and will include a shop and cafe for visitors, according to owner and headmaster Ali Brown.

Lotta Pie and The Kitchen inside. • 1717 Scottsdale Drive, Cedar Park • www.crossovertx.com

CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

CEDAR PARK

Impacts

Far Northwest Austin

183A TOLL

Now open

AVERY RANCH BLVD.

1 Volvo Cars Hill Country The luxury car dealership sells new and preowned cars and SUVs, and offers maintenance and repair services. • Opened Jan. 19

LAKELINE MALL DR.

45 TOLL

• 10600 N. RM 620, Austin • www.volvohillcountry.com

ANDERSON MILL RD.

2 Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers The center offers a range of physical and vestibular balance therapies, including orthopedic rehabilitation for arthritis or nerve pain, neurological rehabilitation, and fitness and wellness programs. • Opened Jan. 22 • 8516 Anderson Mill Road, Ste. 102, Austin • www.fyzical.com 3 Beyond Cabinet & Stone The business provides a variety of cabinetry and countertop remodeling services. • Opened in mid-February

LAKE CREEK PKWY.

183

620

SPICEWOOD SPRINGS RD.

RESEARCH BLVD.

• 13048 Research Blvd., Ste. C, Austin • www.beyondkitchencabinet.com

2222

MAP NOT TO SCALE

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BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

4 Little Caesars The pizza chain is known for its Crazy Bread and Hot-N-Ready pies for quick pickup. The business also offers several pizza crust options, including round, thin,

6 Frosty Fox The chain tea shop, which has locations in Florida and Oregon, sells a variety of milk teas, boba teas, mocktails, slushies, gelatos and street-style waffles. • Opening in August • 14005 N. US 183, Ste. 580, Austin • www.frostyfoxusa.com 7 Homesense The chain discount store sells furniture, rugs, lighting, art and other home decor. Representatives with the company were unable to confirm an opening date, however, the business has hung a coming soon sign at the location and filed for permits with the city of Austin. • Opening date TBD • 14028 N. US 183, Bldg. B, Austin • https://us.homesense.com

Worth the trip

stuffed and deep dish. • Opened in November • 13497 N. US 183, Ste. 600, Austin • www.littlecaesars.com

Moms I Like to Feed Meals The meal prep service delivers healthy, family-style meals that are gluten-, dairy-, soy- and nut-free throughout the Austin metro. Owner Brittany Sarkisian opened a kitchen in Georgetown after moving to the area. • Opened Jan. 22 • www.momsiliketofeedmeals.com

McKalla Station Part of CapMetro’s Red Line, the new commuter rail stop opened near the Q2 Stadium ahead of Austin FC’s first home game in late February. Construction of the $58.8 million project started in July 2022. The Red Line runs from downtown Austin to the city of Leander. Riders can buy their tickets on the CapMetro App, or at most H-E-B stores. • Opened Feb. 24 • 10401 McKalla Place, Austin • www.capmetro.org

Coming soon

Closings

5 The Drip Bar Franchisee Anthony Reyes will open the IV therapy bar, offering vitamins through IVs and shots, alongside services such as Botox and infrared saunas. • Opening in April • 8300 N. RM 620, Ste. 600, Austin • www.thedripbar.com

8 Fat Dragon Sushi Bar The sushi bar, an extension of the still-operating Fat Dragon restaurant next door, closed indefinitely two months after opening due to staffing shortages. • Closed in January • 8650 Spicewood Springs Road, Ste. 111, Austin • www.fatdragonsushibar.com

CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Government

Local leaders take steps to ensure water supply as drought persists To secure a continued water supply from Lake Travis in the thick of ongoing drought conditions, Cedar Park City Council approved the construction and recommissioning of a temporary floating raw water intake system Feb. 8. Some context The continued decline in Lake Travis water levels prompted city officials to start the process of recommissioning in early 2023. Lake Travis levels are at 631.5 feet, and the tem- porary intake system will need to operate should levels fall below 618 feet, said Eric Rauschuber, Cedar Park’s director of public works and utilities. “The engineering is complete, the drought persists, and it’s becoming a necessary time for recommissioning,” he said.

