Cedar Park - Far Northwest Austin Edition | January 2024

The e-edition is an exact replica of the newspaper with interactive and searchable articles from all your favorite sections.

Cedar Park Far Northwest Austin Edition VOLUME 1, ISSUE 9 JAN. 17FEB. 13, 2024

2024 Annual Community Guide

Bruce Trzeciak has been a school resource ocer for Leander ISD for over 10 years, most recently at Leander High School.

COURTESY CHRISTIAN MARCELLI, LEANDER ISD

Leander ISD begins creation of district police force

District ocials said creating an in-house police department is the best path forward, but they anticipate facing challenges along the way due to a lack of funding and competition in hiring.

House Bill 3, passed in 2023, mandated districts to sta an armed security guard on every campus by Sept. 1. However, Leander ISD claimed a good- cause exception, which provides districts more time and options to satisfy the law.

BY CHLOE YOUNG

As districts across Texas grapple with how to implement new state safety requirements, Leander ISD is moving forward with forming its own police department.

CONTINUED ON 24

Also in this issue

Impacts: Dog Haus now serving gourmet hot dogs (Page 6)

Development: Cedar Parkgains new mixed-use project (Page 22)

Annual Community Guide: Area sees growth since 2017 (Page 27)

Dining: Lali Son oers Nepalese cuisine (Page 34)

2024 Annual Community Guide Sponsors

• Austin Water

• Texas Children's Hospital

Run & Walk Keep Austin Healthy

5K Run/Walk Health & Wellness Village Kids 1K Kids Bike Ride

SAT

11AM-2PM Jan ��

Fun, fitness

and family

Join us ahead of the opening of our North Austin campus for the Keep Austin Healthy Family Fun Run & Walk on Saturday, January ��. Take part in a �K run/walk, or visit our health and wellness village for a range of activities for everyone. Registration is free.

FREE!

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Happy New Year! Happy New You!

NEW PATIENT SPECIAL $189! Become a new patient and get FREE teeth whitening fo r LIFE!

*Eligible for cavity free patients who complete any treatment requirements and maintain annual x-rays and biannual cleanings. We provide custom bleach trays and 1 tube of bleach per year. Upgrades available. Inquire for details.

IN-HOUSE WHITENING SPECIAL $399 For The Month Of January (limited appointments available)

Dr. Tiffany Kondoff

512.782.0821 CEDARPARKDENTAL.COM INFO@CEDARPARKDENTAL.COM 209 DENALI PASS STE B, CEDAR PARK, TX

CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

My doctors collaborate, and that makes my life easier.

~ NANCY Ascension Seton patient and new mom

Get care from doctors who understand you

When all your doctors are on the same team, working with you and for you, it makes getting all the care you need all that much easier. At Ascension Seton, your doctors connect you to the care that’s right for you — everything from well-woman visits and mammograms, to surgical care and heart care, to vaccinations for children and families and more. Choose a day and time that works for you.

Schedule care now at ascension.org/SetonWomens

Hear more from Nancy and others:

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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

Market leaders & metro team

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

Taylor Caranfa Stover General Manager tstover@ communityimpact.com

Amira Van Leeuwen Zacharia Washington Chloe Young Graphic Designers Rachal Elliott Alissa Foss Gloria Gonzalez Melissa Johnson Sabrina Musachia Joseph Veloz Copy Editors Adrian Gandara Beth Marshall Managing Editor Darcy Sprague Senior Art Production Manager Haley Grace Publisher Travis Baker

Grace Dickens Editor gdickens@ communityimpact.com

Beth Burton Account Executive bburton@ communityimpact.com

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

16225 Impact Way Pflugerville, TX 78660 • 512-989-6808 CI Careers communityimpact.com/careers Press releases cpfnews@communityimpact.com Advertising cpfads@communityimpact.com communityimpact.com/advertising

Proudly printed by

communityimpact.com

@communityimpactnews

linkedin.com/company/communityimpact

FREE EVALUATIONS SATURDAY’S @ 12:30PM

CHECK OUT OUR SPRING BREAK PROGRAMS

WHY WATERLOO? • SAFETY! Chlorinated/UV Filter Pools • Low Student: Instructor Ratio • Curriculum that gets results! • Trained Instructors...we do this year round PROGRAMS AT WATERLOO • Swim Lessons • Private Lessons

• Adult Lessons / Masters • Lap Swimming • Swim Team (#3 Age Group Team in Texas)

• Kid and Teen Fitness • Summer League Prep

12332 FM 620 NORTH � AUSTIN � NEAR HWY 183 AND 45 TOLLROAD � WATERLOOSWIMMING.COM

CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Impacts

• Opened Dec. 14 • 13920 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 201, Leander • www.auntieannes.com 4 ISI Elite Training Owner Charles Yeager’s new facility provides 50-minute workouts for all fitness levels. • Opened Dec. 1 • 14105 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 101, Cedar Park • www.isielitetraining.com 5 Tomlinson’s Feed The Austin-based store carries food, treats, toys, supplements and supplies for cats and dogs. • Opened Dec. 14 • 19380 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 410, Leander • www.tomlinsons.com 6 Wingstop The restaurant serves bone-in and boneless wings, chicken sandwiches, tenders and sides. • Opened Nov. 13 • 19372 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 340, Leander • www.wingstop.com 7 European Wax Center The national chain offers full-body hair removal and waxing services for men and women. • Opened Nov. 6 • 19372 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 320, Leander • www.waxcenter.com 8 Rock Liquor A liquor store selling beer, wine, liquor and more opened in northern Leander. The shop plans to sell cigars in the future. • Opened in late December • 3651 US 183, Ste. 160, Leander • 512-528-5084

8 1

Leander

6 7 14

183A TOLL

Cedar Park

3 12

NAMELESS RD.

