South Central Austin Edition | April 2023

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SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 13 MAY 2MAY 30, 2023

Rail plans up in air, state could force new vote

After costs for Project Connect ballooned to more than $10 billion, ocials scaled back the light rail plans. Five new options are now being considered. Rail reduced

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Included in all options

North Lamar Transit Center

Potential future extension Included in some options

More than a dozen new or coming-soon restaurants

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

As Project Connect planners con- sider scaled back light rail designs due to spiking cost estimates, state legislators are considering a bill that could put the plan back on the ballot. Project Connect, originally esti- mated to cost $7.1 billion, was approved by voters in Novem- ber 2020 with a property tax rate increase of $0.0875 to fund the proj- ect. Early plans included 28 miles of light rail that would go to Aus- tin-Bergstrom International Airport, move through a downtown subway and cross Lady Bird Lake on two ele- vated bridges. The options in consideration this spring are less than half the scale of the original 28-mile vision, and include the tunnel or the airport con- nection or neither. The rest of Project Connect, which includes a rapid bus system and commuter rail, is also delayed, according to ocials. During an open house March 29, ocials with the Austin Transit

Landmarks

The University of Texas at Austin

Texas Capitol

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360 two over Lady Bird Lake were in the original plan. The new proposals only have one. BRIDGES A only included in one option, and in a di e r e nt c o n guratio n. SUBWAY B connection only included in one of the ve options. AIRPORT C

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Hot Luck Fest returns and other local events

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AISD faces state oversight for special education

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Education

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SOURCE: PROJECT CONNECT COMMUNITY IMPACT

State troopers patrol Austin

CONTINUED ON 24

Travis County takes rst steps on jail alternative

Travis County's diversion center—which could open as early as 2025—will redirect individuals with mental illness who are accused of a nonviolent crime to mental health resources. A PATH FOR MENTAL HEALTH

Public safety

BY KATY MCAFEE

serving jail time was not deterring shoplifters as many of them seemed to be experiencing home- lessness, mental illness or a substance use disorder. “What we have seen in some of our stores [are] these repeat oenders,” Staley said. “They’ll get

Pull the newest teaser from CC Libraries

Craig Staley knows rst- hand what the impact of the mental health crisis is like in Austin. Over the past couple years, Staley’s Royal Blue Grocery stores in down- town Austin have become a target for shoplifting and break-ins. Staley noticed

annually to operate $5M Up to

$30M estimated cost to build

60136 people eligible for diversion a month

SOURCES: THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS DELL MEDICAL SCHOOL, TRAVIS COUNTYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

CONTINUED ON 26

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THIS ISSUE

MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Deeda Lovett EDITOR Darcy Sprague REPORTERS Amanda Cutshall, Katy McAfee, Ben Thompson GRAPHIC DESIGNER Joseph Veloz ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Gail Watson METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Travis Baker MANAGING EDITOR Amy Denney COPY EDITOR Kasey Salisbury SENIOR ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Haley Grace CONTACT US 16225 Impact Way, Ste. 1, Pflugerville, TX 78660 • 512-989-6808 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES ctanews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING ctaads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter SUPPORT US Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today. We have expanded to include hundreds of team members and have created our own software platform and printing facility. CI delivers 35+ localized editions across Texas to more than 2.5 million residential mailboxes.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH

FROM DEEDA: Why is it that when we have trouble falling asleep, we toss and turn all night, but without fail we will be getting the best sleep of our lives when our alarms go off in the morning? One of the ways I wake up my brain is by grabbing my phone and reading our email newsletters. I catch up on local news and start my day. It might just help you too. Subscribe at communityimpact.com/newsletter, and let me know! Deeda Lovett, GENERAL MANAGER

FROM DARCY: At a presentation on the new, scaled-back light rail options that are part of Project Connect, a presenter said one option was tailored to the “airport or bust” people, while another was for those in the “subway or bust” camp. In this issue, we laid out the five plans (see Page 24). Are you all in favor of one option? Or would you like to mix and match? Later this spring, we will see what transportation planners think. Darcy Sprague, EDITOR

"Our story is just beginning. " - JOHN GARRETT, COMMUNITY IMPACT CEO & FOUNDER, AS QUOTED BY TEXAS MONTHLY

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Check out Texas Monthly’s profile on Community Impact, featuring the story of our founders as well as a look at our business model, commitment to local journalism and future plans for CI Texas.

