Northwest Austin Edition | April 2023

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NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

VOLUME 17, ISSUE 3 MAY 331, 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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Tech Ridge Park & Ride

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Included in all options

North Lamar Transit Center

Zalat Pizza coming this summer to North Austin

Potential future extension Included in some options

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 for voters. 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 dierent conguration SUBWAY B Connection only included in one of the ve options AIRPORT C

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Asian heritage festival to oer food, performances

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Boba shop serves unique drinks, sandwiches

Southpark Meadows Park & Ride

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SOURCE: PROJECT CONNECT COMMUNITY IMPACT

CONTINUED ON 26

Future RM 620 expansion to relieve congestion, displace businesses

INSIDE

Daughter breathes new life into family restaurant

Pull the newest teaser from CC Libraries

The intersection of RM 620 and Anderson Mill Road is one of the most congested on the corridor. The expansion project will reconstruct that intersection to add bypass lanes, turnarounds and sidewalks. (Joe Warner/Community Impact)

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

6 Customized water-saving tips and rebate information Don’t have your new meter yet? Don’t worry!

You can still join the My ATX Water Customer Portal now to access monthly water use data and other benefits at myatxwater.org .

austinwater.org

BRUNCH & LEARN

OF THE ARBORETUM

Thursday, June 1 11 am – 1 pm

RSVP FOR BRUNCH: 512-879-1687 You’re invited for an exquisite brunch full of surprises! Indulge in chef-prepared cuisine along with luscious giveaways. It’s your opportunity to view photos and floor plans of our extraordinary assisted living and memory care community. BALCONES COUNTRY CLUB 8600 Balcones Club Dr. / Austin, TX

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

THIS ISSUE

MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Taylor Caranfa Stover EDITOR Grace Dickens GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sabrina Musachia ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jill Futch 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 nwanews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING nwaads@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 TAYLOR: Next month, this Northwest Austin edition and our Leander/Cedar Park edition are becoming three hyperlocal editions: North/Northwest Austin, Cedar Park/Far Northwest Austin and Leander/Liberty Hill. In an effort to provide even more relevant editorial coverage to our readers and more local business-friendly rates (with a more focused audience) to our advertising partners, we are turning two large CI markets into three hyperlocal markets. If you are in the Anderson Mill or Jollyville areas, you will start receiving the Cedar Park/Far Northwest Austin edition. If you are south of Anderson Mill Road, you will receive our North/Northwest Austin edition. Thank you for your continued support and readership, and please enjoy this “last” Northwest Austin issue. Taylor Caranfa Stover, GENERAL MANAGER tstover@communityimpact.com

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

communityimpact.com

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.

@impactnewsatx

@impactnews_nwa

linkedin.com/company/communityimpact

@communityimpactaustin

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NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • MAY 2023

IMPACTS

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

45 TOLL

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Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream

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WELLS BRANCH PKWY.

4 A physician-supervised weight loss clinic opened in North Austin in March. Led by Dr. Rob Cowan and his medical team, Cowan Weight Loss oers personalized weight loss management plans along with low-cost options for weight loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy. The facility is located within Austin Area OBGYN at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center, 12200 Renfert Way, Ste. 100, Austin. 512-652-7009. www.aaobgyn.com 5 Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream opened a new location in Plaza Volente next to H-E-B on March 30. The shop at 11521 N. RM 620, Ste. 1500, Austin, sells ice cream cones, sundaes and shakes with a variety of local avors, including ba- nana cream pie, caramel pretzel crunch, strawberry cheesecake chunk and more. The location oers dine-in, pickup, deliv- ery and catering services. 512-777-4090. www.handelsicecream.com 6 A new location for Hope Family Thrift Store opened in The Shops at Wells Branch in February. Located at 13801 Burnet Road, Ste. 200, Austin, the thrift store benets the Austin Disaster Relief Network through the sale of donated clothing, shoes, furni- ture, decorations and more. Hope Family Thrift Store’s rst location is in Central Austin at 1122 E. 51st St. All proceeds from the store go to the ADRN, which provides assistance to families in need during emer-

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MAP NOT TO SCALE

NOW OPEN 1 Authentic South Indian restaurant Aha-Ruchi Indian Cuisine opened in the Lake Creek Festival Shopping Center on March 31 at 13729 Research Blvd., Ste. 695, Austin. The restaurant serves a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian Indian cuisine. Some dishes available include dosas, or Indian pancakes made of lentils and rice; biryani, a mixed rice dish with dierent meat options; soups; CAPITAL OF TEXAS HWY.