The timeline 2009: Cedar Park and Leander enter into an agreement to construct a drought contingency raw water intake barge and underwater pipeline 2013: Construction on the barge concludes 2015: Lake Travis’ water levels improved with rains, causing the barge to be decommissioned, removed from the water and stored 2023: In May, officials approved the design for the reconstruction of the intake system 2024: Construction is approved and anticipated to conclude in late summer

SCOTTSDALE DR.

183A TOLL

The Crossover food trucks gain approval Cedar Park City Council approved a special use permit Jan. 25 that allows up to six food trucks at The Crossover. The backstory In June, council passed an ordinance that requires businesses with more than one food truck to have a special use permit. Officials said the three previous food trucks at The Crossover were “grandfathered in.” The venue then added three more trucks in December.

SOURCE: CITY OF CEDAR PARK/COMMUNITY IMPACT

The takeaway With forecast drought conditions and low lake levels, city leaders are recommending expediting the process of getting the intake system back in service. Officials said the barge will need to be operational by the end of the summer or early fall. Rauschuber said the construction of the intake system is expected to take five to six months. Cedar Park’s portion of the cost is $4.2 million. Leander, which also utilizes the system, will pay $1.8 million as it receives a smaller portion of the water.

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BY GRANT CRAWFORD & ZACHARIA WASHINGTON

WilCo water group’s petition voted down The Clearwater Underground Water Conservation District board of directors voted down a petition from the Aquifer Conser- vation Alliance to annex the western half of Williamson County Feb. 14. What’s happening Based in Bell County, the district manages and regulates the use of water wells. If the Clearwater UWCD approved the petition, the item would have gone before affected Williamson County voters. However, the Clearwater UWCD board voted not to approve the petition, citing exorbitant costs it would take to run an election. It would have cost the Clearwater UWCD $75,000 to run the election in Bell County and another $380,000 to run the election in Williamson County.

Leander council updates city noise ordinance Since November, Leander officials have been working to update the city’s noise ordinance to be more clear and create a more peaceful environ- ment for residents. Council approved the updated noise ordinance during its Feb. 15 meeting. The last time the ordinance was updated was more than a decade ago, Mayor Christine DeLisle said in a message to

“It's imperative that we modernize our outdated noise ordinance to reect the

evolving needs and dynamics of our community, ensuring a more harmonious and peaceful environment

for all residents.” CHRISTINE DELISLE, LEANDER MAYOR

for commercial businesses and construction work as well as includes definitions to clarify construc- tion, demolition and maintenance work. Any construction, demolition or maintenance work will not be allowed between 9 p.m.-7 a.m., according to city documents. However, some construction activity may be allowed during these hours with waivers from council. The updated ordinance also permits higher noise for school and special events, and entertain- ment zones. Council is able to grant exemptions to the ordinance for special events or emergencies.

Community Impact . Sorting out details

One of the changes to the ordinance included modifications to the maximum sound level. It sets residential sound levels during the day at 65 dBA—the sound pressure level in decibels—or 10 dBA above background noise, whichever is lower. At night, maximum residential sound levels are 55 dBA or 5 dBA above background noise. The ordinance also sets maximum volume levels

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183A

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Government

BY GRACE DICKENS & BEN THOMPSON

Austin clears way for The Domain redevelopment As The Domain pushes forward with projects to update its building facades and outdoor spaces, action taken by Austin City Council in February will allow the redevelopment of roughly 46.7 acres in the shopping center. The details City Council approved a rezoning development request on Feb. 15 allowing taller, denser buildings within The Domain. The change is expected to allow for additional shopping, residential, hotel, industrial and office space in portions of the center, according to city documents. The recent amendment does not impact condominium areas, city documents show. The changes include: • Buildings can be up to 420 feet, or 42 floors • Limitations on the number of dwelling units for redevelopment was removed

Library card fees for nonresidents waived Tens of thousands of people living in unincorporated areas just outside Austin city limits now have access to the city library system’s materials free of charge. What happened A resolution from council member Vanessa Fuentes moving to waive library card fees for those living in Austin’s extraterritorial jurisdiction, or ETJ, and limited purpose areas was given final approval Feb. 29. The change is effective March 11. Previously, library cards were free for Austin residents but carried a $120 annual fee for those outside city limits. Council’s unanimous decision follows a city library commission recommendation to eliminate the fees, citing equity and afford- ability concerns.