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IMPACTS

Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding

COMPILED BY KATY MCAFEE

NORTH AUSTIN

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Rosé Gosé

Tiny Grocer

COURTESY ROSÉ GOSÉ

COURTESY TINY GROCER

Chameleon Cos.—oers modern Chinese food, including twice-cooked pork belly, Hunan-style beef and Sichuan-braised eggplant. Wu Chow will also serve a Sun- day dim sum menu with soup dumplings, shrimp Shumai, cold sesame noodles and other items. www.wuchowaustin.com 4 A new independent bookstore called First Light Books is slated to open in Hyde Park in July. The bookstore—owned by locals Robin and Taylor Bruce—will have a selection of books to purchase and a cafe serving beer, wine, coee and light bites. First Light Books will be located at 4300 Speedway, Ste. A, Austin, in a former post oce building. www.rstlightaustin.com EXPANSIONS 5 Helping Hand Home for Children opened its expanded campus in March. The nonprot, which provides residential child care, opened the 25,000-square- foot campus in the Hyde Park neigh- borhood across the street from the main facility at 3804 Avenue B, Austin. The expansion includes 17 additional beds in eight new homes and expands its capacity by 41%. 512-459-3353.

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RENDERING COURTESY AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

six locations throughout Austin and Round Rock, including an oce at 5531 Burnet Road, Austin. 512-334-9894. www.forestfamily.com 7 Baby boutique Bright Beginnings will celebrate 40 years in business in May. The family-owned store sells a curated selection of clothes, accesso- ries, toys, books and more for children. Bright Beginnings boutique is located at 3010 W. Anderson Lane, Ste. B, Austin. www.brightbeginningsboutique.com IN THE NEWS 8 A new community park and pavilion will open at Austin Community College Highland Campus, at 6101 Highland Cam- pus Drive, Austin, this summer. The UFCU Pavilion is named after donor United Federal Credit Union and The St. John En- campment Commons Park is named after an African American school that used to occupy that space in the early 1900s. www.austincc.edu

GUADALUPE ST.

NORTH CENTRAL NOW OPEN

COMING SOON 2 Tiny Grocer will open a second location in Hyde Park this summer. The new location will carry many of the same items as the rst location and also have expanded kids, pets and wine sections. The store will have indoor and patio seat- ing, and a restaurant serving French com- fort food for dinner and weekend brunch in addition to its all-day cafe menu. The new store, owned by Steph Steele, will be located at 4300 Speedway, Ste. 101, Austin. www.tinygrocer.com 3 Chinese restaurant Wu Chow will open a new location at 3800 N. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 170, Austin, in the former Rosedale Kitchen and Bar space this summer. The restaurant—owned by

1 A new comfort food and wine restau- rant called Rosé Gosé opened at 5201 Airport Blvd., Austin, in the former ATX Grill space March 1. Rosé Gosé serves over 250 wines, 30 craft beers and 10 house cocktails. The menu includes items such as a raw bar, mussels and a burger. On the weekends, it also oers a break- fast menu with items such as pancakes. It is owned by Belarus natives Igor Drypsiak and Veronika Hurynava. They own three restaurants in Belarus. Rosé Gosé is their rst Austin venture. Instagram: rose_gose_austin

www.helpinghandhome.org ANNIVERSARIES

6 Forest Family Dentistry celebrated its 10-year anniversary during the rst week of April. The oce oers general, cosmetic, and restorative services. In 2013, Dr. Robin Bethell opened the rst location at 2700 W. Anderson Lane, Ste. 418, Austin. Now, the practice has

SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • MAY 2023

IMPACTS

Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding

SANDRA MURAIDA WAY

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JewBoy Sliders

Graduate Austin

COURTESY JEWBOY SLIDERS

RENDERING COURTESY GRADUATE HOTELS

class and pick up afterward. Studio Three Austin is located at 501 Brazos St., Austin. 512-692-9040. www.studiothree.com 4 JewBoy Sliders will open April 24 at Austin’s downtown food hall Fare- ground, 111 Congress Ave., Austin. The eatery—owned by El Paso native Mo Pit- tle—will serve beef, Reuben, French dip and falafel sliders for hot sandwiches along with a club, smoked chicken salad, smoked turkey breast and tuna for cold ones. Mini latkes, fries, border-style queso and a Caesar salad will also be available. www.jewboysliders.com COMING SOON 5 A new luxury hotel called Graduate Austin will open in 2025 due to a land acquisition by Adventurous Journeys Capital Partners. The hotel will climb 18 stories and include a tness center, a cafe, a rooftop bar and restaurant and a rooftop pool. The hotel will be located at Guadalupe and West 18th Streets, which currently houses a closed oce and several vacant lots. The hotel will join the collection of 33 Graduate Hotels across the U.S. and U.K. www.graduatehotels.com RELOCATIONS 6 Seafood restaurant Truluck’s is closed while moving its downtown loca- tion from its home of almost 23 years to a new two-story building down the block. The space—located at 300 Colorado St., Austin—will include a bar on each level, a mezzanine dining room and an outdoor patio. It will open sometime in May. www.trulucks.com

COLORADO ST.