183

LINDERMAN LN.

16 19

MEDICAL PKWY.

VISTA RIDGE BLVD.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

Cedar Park & Leander

45 TOLL LAKELINE MALL DR. 3 Jamba and Auntie Anne’s The dual-brand location carries pretzels, lemonade, smoothies, juices, bowls and bites. 2 Planet Fitness The new gym offers fitness equipment, tanning beds, massage chairs and more. • Opened in early January • 13530 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. C-100, Cedar Park • www.planetfitness.com

Now open

1 Wayback Burgers The fast-casual chain’s menu includes burgers, milkshakes, chicken tenders and more. • Opened Nov. 15 • 3651 US 183, Ste. 195, Leander • www.waybackburgers.com

Coming soon

9 Mojo Coffee The family-owned shop roasts its beans and makes all

620

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

frappes in-house. • Opening in April • 2875 W. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. 100, Cedar Park • www.mojodrivethru.com 10 Shady Brew Garden The food truck park will offer beer, wine and coffee, with a covered patio, playscape and dog park. • Opening in the spring • 303 W. Broade St., Leander • Instagram: @ShadyBrewGarden 11 Wahoo’s Fish Taco Wahoo’s offers a broad menu of food options, such as tacos, burritos, salads, and plates with ceviche and cauliflower rice. • Opening in the summer • 204 W. Broade St., Leander • www.wahoos.com 12 Rabbit Hole Neighborhood Bar The opening of the second Rabbit Hole location in Leander has been pushed back due to permitting delays. • Opening in March • 13920 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 202, Leander • www.rabbitholetx.com

Now open

15 Nameless Saloon The food truck park and bar owned by Jesse Fortney serves craft drinks and beer, and has a stage for live music. As of late December, the establishment had three food trucks, including Casita Ruby, Topp Dawg and Wylies. Fortney said he is looking at adding a healthier option, barbecue and Mediterranean to the mix, with the goal of having at least six food trucks. • Opened Nov. 10 • 23296 Nameless Road, Leander • Facebook: Nameless Saloon

18 Dog Haus Biergarten Run by franchisees Mike and Heather Durbin, the beer garden serves a variety of gourmet hot dogs, sausages and burgers served on Hawaiian sweet rolls, plus chicken, breakfast burritos and plant-based meats. The space also includes a dog- friendly patio and full bar that has 24 beers on tap and signature cocktails. • Opened Dec. 15 • 3101 E. Whitestone Blvd., Bldg. F, Cedar Park • www.doghaus.com

Relocations

Austin Eastciders Michigan-based Blake’s Beverage Company acquired the Austin-based cider producer in November; however, those in charge said no changes are in the works to the

• 19386 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Leander • www.7brew.com

13 Whitestone Brewery The taproom is moving from its current location at 601 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. 500, Bldg. 5, to the old Lucy’s Fried Chicken, where it will partner with 600 Degrees Pizza. • Relocating in mid-March • 401 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. A-108, Cedar Park • www.whitestonebrewery.com

16 Cedar Park Regional Medical Center Sean C. Tinney will start as the hospital’s next CEO on Jan. 22, according to a Dec. 19 announcement. • 1401 Medical Parkway, Cedar Park • www.cedarparkregional.com 17 La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Austin-Cedar Park The pet-friendly hotel’s renovations included guest rooms, fitness and business centers, and more. • 1010 E. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park • www.wyndhamhotels.com

cidery’s brand or products. • www.austineastciders.com

Closings

19 Church’s Texas Chicken The fast-food fried chicken restaurant on East Whitestone Boulevard is now closed. • Closed in late 2023 • 1601 E. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park • www.churchs.com

In the news

14 7 Brew Coffee The drive-thru coffee chain’s upcoming location is set to be completed by July, according to a project registration with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

It’s that time of the year when the pollen comes calling. Fortunately, Next Level Urgent Care is right in the neighborhood and can quickly diagnose and treat your symptoms. What’s even better, we provide extended hours on nights and weekends for quick relief.

CEDAR OR FEVER?

Open 9am – 9pm 7 days a week nextlevelurgentcare.com Scan the QR code for more information.

CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

CEDAR PARK

Impacts

Far Northwest Austin

183A TOLL

Now open

RUTLEDGE SPUR

1 Dirty Dough Cookies The cookie shop sells “super-stuffed cookie bombs,” which feature various layers, mix-ins and fillings baked into the dough. • Opened Dec. 16 • 6301 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 503, Austin • https://dirtydoughcookies.com 2 Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women Obstetrics & Gynecology North Austin The clinic offers a full spectrum of OB-GYN services along with prenatal and preventative care, comprehensive menstrual disorder management care, and more. • Opened Dec. 5

LAKELINE MALL DR.

45 TOLL

LAKE CREEK PKWY.