Area not subject to new zoning Area subject to new zoning

MOPAC

New commercial and multifamily development will require the city to reapprove the site plan. The background In 2023, The Domain began a multi-million dollar renovation that aimed to compliment the shopping center’s recently-announced line of incoming luxury retailers such as Zimmer- mann, Burberry, Balenciaga and others. The latest zoning approval was not accompanied by any concrete plans for further redevelopment, according to city documents.

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CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Education

LISD adopts elementary attendance boundaries Over 550 students will attend Elementary School No. 30 next school year after the board of trustees approved new attendance zones at a Feb. 15 meeting. The board’s vote completed a monthslong rezoning process that began in September and included four zoning proposals, community feedback and multiple district meetings. A closer look Students from several northern elementary campuses will be rezoned as Elementary School No. 30 will open in August at the intersection of San Gabriel Parkway and North Bagdad Road. The only change the district made from its last zoning proposal was not transferring students from Camacho to Whitestone Elementary, Chief Operations Officer Jimmy Disler said.

District allocates $40M in savings for projects Almost $40 million in Leander ISD bond project savings and interest earnings will go towards district projects. The breakdown Trustees allocated the following funding amounts to these projects on Feb. 1: • Leander High School Master Plan Rede- sign Phase 1: $32.3 million to renovate athletic facilities to improve public events • Early College High School portables: $4.15 million to move ECHS out of the ACC San Gabriel Campus and into portables in August • CR 175: $2 million to partner with Wil- liamson County to widen and reconstruct CR 175 from RM 2243 to south of Creek Meadow Drive

Students impacted Over 920 students will be rezoned, with 552 moving to Elementary School No. 30. • 302 from Bagdad Elementary to Elementary School No. 30 • 250 from Plain Elementary to Elementary School No. 30 • 173 from Larkspur Elementary to North Elementary • 144 from Tarvin Elementary to Larkspur • 31 from Plain to Camacho Elementary • 27 from Camacho to Bagdad

SOURCE: LEANDER ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

The backstory The adopted zoning scenario was created after the district updated the functional capacities for elementary campuses at the request of the board. The board rejected administration’s initial recommendation to move forward with a third scenario in January due to concerns that it increased the functional capacity at North Elemen- tary, underutilized Elementary School No. 30 and overutilized Whitestone Elementary.

LISD sees decrease in math, improvements in reading Fewer students were performing at grade level in math in the middle of this school year than at the beginning, while students showed improve- ments in reading, according to data presented at a Feb. 15 board of trustees meeting. The big picture Students in kindergarten through eighth grade exhibited a lower level of math readiness—performing at grade level or above—in December compared to September, except for third grade, which saw an increase from 69% to 71%. The data may have been impacted by teacher turnover as new teachers came on board without the same level of training, Area Superintendent Christine Simpson said.

LISD K-8 math readiness

Beginning of year

Middle of year

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

K 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th

Grade

SOURCE: LEANDER ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY BROOKE SJOBERG & CHLOE YOUNG

RRISD teacher turnover rate higher than state A recent performance report for Round Rock ISD shows teacher turnover rose sharply in the 2022-23 school year, exceeding the state average. What you need to know In a public hearing on the district’s Texas Aca- demic Performance Report, administrators shared that the turnover rate for teachers increased from 15.9% in the 2021-22 school year to 23.9% in the 2022-23 school year. This increase exceeds the statewide turnover rate for teachers of 21.4%. Eddie Curran, RRISD’s chief human resources officer, pointed to long commutes and cost of living as primary reasons teachers were leaving the district. What it means Curran cited increased resignations over the past two school years, with over 800 in the

McNeil High School becomes IB campus Round Rock ISD now has three Inter- national Baccalaureate high schools after McNeil High School received its official designation in December. What happened RRISD staff shared in a Jan. 18 board meeting that McNeil High School officially received IB authorization Dec. 15. It joins Westwood and Stony Point high schools in the program. About the program The IB program encourages cross-disci- plinary, internationally-minded students to develop critical thinking skills; awards IB diplomas; and allows students to claim at least 24 hours of credit at a public college or university, according to the district.