The Scarbrough

COURTESY THE SCARBROUGH

7 Longtime bicycle shop Mellow Johnny’s is moving to 115 Sandra Muraida Way, Austin, next to The Loop Running Supply, this summer. The shop—dubbed the “brainchild of Lance Armstrong,” who is co-owner—has been open on Nueces Street since 2008. The shop sells bicy- cles, apparel, helmets, locks and other gear. Mellow Johnny’s also oers rentals, repairs and a cycling club for all levels. 512-473-0222. www.mellowjohnnys.com NAME CHANGES 8 Downtown eatery Ze Crepes re- branded to The Scarbrough on March 29. The new concept will continue serv- ing the sweet and savory crepes that were on the menu at Ze Crepes along with adding several healthy dishes, a full bar with a happy hour and a dinner menu. The Scarbrough is led by Mar- co Hernandez, a French-trained chef with experience working in restaurants around the world. The Scarbrough is located at 522 Congress Ave., Austin. www.thescarbrough.com

DOWNTOWN WEST CAMPUS NOW OPEN

2 Fast-casual restaurant Freshii opened at 111 Congress Ave., Austin, at the Fareground food hall March 24. The Canada-based restaurant serves healthy wraps, salads, soups, bowls, smooth- ies and cold-pressed juices. Freshii replaced The Market at Fareground. It has more than 400 stores worldwide. www.freshii.com 3 Boutique tness center Studio Three opened its rst Texas location at the bot- tom oor of the Thompson Austin hotel April 15. Studio Three combines interval training, yoga and cycling classes. The Austin location, which is led by four local female tness experts, also has a grab- and-go cafe for members to order before

1 Swift Fit Events opened a permanent location at 918 Congress Ave., Austin, on March 31. The new location, dubbed the “Texas Wellness Oasis,” will be open every Friday starting at 5 p.m., serve non- alcoholic drinks from Sans Bar and play a sound bath. The wellness oasis will also serve as a rental space for conferences and corporate events. 512-660-7746. www.swifttevents.com

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COMPILED BY KATY MCAFEE

BEE CAVE RD.

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Society

Equipment Room

DEEDA LOVETT/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

COURTESY NICK SIMONITE

E M

March 17. Freebird sells Western-style boots, sandals, heels and accessories made of leather, suede, snakeskin and other materials. www.freebirdstores.com 4 Austin Community College reopened its Latin American Cultural Center into a larger space at the Riverside Campus at 1020 Grove Blvd., Austin, on April 11. The space—called El Centro—includes a library with a rare book collection, a film screening center and a public gathering area for students to explore their cultural heritage. The center offers activities, training and mentorship opportunities for ACC students. www.austincc.edu 5 Cork and Brew Market opened a second location at 4410 Menchaca Road, Austin, on April 12. Cork and Brew is a specialty grocery and conve- nience store with a curated selection of wine and beer. The locally owned market offers grocery needs and snacks along with breakfast, lunch and din- ner from the kitchen. 512-551-9409. www.corkandbrewmarket.com COMING SOON 6 Local smoothie chain JuiceLand , owned by Matt Shook, will open three new locations in South Austin in 2023, including a location at 600 E. Ben White Blvd., Ste. 400, Austin, which will open in the fall. The other locations are on far South Congress and Slaughter Lane, which will both open this summer. Each location will offer JuiceLand’s full menu with fresh-pressed juices, smoothies, lattes and plant-based meals. www.juiceland.com

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RELOCATIONS 7 Strait Music Co. is relocating its South Austin location from 2428 W. Ben White Blvd., Austin, to a larger and newer space at 3201 Bee Caves Road, Ste. 140, Austin, by late May. The new location will sell a wide range of instruments as well as of- fering rentals, repairs and music lessons. Strait Music Co.’s north location at 13945 N. US 183, Austin, will remain open. The family-owned music store has been in Austin since 1963. www.straitmusic.com IN THE NEWS 8 Local dive Crow Bar will be demol- ished after extensive damage was found in the walls and in the older part of the building near the patio. The bar—located at 3116 S. Congress Ave., Austin—had been closed since the fall due to a fire and was slated to reopen in early 2023. Owner Steve Gee said he is looking to relocate the bar to a new space. Instagram: crowbar78704

