Round Rock Edition | June 2024

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Round Rock Edition VOLUME 19, ISSUE 10 JUNE 8JULY 5, 2024

2024 Health Care Edition

Round Rock resident Paula Rojas, who celebrated a year being cancer-free in March, discusses her diagnosis with her son, Giancarlo.

GRANT CRAWFORDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Younger adults confronting colorectal cancer surge

In April 2022, she was ocially diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer at age 43. More people under 50 are experiencing Rojas’ situation, as doctors have noticed a rise in colorectal cancer diagnoses in the demographic.

colonoscopy. Previously, doctors told her the dis- comfort could be a result of pancreatitis or irritable bowel syndrome. “They expressed to me that I was too young; I was too active,” Rojas said. “I knew it was more than that.”

BY GRANT CRAWFORD

From the time she woke up with abdominal pain in 2020, it took Round Rock resident Paula Rojas nearly two years to be diagnosed with colon cancer. After she visited an emergency room to see about her pain, it took roughly four months to receive a

CONTINUED ON 44

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The 7 Most Common Plumbing Problems & What To Do About Them Below are seven of the most common plumbing problems — along with tips on how to fix them:

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1. Leaky Pipes The Environmental Protection Agency found that leaks account for 10,000 gallons of wasted water every year, in every home. If you have trouble detecting a water leak, it’s best to enlist the services of a trained plumber from Honest Plumbing & Air who can conduct a thorough leak inspection and offer professional recommendations. 2. Drain Clogs Most bathroom clogs occur when dirt, skin flakes, and hair bind to the walls of the draining tubs, resulting in reduced water flow. Additionally, you can also use a hair catcher to prevent loose strands from pilling up inside your drain pipe. In kitchens, food waste is a major culprit. Because some of these items are hard, it becomes difficult for water to flow past the blockage and

If you have a problem, first check to see if the pilot light on your water heater is on. Keeping up with annual maintenance drains your water tank and flushes out amineral deposits which can extend the life of your unit. 6. Water Quality Issues The key is to filter out dangerous contaminants (such as pesticides, animal waste, and industrial chemicals) while taking preventative measures to purify your household water. Our Whole-House Water Softeners can generate safe, great-tasting water while reducing buildup in your pipes. 7. Low Water Pressure The cause of low water pressure is difficult to pinpoint. It could be debris piling up in your pipes, corrosion on your interior pipe walls, or perhaps a broken pressure regulator. Our plumbing pros can help you determine the cause of the low pressure and find the best solution. Call 512-253-2771 to schedule your appointment with the team at Honest Plumbing & Air.

A blockage can even happen when small roots of trees make their way into the sewer’s pipe joints, causing excessive blockage over time. Managing sewer system backups is essential to allow your home’s wastewater to flow freely through the line while minimizing property damage. 4. Running Toilets A running toilet can leak a whopping one gallon of water per hour! The problem could be a faulty flapper valve which controls the water passing from the tank to the bowl. If this is the culprit, a visit to the hardware store for a toilet repair kit should do the trick. Check the thin flexible tube inside the tank to see if it’s still attached to the overflow tube. You should also adjust your float, so your fill valve shuts off properly. If these strategies don’t work, give us a call! 5. Water Heater Issues Signs of a declining water heater

down the pipes. Addressing drain clogs and stick stoppages ahead of time will help you avoid unexpected hiccups and extravagant repair costs. 3. Sewer Stoppage Statistics show that 400,000 sanitary sewer overflows occur annually in the United States. If your sewer line is significantly older, you are at a greater risk for problems. A blockage can occur in a city sanitary main, affecting nearby homes and businesses via floor drains.

include not having enough hot water, discolored water, and noises coming from your system.

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Impacts

locations across the U.S. This is the seventh location to open in Round Rock. • Opened in mid-April • 2391 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Round Rock • www.quiktrip.com

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A.W. GRIMES BLVD.

Coming soon

UNIVERSITY OAKS BLVD.