620

183

SPICEWOOD SPRINGS RD.

• 9817 Lake Creek Parkway, Austin • www.women.texaschildrens.org

3 The Loretta A new affordable housing complex began leasing to families in the fall. Read the full story on Page 23. • Started leasing in October

MUELLER BLVD.

2222

MAP NOT TO SCALE

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON, AMANDA CUTSHALL & GRACE DICKENS

• 13649 Rutledge Spur, Austin • www.foundcom.org/theloretta

In the news

Now open

7 Dell Children’s Medical Center A 10-month-long expansion project to increase the neonatal intensive care unit’s capacity was completed Nov. 28, adding 24 rooms as well as a new formula lab and milk bank area. • 4900 Mueller Blvd., Austin • www.healthcare.ascension.org Toni’s Toffee The local treat business celebrated its fifth anniversary in November. The shop offers a variety of locally made toffee treats in various flavors along with holiday options, custom gifts and more. • www.tonistoffee.com

4 Coin Shop Owned by local Giorgio Rossinni, the shop buys and sells rare coins, gold and silver. • Opened Dec. 1 • 12636 Research Blvd., Ste. 108-B, Austin • 512-998-9892

Coming soon

5 Veterinary Regional Orthopedic Center Board-certified veterinary surgeon Dr. David Allman will open Veterinary Regional Orthopedic Center with four operating rooms and a rehab center. • Opening late 2024 • 13805 RM 620, Austin • No website or phone number available 6 Fyzical Therapy The center will offer a range of physical and balance disorder therapies, such as orthopedic rehabilitation for arthritis or nerve pain and neurological rehabilitation. • Soft opening Jan. 22 • 8516 Anderson Mill Road, Ste. 102, Austin • www.fyzical.com

9 Butterwhisk Brunch House The eatery, which is located in the Four Points area, features a variety of brunch items, such as pancakes, waffles, omelets, Benedicts, burgers and sandwiches, plus coffee, hot chocolate and fresh squeezed orange juice. • Opened Dec. 28 • 10815 RM 2222, Ste. 207, Austin • Facebook: Butterwhisk Brunch House

Closings

8 Capital One Bank The branch location permanently closed in the fall. The bank offered a variety of financial services for clients such as personal checking, mortgages, loans and more. • Closed in the fall • 2910 S. Lakeline Blvd., Cedar Park • www.capitalone.com

ATTENTION Licensed and Registered Child Care Providers: Get FREE Business Coaching!

In multiple virtual sessions your professional business coach can:

Help you define and reach goals to increase revenue and decrease costs

You have the power to shape your community. Making a donation on Amplify Austin Day supports hundreds of local nonprofits and amplifies what makes Austin and Central Texas so good. The biggest giving event in Central Texas Amplify Austin Day

To Register Scan the QR code!

Offer best practices and tools to operate your child care business

Create action steps to help you move forward with confidence

March 6 7 6pm until 6pm - Donate now at AmplifyATX.org

CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Government

WilCo plans for new county headquarters An interlocal agreement approved Dec. 12 between the city of Georgetown and Williamson County outlines plans for the development of the new county headquarters along Southwestern Boulevard and SE Inner Loop. The gist The agreement described the county’s com- mitments for the design and construction of infrastructure related to the project on the roughly 170-acre tract of land southeast of downtown Georgetown—the current home of county services. Williamson County has vouched for a $3 million contribution for the planning, design and right- of-way acquisition phases of the SE Inner Loop project, according to county documents. The details Plans for the new headquarters indicate a

County park sees lighting upgrades

1460

Officials celebrated the completion of $1.4 million in lighting improvements for the sports fields and courts at Southwest Wil- liamson County Regional Park in December. What you need to know Funded through Williamson County’s fiscal year 2022-23 capital improvement budget, the project included upgrading the existing sports fields and courts with LED lights to improve visibility, increase energy savings and reduce light pollution, county officials said. Though the total cost savings is yet to be determined, the new low-wattage light fixtures are estimated to save 55% in energy usage, which in turn will lower the overall usage bill for park maintenance, Williamson County Parks Director Russell Fishbeck said.

three-story building with parking circling the structure. The county anticipates breaking ground on infrastructure in early 2024. The building will house a tax assessor collector office—which will have a drive-thru—county clerk, county judge’s office, Commissioners Court courtroom, budget office, public affairs and county auditor, staff said. Williamson County Commissioners Court previously approved plans for the relocation of county services in February, allotting $90 million for a new administration building.

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE Mobility Authority

Navigating the tolling landscape can be complicated. We’re the Central Texas Regional 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

Late payment fees do apply

The Mobility Authority is not TxTag

We accept a variety of electronic tags

Original Owner

New Owner

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

There are payment options everywhere

Remove the license plates and electronic tag from vehicle to avoid future charges.

When selling your vehicle, remove the vehicle from your electronic tag account. If you’ve sold your vehicle, fill out a Vehicle Transfer Notification and submit it with the required documentation to the DMV. You may receive a toll bill in the mail until the new owner registers the car. If you receive a Pay By Mail bill, please contact us so that you won’t be held responsible.