SOUTH CENTRAL NOW OPEN

2 A new vinyl listening bar called Equipment Room opened in the base- ment of Hotel Magdelena at 1101 Music Lane, Austin, on March 3. The listening bar serves a two-sided cocktail menu that symbolizes a vinyl record with popular classics, such as the Oaxacan Old Fashioned, on the “A” side and their house cocktails on the “B” side. The bar also serves beer; wine; some nonalcoholic options; and snacks, such as a Japanese take on Buc-ee’s beaver nuggets. Equip- ment Room is led by a group of locals, including James Moody of Mohawk, Josh LaRue and Gabe Vaughn of Breakaway Records, and Bunkhouse Executive Chair Amar Lalvani. www.equipmentroom.com 3 Denver-based boot store Freebird opened its first Austin location at 1009 S. Congress Ave., Ste. 3-150, Austin, on

1 A candle store called Society by Jack- son Vaughn opened at 1608 S. Congress Ave., Austin, in the former South Con- gress Books space March 10. Society sells a line of signature candles with unique blends, such as one with basil, eggplant and sandalwood. The store also sells home goods, incense and other scented products. The store is family owned by mother and son Pam and Peter Jackson along with their interior design partner Jeremi Vaughn Headrick. The South Con- gress store marks Society’s first Austin location and fourth store overall with two Dallas locations and one in Wimberley. www.jacksonvaughn.com

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THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE Mobility Authority

Navigating the tolling landscape can be complicated. We’re the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (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 one of two main toll road operators in the region.

Late payment fees do apply

GEORGETOWN

130 TOLL

1460

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1431

The Mobility Authority is not TxTag

We accept a variety of electronic tags

LEANDER

HUTTO

Operates Loop 1 Toll, 45 North, 45 South East and SH 130 Toll. TxDOT Operates 183A, 45SW, MoPac Express Lane, SH 71 Toll Lane, 290 Toll and 183 Toll. Mobility Authority

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TOLL

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

There are payment options everywhere

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Keep your electronic tag account in good standing

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

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71 LEGEND Mobility Authority Toll Roads

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Open to Traffic TxDOT Toll Roads SH 130 Concession Company Roads

Learn what to do when you sell your car

Using the Pay By Mail program costs you more

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1626

Major Road Minor Road

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TOLL

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IMPACTS

Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding

COMPILED BY DARCY SPRAGUE

BARBARA JORDAN BLVD.

E. 51ST ST.

AIRPORT BLVD.

EAST AUSTIN NOW OPEN

1900 Aldrich St., Ste. 145, Austin, in the summer. The Minnesota-based eatery oers acai, mango, pitaya, spirulina and coconut smoothie bowls with toppings. Nautical Bowls smoothies are organic and naturally dairy, gluten and sugar free. www.nauticalbowls.com 5 Aviator Pizza & Drafthouse will open its fth Austin location at 1905 Aldrich St., Austin, in early summer. The fami- ly-owned restaurant will serve over 20 specialty pizzas and over 50 beers on tap. www.aviatorpizza.com 6 Dish Society —an all-day diner based in Houston—will open a new location this fall at 1900 Aldrich St., Ste. 130. The diner will serve a seasonal menu with items including brisket-stued sweet potatoes and Nutella French toast. www.dishsociety.com 7 Boardroom Salon , a men’s groom- ing studio, will open a location at 1900 Aldrich St., Ste. 1A0, Austin in the fall. The salon serves customers of all genders. It focuses on comfort by oering complimentary beer for patrons. The store has more than 44 locations across the United States. www.boardroomstylinglounge.com RELOCATIONS 8 Local optometrist Emily Simonek will move Austin Eye Studio to 1910 Aldrich St., Austin, this spring. The oce is currently located inside H-E-B at 1000 E 41 St., Ste. 120, Austin. www.austineyestudio.com

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

1 Veracruz Fonda & Bar , a new brick- and-mortar concept from Reyna and Maritza Vazquez, the local family behind Veracruz All Natural, opened April 8. The new concept includes a lunch and dinner menu with dishes such as mole enchiladas, pork tamales and tres leches cake. The restaurant also serves breakfast and features a drink menu with custom cocktails. It is located at 1905 Aldrich St., Ste. 125, Austin. 737-318-4896. www.veracruzfonda.com 2 Ike’s Love & Sandwiches opened in February at 1201 Barbara Jordan Blvd., Ste. 1210, Austin. The shop, which started in San Francisco, features more than two dozen sandwich options, including the Matt Cain with roast beef, salami and turkey. 737-304-7277. www.ikessandwich.com 3 Bento Teppanyaki Asian Cuisine opened March 1. The restaurant, located at 1201 Barbara Jordan Blvd., Ste. 1230, Austin, is from Ye Ling, the owner of Xian Sushi and Noodle. It oers upscale Chi- nese dishes made fresh to order. Custom- ers can order a bento box—a combo with dierent dishes—or standalone items. 512-296-2288. www.bentoatx.com COMING SOON 4 Smoothie bowl spot Nautical Bowls will open its rst Austin location at

