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CEDAR PARK LEANDER EDITION 2022
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ONLINE AT
L O C A L V O T E R G U I D E
VOLUME 15, ISSUE 12 APRIL 7 MAY 4, 2022
Election to decide future of Leander public transit Remaining in Capital Metro on ballot
IMPACTS
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BY TAYLOR GIRTMAN & EDDIE HARBOUR
Leander voters will make a signicant decision in the May 7 election on what the city’s public transportation future will look like. Voters will be asked if the city should continue as a mem- ber city in Capital Metro, the regional public transit entity that serves much of the Greater Austin area. Voters elected to join Capital Metro in 1985 and conrmed that decision with another vote in 2000. For a second time, Leander res- idents will be asked if they want to remain in the Capital Metro partnership. If a majority of voters say “yes” to staying in Capital Metro, bus, pickup and rail services will continue as normal. In addi- tion, the two entities will move forward with an inter local CONTINUED ON 24
TODO LIST LOCAL VOTER GUIDE 2022 GUIDE
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Capital Metro’s service in Leander includes rail and commuter bus. (Eddie Harbour/Community Impact Newspaper)
Cedar Park to face $158.8Mbond vote
The city of Cedar Park will have a general obligation bond on the ballot in May with voters deciding on three components. BOND BREAKDOWN
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BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON
addressed,” Council Member Heather Jefts saidat a Jan. 27meeting. “All areas of the city were a part of the process, had their say and a seat at the table.” The 2022 bond recommendations came from a bond advisory task force of 15 members. The task force was given a list of projects from city sta and taskedwith picking the projects of high priority. Over the course of several months, the task force then evaluated and reviewed the projects, discussed the nancial possibilities, provided oppor- tunities for community engagement and presented the nal report to City Council in January. CONTINUED ON 27
In an eort to accommodate the fast-growing city of Cedar Park, a $158.8 million general obligation bond focused on roads, parks and public safetywill go before the city’s voters in theMay 7 election. Thebondconsists of $86.6million in transportation projects, $42.2 million in parks and recreation projects, and $30 million for a new multi-agency public safety training facility. “I appreciate the fact that this entire bond package came together from a wide swath of citizens of the city of Cedar Park that came together and worked together over several months to make sure that all needs were being
TOTAL: $158.8 million in estimated project costs
Proposition A: Transportation,
BUSINESS FEATURE
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$86.6 million Proposition B: Parks and recreation, $42.2 million
Proposition C: Public safety, $30 million
SOURCE: CITY OF CEDAR PARKCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
DINING FEATURE
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CEDAR PARK LEANDER EDITION • APRIL 2022
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
THIS ISSUE
ABOUT US
Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched the rst edition of Community Impact Newspaper in 2005 with three full-time employees covering Round Rock and Pugerville, Texas. We have expanded our operations to include hundreds of employees, our own printing operation and over 30 hyperlocal editions across three states. Our circulation is over 2 million residential mailboxes, and it grows each month with new residents and developments.
HIGHLIGHTS FROMTHISMONTH
FROMDENISE: It is that time of year again—election time! There are many candidates vying for a seat on the Cedar Park and Leander city councils. This month we are also focusing on two important issues: Capital Metro in Leander and the Cedar Park bond. To make an informed decision, I encourage everyone to thoroughly read this edition, including our front- page stories, before you head to the polls May 7. Denise Seiler, GENERALMANAGER
Community Impact Newspaper teams include general managers, editors, reporters, graphic designers, sales account executives and sales support, all immersed and invested in the communities they serve. Our mission is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our core values are Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.
FROMEDDIE: There’s just something special about walking into a bar or restaurant and seeing a band setting up. I was excited this month to get our Live Music calendar going again alongside our regular To-Do List on page 9. Does your establishment in Leander or Cedar Park oer free live music? Let us know at lcpnews@communityimpact.com, and we’ll try to get you on the list! Eddie Harbour, EDITOR
Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other.