3 Catrina’s Tacos & Margaritas opened March 20 in the Jester Village Shopping Center at 6507 Jester Blvd., Ste. 105, Austin. The restaurant pays homage to La Calavera Catrina, an iconic gure in Mexican culture associated with Dia de los Muertos, or The Day of the Dead. The menu features a variety of Tex-Mex cui- sine, such as tacos, chimichangas, tortas, fajitas, quesadillas, nachos, enchiladas ANDERSON LN.

desserts; and others. 512-351-9800. www.aha-ruchi.com 2 Brazilian steakhouse Casa do Brasil held a soft opening in April. Located in The Shops at Arbor Walk at 10515 N. MoPac, Austin, the restaurant serves several vari- eties of meat served over an open ame, such as top sirloin and tenderloin, along with Brazilian-style sides, a salad bar and seafood. The restaurant is planning a grand opening for early May. 512-351-8086. www.casadobrasil.com/austin

gencies. 512-882-4020. www.hopefamilythrift.org

7 Pistol Pete’s Tavern opened in The Shops at Wells Branch in January at 13717 Burnet Road, Ste. 350B, Austin.

and more. 512-291-3211. www.catrinastexmex.com

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Pistol Pete’s Tavern

Ziki

COURTESY PISTOL PETE’S TAVERN

COURTESY ZIKI

The tavern oers a bar, entertainment options and a laid-back atmosphere, according to the business. Pistol Pete’s has three vintage pool tables from the 1970s and 1980s, foosball tables, pinball machines, darts, golf simulator “Golden Tee,” and more. 737-202-4261. www.pistolpetestavern.com 8 Greek-Mexican fusion restaurant Ziki opened a new food truck in February at 5002 Hamilton Road, Austin. Located in the Hamilton Food Park, Ziki is “Greek with a hint of Mexican,” serving grain bowls, wraps and salads. Additional items on the menu include a quesadilla and a Greek-in- spired burger along with desserts, such as baklava and a yogurt berry baklava dish. 309-300-9830. www.ziki.kitchen COMING SOON 9 Northwest Austin is scheduled to gain another Starbucks location May 15. Starbucks is a Seattle-based chain of cof- feehouses that oers a menu of hot and cold teas, coees, drinks and blended beverages. The coee chain also sells hot breakfast bites, snacks and sweets. Lo- cated at 10526 W. Parmer Lane, Bldg. 3, Austin, the new Avery Ranch shop will be a drive-thru and pickup-only location. www.starbucks.com RELOCATIONS 10 Amanda Gibbons Brows relocated in April to Anderson Arbor in Northwest Austin. The studio was previously located

Zalat Pizza will open in the summer in The Shops at Arbor Walk.

COURTESY KATHY TRAN

FEATURED IMPACT COMING SOON Zalat Pizza will open a new location in The Shops at Arbor Walk this summer, according to a representative with the business. The new location will be at 10515 MoPac, Ste. 310, Austin, and take the place of the previous Tinos Greek Cafe next to Floyd’s Barber Shop. Zalat Pizza serves a variety of classic pizzas as well as some with a twist. Some items on the menu include the Zealot, a supreme pizza loaded with veggies and meats, and the Nashville Hot Chicken and Pickles, with bread and butter pickles and Nashville hot sauce. CLOSINGS 12 The Pep Boys location near Lake Creek Parkway in Northwest Austin closed in February. Located in the Lake Creek Festival Shopping Center at 13729 Research Blvd., Austin, the shop provided vehicle repair services, tires, oil changes and vehicle parts. The next-clos- est Pep Boys locations at 11928 Research Blvd., Austin, and 8917 Research Blvd.,

In addition to pizza, the restaurant also sells pretzel bites with dipping sauces and Za’Bites, or Zalat Pizza’s version of pizza bites. The restaurant will not have seating available for customers and will cater to pickup and takeout orders, according to a representative with the business. www.zalatpizza.com

Starbucks

COURTESY STARBUCKS

at 13377 Pond Springs Road, Ste. 105-D, Austin, but made the transition to the new property at 13343 N. US 183, Ste. 400, Ste. 122, Austin, on April 4. The stu- dio oers a variety of eyebrow services, including waxing, tweezing, laminating and tinting. Amanda Gibbons Brows also oers lash tint services. 323-989-2769. www.agbrows.com ANNIVERSARIES 11 Lynch Law Firm celebrated its 10-year anniversary March 13. Located at 4408 Spicewood Springs Road, Austin, the rm specializes in employment law for businesses. Natalie Lynch is the founding attorney of the rm and has experience in workplace investigations, contracts, em- ployment law and more, according to the rm’s website. Lynch works alongside Bri- an Levy, a labor and employment attorney who specializes in litigation, according to the rm. 512-298-2346. www.lynchlf.com

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Austin, will remain open, according to the business. www.pepboys.com 13 Spartan Pizza closed its North- west Austin location at 7318 McNeil Drive, Ste. 109, on March 12. Located in San Felipe Market, the pizzeria oered authentic New York-style pizzas, salads, sandwiches and more. The restaurant’s location in downtown will remain open at 1007 E. Sixth St., Austin. 512-484-0798. www.facebook.com/spartanpizza