1 5

Veracruz Fonda & Bar

Bento Teppanyaki Asian Cuisine

COURTESY VERACRUZ FONDA & BAR

COURTESY BENTO TEPPANYAKI ASIAN CUISINE

Aviator Pizza & Drafthouse

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COURTESY AVIATOR PIZZA & DRAFTHOUSE

COURTESY DISH SOCIETY

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SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • MAY 2023

ONE SMART NEIGHBOR

As lake levels continue to drop in the face of drought this summer, it’s important that we all help conserve our precious resource. The new My ATX Water Program provides the tools to help you save water and money. Your new City of Austin water meter, along with the My ATX Water Customer Portal , will give you access to near- real-time water use data so you can maximize the savings.

Benefits of My ATX Water 6 Continuous usage and leak notifications 6 Personalized alerts 6 Water budgeting features

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TODO LIST

May events

COMPILED BY ELLE BENT & KATY MCAFEE

MAY 2528

ATTEND A FOOD FESTIVAL THROUGHOUT AUSTIN

MAY 29

FINISH A TRIATHLON DOWNTOWN AUSTIN

Hot Luck, started by Aaron Franklin and other Austin restaurateurs, is a three-day festival honoring soul food, barbecue, amed eats, tailgates and community. The event includes three separate food events and live music. Proceeds fund the Southern Smoke Foundation, a nonprot for food and beverage workers. Prices, times and locations vary. www.hotluckfest.com

The Ascension Seton CapTex Tri sponsored by Life Time Fitness will take place on Memorial Day in downtown Austin. Participants will swim in Lady Bird Lake, bike downtown, and run through Butler Park and nish at Auditorium Shores. Snacks and drinks will be provided after the race. Times vary. $159-$359. Auditorium Shores. 900 W. Riverside Drive, Austin. www.captextri.com

21 ATTEND A MIMOSA PARTY The second annual Mimosa Fest will feature live music, food trucks, vendors and mimosas at Wanderlust Wine Collective. The event celebrates National Mimosa Day and tickets include bottomless mimosas. The celebration includes a mimosa contest, and attendees can nominate their favorite restaurant or bar in Austin. The event is 21+. 12 p.m.-4 p.m. $100. Wanderlust Wine Collective, 702 Shady Ln, Austin. www.mimosa-fest.com

MAY THROUGH MAY 29 DO SOME SPRING SHOPPING

band is most known for its 2019 single “Kirby Girl.” 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $60. The Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin. www.thebackseatlovers.com 19 THROUGH 20 LAUGH AT A COMEDY SHOW Steve Martin and Martin Short will bring their “You Won’t Believe What They Look Like Today!” show to Bass Concert Hall on May 19 and 20. Martin and Short met in 1986 on the set of a lm and have been touring as a comedy duo since 2015. 8 p.m. $89.50-$500. Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin. www.texasperformingarts.org

The third annual May Market will run every Friday and Saturday beginning April 28 and ending May 29. Blue Genie Art Bazaar hosts the market as a spring shopping and art event consisting of over 100 regional artists and artisans. The event is family friendly and will include a rae and samples of locally made items. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Free. Blue Genie Art Bazaar, 6100 Airport Blvd., Austin. www.bluegenieartbazaar.com THROUGH MAY 31 DRINK BEER FOR DOGS Barks for Beers is Divine Canines’ annual fundraising event to support more than 140 active dog-handler teams equipped to provide free therapy dog services for older adults and hospitalized patients. For $30, participants can purchase the 2023 Divine Canines pint glass and “pawsport.” Participating breweries will allow one pour at each brewery. Visit the website for the list of participating breweries. www.divinecanines.org/ barksforbeers 05 THROUGH 07 RIDE TO A BIKER RALLY The Republic of Texas Biker Rally is the state’s largest motorcycle gathering, attracting thousands of bikers since 1995. ROT Rally includes the Derwood International Builder Show, a ride-in show, customs from the Austin Speed Shop, vendors, food trucks, live music and more. Free. Austin Speed Shop, 3507 Chapman Lane, Austin. www. republicoftexasmotorcyclerally.com 17 ENJOY LIVE MUSIC Alternative rock band Backseat Lovers will bring its Waiting to Spill world tour to Austin. The Utah-based

Wein & Saengerfest will have many vendors and activities in New Braunfels.