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CEDAR PARK LEANDER EDITION • APRIL 2022
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
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NOWOPEN 1 Cedar Park Breast Center opened March 1 at the Cedar Park Regional Medical Center. The practice, led by Dr. Edward Bombach, will provide surgical care for benign and malignant breast disease. Consultations and surgical pro- cedures will be performed in oce and at CPRMC. The surgical practice is located at 1401 Medical Parkway, Bldg. B, Ste. 412C, Cedar Park. 512-379-3850. www.cedarparkphysicianassociates.com 2 Crumbl Cookies opened a Cedar Park location March 24 in the 1890 Ranch shopping center. The cookie company of- fers over 120 rotating cookie avors. The location is at 1335 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. H500, Cedar Park. 512-337-2914. www.crumblcookies.com 3 Leander Fit opened a tness facility April 2 in Leander. The gym oers group functional tness training at 651 N. US 183, Ste. 370, Leander. 253-220-7370. https://leandertxt.com 4 Mama Betty’s Tex-Mex y Cantina opened its Northwest Austin restaurant March 23. Co-owner Jason Carrier said the Tex-Mex menu is inspired by his childhood and young adult life eating and working at Ninfa’s, his mother’s Hous- ton restaurant. The restaurant replaces the now-closed Morelia Mexican Grill at 9900 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 220, Austin. https://ilovemamabettys.com 5 Rumaan Mediterranean Cuisine opened Feb. 9 at the Lakeline Mall in Northwest Austin. The restaurant spe- cializes in Mediterranean dishes, such as chicken shawarma, beef kebab, soups, salads, appetizers and more. Rumaan
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Mediterranean Cuisine is located at 11200 Lakeline Mall Drive, Ste. F18, Cedar Park. 512-551-3500. www.rumaancuisine.com 6 Twin Liquors opened its second Leander store March 7 on Ronald Reagan Boulevard. The Texas-based liquor store company oers a variety of wines and spirits. Orders can also be placed online for delivery or in-store pickup. Stores are open 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday. The new store is located in the Bar W Marketplace 512-260-8946. www.twinliquors.com 7 Via 313 opened its Cedar Park location March 28 in the 1890 Ranch shopping center. The Austin-based pizze- ria’s menu includes Detroit-style pizzas, bar-style thin-crust pizzas, salads, ap- petizers and desserts. Brandon and Zane Hunt opened the rst Via 313 in Austin in 2011. The restaurant is located at 1335 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. 200, Cedar Park. www.via313.com COMING SOON 9 Chi’Lantro , a Korean-inspired bar- becue restaurant, is planning to open in late August or early September at 12129 N. RM 620, Austin. The restaurant, which claims to be the home of the original kim- chi fries, primarily serves ssams—utilizing a our tortilla— and bowls with a base, proteins like Korean BBQ steak or mari- nated tofu, veggies, toppings and sauce. 512-800-9098. www.chilantrobbq.com 10 Fajita Pete’s will open its second Austin-area location in Cedar Park this summer. The to-go restaurant is sched- uled to open in July at 2800 E. Whites- tone Blvd., Ste. 130, Cedar Park, accord-
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
COMPILED BY TAYLOR GIRTMAN & EDDIE HARBOUR
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Southwest Williamson County Regional Park
PJ’s Coee of New Orleans
COURTESY PJ’S COFFEE OF NEW ORLEANS
COURTESY WILLIAMSON COUNTY
mer and will be an addition to nearly 600 Texas locations. www.dqtexas.com RELOCATIONS 8 The iconic Texas barbecue chain Smokey Mo’s BBQ began relocating its headquarters to Cedar Park from Leander at 1320 Arrow Point Drive, Ste. 301, in the La Jaita Business Park on March 31. Smokey Mo’s BBQ opened its rst loca- tion in Cedar Park and is returning to the city to facilitate growth and expand its franchise strategy following the purchase of the company by private equity rm Switchback Capital LLC. www.smokey- mosbbq.com EXPANSIONS 15 Blue Water Homecare expanded the Leander-based company’s services in March with at-home hospice care across Central Texas. The in-home care provider also provides home care with dementia care and a Parkinson’s program. Blue Wa- ter Homecare is located at 660 S. Bagdad Road, Ste. 210, Leander. 512-872-2955. www.bluewaterhomecare.com IN THE NEWS 16 A new restroom facility is open at Southwest Williamson County Region- al Park in Leander. Williamson County ocials held a ribbon-cutting for the new facility Feb. 25. The restroom is near the parking area for the disc golf course and Jim Rodgers trailhead. The $432,554 project was funded by the county’s 2019 voter-approved park bond. The park is located at 3005 CR 175, Leander. www.wilco.org/parks
ing to franchise owner Michael Blalock. The menu for the Houston-based chain includes fajitas, autas, queso, margar- itas and more. Orders can be placed for delivery, catering and pickup. https:// fajitapetes.com 11 Hill Country Anxiety will open its Cedar Park oce in April at 1210 Cottonwood Creek Trail, Ste. 510, Cedar Park. The practice began seeing patients in March with telehealth appointments. Dr. Melissa McHugh Dillon sees children, teens and young adults. 512-528-3131. www.hillcountryanxiety.com 12 PJ’s Coee of New Orleans will open a shop in Leander in late 2022 or early 2023. The coee shop will have a variety of coee, espresso, frozen and blended drinks, tea, smoothies and other drinks. PJ’s Coee also has a food menu of pas- tries, breakfast sandwiches, beignets and lunch sandwiches. PJ’s Coee will open in the Shops at Hero Way at 11500 Hero Way West, Leander. www.pjscoee.com 13 VeraBank plans to open a Leander branch in April or May. The branch will have interactive ATMs and services for commercial lenders, change orders, mon- ey orders, fraud claims and safe deposit boxes. VeraBank’s Leander location will open at 1695 N. US 183, Leander, where an IBC Bank was located. 512-515-6300. www.verabank.com 14 Dairy Queen is coming soon to Le- ander and will be located at 141 W. Metro Drive. Dairy Queen has a Texas-specic menu that features Tex-Mex selections, specialized burgers and the restaurant’s popular ice cream Blizzards. The Leander location is expected to open in early sum-
Moonie’s Burger Stand currently has ve Central Texas locations.