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5 Home Kitchen The new breakfast and brunch restaurant is expected to open in Round Rock this summer. It is locally owned by Daniel Melgar. • Opening summer 2024 • 2471 A.W. Grimes Blvd., Bldg. 110, Round Rock 6 Life Changing Lending The company will open its first physical location in downtown Round Rock. The business, owned by Ryan Jones and Clint McKinney, offers land, new construction, commercial, fix and flip, and traditional home loans. • Opening this summer

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620

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• 209 N. Sheppard St., Round Rock • www.lifechanginglending.com

LOUIS HENNA BLVD.

MOPAC

7 Texas MedClinic The urgent care center offers minor surgical procedures, X-rays, lab tests, sports rehabilitation and physical examinations.

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• Opening in early 2025 • 16191 RM 620, Austin • www.texasmedclinic.com

Round Rock

in or book appointments online. • Opened April 8 • 2980 Joe DiMaggio Blvd., Round Rock • www.knockoutshair.com

Now open

In the news

1 Estrella Insurance The company offers auto, home, renters, commercial, business, life and health insurance. • Opened May 1 • 1700 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Ste. 400, Round Rock • https://agents.estrellainsurance.com 2 Knockouts Haircuts & Grooming The sports-themed, full-service salon offers haircuts, coloring, waxing, massages and more. Customers walk

3 Ramen Tatsu-ya The Austin-based restaurant offers authentic Japanese ramen with multiple choices for specialized dishes, including options for vegans. • Opened June 2 • 2132 N. Mays St., Ste. 960, Round Rock • www.ramen-tatsuya.com 4 QuikTrip The Oklahoma-based gas station chain has over 950

8 Einstein Bros. Bagels The bagel chain is slated to open in the Round Rock Crossing shopping center, per a project registration with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. • 121 Louis Henna Blvd., Ste. 105, Round Rock • www.einsteinbros.com 9 Homewood Suites by Hilton The extended-stay hotel will include an on-site pool

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Coming soon

In the news

10 Firehouse Subs The sandwich shop offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, chips, cookies and beverages for customers to choose from. • Opening this fall • 2800 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock • www.firehousesubs.com

13 Wingstop The Wingstop at 150 Sundance Parkway, Ste. 400, in the La Frontera Village closed in mid-April. However, a new location is in the works. The restaurant offers chicken wings, sandwiches and tenders, and patrons will also find a variety of fries, Cajun fried corn and veggie sticks. • Opening this summer • 3107 N. I-35, Ste. 755, Round Rock • www.wingstop.com

15 Crunch Fitness A second location of the gym is expected to open later this year, per project information from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The no-judgment gym offers workout equipment, classes and personal training to its members. • Opening in late 2024 • 201 University Oaks Blvd., Ste. 1100, Round Rock • www.crunch.com

and parking, per Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation project information. • 285 Bass Pro Drive, Round Rock • www.hilton.com/en/brands/homewood-suites 11 Skechers A new location of the shoe store is coming to La Frontera Village, per project information from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. It will be located in a tenant space formerly home to Coast Spas. • 2701 Parker Drive, Ste. 800, Round Rock • www.skechers.com 12 Reece Plumbing Morrison Supply Company, which has multiple locations throughout the Austin metro, was officially renamed to

Reece Plumbing May 6. The company provides supplies for plumbing, HVAC, refrigeration and waterworks. • 2015 N. Mays St., Round Rock • https://morrisonsupply.reece.com 14 Dell Technologies The computer, monitor and technology services company marked 40 years of operation in Round Rock in early May. First known as PC’s Limited, the company was founded May 3, 1984, by Michael Dell in his dorm room at The University of Texas at Austin. • 1 Dell Way, Round Rock • www.dell.com

approximately 1,000 employees, according to a May 13 announcement. The layoffs will mostly affect U.S. employees across different regions, but a company representative declined to comment on how Austin offices would be affected. • www.indeed.com

Closings

16 Rue21 Officials with teen clothing retailer Rue21 recently filed for bankruptcy and announced plans to close all of its stores in May. • Closed May 28 • 4401 N. I-35 Ste. 301, Round Rock • www.rue21.com

Indeed The Austin-based job search company will lay off

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Impacts

A.W. GRIMES BLVD.

RED BUD LN.

45 TOLL

Coming soon

45 TOLL

GREENLAWN BLVD.