Keep your electronic tag account in good standing

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

Learn what to do when you sell your car

Using the Pay By Mail program costs you more

WE’RE ALWAYS HERE TO HELP

To learn more fast facts about paying your Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority toll bill, visit us at MobilityAuthority.com/tolling101.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY HALEY MCLEOD & ZACHARIA WASHINGTON

Cedar Park splash pad to be rebuilt by summer The splash pad at Brushy Creek Lake Park will now undergo a full renovation and small expan- sion following unanimous approval by Cedar Park City Council on Dec. 21. The backstory Brushy Creek Lake Park’s splash pad is being reconstructed due to its old age and condition, Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Mike DeVito said at the meeting. City staff has recommended the existing splash pad be demolished and rebuilt with new, modern- ized equipment. A closer look The renovated splash pad will have a nature- based theme, DeVito said, including related features such as trees, rocks and animal figurines. The reconstruction of the splash pad is

“Over the last two decades, the technology for splash pads has just really changed a lot, so it is time to modernize." MIKE DEVITO, CEDAR PARK PARKS AND RECREATION ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

KAUFFMAN LP.

RONALD REAGAN BLVD.

VIA DE SIENNA BLVD.

BAR W RANCH BLVD.

Stakeholders OK new Leander traffic signal After months of discussion, Leander City Council, Liberty Hill ISD and Williamson County Commissioners Court approved the installation of a new traffic signal along Ronald Reagan Boulevard. The cost The cost of the $900,000 traffic light will be split evenly between the three entities, Executive Director of Infrastructure Dan Grimbso said.

being completed in conjunction with the new playground project at Brushy Creek Lake Park, according to the city. Costing about $1.1 million, the splash pad proj- ect will be funded through the city’s 4B Commu- nity Development Corporation, officials said. Looking ahead DeVito said both the playground project and reconstruction of the splash pad are projected to be completed in late spring or early summer, contingent upon the weather.

CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

NEW HOMESITES RELEASED P ARMER R ANCH

GET FIRST PICK New 60’ Homesites Released Choose From 10 Floorplans

STEPS AWAY FROM THE NEW AMENITY CENTER AND NEW BENOLD MIDDLE SCHOOL

VISIT US TODAY 2408 Nate’s Place, Georgetown, TX 78633 JERREL REYNOLDS jerrelr@sitterlehomes.com 903-279-7255

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY BEN THOMPSON

Federal investigation of APD sought by leaders Austin leaders joined Travis County District Attor- ney José Garza on Dec. 4 in asking the Department of Justice to investigate the Austin Police Depart- ment’s response to the city’s social justice and police brutality demonstrations of late May 2020. In addition to requesting the federal review, Garza also announced that 17 APD officers indicted for their actions during the protests will have their charges dismissed. His office’s prosecutions against four other officers will continue. The breakdown Garza, Mayor Kirk Watson and interim Austin City Manager Jesús Garza on Dec. 4 asked the Jus- tice Department’s Civil Rights Division to conduct a formal investigation of “policies, practices and procedures” related to APD’s use of force during the 2020 protests. In a statement, Watson likened the process to a “performance review.”

New rule limits city parkland gains A state-mandated change to Austin’s regulations requiring new developments to contribute to the city’s parkland expansion efforts will go into effect Jan. 1. The background House Bill 1526, requiring Texas cities with at least 800,000 residents to update their parkland dedication processes, became law this spring. The changes must be in effect by the start of 2024. The details City Council voted to advance new park- land dedication policies imposed by HB 1526 during their Nov. 30 meeting. These changes are expected to significantly reduce the amount of parkland the city acquires this way, city staff and some officials previously said.

A closer look

in settlements issued to those injured during May 2020 police demonstrations Over $20 million

will have their charges dismissed 17 indicted officers

are still being prosecuted by the county 4 officers

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

The context Dozens of people were injured by police on May 30-31, 2020, in the wake of the killing of Mike Ramos by APD officers and the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. More than 50 people were arrested, and nearly two dozen APD officers ended up indicted for uses of force as a result—most of whom will now return to duty with no criminal charges pending.

UnWined Wednesday Half Off Bottles of Wine All Day TONY C’S AVERY RANCH - 10526 W. Parmer Lane, Austin, TX 78717

CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Huntington Learning Center Cedar Park owners Al & Naureen Shivji

WE LOVE OUR CEDAR PARK FAMILIES!

NOW HIRING! • Assistant Director (F/T) • Math tutor • Verbal (English) tutor • Phonics tutor Quick & easy application and hiring process, including a 5-10 minute phone interview Ways to get started Text “HIRE” to our hiring manager at (737) 333-7134 OR, email your resume and cover letter to NorthAustinTX@HLCmail.com with subject line “HIRE” Find more reviews on Google and on our website at HuntingtonHelps.com “My son loves Huntington. School has been difficult for him and he came to me asking for tutoring help. He has made so much progress at Huntington, he has not only grown academically but in his confidence and eagerness to learn.” January 4, 2024 by Brittany F.