COURTESY MOONIE’S BURGER STAND
FEATURED IMPACT COMING SOON Moonie’s Burger House will open its sixth location in mid-May at 109 US 183, Leander, according to Craig Cohen, the Central Texas chain’s president. According to Cohen, the Leander location near Old Town—formerly Maria’s Mexican Restaurant—will be more focused on a sit-down dining experience and could potentially have a full bar in addition to its craft-focused beer oerings. The opening of the Leander store will also coincide with the shuttering of the Moonie’s in Cedar Park, which is being demolished as part of the larger Bell Boulevard redevelopment. Cohen said the chain will aim to reopen a new
location in Cedar Park in the fall once a suitable site has been secured. Moonie’s was established in 2006 and also has locations in Liberty Hill, Marble Falls and two in Northwest Austin. www.mooniesburgerhouse.com
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CEDAR PARK LEANDER EDITION • APRIL 2022
TO DO LIST
April & May events
APRIL 10
SEE RODEO BULLS INACTION BROKEN G RODEO
The 10th Annual Leander Bull riding Shoot Out will feature a full slate of bull riding and mutton busting in an event beneting the Rouse Future Farmers of America. Broken G Rodeo, a mobile rodeo service based in Leander, will host the event, and belt buckles will be awarded to winners at all levels. 7 p.m. $7-$15. 2255 US 183, Leander. 512-680-9975. www.brokengrodeo.com (Courtesy Broken G Rodeo)
APRIL 09 THE CEDAR PARK FAMILY KITE FESTIVAL will be held at Milburn Park, 1901 Sun Chase Blvd., Cedar Park. Hosted by Angie ATX Realtor, the event will oer families the opportunity to gather in a family- and pet-friendly environment. 3-8 p.m. Free. angiegzz@gmail.com 10 TAKE THE KIDS ONAN EGG HUNT Children ages 3-10 can enjoy the city of Leander’s annual Eggstravaganza event to be held at Benbrook Ranch Park with over 30,000 eggs to nd. There will be nine start times for egg hunting based on age groupings as well as an exclusive time for special needs children under 18 and food vendors on-site. Ages 3-18. Noon-4:30 p.m. Free. 1100 Halsey Drive, Leander. 512-528-9909. www.leandertx. gov/parksrec 15 LISTEN TO SOME DOWN HOME COUNTRYMUSIC San Antonio-based Kin Faux will take to the stage at Wild West in Cedar Park with its brand of red dirt country music. The band, featuring ddle and steel guitar, has toured Texas numerous times. Ages 18 and up. 7 p.m. $15-$130. 401 E. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park. 512-986- 7464. https://wildwestcedarpark.com 16 BRING YOUR CANINE TOA CRAWFISH BOIL Doghouse Drinkery is partnering with HooDoo Crawsh, an Austin-based catering company, to host a crawsh boil at the Leander dog park bar. Crawsh will be sold at $11 per pound until sold out. 1 p.m. Free (adults), $7 (dogs). 3800 CR 175, Leander. 512-219-6664. www.doghousedrikery.com 16 TAKE A RUN TOHELP OTHERS The Re-Mission Run will start at Brushy Creek Lake Park in Cedar Park. The family-friendly event, which will benet Austin Food Bank and the Wounded Warrior Project, will feature a kids 1K, a 5K and a 10K. 9-10 a.m. $20-$35. Brushy