1 Burnett’s Food for the Soul A new soul food restaurant will bring the “northern taste to the south,” owner Darius Burnett—originally from Chicago—said. The restaurant will feature fried chicken and fish options along with other comfort foods such as macaroni and cheese and rice. • Opening this summer • 428 Grand Avenue Parkway, Pflugerville • 512-502-5113 2 Thrive Medical Clinic The clinic provides primary care services with a board-certified physician, including comprehensive, preventative, diagnostic and disease management care. • Opening June 3 • 1317 Picadilly Drive, Unit C-302, Pflugerville • www.thrivepcp.com

Taylor

PICADILLY DR.

973

STONE HILL DR.

685

Pflugerville

130 TOLL

5 6

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Pflugerville

now operating in Pflugerville, serving the communities of East Austin, Pflugerville, Hutto, Taylor and Manor. The company specializes in window cleaning, window film, gutter cleaning and pressure washing services. • Opened May 16 • www.windowgenie.com/east-austin-pflugerville

Relocations

3 Cardiovascular Specialists of Texas The Cardiovascular Specialists of Texas office in Pflugerville, where Dr. Jerry Gilbert practices, has relocated to another space in the Stone Hill Town Center.

Now open

Window Genie The professional window and gutter cleaning service is

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• Relocated early May • 1512 Stone Hill Drive, Ste. 100, Pflugerville • www.cstheart.com

Expansions

Relocations

In the news

4 University of Texas at Austin-Taylor Center The University of Texas will develop its newest campus in Taylor after it was given 68 acres of land by a local nonprofit dedicated to higher education—Temple College at Taylor Foundation. • Near the intersection of FM 973 and Hwy. 79 • www.utexas.edu

Closings

6 Ceramics N More Adding 2,000 square feet to its existing space, the company will have open studio access for artists of all ages for clay sculpting, pottery making and other forms of artistic expression. The business, owned by Willie Jackson for 18 years, will also provide additional classes and have an event space for workshops.

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5 Ruffles & Rust Owners of Ruffles & Rust announced the closure of their Pflugerville boutique. The store was owned and operated by long-time Pflugerville residents Diane Anderson, Jill Marsh and Terri Gebbia. • Closing June 29 • 101 W. Pecan St., Ste. A, Pflugerville • www.rufflesandrusttexas.com

• Expected completion mid-July • 101 W. Pecan St., Pflugerville • www.cnmpottery.com

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Impacts

Hutto

3 Cheeky Wax Studio Led by Mindy Eakins and Heather O’Leary, the studio offers a variety of hair removal services, including face and body waxing. Appointments may be booked online. • Opened June 1 • 104A Taylor St., Hutto • https://cheekywaxstudio.glossgenius.com

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LIMMER LOOP

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119

1 BBK Ceramics The small-batch ceramic shop, owned by Beth Kelleher, offers pottery wheel classes for beginner and intermediate artists. Students can also learn how to hand-build ceramics, such as mugs, pitchers, garden sculptures and other creations. • Opened in early May • 3333 CR 119, Ste. 26, Hutto • www.bbkceramics.com 2 Afuga Coffee Owned by Roee and Alin Erenshteyn, the shop offers espresso-based coffee drinks using an organic blend from Peru, Guatemala and Brazil. The menu includes cortados, lattes, cappuccinos, iced coffee, matcha, teas and a variety of pastries. The coffee shop also offers vegan and gluten-free food options. The shop is located in the former location of Dwell Coffee House. • Opened April 15 • 2100 Muirfield Bend Drive, Ste. 125, Hutto • www.afugacoffee.com

TAYLOR ST.

ED SCHMIDT BLVD.

EAST ST.

Hutto

Coming soon

110

4 McAlister’s Deli The restaurant serves a variety of hot and cold sandwiches, including clubs, chicken salad, Cubans, French dips, Reubens and more. Customers will also find

salads, soups and spuds. • Opening this summer • 110 Chris Kelley Blvd., Hutto • www.mcalistersdeli.com

130 TOLL

1660

EXCHANGE BLVD.

5 Gracie Barra Hutto The Brazilian jiujitsu studio is under construction in Hutto. The school offers high-level Brazilian jiujitsu instruction for both kids and adults of all experiences. In addition to martial arts, instructors help students practice discipline, time management and

MUIRFIELD BEND DR.