TUTORING • Reading • Writing • Math • Spelling • Study Skills • Vocabulary • Phonics • ADHD • Algebra • Geometry • Trigonometry • Calculus • Sciences TEST PREP

BRAND NEW! DIGITAL SAT • ACT • PSAT/NMSQT • Advanced Placement (AP) • STAAR • HSPT • ISEE

AVERAGE INCREASES

2+ GRADE LEVELS in math and reading** on ACT score*** 5.4 POINT INCREASE

on SAT score*** 229 POINT INCREASE

in scholarship offers*** $ 71,149.00 PER STUDENT

1335 E. Whitestone Blvd., Suite D125, Cedar Park, TX 78613 512-986-7796 | Serving K-12 students

©2023 Huntington Mark, LLC. Independently Owned and Operated. SAT and Advanced Placement (AP) are registered trademarks of the College Board. PSAT/NMSQT is a registered trademark of the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. ACT is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. None of these entities were involved in the production of, and do not endorse, this program. *Offer valid on Academic Evaluation. Not valid with any other offers. HLC4105

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY BROOKE SJOBERG & CHLOE YOUNG

LISD narrows zoning scenario for new school Leander ISD is one step closer to adopting new attendance zones as the opening of Elementary School No. 30 nears. What happened District administrators recommended the board of trustees adopt the district’s third zoning scenario for Elementary School No. 30 at a Dec. 14 meeting. The new scenario seeks to address issues of overcrowding at certain schools caused by the two previous scenarios. The impact Elementary School No. 30 would pull around 550 students from Bagdad and Plain elementary schools combined under the scenario. Almost 1,000 students and several campuses would be impacted by the rezoning, according to district documents.

RRISD approves 2024- 25 district calendar The Round Rock ISD board of trustees approved a 2024-25 district calendar option on Dec. 12 that includes more religious hol- idays after receiving community feedback during the calendar setting process. The details Option 1A for the 2024-25 calendar has a start date of Aug. 13, with the first semester ending Dec. 19 and students returning for the spring semester Jan. 7. In this calendar scenario, the last day of classes is May 22. The details The religious holidays included in the 2024-25 calendar are Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Diwali, Kwanzaa, Christmas, Hanukkah, the Lunar New Year, Eid al-Fitr and Good Friday.

Impact of changes If the attendance zoning is approved, students from several elementary schools will be affected. 302 from Bagdad to Elementary School No. 30 250 from Plain to Elementary School No. 30 173 from Larkspur to North Elementary 144 from Tarvin to Parkside 68 from Camacho to Whitestone 31 from Plain to Camacho from Camacho to Bagdad 27

SOURCE: LEANDER ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Parents and some school board members raised concerns about unaddressed overcrowding and rezoning neighborhoods multiple times, request- ing the district to develop a fourth scenario. What’s next? The board of trustees will vote on whether to adopt the attendance zones at its Jan. 18 meeting.

CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Real estate

November 2022

November 2023

Residential market data

November data from the Austin Board of Realtors shows that home sales were down year over year for most ZIP codes in the area.

Number of homes sold

132 116

Total homes sold by price point

-12.12%

78641

November 2023

52 49

-5.8%

78613

183A TOLL

$900,000+

$700,000-$899,999

7 7

78726

45 TOLL

$500,000-$699,999

MOPAC

-15.38%

78717

$300,000-$499,999

620

<$299,999

-15.38%

78750

78641 78750

78613 78729

78726 78717

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

13 15

+15.38%

78729

Average days on market

Average home sales price

2022

2023

78641

-6.13%

$463,250

$493,499

+30%

-8.6%

+10.14%

78613

-4.4%

$459,000

$480,000

78726

+5.27%

$679,000

$645,000

78717

+12.72%

$607,000

$538,500

78750

+23.39%

$765,000

$620,000

78729

-11.72%

$441,000

$499,550

78641

78613

78726

-38.89%

+33.33%

+41.67%

Closings in November

New listings in November

November

2022

2023

November

2022

2023

Cedar Park- Far Northwest Austin

136

Leander

North-Northwest Austin

134

78717

78750

78729

Transportation

BY APRIL KELLEY

Streak of daily traffic fatalities reaches 23 years in Texas

Nov. 7 marked 23 years of daily traffic fatalities on Texas roadways, according to the Texas Depart- ment of Transportation. The gist Texas has not had one day without a traffic fatality since Nov. 7, 2000, according to TxDOT. On average, the state sees 10 deaths on Texas road- ways each day. As of Dec. 13, 3,871 fatalities have occurred as a result of 3,491 fatal crashes, according to TxDOT’s Crash Records Information System. A total of 4,481 traffic fatalities occurred in 2022 in Texas, down 16 from the 4,497 that occurred in 2021, according TxDOT. Traffic fatalities, however, were higher in 2022 than they were in 2020, which saw 3,896 total traffic fatalities. Background TxDOT launched its #EndTheStreakTX cam- paign Nov. 15, 2016, to raise awareness of daily

5K 4K 3K 2K 1K 0 Traffic fatalities 2003-2023

*AS OF DEC. 13

17.24% increase from 2003-2022

SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT

traffic fatalities and to encourage safe driving, with the goal of ending the daily streak of deaths. TxDOT asks all Texans to: • Make the best and safest decisions behind the wheel. • Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

• Always obey traffic laws. • Always wear a seat belt.

• Post pictures on social media with a download- able sign using the hashtag #EndTheStreakTX. • Share personal stories on social media of loved ones who died in a crash using the hashtag #EndTheStreakTX.