Creek Lake Park, 3300 Brushy Creek Road, Cedar Park. https://runsignup.com/ race/tx/cedarpark/remissionrun 16 HEAR A SEASONED BLUES HANDON GUITAR Howlin’ Waters is set to bring his blues guitar skills to Cedar Park at Shooters Billiards. An original member of Root Boy Slim’s band, Waters has toured nationally and plays regularly across Central Texas. 21 and up. 9 p.m. Free. Shooters Billiards & Sports Bar, 601 E. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park. 512-260-2060. https://shootersbilliards.net 19 CHECKOUT CARS ANDA COOKOUT The Leander High School Air Force Junior ROTC booster club is set to host its 10th annual Car and Motorcycle Show & Cookout at Leander High School. Trophies will be awarded for Best of Show, Best Classic, Best Modern, Peer Recognition and more. Show participants can park from 9-10 a.m. Admission includes a lunch voucher, and there will also be a silent auction. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $12.50- $30. 3301 S. Bagdad Road, Leander. Eventbrite: Leander High School AFJROTC 22 HEAR EASY GOING, ROOTS COUNTRYMUSIC Cat Spring, Texas native Carson Jerey, will draw from his two albums, “Muchos Sonidos” and “Heart of This Man” at a concert at Wild West in Cedar Park. Ages 18 and up. 7 p.m. $15-$100. 401 E. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park. 512-986- 7464. https://wildwestcedarpark.com 23 THE BLOCKHOUSE CREEK OWNERS ASSOCIATION will host the Shop Local Eco Fair at the Pavillion at Tumlinson Park. The event will feature food trucks, home businesses, games and more. Noon-3 p.m. Free. 2800 S. Block House Drive, Leander. blockhousecreekoa@gmail.com. Eventbrite: Shop Local Eco Fair 23 SHOP AND BROWSE AT A LOCAL CRAFT FAIR Shop handmade items from local vendors at the Be The Light Craft Fair. Items for
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
COMPILED BY EDDIE HARBOUR
MAGGIEMAE’S LEANDER 105 W. Willis St., Leander FB: MaggieMaesLeander APRIL 15 Pete Henry, 7 p.m. 22 David Houston, 7 p.m. SHOOTERS 601 E. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park 512-260-2060 https://shootersbilliards.net APRIL 29 The Clutch Kings, 9 p.m. 30 The Weak Knights, 9 p.m. WHITESTONE BREWERY 601 E. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park 512-765-4828 www.whitestonebrewery.com APRIL 16 Jennifer Foster and Robert Parker Jr., 6 p.m. 22 Sean Soto, 9 p.m. 23 Maxband, 9 p.m. 23 The Rhythm Dawgs, 6 p.m. 30 Nowhere Family Band, 6 p.m. MAY 07 Los Juanabes, 6 p.m.
The Good Lot hosts live music several nights a week. (Community Impact Newspaper)
APRIL 28 MAY 02
SEE YOUR DISNEY FAVORITES ON SKATES HEB CENTER AT CEDAR PARK
LIVEMUSIC
Disney on Ice will bring eight performances over ve days to the H-E-B Center in Cedar Park. Titled “Let’s Celebrate,” the show will feature over 50 Disney and Pixar characters from 14 dierent lms, all hosted by Mickey Mouse. Times vary by date. $25-$63. H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, 2100 Avenue of the Stars, Cedar Park. 512-600-5000. www.hebcenter.com (Courtesy Disney on Ice)
THE GOOD LOT 2500 W. New Hope Drive, Cedar Park 512-986-4037 https://thegoodlotcp.com APRIL 08 Kaylin Karr, 7 p.m. 09 Morgan Obenhaus, 7 p.m. 15 Let Flo Go, 7 p.m. 16 Radha School of Music, 2 p.m. 16 John Taylor, 7 p.m. 22 Jason Van Meter, 7:30 p.m.
MAY 07 GO FLY AKITE
sale include paintings, pottery, bread, salsa, soap, decor and more. The fair will be held outdoors under a pavilion. Vendor fees and silent auction proceeds will benet Twin Lakes YMCA Summer Camps. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission. Anderson Mill West Park & Pavilion, 2900 El Salido Parkway, Cedar Park. www.bethelightcraftfair.com
Leander parks and recreation will host its annual Kite Festival at Devine Lake Park. The family-friendly festival will include kite events and food and craft vendors. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 1807 Waterfall Ave., Leander. 512-528-2997. www.leandertx.gov/parksrec
23 Earle Nelson, 7 p.m. 29 Isabel Suarez, 7 p.m. 30 Kyle Reed, 7 p.m.
Find more or submit Leander and Cedar Park 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.