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NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • MAY 2023

TODO LIST

May & June events

COMPILED BY GRACE DICKENS

MAY 13

CELEBRATE ASIAN HERITAGE ASIAN AMERICAN RESOURCE CENTER

MAY 2728

SEE BLUEY ON THE BIG STAGE THE LONG CENTER

The Asian American Resource Center in Austin will host its 10th annual CelebrASIA Austin festival. In celebration of Asian Pacic American Heritage Month, the event oers 16 performances, exhibits, cultural experiences, nine local food vendors and more. The indoor-outdoor festival is open to all ages. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission. 8401 Cameron Road, Austin. 512-974-1700. Eventbrite: CelebrASIA Austin 2023

A theatrical adaptation of “Bluey,” an Emmy award-winning children’s show, is headed to the Long Center, featuring an original story by creator Joe Brumm. VIP Uplift tickets include a meet and greet with Bluey and Bingo. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. showtimes on both days. Free (children under age 2), $32-$161 (general admission), $75 (VIP). 701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin. 512-474-5664. www.thelongcenter.org

The vintage sale has collectibles, furniture and more.

COURTESY CITYWIDE VINTAGE SALE

FEATURED EVENT CITYWIDE VINTAGE SALE A vintage sale for the city of Austin will be held at the Palmer Events Center, featuring furniture, vintage clothing, toys, electronics, collectibles, home decor, jewelry and more May 20-21. Admission is valid for both days of the event with the provided hand stamp, and shoppers can purchase a special ticket to get early entry before the event ocially begins May 20. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (May 20), 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (May 21). Free (admission for age 12 and under), $9- $12 (general admission). 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin 512-441-2828 Facebook: City-Wide Vintage Sale May 20-21, 2023

MAY 13 STRETCH WITH CATS Inner Diva Studios will host two yoga sessions with adoptable kittens beneting Austin Pets Alive. The event will include an hourlong yoga session followed by an optional half hour of playtime with kittens. Adoption fees for kittens will be waived for the event. 10-11 a.m., 1-2 p.m. $25. 10401 Anderson Mill Road, Ste. 104, Austin. 512-574-3136. www.facebook.com/innerdivaatx 20 FIGHT AGAINST HEART DISEASE The American Heart Association will host the Austin Heart Ball to raise funds for the ght against heart disease. The event will include a silent auction, dinner, entertainment by country music artist Mark Chesnutt and additional programming throughout the evening. 6-11 p.m. $1,000 (tickets for two), $5,000 (table for 10). JW Marriott, 110 E. Second St., Austin. 512-338-2400. https://austinheartball.heart.org 21 PREPARE FOR SUCCESS Impact Barber Academy will host a workshop for boys and men ages

13-25 exploring money management, self-care, communication skills, mental health and more. The event will have a live DJ, free food, rae prizes and free haircuts. 1-5 p.m. Free. 5339 Burnet Road, Austin. 512-458-2620. www.roerschooloairdesign.com 26 SKATE TO SUPPORT PUPS TheDogBFF will host a Skate- o-rama at Playland Skate Center to raise funds for OperationAllPaws, which provides shelter animals with essential products when entering their forever homes. The event is open to all ages and will feature skating, games and raes. While pets are not permitted, attendees will receive a “Paw Package’’ for their pets. 5-10 p.m. $12. 8822 McCann Drive, Austin. 310-560-2632. Facebook: TheDogBFF’s Skate-O-Rama 28 TRY SOME SOUL FOOD The Austin Soul Food Festival will be held at the Mia Events Center. The event includes over 30 food vendors from around Texas serving pork chops, fried chicken, barbecue, candied yams, turkey legs, funnel cake, tacos and more. There will also be small-business vendors selling items such as clothing, jewelry, health products and accessories. Noon-6

p.m. Free (RSVP early bird tickets)-$10. 13015 Dessau Road, Ste. B304, Austin. 832-461-6729. Eventbrite: Austin Soul Food Festival JUNE 03 CONNECT WITH OTHERS The Texas Burn Survivor Society and Amos House of Faith will host the Texas Burn Community Connect, an event for burn survivors and families covering topics from self-image to dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder. Burn survivor and amputee Sam Matagi will deliver the keynote address. 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. $99. DoubleTree Austin NorthWest Arboretum, 8901 Business Park Drive, Austin. 210-824-8499. www.facebook. com/TexasBurnCommunityConnect 10 ATTEND A TOY SHOW Chemical Toy Fare will host the Austin Toy Show, a family-friendly event featuring toys, comics, collectibles and an artists alley with locally created pieces related to pop culture. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $5 (entry for age 10 and up). Ben Hur Shrine Temple, 7811 Rockwood Lane, Austin. 512-371-3550. Facebook: Austins Toy Show, Chemical Toyfare