13100 W HIGHWAY 29 LIBERTY HILL 78642 (512) 885-3446 LIBERTYHILLAH.COM

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

New Homes from the $600s

All one-story homes 3 bed/3 bath/office & 3 bed/2 bath/office Low HOA Low property taxes Lawn maintenance included Hidden in the heart of Cedar Park

Challenger School offers uniquely fun and academic programs for preschool to eighth grade students. Our students learn to think for themselves and to value independence. Unmatched Academic Results Join us for an Open House! Saturday, January 20, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. and Monday, January 29, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Avery Ranch (PS–G8) (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

AshCreekHomes.com

512.270.1022

1700 Sparkswood Lane 78613

Disclaimer: @January 2024 Ash Creek Homes. All rights reserved. Information shown is representative of proposed Ash Creek Homes plans for Tanner Ranch at Cedar Park. Photos and renderings are strictly for illustrative purposes only. All information is not guaranteed and remains subject to change or delay without notice. Maps and plans are not to scale and all dimensions are approximate. Please see Ash Creek Homes sales associate for details and visit www.ashcreekhomes.com.

An independent private school offering preschool through eighth grade

CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Thank You To the 350 Follow The Star Cast & Crew members and our sponsors:

Air1 Worship Now American Senior Benefits Austin Digital Printing Austin Event Lighting Bush’s Chicken! Cedar Park Cedar Park Vision Chick-fil-A Cedar Park

KVET Austin 98.1 FM KXAN NASA Searchlights Numbers Keepers, Inc. Rock-n-Roll Rental Austin Southern Tire Mart Strategic Investment Management Strategies For Success Super Cheap Signs The CW Austin TRP Infrastructure Services United Rentals And all of the volunteers who have worked tirelessly bring Follow The Star to life.

Central Texas Window Cleaning Community Impact Newspaper Families of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Firehouse Subs Generous Java Horizon Printing & Mailing Joy 512 Christian Worship Music – Joy512.com KBVO Kenfield Golf Carts KLBJ News Radio 590 AM KLOVE 105.9

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 700 W. Whitestone Boulevard, Cedar Park GSTX.ORG Join Us December 5,6,7 for Follow The Star 2024

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Events

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL & KAMERYN GRIESSER

January

Pie Day Potluck Leander Active Adults, a group created by the Leander Parks and Recreation Department, will host a pie- themed potluck for people ages 55 and up. • Jan. 23, noon-1 p.m. • Free (admission) • Leander Activity Center, 11880 Hero Way W., Ste. 600, Leander • www.leandertx.gov All-Ages Movie: The Super Mario Bros. Movie The Cedar Park Public Library will show “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.” Snacks and coloring sheets will be provided for those attending. • Jan. 27, 2-3:30 p.m. • Free • 550 Discovery Blvd., Cedar Park • www.cedarparktexas.gov Leander Educational Excellence Foundation Annual Gala The “Evening in the Emerald City” fundraising event will include a dinner, silent auctions, student speakers and a cocktail reception to benefit Leander ISD. • Jan. 27, 6 p.m. • $175 (individual), $1,600 (table of 10) • The Crossover, 1717 Scottsdale Drive, Leander • www.leeftx.org

Harlem Globetrotters 2024 World Tour The world-famous basketball team will play against the Washington Generals while showcasing their talents and tricks in a family-friendly show.

• Feb. 4, 2 p.m. (doors), 3 p.m. (game) • $29 and up • H-E-B Center, 2100 Ave. of the Stars, Cedar Park • www.harlemglobetrotters.com

The United States Navy Concert Band 2024 National Tour The U.S. Navy’s wind ensemble will perform a range of musical selections, including classic orchestral and patriotic marches at this family-friendly concert at Cedar Park High School. • Feb. 4, 5-6:30 p.m. • Free • Leander ISD South Performing Arts Center, 2150 Cypress Creek Road, Cedar Park • www.navyband.navy.mil Professional Bull Riders Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour Forty professional bull riders will compete against one another during the two-night live sporting event.

• Feb. 9, 8 p.m.; Feb. 10, 7 p.m. • $21 and up (one-day pass), $39 and up (two-day pass) • H-E-B Center, 2100 Ave. of the Stars, Cedar Park • www.pbr.com Hill Country Community Ministries Mardi Gras Bash Benefiting the nonprofit’s mission of supporting southwest Williamson and northwest Travis county residents through challenging times, the event will include jazz music, dancing, Cajun food and king cake. • Feb. 17, 5:30-10:30 p.m. • $130 and up • Courtyard by Marriott Austin-Pflugerville, 16186 Impact Way, Pflugerville • www.hccm.org

February

Teddy Bear Train Benefiting the Center for Child Protection, the Austin Steam Train Association will host a three-hour, 44-mile vintage train ride departing from the Cedar Park Depot. Riders are encouraged to wear costumes of any sort and bring stuffed bears. • Feb. 4, 2-5 p.m. • $40-$55 (age 14 and older), free with a new stuffed animal donation (age 13 and younger) • 401 E. Whitestone Blvd., C-100, Cedar Park • www.etix.com/ticket/o/6038

CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Development

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL, GRACE DICKENS & ZACHARIA WASHINGTON

Dallas Stars owner Tom Gaglardi has chosen Austin and Cedar Park for the first two projects under his newly launched development company Northland Living. A sister company of Northland Properties, Northland Living focuses on residential towers and mixed-use communities, according to a news release. The first project in the Austin area is a downtown residential condo tower planned on a 0.81-acre site just west of the Texas state Capitol. This will be followed by a mixed-use project in Cedar Park, which Northland Living purchased 40 acres for between the H-E-B Center and upcoming NFM development. New projects coming to area