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CEDAR PARK LEANDER EDITION • APRIL 2022
SOMETHING EXCITING IS HERE! ACC Highland’s Community Grand Opening
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Saturday, April 23, 2022 10 a.m.– 2 p.m. 6101 Highland Campus Dr. Austin, TX 78752 Meet Us at Highland
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The Mobility Authority is building new connections for Williamson County.
Central Texas’ explosive growth is driving the need for proactive congestion relief. The 6.6-mile extension of the 183A Toll Road into Liberty Hill will ensure continued, reliable mobility for years to come. We build more than roads. We build connections that enhance quality of life and economic vitality across Central Texas.
183A.com
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
TRANSPORTATIONUPDATES Council OKs mobility plan
UPCOMING PROJECTS
MAKING A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN The city of Cedar Park’s mobility plan will combine aspects of three previous plans related to the movability of residents:
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Cedar Park City Council authorized an agreement March 10 for a city mobility master plan. The new plan will update the city’s 2010 Trails Master Plan and the 2015 Transportation Master Plan and also incorporate the 2020 Transit Study. The completed plan will integrate all three plans into one comprehensive mobility plan. Randy Lueders, the city’s director of engineering and capital projects, said this meets a council strategic goal to create a mobility plan that will develop a vision for a diverse transportation system and a plan to
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2010 Trails Master Plan
2015 Transportation Master Plan
2020 Transit Study
Heritage Grove Road improvements The project will improve trac condi- tions for future commercial growth on Heritage Grove Road. The 1.5-lane road will expand to four lanes. New Atlas 14 study information, which provides rainfall data for stormwater infrastructure, required a project re- design. The design is 15% complete. Timeline: early 2023-early 2024 Cost: $3.2 million Funding source: Leander general obligation bonds, Leander Capital Improvement Project fund
SOURCE: CITY OF CEDAR PARKCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
improve multimodal connectivity in the community. The plan will also improve bike and pedestrian connectivity between popular destinations and update design standards for bike and trail facilities, Lueders said. Public engagement will be part of the plan process. City Council authorized the city
manager March 10 to negotiate an engineering agreement with Kim- ley-Horn and Associates Inc. The agreement is not to exceed $275,000. Several council members expressed elation about the plan. “I’m so excited about this. I feel like I’ve been harping on this forever,” Council Member Heather Jefts said.
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Capital Metro to roll out new fare card, rates for low-income residents
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Capital Metro announced March 21 the strategy for a new smart fare card and payment system that will provide fare capping and support an equitable fare structure for transit riders with lower income levels. The new plan was presented to the Capital Metro board of directors March 28 and will roll out in the next fewmonths, allowing customers to use a new Amp account to pay for fares within the Capital Metro app or an Amp smart card. The Amp branding is a way of paying tribute
to Austin as the live music capital of the world. Just like the existing system, customers can put credit in the card online or visit the 250 physical retail locations to load the card with cash. Enrollment in the Amp card plan will oer “equifare,” or reduced cost of riding daily and monthly to those who qualify. Instead of paying up front for transit passes as they do currently, this allows riders to pay as they go. “We’re really excited, maybe amped up to see
Raider Way/Woodview Drive road improvements The project will improve trac near Wiley Middle School and Rouse High School. In 2019, about 95% of the project design was complete before FEMA required the project to adapt to the Atlas 14 study, which requires additional right of way and public easement access. The project is 80% complete in design. Timeline: winter 2023-fall 2024 Cost: $9.9 million Funding source: Leander general obligation bonds
Capital Metro has plans to cap fares for regular users. (Community Impact Newspaper)
how we can roll this out to the community,” said Brian Carter, Capital Metro’s chief experience and engage- ment ocer. The standard fare is $1.25 per ride, and the agency will have a new proposed equifare of $1 per ride. The cap for a day pass will be
set to $2, meaning a rider will not be charged more than $2 per day, even if transit is ridden more than twice a day, Carter said. “Once [a rider] spends $33 on transit fares, they would not spend any more that month for additional transit rides.” Carter said.
ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF MARCH 25. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT LCPNEWSCOMMUNITYIMPACT.COM.