Find more or submit Northwest 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.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

TRANSPORTATION UPDATES CapMetro outlines progress on Transit Police Department hiring Capital Metro officials shared

COMPILED BY GRACE DICKENS

ONGOING PROJECTS

PUBLIC SAFETY OVERVIEW

There are three main components to Capital Metro’s developing public safety program. Here are the total hiring goals for the department. Transit Police Department Focus on incidents in need of law enforcement By end of 2023: 5 sworn officers, 3 civilian officers By 2027: 46 sworn officers, 11 civilian officers Public safety ambassadors Respond to service calls from riders and employees, complete patrols Current: 16 ambassadors By summer: 24 ambassadors Intervention specialists Work with community issues, such as homelessness and mental health concerns Current: Hiring goals for this role have been met with 3 specialists

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service from riders and employees, complete area checks of bus stops and ride the bus system. The first team of eight ambassadors began in October 2021, and CapMetro has since hired a second team as well, CapMetro Director of Security Darryl Jamail said. The final goal for hiring is to have three teams of eight for 24 total public safety ambassadors who switch off in shifts, Jamail said. The department is hoping to hire on the third team this summer, according to CapMetro. Intervention specialists Intervention specialists work with individuals experiencing home- lessness, mental health concerns, substance use and other community issues. Two intervention specialists began in October 2021, and a third interven- tion specialist was added to the team in fiscal year 2023, Jamail said.

program goals at the March 27 board meeting for the CapMetro Transit Police Department, which launched in 2021 and includes public safety ambassadors, intervention specialists and a transit police force. Transit Police Department The completion of the Transit Police Department facility is sched- uled for early 2024, Transit Police Chief Administrator Eric Robins said. This facility will be located at 8200 Cameron Road, Austin, and serve as a hub for the department. The goal for hiring in 2023 includes five sworn transit police officers and three civilian officers, Robins said. The force plans to have 46 sworn transit police officers along with 11 civilian officers by 2027. Public safety ambassadors Ambassadors respond to calls for

PAVILION BLVD.

BELL AVE.

ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF APRIL 11. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT NWANEWS@COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. Funding sources: Texas Department of Transportation, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority US 183 North expansion As work continues on the US 183 North project, there are various overnight closures from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. planned for the area. Through May 31, there is a continuous right-lane closure on southbound US 183 frontage road from Pavilion Boulevard to Bell Avenue. The two right lanes of the northbound US 183 frontage road will also be closed between Boardwalk Drive and Anderson Mill Road through May 31. Timeline: January 2022-26 Cost: $612 million

SOURCE: CAPITAL METRO/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Dell Children’s Medical Center is open near you! Now pediatric specialty care, including around-the-clock ER and trauma care, specialized surgical care, pediatric imaging, and outpatient rehab services, are right here, closer to where you live and work — without leaving Austin. You can schedule with specialists today! Many of our pediatric specialists are now in a new medical building on the same north campus.

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NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • MAY 2023

EDUCATION BRIEFS AISD faces TEA oversight due to special education concerns

News from Austin ISD, Pflugerville ISD & Round Rock ISD

RRISD faces staffing shifts as costs increase BY BROOKE SJOBERG ROUND ROCK ISD Some Round Rock ISD employees may see some changes in their roles this upcoming school year as the district deals with budgetary constraints. The district told its library assistants April 12 that their positions had been eliminated and that they would be reassigned throughout the district as needed. Maritza Gallaga, RRISD interim chief of public affairs and communication, said the move is largely due to the discontinuation of Elementary and Secondary School projecting more than $100 million in recapture for the 2022-23 school year—at least $30 million more than initially projected when the district’s board of trustees approved its budget last June. Emergency Relief funding. Gallaga said the district is

SPECIAL EDUCATION BACKLOG Austin ISD is facing possible state conservatorship over its backlog of special education evaluations. 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 More than 4,000 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 • Help from outside experts • Committee of board leadership to monitor progress

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 informal review by the Texas Educa- tion 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: Families who believe their student may have a learning disability can request an BY AMANDA CUTSHALL & DARCY SPRAGUE

evaluation through the district. The state determines how quickly districts must complete each step of the process. A TEA report found AISD experienced significant delays and failed to meet the timeline in dozens of cases. AISD 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.