Measures taken to retain and hire staff include: Secured voter approval in fall 2023 to raise the tax rate to increase pay for employees

Initiated affordable housing program for teachers through nonprofit partnership

Launched program for international educators

Partnered with colleges for student teacher pipeline

SOURCE: ROUND ROCK ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

2021-22 school year, followed by 643 in the 2022-23 school year. Curran said he anticipates the next performance report will reflect increased efforts to hire and retain staff. What else? In past years, the TAPR has been accompanied by a letter-grade accountability rating. However, due to legal challenges, the ratings for the 2022-23 report are currently unavailable, Superintendent Hafedh Azaiez said.

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CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Real estate

While the median price of homes sold fluctuated year over year in area ZIP codes, it increased by more than 40% in ZIP code 78729. Residential market data

Homes sold

January 2023

January 2024

+25.93%

-34.88%

+7.14%

+50%

-25%

+142.86%

183

78641

78613

78717

78726

78729

78750

183A TOLL

78641

Median home sales price

78717

78613

45 TOLL

January

2023

2024

78729

$514,352 $442,500 $640,000 $652,500 $441,500 $505,750

$565,895 $414,500 $635,000 $623,000 $623,000 $565,000

78641

78726

MOPAC

78613

620

78750

78717

78726

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

78729

78750

Average days on the market

Market breakdown

January 2023

January 2024

-12.5%

-15.07%

-12.7%

+53.23%

-51.09%

-11.59%

Cedar Park-Far Northwest Austin

January

244

New listings

178

Closed sales

78641

78613

78717

78726

78729

78750

229

Homes under contract

Homes sold by price point in January

78641

78613

78717

78726

78729

78750

Months of inventory

16 16 27 41

0 0 4 7

$900,000+

2 7

6 6 2 0

$700,000-$899,999

$537,500

Median sales price

3 6 2

$500,000-$699,999

0 0

$300,000-$499,999

556

Active listings

<$299,999

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Events

BY KAMERYN GRIESSER

• www.sites.google.com/leanderisd.org/ glennhsgrizzlychoir

March

Total Eclipse of the Hill Community Celebration

Austin Country, Folk & Blues Festival Leander-Cedar Park

The Liberty Hill Public Library will partner with other community groups to host a party with crafts, a photo booth and star viewings. • March 22, 5:30-9:30 p.m. • Free (admission) • 355 Loop 332, Liberty Hill • www.facebook.com/libertyhillpubliclibrary Leander Egg Hunt Glad Tidings Church will host two egg hunts throughout the day. The event will also include free barbecue, games, prize giveaways, face painting and balloon animals. Registration is required. • March 30, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. • Free (admission)

The lineup includes the School of Rock house band, the Jones Family Singers, Craig Wayne Boyd, Jesse Raub Jr., Jeremiah Johnson and the Joe Stamm Band. Attendees can enjoy a farmers market, artisan booths, food, and beer and wine. • April 6, 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. • $5 (age 12 and up), free (children age 11 and under) • The Fieldhouse at The Crossover, 1717 Scottsdale Drive, Cedar Park • www.austincountryfestival.com Cedar Fest Festival The Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce will host its annual barbecue cookoff, featuring food trucks, carnival rides and games, inflatables, and arts and crafts. • April 6, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. • Free (admission) • Elizabeth Milburn Park, 1901 Sun Chase Blvd., Cedar Park • www.cedarparkchamber.org Cedar Park Kite Festival Attendees are invited to enjoy an afternoon of kite flying, food trucks, music and performances. • April 7, 3-7 p.m. • Free (admission) • Lakeline Park, 1510 Alexis Drive, Cedar Park • Eventbrite: Cedar Park Kite Festival Outrun the Sun 5K and Viewing Party The 5K race route through Leander will take place as the eclipse happens. After the run, there will be an eclipse viewing party with complimentary solar glasses. • April 8, 10 a.m. • $35 • Lakewood Park, 2040 Artesian Springs Crossing, Leander • www.visitleandertx.com