Rezoning paves way for retail, restaurant use Retail commercial uses are now anticipated at a 9.56-acre property on South Bell Boulevard, following Cedar Park City Council’s approval of a

Northland Living residential condo tower

What's next

RUTLEDGE SPUR

Austin

Plans for the upcoming tower and mixed-use projects are still in the early stages, officials said. “We plan to delve deeply into local economic and demographic trends, then make a positive impact on the communities where we invest and develop,” President and COO Tony Kaleel said in the release. “Texas has always had an entrepreneurial mindset and grown in consistent ways. We look forward to making beneficial contributions.” TONY KALEEL, PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER OF NORTHLAND LIVING

45 TOLL

LYNDHURST ST.

183A TOLL

Affordable housing complex now leasing A new affordable housing complex opened in far Northwest Austin in October. The details Located at 13649 Rutledge Spur, Austin, The Loretta began leasing to families making 30%-60% of the area’s median family income in the fall. The Austin-area MFI for a family of four is $122,300. The community offers 137 units from one to three bedrooms and supportive services for families.

183

rezoning request. What happened?

Halona Development requested to rezone the property from planned development-general business to only general business at the Dec. 14 council meeting. When a site is zoned as planned develop- ment-general business, a developer is not allowed to build anything on the property without coun- cil’s approval, council member Mel Kirkland said. General business zoning opens the door for multiple commercial uses, Kirkland said. How- ever, car wash, daycare and hotel uses still require approval. With the updated general business zoning, the

Northland Living mixed-use project

developer is proposing a commercial complex with uses such as restaurants, gyms, professional and medical offices, and retail stores. Learn more Due to the site being located along South Bell Boulevard, the developer is required to add a bike path, bike rack and sidewalk along the front of the property. A construction timeline for the development was not available as of press time.

Cedar Park

H-E-B CENTER

NFM development

183

183A TOLL

DISCOVERY BLVD.

SOURCE: NORTHLAND LIVING/COMMUNITY IMPACT

HYMEADOW 12611 Hymeadow (512) 506-8401

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

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

ARBORETUM 10515 N Mopac Expressway (512) 342-6893

From the cover

Leander ISD begins creation of district police force

The approach

The overview

Building its own police department will give LISD the greatest control over how it hires and trains armed officers, said Bryan Miller, executive director of student support. Staffing more school resource officers from local police departments—the method the district currently uses to have officers at its high school campuses and Leander Middle School—was not an option as those agencies are short staffed, he said. Representatives with Travis County Sheriff’s Office, Cedar Park Police Department and Leander Police Department confirmed they are experiencing officer shortages. “Very quickly, [we realized] there was no way they could create that kind of capacity through our partnership, so we had to explore other avenues,” Superintendent Bruce Gearing said. The district will assign school marshals to ele- mentary campuses as they have less authority than commissioned peace officers but still hold a license to carry, Miller said. Unlike police officers, school marshals will be able to contribute to administrative work, such as emergency response protocols or monitoring recess, he said.

LISD parent Brad Ferguson said he is concerned about young students being disciplined by armed guards instead of educators. Neither officers nor school marshals will be the first to respond to school discipline concerns but may play a supportive role through talking with students or reminding them to follow campus rules, Miller said. The district’s disciplinary response will be guided by its code of conduct while police officers will address criminal ramifications, he said. Police officers and school marshals will report to a chief of police while the chief will report to the superintendent in accordance with state law. Both school marshals and officers will receive training on child development and interacting with students while marshals will partake in professional training and learning along with teachers, he said. The speed at which the department is developed largely depends on the district’s ability to hire and train applicants, Miller said. “You’ve got 1,200-plus districts competing for licensed police officers to join departments and have the correct training, along with marshals,” Miller said.

Leander ISD officials are in the initial stages of building a district police force after the board of trustees approved the department’s creation and first round of funding Nov. 30. The district amended this fiscal year’s budget by $1.1 million to hire some staff and cover costs for training, insurance, and equipment. With a plan to hire 67 total officers, the entire department is expected to take multiple years and millions of dollars to create, officials said. HB 3 author Rep. Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, said the bill’s armed officer requirement aims to increase school security and “reduce confusion in the midst of a crisis,” such as an active shooter situation. With over 42,000 students across 48 campuses, LISD has struggled to comply with the law. District officials said the state has not provided enough funding to implement HB 3. 32 school marshals for elementary and alternative schools Department breakdown

Officer responsibilities

67 total officers

35 police officers for middle and high schools

• Primary role to respond to an active threat School marshals • 80 hours of training and psychological exam • Arrests only to prevent imminent bodily harm • May complete administrative safety and security tasks, including developing response protocols, hosting trainings and conducting door audits

Police officers • Primary role to address criminal activity • 1,400 hours or eight to nine months of training, including the School-Based Law Enforcement Officer Proficiency Certificate • Commissioned peace officer with full arrest and investigation powers • Cannot be assigned to address administrative tasks or disciplinary issues

Around $4.8 million for recurring yearly salary costs Around $2.8 million for start-up equipment and training costs

SOURCE: LEANDER ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCES: LEANDER ISD, TEXAS COMMISSION ON LAW ENFORCEMENT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Specials for the New Year