WORTH THE TRIP All are welcome to drink and sing at New Braunfels’ Wein & Saengerfest—Wine and Singing Festival—on May 6 . The festival will have live music, family-friendly activities, shopping, food vendors, wine and craft beer educational seminars, and wine/craft beer tastings. Festivalgoers will have the opportunity to purchase wine and beer tasting and souvenir glasses. Proceeds from ticket sales will benet the New Braunfels Downtown Association and the New Braunfels Parks Foundation for downtown beautication and enhancement projects. Noon-10 p.m. Free. 500 Main Plaza, New Braunfels. 830-221-4277.

Find more or submit Central Austin events at communityimpact.com/event-calendar. Event organizers can submit local events online to be considered for the print edition. Submitting details for consideration does not guarantee publication.

SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • MAY 2023

INSIDE INFORMATION

Austin transportation

BY BEN THOMPSON

WHO’S IN CHARGE? Road work responsibilities in and around Austin can fall to the city, county or state as well as private companies or utilities. Dierent city departments work on streets and may have more information about their projects for residents.

1325 DID YOU KNOW? Many roads in Austin are owned by the Texas Department of Transportation. The state, not the city, is responsible for maintenance. 620

Austin Water

Austin Energy

LEARN MORE ABOUT A ROAD PROJECT

UNDERSTANDING ROAD WORK

Every year, thousands of road projects take place throughout Austin. Have you ever wondered what was causing the delay on your commute or closing down your neighborhood street, and how to learn more?

Austin Transportation and Public Works

Many dierent entities work on Austin streets. Residents can contact the city using 311 for more information or to le a request.

Roads maintained by TxDOT

W. KOENIG LN.

CITY STRUCTURE City departments tied to road work merged this year with a goal of improving their activities and customer service for residents.

290

While Transportation and Public Works handles general road work, hundreds of millions of dollars in voter-approved bonds are funding other improvements residents may see around the city such as: BUILDING WITH BONDS

ALLANDALE RD.

360

Requests related to road work concerns can be ledthrough the city's nonemergency line HAVE A REQUEST? • Dial 311 or 512-974-2000 • Use the mobile app • Fill out an online form at www.austintexas.gov/department/311

TYPES OF COMMON ROAD WORK The most commonly requested permits by public and private entities include:

“THE TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT PRIORITIZES WORK THAT IMPROVES SAFETY AND MOBILITY FOR ALL USERS OF A STREET, INCLUDING PEOPLE WALKING, BIKING AND DRIVING.” AUSTIN TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC WORKS SPOKESPERSON

MOPAC

BEE CAVES RD.

N. LAMAR BLVD.

E. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BLVD.

AIRPORT BLVD.

Austin Transportation Department

Austin Public Works

Corridor Program O ce

Project Connect O ce

290

1826

Excavations Temporary use of right of way

MENCHACA RD.

Driveway, sidewalk, curb and gutter work

183

973

S. CONGRESS AVE

OLD NEW

Bridges

Bikeways

Most city permits are issued for utility-related construction, such as gas or water lines.

Residents can make requests related to stop signs, speed bumps, crosswalks, sidewalk upgrades, streetlight repairs or pothole patching —through 311. Residents can also request local speed studies on a rst-come, rst-served basis, which could lead to trac calming measures. 60 resident requests are selected by city sta each spring and fall, while city sta choose 60 of their own.

1626

Austin Transportation and Public Works

812

1625

1327

130 TOLL

Capital Delivery Services Department (created to manage capital programs)

Urban trails

Street reconstruction

PUBLIC WORK Right of way includes public land such as streets, sidewalks or anything else up to private property lines. Right of way work can be completed by the city or private entities.

Austin’s right of way management team received and reviewed

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

permits were issued.

More information on various road projects is available through the city and state.

For mobility bond projects, call 512-974-2300 or email mobilitybonds@austintexas.gov

Residents can reach TxDOT Austin District Oce at 512-832-7000

Residents can reach Austin Transportation and Public Works at 512-974-1150

permit requests this scal year.

plans for trac control around road work were approved.

NOTE: THE 311 SYSTEM HAS AN OPTION FOR RIGHT OF WAY SERVICE REQUESTS.