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CEDAR PARK LEANDER EDITION • APRIL 2022
DEVELOPMENT UPDATES
Projects underway in the area
COMPILED BY TAYLOR GIRTMAN
RENDERING COURTESY DELL CHILDREN’S MEDICAL CENTER
RENDERING COURTESY HARMONY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
DELL CHILDREN’S NORTH MEDICAL CENTER Dell Children’s North Medical Center celebrated a construction milestone March 2 with the nal steel beam added to the new pediatric hospital in Northwest Austin. The hospital is scheduled to open in 2023. The steel beam, which was signed by the construction team, was added to the hospital during a ceremonial topping-out event. The hospital broke ground in May 2021 near the intersection of Avery Ranch Boulevard and 183A Toll. The development has two parts: a 187,000-square-foot, four-story hospital and a 60,000-square-foot medical oce building for outpatient subspecialty services. The oce building is expected
HARMONY SCIENCE ACADEMY LEANDER
in the second construction phase. Leander City Council approved a zoning change and annexation request for the 28-acre development March 3. The site’s zoning was changed from single-family rural to local oce.
to open in fall 2022. The pediatric hospital will have 36 beds, trauma services, two operating rooms, endoscopy rooms, a Ronald McDonald suite and an additional oor for growth of up to 72 more beds. Space: 187,000 square feet Timeline: May 2021-spring 2023
Texas-based Harmony Public Schools has plans to build its eighth Central Texas school on Hero Way in Leander. Harmony Science Academy Leander will be built at 3250 Hero Way. The public charter school is scheduled to open for the 2023-24 school year. The school will open with grades prekindergarten through second grade and sixth grade. It will expand each year with additional grade levels for a total future enrollment of 1,500 students, Harmony Public Schools spokesperson John Boyd said. The Harmony Science Academy Leander campus will be built in two phases with an initial elementary school building. A secondary school building will be added STAKED PLAINS DR.
Space: 28 acres Timeline: TBD
AVERY RANCH BLVD.
183
BUTTERCUP CREEK
183A TOLL
269
LAKELINE BLVD.
183A TOLL
2243
S. LAKELINE BLVD.
183
N
N
12
COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Unmatched Academic Results Tour a campus at an Open House! Saturday, April 23, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
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© 2022, Challenger Schools Challenger School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.
An independent private school offering preschool through eighth grade
13
CEDAR PARK LEANDER EDITION • APRIL 2022
Curious what is selling in your neighborhood? Scan me
*All prices shown are list price
ACTIVE
ACTIVE
realtyaustin.com/p/2508784
realtyaustin.com/p/2406386
$839,950
$889,000
3 bds
3 ba
2,818 sq ft
4 bds
3.5 ba 3,835 sq ft
407 S Frontier Ln, Cedar Park, TX 78613 Teresa Carson | 512-577-8715
2111 First Vw, Leander, TX 78641 Damon Brown | 512-689-5723
ACTIVE
ACTIVE
realtyaustin.com/p/4485868
realtyaustin.com/p/8098943
$1,150,000
$3,995,000
5 bds
3.5 ba 3,005 sq ft
5 bds
5.5 ba 7,842 sq ft
2206 Colinas Verdas Rd, Leander, TX 78641 JC Adams | 512-751-9667
8319 Lime Creek Rd, Volente, TX 78641 Jeffrey Sehon | 512-695-2919
PENDING
PENDING
realtyaustin.com/p/8102111
realtyaustin.com/p/2408769
$1,200,000
$1,200,000
4 bds
3 ba
3,393 sq ft
4 bds
2.5 ba 3,041 sq ft
505 Summit Park Ln, Liberty Hill, TX 78642 Tara Usrey | 512-635-2731
1100 Breakaway Rd, Cedar Park, TX 78613 Cynthia Mattiza | 512-940-5293
PENDING
PENDING
realtyaustin.com/p/6755688
realtyaustin.com/p/4319432
$1,350,000
$1,450,000
5 bds
4 ba
3,403 sq ft
5 bds
4.5 ba 4,337 sq ft
413 Ridgetop Bnd, Cedar Park, TX 78613 Carlos Ojeda | 512-496-5234
3902 ArrowWood Rd, Cedar Park, TX 78613 Kevin McCord | 512-784-9644
SOLD OVER ASKING
SOLD OVER ASKING
realtyaustin.com/p/7441833
realtyaustin.com/p/7386113
$625,000
$649,900
4 bds
2.5 ba 3,401 sq ft
3 bds
2.5 ba 2,181 sq ft
817Water Hyacinth Loop, Leander, TX 78641 Gail and Ben Team | 512-567-0929
3944 Good Night Trl, Leander, TX 78641 Joelle Chamorro | 512-710-6010
Be confident and secure in selling your home. Visit RealtyAustin.com/Sell to look up your home’s value.