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Tarleton State to admit top 50% of RRISD students

UPDATED REQUIREMENTS

An agreement between Round Rock ISD and Tarleton State University institutes the following changes for automatic admission:

BY BROOKE SJOBERG

Students in top 50% of class receive admission

PfISD’s flexible school day program could provide alternatives 31 through a Distinguished High School Partnership Program. These partnerships between high schools and universities provide admission to a certain percent of high school students, waive application fees and offer other benefits to students ROUND ROCK ISD Students who graduate within the top half of their class are now guaranteed admission to Tarleton State University, a four-year university in Stephenville. Round Rock ISD and Tarleton announced a partnership to provide admission and scholarship oppor- tunities to these students on March

SAT and ACT test requirements waived

Application fees waived

SOURCE: ROUND ROCK ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Austin Community College board of trustees will meet June 5 at 3 p.m. at 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin. 512-223-7613. www.austincc.edu MEETINGS WE COVER Austin ISD board of trustees will meet May 18 at 6 p.m. at 4000 S. I-35, Austin. 512-414-1700. www.austinisd.org Pflugerville ISD board of trustees will meet May 18 at 7 p.m. at 1401 W. Pecan St., Pflugerville. 512-594-0000. www.pfisd.net Round Rock ISD board of trustees will meet May 18 at 5:30 p.m. at 300 Lake Creek Drive, Round Rock. 512-464-5000. www.roundrockisd.org The district will submit an applica- tion to the Texas Education Agency to participate in the program next school year. PfISD trustees approved the submission of the application at a March 23 board meeting. Chief Academic and Innovation Officer Laila Olivarez said the pro- gram would be open to Pflugerville Academic and Career Education stu- dents as well as high school students who are in danger of dropping out or are behind in core subjects. Possible schedule alternatives for students participating in the program are night, weekend and year-round classes. interested in attending. In addition to having guaranteed admission to Tarleton, a branch of the Texas A&M University System, qualifying students will also have ACT and SAT testing requirements as well as application fees to attend the university waived.

Unmatched Academic Results! Visit ChallengerSchool.com to learn more.

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PFLUGERVILLE ISD A proposed program in Pflugerville ISD could provide school schedule alternatives for at-risk students. The Optional Flexible School Day Program established in the Texas Education Code allows districts to provide more varied instruction schedules for students who need it. HIGHLIGHTS Austin ISD On March 30, interim Superintendent Matias Segura’s contract was extended by trustees to June 30, 2024. HAPPENING IN HOUSTON ISD.” ARATI SINGH, AISD BOARD PRESIDENT QUOTE OF NOTE “THIS WOULD NOT BE A TAKEOVER OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT AS IS CURRENTLY

Challenger School offers uniquely fun and academic classes for preschool to eighth grade students. Our students learn to think for themselves and to value independence. Avery Ranch (PS–8) (512) 341-8000 15101 Avery Ranch Boulevard, Austin Round Rock (PS–G1) (512) 255-8844 1521 Joyce Lane, Round Rock Spicewood Springs (PS–K) (512) 258-1299 13015 Pond Springs Road, Austin

Celebrating 60 years

An independent private school offering preschool through eighth grade

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • MAY 2023

CONTENT PAID FOR BY UPPER BRUSHY CREEK WCID

BUILDING AND MAINTAINING DAMS FOR OVER 65 YEARS

DISTRICT DAMS IN YOUR AREA

PROJECT PLANNING & CONSTRUCTION STILL ESSENTIAL DURING DROUGHT The Upper Brushy Creek Water Control and Improvement District (WCID) was created in 1956 to help reduce flooding and control erosion. The original twenty-three dams were constructed in the late 50’s and early 60’s to protect a mostly rural landscape. Since then, the District has rapidly developed from Leander to Hutto to be home to over 400,000 people with complimentary commercial development. The increase in overland flows and the number of lives and property at-risk make the regional flood protection the dams provide more important than ever. Although the District has been in a drought for several years, it is vital that we continue with our flood risk mitigation planning and projects. As rainfall fails to appear, vegetation is weakened and, in some cases, dies off reducing natural flood protections and often increases flooding as the runoff travels faster. It also means that when the storms return, they tend to be more erosive creating additional risks.

For a full map go to ubcdams.org.

The District projects work on mitigating regional flooding risk and erosion risk to our dams. The design and permitting phase of these large-scale complex projects usually take more time (graphic below) than the actual construction phase. Continuing to plan and pursue construction and rehabilitation projects allows us to be better prepared when the rain and seasonal flooding events return.

Block House Creek (Partner Project)