137

138

accountability. • Opening TBD

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• 571 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Ste. 110, Hutto • www.gbhuttobjj.com

Now open

6 Hutto Station The apartment and townhome community will have a variety of one-, two- and three-bedroom homes to choose from. The complex will feature a resort-style pool, fitness center, yoga room and private work rooms. Every unit will also be equipped with smart locks and Google Nest thermostats. • Opening this summer • 551 Exchange Blvd., Hutto • www.huttostation.com

In the news

8 Cumberland Road Art Studio Owned by Sylvia Helfond, the walk-in studio provides a space for both adults and children to create arts and crafts. For a $10 entry fee, patrons can use the studio’s various supplies, such as paints, inks, markers, cardstock, tools, beads and other materials. The studio also offers crafting classes, teaching attendees to embroider, block print and make candles. • Opened April 13

9 Chopsticks The menu at Chopsticks includes small bites, such as gua bao buns, chili jam chicken wings and bulgogi fries. Patrons will also find Vietnamese noodle soup, pork spareribs and firecracker shrimp, among a variety of other dishes. The business is located in the former space of Now, Dats Boba, which closed in mid-April. • Opened May 22 • 525 Chris Kelley Blvd., Ste. 500, Hutto • www.facebook.com/chopsticksatx

7 Hutto Flower Market & Boutique The flower shop, owned by Misty and Shawn Faglie, closed its storefront in downtown Hutto May 28 to transition the business to a private studio. The florist will continue to offer flower arrangements for all occasions, which may be ordered online or over the phone, and customers can set up in-person appointments. The shop also plans to offer more flower

arrangement design classes. • 117 East St., Ste. 100, Hutto • www.huttoflowermarket.com

• 3333 CR 119, Ste. 133, Hutto • www.cumberlandroadart.com

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ROUND ROCK EDITION

Government

Round Rock council approves library fees for nonresidents Round Rock City Council approved an ordinance May 9 to charge nonresidents an annual membership fee to use the full services of the Round Rock Public Library, effective

Despite rain, wildfires expected this summer Though recent rainfall is tracking above last year’s totals for this time of year, the threat of wildfire remains a concern for officials as summer approaches. A spokesperson for Texas A&M Forest Service, Kari Hines, said this year’s wildfire outlook is predicted to be normal, meaning the area is expected to see wildfires this year. What we know Central Texas has seen 34% more rain so far this year than during the same time in 2023, per National Weather Service data. However, with rain comes vegetation growth, ultimately becoming a “conduit for fire” in the dry months, said Clay Shell, Williamson County assistant fire chief. As of press time, no fires have been reported in Central Texas in 2024.

Library fees

Membership length

Tier

Cost Access

Full access to all library resources Limited access to library resources and privileges Full access to all library resources

Tier 1: resident

Two years

Tier 2: nonresident

One year

$120 per card

Tier 3: nonresident

One year

immediately. The overview

SOURCE: CITY OF ROUND ROCK/COMMUNITY IMPACT

The city of Round Rock removed nonresident fees in 2015, a unique decision for a library in the region, according to city officials. However, the library has seen a steady increase in nonresident patrons, according to city documents. Nearly half of the library’s visitors do not reside within the city limits of Round Rock, Senior Library Manager Geeta Halley said. The fees are an effort by the city to “strike a balance between cost and accessibility, ensuring

services remain affordable” for members of the community, city documents state. Halley said the fees will be used to help fund digital resources. “The focus needs to be on our residents,” Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan said. “The demands are getting higher. ... but at the same time it’s our citizens paying for it, not our nonresidents.”

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BY HALEY MCLEOD & HANNAH NORTON

1.7M households lose subsidy for internet costs Over 1.7 million Texas households could lose access to affordable, high-speed internet this month as a federal subsidy that helps low-income Americans pay for broadband services comes to an end. The Affordable Connectivity Program provided a $30 monthly discount on internet service for eligible low-income households, and a $75 monthly discount for households on tribal lands. The $14.2 billion program, which launched in 2021 as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, helps 23 million American households save money on their internet bills. The program expired at the end of April after Congress did not pass legislation extending funding. Why it matters Almost three-quarters of ACP enrollees said

Round Rock Sports Center goes cashless Round Rock City Council approved an agreement May 9 with Amazon.com Services for Just Walk Out software and equipment, allowing visitors to the Round Rock Sports Center to skip the checkout line. The details With the new system, individuals will enter the complex and scan a payment method. When the individual wishes to pur- chase something from concessions, cameras and sensors are used to identify the shopper, items in hand and charge their card. All major card vendors are accepted as well as Apple pay and Apple wallets. Though the complex will be predominantly cashless, the Round Rock Sports Center will still offer a limited option concession stand for those with cash.