Acton Children’s Business Fair Invictus: An Acton Academy and Freestyle Community Center will host the fair, which gives children the opportunity to showcase their startup business. • March 24, 2-5 p.m. • Free (admission) • 75 Seward Junction Loop, Liberty Hill • www.childrensbusinessfair.org

• 1006 US 183, Leander • www.gladtidings.org

April

Eclipse Book Club This book club is for participants over the age of 18 to discuss Neil DeGrasse Tyson’s new book, “To Infinity and Beyond.” Attendees will receive a pair of solar glasses to watch the April 8 solar eclipse. • April 3, 1-2 p.m. • Free (admission) • Leander Public Library, 1011 S. Bagdad Road, Leander • www.leandertx.gov/library

include vegetable plants, perennials, annuals, succulents and garden-themed crafts. Proceeds support the organization’s grants, which fund local school garden projects. • April 13, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. • Free (admission) • Milburn Park, 1901 Sun Chase Blvd., Cedar Park • www.facebook.com/hillcountrybloomers Mason Heritage Day Participants can enjoy food and pioneer activities, such as roping, branding, candle making and planting, as they learn more about Leander’s historic Mason Homestead. • April 13, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. • Free (admission) • 1101 S. Bagdad Road, Leander • www.leandertx.gov

Glenn High School Dynamicz Jr. Show Choir Camp

This event allows third through eighth grade students to meet and perform with the Glenn High School Dynamicz show choir group. Participants will have a preview performance at 1 p.m. on the date of the clinic and will perform at the Glenn spring show May 3-4. • April 6, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. • $25-$30

Spring Plant Sale Hosted by the Hill Country Bloomers, the sale will

• Glenn High School Auditorium, 1320 Collaborative Way, Leander

CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Development

BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON

A $22 million economic development agreement for the Leander Springs project expired in December, which has left community members questioning the likelihood of the widely discussed project. Valued at $1 billion, Leander Springs is a 78-acre mixed-use project—located at the southwest corner of RM 2243 and 183A Toll—that features a 4-acre crystal lagoon at its center and will oer restaurant, retail, entertainment, hospitality, residential and oce elements. As stated in a 2020 development agreement with the city, Leander Springs developers were required to complete construction on 35,000 square feet of commercial property as well as the lagoon portion by December 2023. Because that deadline was not met, developers and city ocials are now back at the drawing board to re-evaluate the project. Leander Springs project stalled

2243

Leander Springs

The original proposal for Leander Springs included a 4-acre, man-made lagoon and other retail and entertainment components.

183

183A TOLL

RENDERING COURTESY ILAND DEVELOPMENT GROUP

A closer look

Another detail

The city of Leander is allowing the developers to submit an amended proposal to continue with the project. As of Feb. 22, such proposal has yet to go before council. “We can’t do anything until they le some kind of update,” Leander Mayor Christine DeLisle said. DeLisle said she’s not sure the same project that came before council in 2020 would be approved again today. “We are a dierent city than we were the rst time they came around ... council priorities, city priorities have changed,” she said.

The developers, however, are still invested in the project. Andrey Derevianko—CEO of iLand Develop- ment Group, the company behind Leander Springs— said the reason the initial development deadline was not met was primarily due to permitting delays during the height of the pandemic. “Ultimately, we couldn’t start construction because we didn’t have permits,” he said. “That’s the bottom line.” In a statement provided by the city, DeLisle said, “city sta completed each of the developer’s reviews in a timely manner.”

From the beginning, Leander leaders have been concerned about the crystal lagoon’s water usage. DeLisle said the city’s vigilance has increased over the years, and the initial decisions regarding the project were done at a time when ocials didn’t realize “that water was so precious.” The lagoon’s primary water source was and still is a private well, Derevianko said. He said the well is already installed on the site and has been readied for use.

The takeaway

The project is not necessarily ‘over,’ but we are just at a crossroads right now. We’ll see what, if anything, the Leander Springs team is able to bring back to the city.” CHRISTINE DELISLE, LEANDER MAYOR

“Leander is where we want to be. There’s been so much invested here, [and] we want to continue.” JOHN WEST, ILAND DEVELOPMENT GROUP CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

Discussions and meetings between the Leander Springs developers and the city are ongoing, ocials said. Derevianko said there is no specic timeline for construction because it is contingent on the permitting process. As far as the amended proposal, he said it depends on how fast developers and the city can reach an agreement.