Dam

@Lakecreek Park Study

Dam

@CR 112 Rehabilitation

Dam

@Meadow Lake Rehabilitation Ph. 2

YOUR TAX DOLLARS DRIVING PROJECTS TO THE FINISH LINE

CONTENT PAID FOR BY UPPER BRUSHY CREEK WCID

ANNUAL UPDATE FROM THE DISTRICT

DIRECTORS

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS The District will start construction on a new dam (Dam 101) in May of this year. This project will be the largest undertaking since the original dams were built in the late 1950s and 1960s. This dam will mitigate the most flood risk of the three identified projects to address flooding in the Lake Creek watershed. While some of our dams are eventually absorbed into public parks, this dam is located on private property. To find out more about the new dam, please visit our website at www.ubcdams.org/Dam-101 . Estimated completion is Winter of 2025. The rehabilitation at Dam 22 at CR 139 is substantially complete, revegetation is currently in process. This project included draining the existing lake to allow for the reconstruction of the dam and primary spillway conduit. The completed rehabilitation project at Dam 15 at Paloma Lake repaired wind erosion and added armor to minimize future erosion. Lake levels returned to normal with seasonal rains. Rehabilitation at Dam 14 at Meadow Lake has been divided into two phases. Phase 1 will address cracking on the backside of the dam. Estimated completion is Winter of 2023. Phase 2 will protect the auxiliary spillway and the dam from excessive erosion during extreme storms.

CASEY CLAWSON Place 1

ED ORLIN Place 2

2ND BOND ISSUANCE $31+ MILLION FUTURE CAPACITY

WE ARE HERE

1ST BOND ISSUANCE

$51+ MILLION MOSTLY ALLOCATED

Voters approved bond funding in November 2020 allowing the District to develop and complete projects more quickly (and cost-effectively) than cash funding. The District received extremely competitive bids for its first bond issuance securing an interest rate of 2.89% for the initial $51+ million dollars of bonds which allowed the Board of Directors to lower the tax rate to .0175 per $100 of valuation.

GREG BRILL Place 3

Dam

@CR 139 Rehabilitation

Dam

@CR 137 Study

Dam

@Spanish Oak Creek Rehabilitation

22 14 101

21 19 15

8 9

Dam

@Meadow Lake Rehabilitation Ph. 1 New Construction

Dam

@Forest Creek Study @Paloma Lake Rehabilitation

Dam

@Ganzert Lake Rehabilitation @Smith Lake Rehabilitation

JEREMIAH D. WILLIAMS Place 4

Dam

LYLE GRIMES Place 5

WANT THE WHOLE DAM STORY? www.ubcdams.org

ACCOMPLISH MORE this summer at ACC

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

AT THE CAPITOL

News from the 88th legislative session

QUOTE OF NOTE

Texas Senate approves package for $16.5B in property tax relief

TAX RELIEF TRIO Three bills aimed at property tax relief have passed in the Texas Senate. Senate Bill 3 • Increases the portion of a home’s value that cannot be taxed from $40,000 to $70,000 • Increases exemption for people over age 65 and the disabled from $10,000 to $30,000 Senate Bill 4 • Cuts school property tax rates by $0.07 per $100 valuation • Has the state of Texas pay school districts at least $5.38 billion to make up for lost revenue Senate Bill 5 • Increases the portion of a business’ property that cannot be taxed from $2,500 to $25,000 • Provides businesses with a 20% tax credit for inventory and property Texas House, which crafted its own property tax relief package. If both chambers and the governor pass either package, Texas voters will decide the matter in November. ? WHAT’S NEXT? The bills were sent to the

NUMBER TO KNOW That is how many Texans were affected by the end of emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits in March, according to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. 3.6M UPDATES FROM LOCAL LEGISLATORS SEN. SARAH ECKHARDT, D-AUSTIN, COMMENTING ON SENATE BILL 15, WHICH, IF PASSED, WOULD REQUIRE COLLEGE STUDENTS TO COMPETE ON SPORTS TEAMS BASED ON THEIR SEX ASSIGNED AT BIRTH “TRANS ATHLETES IN COLLEGIATE COMPETITIONS ARE RARE. WHEN THEY DO SEEK TO COMPETE, THE NCAA HAS ALREADY EXHIBITED AND WILL CONTINUE TO EXHIBIT THE EXPERTISE TO LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD ON A CASE- BY-CASE BASIS.” House Bill 1855 This bill would designate roads with high numbers of crashes as highway safety corridors with signs at each portion of the roadway indicating fines will be doubled for that section of road. The bill was reported favorably by no revisions April 12 and will go before the House for further consideration in the future. VIKKI GOODWIN District 47 • Democrat • Elected: 2019 CHARLES SCHWERTNER District 5 • Republican • Elected: 2012 Senate Bill 804 This bill would expand eligibility for student loan repayment assistance for mental health professionals who are board certified and either provide care to patients in a state hospital or those receiving services from a local mental health authority. The Subcommittee on Higher Education reported this bill favorably without amendments April 6 and the bill will return to the Senate floor for voting in the future. Sign up for our newsletter at communityimpact.com for daily updates throughout the session. SUBSCRIBE TODAY

BY HANNAH NORTON

bill would increase the portion of a home’s value that cannot be taxed from $40,000 to $70,000, which lawmakers have said would save the average homeowner $341 annually. SB 4, which is also by Bettencourt, would cut school property tax rates by $0.07 per $100 valuation. The bill states Texas would provide school districts with at least $5.38 billion to make up for the lost revenue. SB 5 was filed by Parker, a freshman senator. The bill is intended to save business owners money by increasing the business personal property tax exemption—or the portion of a busi- ness’ personal property that cannot be taxed—from $2,500 to $25,000. Business owners would also receive a 20% credit for the taxes they pay on inventory and property. Parker said the goal of SB 5 is to give money back to Texans. The bills have been sent to the Texas House.