The FCC survey found:

77% of respondents said they would have to change their internet plan or drop internet service entirely when their benefits expired

SOURCE: FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION/COMMUNITY IMPACT

they used the internet to schedule or attend health care appointments and 48% said they used it to complete work or apply for jobs, according to a December survey conducted by the Federal Communications Commission. Broadband advocates also highlight that “vulnerable populations” will be particularly impacted by the termination of the program. More than 10 million Americans over the age of 50 are enrolled in the ACP, and nearly half of ACP households are military families, the White House reported.

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Government

BY HALEY MCLEOD

Dell signs century-long agreement with the city of Round Rock

Round Rock City Council approved April 25 an amendment to a 1993 economic development agreement with Dell Inc., extending the original contract from 60 years to 106 years. “This has been a great relationship and, quite honestly, it changed the trajectory of Round Rock,” Place 2 City Council member Rene Flores said. The agreement between Dell and Round Rock represents the rst Chapter 380 economic devel- opment agreement within the state of Texas, resulting in the tech company locating its global headquarters in Round Rock in 1994. “The 1993 agreement established the terms that kickstarted the sustainable growth of Round Rock. ... The terms of the original agreement solidied what is now a statewide philosophy of perfor- mance-based economic development programs,” Assistant City Manager Brooks Bennett said. The impact Largely expanding the city’s property tax base, the initial agreement has resulted in the comple- tion of a list of major infrastructure projects for the city, which have individually cost millions of dollars. The sales generated by Dell also contribute to the city’s general fund revenue, allowing Round Rock to oset residential property taxes with sales tax income, city ocials stated in a news release. Having the company’s global headquarters located within the city has generated an estimated 3.5 million jobs, according to city ocials. Over the life of the agreement, the city has seen more than $429 million in sales tax revenues. The sales tax component of the agreement “is so impactful on city operations,” it has prompted

Round Rock City Council and Dell Technologies Senior Vice President Mark Pringle, third from left, celebrated an extension of an economic development agreement April 25. (Courtesy city of Round Rock)

Capital improvement projects funded through Dell property tax to date:

• Expansion of water plant • New wastewater treatment plant • Major road projects • Development of 570 acres into Old Settlers Park

SOURCE: CITY OF ROUND ROCKCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Round Rock to enact a policy to reduce the dependence on a single taxpayer, according to a statement from city ocials. Any net sales tax revenue received from Dell over 15% of the revenue funneled to the city’s general fund is then directed to a separate fund—the general self-nance construction fund—that is used for one-time capital improvement expenditures. The details The amendment approved by City Council extends the termination date of the contract from December 2053 to December 2099. The terms of the Chapter 380 agreement remains unchanged.

Under a Chapter 380 agreement, a company and taxing entity negotiate a contract to provide tax incentives for the company in return for devel- opment or redevelopment, generating additional sales tax revenue or enhancing the city’s property tax base, according to Round Rock’s economic development transparency website. These programs often provide payments, or grants, from the city to the company that repre- sent property tax and sales tax abatements. Dell receives a 50% share from the property taxes it pays and retains 31.25% of the portion of sales tax it generates from the city of Round Rock, according to city documents.