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CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Transportation

BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON

City OKs design for Bell District path Cedar Park City Council cleared a $360,000 contract for the design of the Bell District shared-use path, or SUP, project Feb. 22. About the project The Bell District shared-use path—intended for pedestrians and bicyclists—would provide a connection from the existing path on the west side of Bell Boulevard to the one on the east side of the 183A Toll, Capital Projects Manager Chris Brickey said during the Feb. 22 City Council meeting. Stretching 4,000 linear feet, the new path will link the Bell District to the 183A Toll SUP, which connects to the Brushy Creek Regional Trail. The new path will also include a pedes- trian crossing at the Capital Metro railroad. The project’s construction timeline was not available as of press time.

Roads close for New Hope Drive project

Design work for Hero Way reconstruction nears completion Detailed design work on the Hero Way road improvements project in Leander is now sched- uled to wrap up this summer after initially being planned for completion by the end of 2023. What’s happening? Williamson County officials said they are con- tinuing to work on various parts of the planning process such as acquiring the necessary right-of- way and adjusting utilities. Officials said the planning and design process is taking “more time than anticipated,” with no specific reason for the delay. In case you missed it Once fully built out, the $68 million project on Hero Way and RM 2243 will include two main

Phase 1

New bridge

Extension

Road closure

1431

183A TOLL

ANDERSON MILL RD.

GAREY PARK RD.

183A TOLL

CYPRESS CREEK RD.

183

As part of the New Hope Drive extension project, Krienke Ranch Road and parts of CR 272 in Cedar Park will be closed until April 30 to support the construction of a bridge over Brushy Creek. The New Hope Drive extension will go across the new bridge, which ties into the existing Krienke Ranch Road, said Mike Huber, Cedar Park’s Engi- neering Services Manager. The closure of Krienke Ranch Road is to ensure the safety of drivers while construction takes place. Huber said the New Hope Drive extension project is roughly 80% completed, and the new roadway is expected to open up to drivers this summer. The details East New Hope Drive in Cedar Park is being extended roughly 2.15 miles between Ronald Reagan Boulevard and Sam Bass Road. Once construction is complete, the new road

183

TORO GRANDE BLVD.

272

2243

RONALD REAGAN BLVD.

KRIENKE RANCH RD.

Construction wraps up on Anderson Mill Construction on Phase 2 of Cedar Park’s Anderson Mill Road widening project concluded in February. The gist Costing $12.8 million, the project involves widening the remaining two-lane sections to four lanes between Cypress Creek Road and Whitestone Boulevard. In addition to repaving and striping, work included a new sidewalk and signal modifications.

E. NEW HOPE DR.

BRUSHY CREEK

lanes going each direction that will have direct connections to the 183A Toll, Ronald Reagan Boulevard and the Southwest Bypass, according to county documents. Additionally, the road will include two three-lane frontage roads with access ramps on either side of the main lanes. Phase 1 includes construction of a single front- age road from the 183A Toll to Garey Park, which will serve two-way traffic until the other frontage road is built in a future phase, as well as a realign- ment of Hero Way to connect with RM 2243. Phase 1 is expected to begin this fall and take until summer 2026.

will be a divided four-lane roadway with raised medians, traffic signals, LED streetlights, bike lanes, sidewalks and stormwater controls. Huber said crews are also working on a connec- tion that will tie the end of Toro Grande Boulevard into the New Hope Drive extension. Crews first began working on the roughly $30 million project in October 2022. “You get two great things coming out of a project like this. You get increased ability to move traffic ... and you also have the economic development com- ponent, which is also very exciting,” Huber said.

HYMEADOW 12611 Hymeadow (512) 506-8401

NORTH 620 10601 N FM 620 (512) 506-8316

CEDAR PARK 13530 Ronald Reagan Blvd (512) 986-7681

ARBORETUM 10515 N Mopac Expressway (512) 342-6893

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