$120M set for state internet expansion package, Senate Bill 3, would impact the state’s homestead exemption, which is a reduction in a portion of a home’s value for tax purposes. The In a unanimous vote, Texas senators passed a $16.5 billion property tax relief package on March 22. Cutting property taxes for home- owners and businesses has been listed as a top priority for Republicans this session, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Gov. Greg Abbott. The package aims to save Texans money on their property tax bills by increasing the state homestead exemption, cutting school district property tax rates and limiting how much businesses can be taxed for their personal property. Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, authored two of the bills alongside Sen. Tan Parker, R-Flower Mound. The first component of the

SOURCE: TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

TxDOT seeks input on statewide 2050 transportation plan

GETTING THE GRANT Local governments, school districts and

internet service providers across Texas have until May 5 to apply to receive a portion of $120 million in grants to expand broadband service. April 3 May 5 After May 5 grant applications opened application window ends the Texas Broadband Development Office will post submitted applications online. Texans will have 30 days to challenge the eligibility of any applications before the office makes its final decisions.

BY HANNAH NORTON

The Texas Broadband Develop- ment Office will award $120 million in grants to governments, school districts and internet providers bringing broadband access to underserved communities, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar said. Applications opened April 3 for the Bringing Online Opportunities to Texas program. Eligible projects must be designed to provide inter- net service that “reliably meets or exceeds” speeds of 100 megabits per second. The application will be open until May 5, at which point all eligible applications will be posted online for public review, according to Hegar’s office. The Broadband Development Office was formed in 2021 to create a broadband development plan and publish a map highlighting areas that are eligible for broadband expansion, among other initiatives.

The Texas Department of Transpor- tation is turning to local residents as it works on its long-range transportation plan, Connecting Texas 2050. Through May, Texans can attend open houses in their communities or access an online meeting room to share their ideas about the future of Texas transportation and provide input on department goals. According to TxDOT officials, Connecting Texas 2050 is aimed at making the state’s transportation system as safe, reliable and resilient as possible. The project is ongoing and will be updated every four years. In-person meetings will be held until May 4 in 13 of TxDOT’s 25 dis- tricts. TxDOT officials also said there is a plan to host a statewide public hearing early next year, before the plan is adopted in summer 2024. For more information, visit www.txdot.gov.

For more information and to access the application form, scan the QR code:

SOURCES: OFFICE OF THE TEXAS COMPTROLLER, TEXAS BROADBAND DEVELOPMENT OFFICE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

“This infrastructure is the interstate highway system of this century, and ensuring Texans have access to reliable, high-speed inter- net is critical for Texas’ continued economic growth and prosperity,” Hegar said in the release.

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • MAY 2023

512-232-5000 EdServices@austin.utexas.edu

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

FIRST LOOK

BY ANGELA LIM

The teriyaki chicken banh mi is one of several varieties oered. ($9.25)

GRACE DICKENSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

BUILDING A DRINK There are three steps for building a drink at Boba Bites & Tea.

1 Pick a drink:

• Fruit tea • Milk tea • Chocolate • Matcha

• Taro • Ube

From left: Bubble tea options include the original chocolate, ube milk tea, the Forever in Love pink signature drink, strawberry matcha and coconut coee.

From left: Lin-lin Yang, Mike Yang and Tram Nguyen opened Boba Bites & Tea in December.

• Lemonade • And others

ANGELA LIMCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Pick a drink style:

Boba Bites & Tea Shop oers 60-plus bubble tea options to try H aving spent over 25 years in the restaurant industry, Mike Yang wanted to eventually have his own restaurant. Before Boba Bites & Tea opened in December in Northwest Austin, Nguyen came back from a trip to Vietnam, where she gained inspi- ration from bubble tea’s popularity

• Hot • Cold, or frozen • Breeze, or iced

Pick a topping:

• Caramel an • Mixed-fruits jelly • Cheese Jell-O • Milk Jell-O

• Ube balls • Taro balls • And 11 others

shop’s specialty drink, Forever in Love, is a combination of strawberry and lychee avors topped with heart jelly. Ube drinks, made with purple yams, and other fruit teas are popular items as well, Yang said. Hoping to follow in the footsteps of other successful small businesses in Austin, Yang said he aims to open multiple locations for Boba Bites & Tea in the future. Angela Lim is a reporting fellow for a Community Impact and The University of Texas partnership with a focus on growing and diverse neigh- borhoods. The project is supported by the School of Journalism and Media’s Dallas Morning News Innovation Endowment.