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Education

Balanced budget projected after district identifies $30M in cuts Round Rock ISD has identified an additional $20 million in cuts to its proposed budget for the 2024- 25 school year, on top of a previous $10 million identified in April, a May budget update from the district shows. The total $30 million in expenditures would put the proposed $466 million budget in a position more favorable to district goals, administrators say, and lend to a balanced budget. What you need to know In April, RRISD Chief Financial Officer Dennis Covington shared that the district was projecting a $30 million shortfall due to increases in costs on multiple fronts including special education services, fuel and school safety. In recent budget updates, Covington shared that

Renovations coming to ACC Round Rock Austin Community College’s Round Rock campus is set to undergo about $3.5 million in renovations to improve student services later this year. About the program Sydney Pruitt, ACC’s senior media rela- tions coordinator, said the renovations—to be finished by 2025—will create two outlets for student programs in a central location: • Student Welcome Center: a place to explore programs, receive one-on-one guidance and learn about free support services. • Student Care Center: an access point for supportive services such as access to food, housing, and legal aid.

Proposed cuts A proposed budget for the 2024-25 school year includes the following reductions in cost:

52 unfilled or reassigned positions

Increased class sizes by about two students at every school level

Reduced maintenance and operations budgets

SOURCE: ROUND ROCK ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

his department was working to find additional efficiencies to reduce the district’s shortfall and reliance on its fund balance to make up the difference. What’s next? Trustees are expected to vote on a final proposal as required by the Texas Education Agency by June 30.

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Stony Point cafeteria price set at $3.4M Trustees voted May 16 to set a maximum price for the renovation of Stony Point High School’s cafeteria at just under $3.4 million. How we got here The cafeteria expansion is a project included in the 2018 bond, and will include the partial enclosing of a courtyard. While the project initially called for 100 more seats and a cost of around $707,000, district staff told trustees in September that the project was incorrectly scoped and stu- dent population growth required additional seating and higher costs. What’s next? Both the design and permitting process, and construction are expected to take nine months each.

RRISD bullying, foreign exchange student policies updated Round Rock ISD trustees approved two policy changes May 15—one to change foreign exchange student admissions and one modifying the district’s bullying rules. What you need to know More international students will be able to attend RRISD schools, as the cap on the number of foreign exchange students allowed was removed. The program was previously made available on a first-come first-served basis. What else? Place 6 Trustee Tiffanie Harrison said she requested the policy change on identity-based bullying after legislation to implement such polices statewide fell short in 2023.

Revisions to the district’s bullying policy include: The addition of identity-based bullying Clarification of how many students may contribute to a bullying incident The addition of acts including physical contact and intimidation using gestures, words and slurs A section committing the district to new bullying prevention and response The addition of supportive measures for students impacted by bullying Additional notices to guardians of bullying incidents and district action Revisions to the foreign exchange policy include: Removal of the five-student cap for foreign exchange enrollment Clarification of the enrollment timeline for applicants

SOURCE: ROUND ROCK ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Transportation

BY HALEY MCLEOD

Growth along CR 118 in Round Rock spurs road improvements Round Rock City Council approved a con- tract with Westwood Professional Services Inc. on April 25 for close to $1 million for the design of road improvements along CR 118. In a nutshell The road construction will span from Uni- versity Boulevard to SH 130, resulting in a four-lane, divided roadway. However, there will be a temporary three-lane expansion in the interim, Director of Transportation Gary Hudder said. According to city documents, the expan- sion is geared to support anticipated trac volume, as this area was recently annexed into the city, and several commercial and multifamily developments were approved by City Council in recent years. Design work is expected to be complete by late summer 2025, at which time the city can bid out the project for construction.

Extension details The reason: to reduce the increased freight trac seen along Hwy. 79 Timeline: Completion by end of 2028

Taylor

101

3349

973

SAMSUNG HWY.

Sections of Samsung Highway in Williamson County are under construction.

GRANT CRAWFORDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Samsung Highway expansion to reduce Hwy. 79 trac

Jobs Connector project—will improve mobility for the high-tech production facilities going up in the area, such as the Samsung Austin Semi- conductors plant in Taylor and the new facilities planned for the Megasite in Hutto, Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell wrote in a letter sup- porting the county’s application for the grant. The new route will also reduce the increased freight trac seen along Hwy. 79, according to county ocials. The grant and county funding will be used for construction costs, with work expected to begin by spring 2027 and be completed by the end of 2028, according to county documents. What they’re saying “The investment is vital to the economy of Central Texas and aims to provide safe and reliable roadways in an area of rapid population and economic growth,” Gravell said.