14
COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
CITY& COUNTY
News from Cedar Park & Williamson County
Cedar Park City Council Meets April 14 and 28, 7 p.m. 450 Cypress Creek Road, Bldg. 4, Cedar Park • 512-401-5000 www.cedarparktexas.gov Leander City Council Meets April 7 and 21, 7 p.m. • 201 N. Brushy St., Leander • 512-259-1239 www.leandertx.gov Travis County Commissioners Court Meets April 12, 14, 19, 26, 28 and May 3, 9 a.m. • 700 Lavaca St., Austin • 512-854-9020 www.traviscountytx.gov Williamson County Commissioners Court Meets April 12, 19, 26 and May 3, 9:30 a.m. • 710 S. Main St., Georgetown • 512-943-1100 www.wilco.org MEETINGSWE COVER CITY HIGHLIGHTS CEDARPARK The city announced Feb. 25 that its library received the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association’s 2021 Excellence in Libraries Award. The annual award was given to 59 public libraries in Texas “that demonstrate consistent excellence and outstanding contributions to public library services.”
River Ranch County Park project on track after yearlong delay
PARK PROGRESS Take a look at construction milestones over time for River Ranch County Park.
2008
County purchases parkland
BY CLAIRE SHOOP
to meet milestones outlined in the contract, failed to adequately super- vise the work that was performed, and failed to build improvements in accordance with the plans and specications. The county terminated its contract with Ritter, Botkin Prime Construc- tion Co. on June 2, 2021, according to the email. Because the contractor was bonded, Gravell said the county had to go through a bonding or surety company to replace the contractor—a process that stalled construction on River Ranch County Park for a year. Gravell described working with bonded companies as an insurance policy to ensure that the services promised in construction contracts are completed. “We never imagined it would take a year to get the bonding company to move [forward],” Gravell said.
WILLIAMSON COUNTY Work to complete River Ranch County Park is back on track after a yearlong delay caused by issues with the contractor, County Judge Bill Gravell said in an interview with Community Impact Newspaper. Gravell said the county had a contract in place with a construction company that “wasn’t measuring up” to the county’s standards for the park. The 1,354-acre park, located between Leander and Liberty Hill, will include 10-12 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails; camp- grounds; playgrounds; RV parking; pavilions; and an interpretive center. In an email, Williamson County conrmed it had sent a notice of default to Ritter, Botkin Prime Con- struction Co., the general contractor on the project, alleging it had failed
2018
NOVEMBER: Construction contract awarded to Ritter, Botkin Prime DECEMBER: Project breaks ground APRIL: County buys 350 more acres for park JUNE: County terminates construction contract FEBRUARY: County awards new design contract
2019
2021
2022
SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTY COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
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CEDAR PARK LEANDER EDITION • APRIL 2022
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16
COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
2022
L O C A L V O T E R G U I D E GUIDE Candidates and information for local elections
COMPILED BY TAYLOR GIRTMAN
D A T E S T O K N O W April 25 First day of early voting
W H E R E T O V O T E
May 7 Election day May 7 Last day to receive ballot by mail (or May 9 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election)
Williamson County voters can nd voting sites at www.wilco.org/elections. Travis County voters can nd voting sites at https://countyclerk.traviscoutytx. gov/elections. Voters can vote at any site in the county they are registered in.
April 26 Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) May 3 Last day of early voting
SOURCES: TRAVIS COUNTY, WILLIAMSON COUNTYCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
S A M P L E B A L L O T
*Incumbent
Proposition L: Selection of Auditor
Proposition H: Police Department Employee Evaluations Shall Section 7.06 of the City Charter be amended to provide that, instead of police department employee evaluations being reviewed, modied, and revised by the City Manager and submitted to the City Council for review, evaluations shall instead be subject to review only by the City Manager? Proposition I: Fire Department Employee Evaluations Shall Section 7.07 of the City Charter be amended to remove language that re department evaluations are subject to modication by the City Manager? Proposition J: Mayor Pro Tem Appointment Shall Section 4.02 of the City Charter be amended to clarify that the appointment of the Mayor Pro Tem occurs at the rst regular meeting following the canvass of the general election and any runo® election associated with that general election? Proposition K: Planning Commission Appointments Shall Sections 4.03 and 10.04 of the City Charter be amended to provide that each council member appoints a member to the planning commission without requiring a majority vote of council or a recommendation from the board selection committee, except that if the council position that appoints a planning commission position is vacant, the appointment shall be made by majority vote of council?