Boba Bites & Tea 8650 Spicewood Springs Road, Ste. 108, Austin 512-551-9406 www.bobabite.com Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily

However, when his ideas for his business did not go according to plan, he helped open Boba Bites & Tea—a boba shop that his mother, Lin-lin Yang, and business partner Tram Nguyen had always dreamt of. Even though he has culinary experience, Yang said having a boba shop came as a new challenge for him. “It’s a lot more work than running an actual restaurant,” Yang said. “I thought opening a boba shop wouldn’t be as hard, but it’s not as easy.”

there, Yang said. The vision for the store’s drinks and aesthetics came from Nguyen, including the heart-shaped cups the shop became known for on social media. “That was all Tram’s idea,” Yang said. “She wanted to make this place really cute, you know? And so she decided to use the heart-shaped cups, and it just kind of developed.” Aside from banh mi, or Vietnam- ese sandwiches, and desserts, Boba Bites & Tea oers at least 60 drinks on its menu in-store and online. The

183

PARLIAMENT PLACE

March 4 - Sept. 10 wildflower.org/ seeing-the-invisible

An Augmented Reality Contemporary Art Exhibition

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • MAY 2023

CITY & COUNTY

News from Austin, Travis County & Williamson County

BY BEN THOMPSON & GRACE DICKENS

HIGHLIGHTS WILLIAMSON COUNTY The Commissioners Court charged the 2023 Citizens Bond Committee with assessing the county’s need for a road and parks bond election April 4. If the citizens bond committee decides a need exists to call a road and park bond election, the court requested the group recommend a value for a bond election and provide a draft list of projects no later than June 27. Austin City Council will meet May 4 and 18 and June 1 at 10 a.m. at Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second St., Austin. 512-974-2250 www.austintexas.gov/department/ city-council Travis County Commissioners Court will meet May 9, 16 and 23 at 9 a.m. at the Travis County Administration Building, 700 Lavaca St., Austin. 512-854-4722. www.traviscountytx.gov Williamson County Commissioners Court will meet May 9, 16 and 23 at 9:30 a.m. at the Williamson County Courthouse, 710 Main St., Georgetown. 512-943-1100. www.wilco.org MEETINGS WE COVER

State troopers patrolling Austin AUSTIN 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 4,000 drivers and ticketed about

Austin Public Library plan calls for expansion AUSTIN City leaders have given the thumbs up to a strategic plan for ensuring library access across town and building out more facilities for the Austin Public Library system to keep up with the city’s growth. To expand its system, the Austin Public Library began working on a new long-range plan in 2022, which was adopted by City Council on March 23 to guide a long-term facilities plan. The new plan states more than half of APL’s 20 branches should be expanded to hit the benchmark of 30,000 square feet, which in some cases will require a relocation. Changes for the Northwest Austin area include a new 30,000- to 40,000-square-foot library near the Four Points area, as well as expansions or replacements of the librar- ies at the Little Walnut Creek, Milwood and Spicewood Springs branches. Proposed changes at the Milwood Branch include expanding or replacing the existing library to a size of at least 30,000 square feet, a substantial increase from its existing 8,270-square-foot facility. A similar upgrade to 30,000 square feet was recommended for the Spicewood Springs Branch and Little Walnut Creek branches, which sit at 13,300 and 11,000 square feet, respectively.

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.

EXPANDING THE SYSTEM To accommodate demand, Austin Public Library has proposed the expansion or replacement of two existing branches in Northwest Austin along with the construction of a new branch near the Four Points area.

Average priority response time

Target priority response time

April 2021 1,708

Winter Storm Uri

10 11

620

183

AMHERST DR.

BUDGETED OFFICERS 1,809

DPS Partnership starts

APD updated its target response times.

April 2022 1,604

0 9 8 /

DUVAL RD.

SPICEWOOD SPRINGS RD.

BUDGETED OFFICERS 1,809

MOPAC

April 2023

DESSAU RD.

84.11%

1,490

2222

2020

2021

2022

2023

BUDGETED OFFICERS 1,812

360

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

W. RUNDBERG LN.

Existing branches:

SOURCE: AUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENTCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Little Walnut Creek Branch • Existing size: 11,000 square feet • Proposed size: 30,000 square feet Spicewood Springs Branch • Existing size: 13,300 square feet • Proposed size: 30,000 square feet C A

Milwood Branch • Existing size: 8,270 square feet • Proposed size: 30,000 square feet B

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.

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 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 involvement or approval, there is no written agreement governing

Proposed branch:

Far Northwest Austin Branch • Proposed size: 30,000- 40,000 square feet D

SOURCE: AUSTIN PUBLIC LIBRARYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

HYMEADOW 12611 Hymeadow (512) 506-8401

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

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