SOURCES: AUSTIN TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC WORKS, TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

BRODIE LANE 4970 Hwy 290 W (512) 366-8260 SOUTHPARK MEADOWS 9900 IH-35 Service Road S (512) 280-7400

News from Austin ISD EDUCATION BRIEFS AISD faces TEA oversight due to special education concerns

HIGHLIGHTS AUSTIN ISD Less than a week after finalizing a superintendent profile for Austin ISD’s hired search firm to use in finding a full-time leader, trustees voted March 30 to slow the search and extend the contract with interim Superintendent Matias Segura to June 30, 2024. Trustees have not provided a new timeline for a full time replacement. “WHAT WE NEED FROM THE STATE IS MONEY—MONEY TO FILL THE POSITIONS TO SUPPORT OUR KIDS IN THIS DISTRICT.” KEN ZARIFIS, EDUCATION AUSTIN PRESIDENT, REGARDING THE STATE’S PROPOSED CONSERVATORSHIP IN AUSTIN ISD QUOTE OF NOTE

AUSTIN ISD On April 17, Austin ISD officials announced they would challenge the state’s decision to install conservators—or state-ap- pointed individuals with binding decision powers—due to concerns with the district’s special education evaluation backlog. What’s new: AISD requested an infor- mal review by the Texas Education Agency’s plan. If the TEA assigns a conservator following that process, the district will have an opportunity to file a petition for review with the State Office of Administrative Hearings, AISD Board President Arati Singh said. How we got here: If a family believes their student may have a learning disability, they can request an evaluation through the district. The state mandates how quickly the district must complete each step in the process. A TEA report found BY AMANDA CUTSHALL & DARCY SPRAGUE

SPECIAL EDUCATION BACKLOG

Austin ISD is facing possible state conservatorship over its backlog of special education evaluations.

More than 4,000

evaluations and re-evaluations were overdue as of March 20. 1,808

evaluations have been requested since January. 1,263

evaluations were completed between May 2022 and March 2023.

SOURCE: AUSTIN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Austin ISD experienced significant delays and failed to meet the timeline in dozens of cases. Austin ISD interim Superintendent Matias Segura said several issues led to this: • During COVID-19 virtual learning, the district could not conduct evaluations. • Only 21 of AISD’s 72 positions for special education diagnosticians were filled as of March 31. There are only about 250 people licensed to provide those services in Central Texas, Segura said.

Quote to know: “This would not be a takeover of the school district as is currently happening in Houston ISD,” Singh said. The plan: The district is considering significant wage increases for these positions as part of its 2023-24 budget, Segura said, along with: • Up to $20,000 in annual incentives • Centralized evaluations tracking system • Help from outside experts • Committee of board leadership to monitor progress

MEETINGS WE COVER

Austin ISD will meet May 18 at 6 p.m. 4000 S. I-35, Austin www.austinisd.org

Get Hired!

Jobs starting at $20/hr + Benefits

Apply today at AustinCityJobs.org

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

PUBLIC SAFETY State troopers patrolling Austin

RISING RESPONSES

Austin’s police stang has trended downward in recent years. POLICE STAFFING BUDGETED OFFICERS 1,959 April 2020 1,806

Due to short-stang and long 911 wait times, the Austin Police Department partnered with state law enforcement starting March 30. The APD says response times have dropped since the operation began. April data wasn't available as of press time.

Average priority response time

Target priority response time

BY BEN THOMPSON

April 2021 1,708

Winter Storm Uri

10 11

Texas Department of Public Safety troopers and special agents are patrolling Austin streets through a new public safety partnership with the Austin Police Department. The operation, which kicked o March 30 and comes at no cost to the city, is aimed at violent crime and trac enforcement while local police are understaed and taking longer to respond to calls for service. Mayor Kirk Watson worked with state leaders to start the program and said its goal is making residents feel safer and supplementing local police; APD Chief Joseph Chacon said his ocers will still handle most calls for service. The police department has pointed to success so far with violent crimes, 911 calls and police response times all dropping in the program’s rst two weeks. DPS pulled over more than

BUDGETED OFFICERS 1,809

DPS Partnership starts

APD updated its target response times.

April 2022 1,604

0 9 8 /

BUDGETED OFFICERS 1,809

April 2023

84.11%

1,490

2020

2021

2022

2023

BUDGETED OFFICERS 1,812

NOTE: BUDGETED OFFICERS REFERS TO THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SWORN POSITIONS APD HAS FUNDING FOR EACH YEAR.

Oct. Dec.

Feb.

April

June

Aug.

Oct.

Dec.

Feb.

April

June

Aug.

Oct.

Dec.

Feb.

April

SOURCE: AUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENTCOMMUNITY IMPACT

said they have seen a disparity in DPS presence between east and west Austin and aggressive patrolling in their dis- tricts. Police ocials said the APD’s 911 call data alone is guiding patrols, and that more demographic information has been requested from DPS. The terms of the operation also remain unclear. Watson launched the partnership without council involve- ment or approval, there is no written

agreement governing the operation, and no details on a potential exit strategy have been shared. “We have talked about, just a little bit, how long will this last? And the short answer is, right now we just don’t know,” Chacon said. “We’re trying to give it time to work.” Regular data reports and further council review of DPS work are expected as the operation continues.