An application for federal transportation funding was approved by Williamson County commissioners on April 30. With the grant, the county will be able to move forward on an extension of the Samsung High- way from FM 973 to SH 95. Explained The U.S. Department of Transportation announced $5 billion in funding was available for scal year 2025-26 in March, according to a news release, with project applications needing to be submitted by May 6. The grant program is known as the Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant. The county is requesting a $40 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation with a $10 million match. The county’s portion of the funding will be coming from the 2023 voter-ap- proved road bond. The project—referred to as the CHIPS Act Loop

130 TOLL

100

118

TxDOT agreement creates funding for Heritage Trail

Heritage Trail

The Lawn at Brushy Creek

to city documents. A new pedestrian bridge over Brushy Creek at Mays Street will also be added. This segment of the Heritage Trail marks a pre- liminary step towards the city’s plans for a 20-acre park called the Lawn at Brushy Creek. The Parks and Recreation Department was awarded a $6.3 million grant from TxDOT for the Heritage Trail East Project back in October, accord- ing to city documents. The city will also contribute $1.6 million to the project.

Round Rock City Council approved an advanced funding agreement April 25 with the Texas Department of Transportation to begin work on the next portion of the Heritage Trail, stretching along Brushy Creek near downtown. The details Plans for the shared-use path span from North Georgetown Street to Mays Street, running parallel to Hwy. 79 and connecting to the existing trail along east of downtown Round Rock, according

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Real estate

Tonkawa Springs, 78681 The Tonkawa Springs neighborhood is situated on the west side of I-35 in Round Rock, along Sam Bass Road. The community is made up of 141 single-family homes and features a variety of ponds accessible for property owners and their guests.

• Average Square footage: 2,681 • Homes on market as of May 28: 1 • School district: Round Rock ISD • Amenities: tennis and pickleball courts

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Real estate

More homes sold and more were placed on the market this April than in April of last year in the Round Rock area. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

April 2023

April 2024

+18.4%

+16.2%

+12.8%

+10%

78664

78665

78681

78717

130 TOLL

78665

78681

Median home sales price

183 TOLL

78664

620

April

2023

2024

45 TOLL

78717

$369,200

$367,750

78664

MOPAC

$434,356

$402,500

78665

$567,500

$559,000

78681

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

$585,000

$577,500

78717

Market breakdown

Average days on the market

April 2023

April 2024

+12%

-33.3%

-40.9%

-55.9%

April

2023

2024

254 423

New listings

193

207

Closed sales

78664

78665

78681

78717

Homes under contract

212

276

Homes sold by price point in April

Months of inventory

2.2

2.5

78664

78665

78681

78717

5 6

$900,000+

$700,000-$899,999

Price per square foot

$215

$221

23 19

$500,000-$699,999

$300,000-$499,999

Active listings

401

935

<$299,999

Development

Round Rock ISD breaks ground on ECHS Round Rock ISD broke ground on the first phase of its Early College High School cam- pus May 15, marking one of the first steps to providing a campus for a school housed entirely in portable buildings. The context Per the agreement between RRISD and Austin Community College, the district will lease the property from ACC for 50 years, with a price tag of $6 million to be paid over a 20-year period at a 4% annual interest rate, RRISD’s Chief Financial Officer Dennis Covington said. Officials said construction on this first phase of the campus is expected to last about 16 months, potentially ready to open by the start of the 2027-28 school year.

Affordable housing development in the works in Round Rock Round Rock City Council approved May 9 the annexation of property near CR 118 and SH 130, where a new affordable housing complex is under

118

130

CARMEL CREEKSIDE DR.

construction. The overview

said in a news release. This project was designed to accommodate households earning 30%-60% of the area’s median income, according to the release. Also of note Amenities include a clubroom, an indoor play zone, a shaded outdoor playground and a pool, according to the news release. Plans for the prop- erty also include a solar carport that will offset 90%-100% of the communal space’s energy usage.

In line with a prior agreement made with the developer—LSBD Round Rock 118, LLC—in 2022, City Council approved the annexation, municipal service agreement and zoning amendment for the 11.32-acre development to be known as The Preserve at Mustang Creek. The complex will house 252 units. “This remarkable $88 million project is set to redefine affordable living in Round Rock,” repre- sentatives of Cadence McShane Construction, the general contractor for the housing development,

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