Proposition D: Resign to Run Shall Section 3.04 of the City Charter be amended to change the current provision that requires automatic resignation from Council any time that a council member announces candidacy for another oce, to require automatic resignation only if there is more than one year and 30 days left on the council member’s term at the time of the announcement? Proposition E: Term of Oce Shall Section 5.12 of the City Charter be amended to provide that the City Council members elected by majority vote take oce on the Tuesday following the canvass of the election and do not wait for a run-o® election to be concluded to take oce, and that a Council member elected by majority vote in a run-o® election takes oce on the rst Tuesday following the canvass of the run-o® election? Proposition F: City Manager Shall Section 7.01 of the City Charter be amended to provide a procedure for suspension and removal of the City Manager, which includes notice of the reason for suspension and removal and an opportunity for a hearing, that occurs after the City Council asks the City Manager to resign and the City Manager declines to resign? Proposition G: Department Director Appointments Shall Sections 7.04 and 10.07 of the City Charter be amended to remove the requirement that the City Manager’s appointment of department directors be approved by the City Council?
LEANDER CITY COUNCIL Place 1 Kathryn Pantalion-Parker* Trey Schisser Place 3 Juan Alanis Steve Hanes Roslyn Littles David McDonald Place 5 Annette Sponseller Chris Czernek* Bill Louden CITY OF LEANDER PROPOSITIONS Proposition A: Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority Continuation Shall the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority be continued in the City of Leander? Proposition B: General Revenue Sales Tax (Conditional Upon a Majority “No” Vote on Proposition A) The adoption of a local sales and use tax in the City of Leander at the rate of two percent (2%) Proposition C: Term Limits Shall Section 3.03 be added to the City Charter to establish the following term limits: (a) three three-year terms for mayor; (b) three three-year terms for council positions other than mayor; and (c) a combination of three three- year terms for council and three three-year terms for mayor, regardless of the order served; unless the person has been out of oce for at least one full term?
CEDAR PARK CITY COUNCIL Mayor Jim Penniman-Morin Claudia Chavez Mike Guevara Place 2 Collin Klein Mel Kirkland* Place 4 Eric Boyce* Dorian Chavez Place 6 Tim Kelly Heather Jefts* CITY OF CEDAR PARK PROPOSITIONS Proposition A The issuance of $86,600,000 bonds by the city of Cedar Park, Texas, for transportation improvements and facilities to include streets, sidewalks, pathways, bike and pedestrian system improvements, and other transportation facilities. Taxes sucient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds will be imposed. Proposition B The issuance of $42,200,000 bonds by the city of Cedar Park, Texas, for parks, recreational facilities, trails, open space improvements and projects. Taxes sucient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds will be imposed. Proposition C The issuance of $30,000,000 bonds by the city of Cedar Park, Texas, for public safety facilities for police and re protection, including training facilities. Taxes sucient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds will be imposed.
Shall Section 8.13 of the City Charter be amended to change the maximum period of time the City may contract with the independent auditor from three consecutive years to ve consecutive years? Proposition M: Mayoral Duties Shall Section 4.01 of the City Charter be amended to remove the following duties from the oce of Mayor: (a) recommendation of appointees for boards and commissions; (b) submission of a recommended budget to council; and (c) taking command of the police in time of a declared emergency? Proposition N: Public Records Shall Section 13.06 of the City Charter be amended to remove the requirement that all applications for public records be stamped with a city seal and a copy of the application be provided to the applicant? Proposition O: Charter Review Commission Term Shall Section 13.08 of the City Charter be amended to remove the provision that states that the Charter Review Commission serves a six- month term?
17
CEDAR PARK LEANDER EDITION • APRIL 2022
EXPERIENCE MATTERS
The Experience Needed for the Future Desired
The Experienced Candidate for Mayor Who Will: 3 Bring in business to broaden our tax base and keep the tax burden off homeowners. 3 Improve our infrastructure so that good paying jobs can become great careers. 3 Support the police, re, and EMS workers who serve our great city. 3 Provide open dialogue to ensure government transparency. 3 Keep Cedar Park the place we love to live, work, and worship.
EST: 2009
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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