4,000 drivers and ticketed about 1,000 through April 13. Troopers also made more than 150 arrests and seized drugs, guns and vehicles. Several city ocials have raised concerns about who DPS might be targeting, where troopers patrol, and how to address questions about oversight and the program’s future. During an April 18 brieng on the operation, some council members also

SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • MAY 2023

CITY & COUNTY

News from Austin & Travis County

Austin City Council will meet May 2 and 16 at 9 a.m. and May 4 and 18 at 10 a.m. 301 W. Second St., Austin www.austintexas.gov/ austin-city-council Travis County Commissioners Court will meet May 2, 4, 9, 16, 18 and 23 at 9 a.m. 700 Lavaca St., Austin www.traviscountytx.gov/ commissioners-court MEETINGS WE COVER sitting vacant, Austin City Council approved a $10.98 million contract to supplement the airport’s staff and avoid the possibility of significant baggage operation failures that city staff warned are on the horizon. HIGHLIGHTS TRAVIS COUNTY Commissioners are eyeing a second salary increase for correction officers as the department is down about a third of its staff with more than 260 vacancies. The county’s corrections department has seen a 129% increase in vacancies since March 2022. The potential pay increase is still undecided with more discussion expected to come this spring. AUSTIN The city is recruiting East Austin residents to link neighbors with resources to help them stay in their homes. The new displacement prevention program will bring on 15 Colony Park and Dove Springs residents for part-time work sharing city housing information. After a one-year pilot, the program could be extended and expanded. AUSTIN On April 13, City Council voted to start the process of removing parking minimums for bars. The city’s land code requires bars to build a minimum number of parking spaces, a practice some officials hope to end to help local businesses and discourage drunk driving. AUSTIN With many of Austin- Bergstrom International Airport's luggage technician positions

Long-range plan calls for new library branches

GROWING THE SYSTEM

11 libraries proposed to be maintained

11 proposed to be expanded or replaced

4 new libraries proposed

Austin Public Library’s new long-range plan calls for branch enhancements across the city.

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

on March 23. The outline will be used to guide the organization and its programs, including a long-term facilities plan. The plan states many library facilities do not have enough space to meet community needs, a trend that was found to be inequitable; South Austin libraries have “less than half” of the space needed to provide for

their communities. Going forward, the APL aims to grow its facilities and add new branches throughout the city. The new plan states more than half of APL’s 20 branches should be expanded. Additionally, each geographic quadrant of the city is recommended to receive a brand- new library branch.

BY BEN THOMPSON

AUSTIN With the city’s library system lagging behind the city’s growth, Austin leaders approved a strategic plan for ensuring library access across town. The Austin Public Library finalized a new long-range plan regarding its system, which City Council adopted

BY KATY MCAFEE TRAVIS COUNTY Commissioners unanimously voted for a third-party performance audit of Central Health, the county’s hospital district for low-income residents, on April 4. Mazars USA will begin the audit in May, compile a draft report by November and present the final report next January at a cost of $845,200. The audit will assess Central Health’s work on meeting the needs of the county’s poor population, its financial accountability, its public transparency and record-keeping; and its legal compliance. Central Health CEO Mike Geeslin voiced concern regarding the audit’s price tag, saying the district only budgeted up to $350,000 for an audit. Ted Burton, Central Health’s vice president of communications, said it is unclear if the audit will affect property owners within the Central Health taxing district. Burton also said Central Health undergoes annual financial audits that have come out clean since 2005. The third-party audit comes after local activists, attorneys and community groups called for increased scrutiny of Central Health and alleged the hospital district lacked financial and operational transparency. Central Health audit on tap

ENERGY UNDERGROUND Much of Austin’s power grid is already located below ground, and city officials are interested in burying more lines going forward to improve resiliency.

5,000 MILES of lines are above ground.

7,000 MILES of lines are below ground.

Buried lines could cost 10 TIMES more per mile.

Austin weighs burying power lines BY BEN THOMPSON SOURCE: AUSTIN ENERGY/COMMUNITY IMPACT AUSTIN City Council voted to consider moving more of Austin’s power lines underground in the wake of February’s ice storm and related widespread power outages. Two resolutions approved March 23 ask city staff to weigh moving power lines underground as part of other ongoing city projects and to draft a feasibility study with cost esti- mates for burying more lines in other high-priority areas. The new study does not yet have an estimated cost and will likely take several months.

MOTHER S DAY

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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