Lease For

9550 183A Toll Road, Leander, TX 78641 Sales: (737) 843-3800 Service: (737) 843-3890 www.hondaleander.com

$390/mo. for 36 mons w/$390 due at signing

36 month. Closed-end lease. $390 total due at signing. $0.15 per mile excess fee over 10k miles per year. $0 security deposit required. $0 early termination fee. $500 excessive wear and tear fee, plus any excess wear and tear is based on condition of vehicle at time of return. $0 Payment delinquency fee. On approved credit through Honda Financial Services. Total monthly payments $14,040. Customer responsible for all vehicle maintenance according to the owner’s manual maintenance schedule. Customer responsible for auto insurance. Tax, title, license, registration, accessories and $150 Dealer Doc Fee included. All dealer added options are extra. A Documentary Fee is not an official fee. A Documentary Fee is not required by law, but may be charged to buyers for handling documents related to the sale. A Documentary Fee may not exceed a reasonable amount agreed by all parties. This notice is required by law. 1 at this offer. Stock #L025291. Vehicle image is for illustration [purpose. See dealer for details. All offers expire 1/31/24.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY CHLOE YOUNG

The cost

Looking forward

District officials are now working on an application to create the department with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. As a part of that process, the district will need to name a police chief, hire an administrative assistant and adopt a board policy outlining how the department will be structured, Miller said. Officials are hoping to have the application submitted in the spring and receive approval in the summer. Once approved, the district can officially hire police officers with the goal of having some officers and school marshals on campuses by fall. LISD will continue its school resource officer partnerships with local police departments until those officers are no longer needed, Miller said. “While there is a potential cheaper option out there, sometimes you get what you pay for,” Miller said. “We want to be sure that we are providing the ... best people for our campuses.” Implementation timeline The district hopes to have next steps completed by the following tentative dates, Miller said. Late January: Name police chief and adopt board policy Spring: Submit TCOLE application Summer: Receive TCOLE decision August: Assuming TCOLE approval, assign officers/school marshals to some campuses

cut expenses as the majority goes to staff salaries. “If the state does not kick in additional funding, then we’re going to have to make some very difficult choices about what we stop doing in order to make this mandate happen,” Gearing said. However, some members of the community have expressed concerns that the district should have chosen a less costly option to arm its cam- puses, such as arming teachers through a school guardian program.

In fiscal year 2023-24, the district transferred $1.1 million out of its fund balance to begin the police department, Gearing said. While HB 3 allocates districts $10 per student and $15,000 per campus to meet its requirements, the $1.1 million from the bill in state funding has already been allocated for the district’s existing school resource officers, Miller said. School board President Gloria Gonzales-Dhola- kia said there’s nowhere in the district’s budget to

Costs versus funding under HB 3

Training: $10,000 Insurance (annually): $40,000 Administrative assistant: $54,903.50 Equipment: $84,000 Assistant chief: $126,906.22

State funding Leander ISD expenses

$1.14M School safety allotment

Police chief: $156,019.56 10 marshals: $631,307.50

Local SROs and drug dogs $1.17M

$1.1M

Phase 1 of police department

SOURCES: LEANDER ISD, TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

In their own words

“I think with smaller classrooms and more school counselors, we’d be able to do more on our campuses with

“It’s going to be our job to make sure ... the presence of those ocers is really comforting as opposed to intimidating.” BRUCE GEARING, LEANDER ISD SUPERINTENDENT

school safety, but that’s not one of our choices.” GLORIA GONZALES- DHOLAKIA, LEANDER ISD SCHOOL BOARD PRESIDENT

SOURCE: LEANDER ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Life insurance can be life- changing JT Reisdorph ChFC CLU, Agent 103 N. Bell Blvd Suite B1 Cedar Park, TX 78613 Bus: 512-219-7295 www.insuremejt.com Life insurance can be life- changing Life won’t always go as planned. That’s why there’s life insurance. It can help you protect your family’s future, no matter what happens. Call me today. State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY or WI) State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI) Bloomington, IL 2001574 Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. ® Life won’t always go as planned. That’s why there’s life insurance. It can help you protect your family’s future, no matter what happens. Call me today. changing can be life- changing Life won’t always go as planned. That’s why there’s life insurance. It can help you protect your family’s future, no matter what happens. Call me today. Life won’t always go as planned. That’s why there’s life insurance. It can help you protect your family’s future, no matter what happens. Call me today. Life won’t always go as planned. That’s why there’s life insurance. It can help you protect your family’s future, no matter what happens. Call me today. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. ® Life won’t always go as planned. That’s why there’s life insurance. It can help you protect your family’s future, no matter what happens. Call me today. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. ® Life insurance can be life-changing Se Habla Español Life insurance can be life- changing Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. ®

JT Reisdorph ChFC CLU, Agent 103 N. Bell Blvd Suite B1 Cedar Park, TX 78613 Bus: 512-219-7295 www.insuremejt.com

Independent Senior Living

JT Reisdorph ChFC CLU, Agent 103 N. Bell Blvd Suite B1 Cedar Park, TX 78613 Bus: 512-219-7295 www.insuremejt.com

JT Reisdorph ChFC CLU, Agent 103 N. Bell Blvd Suite B1 Cedar Park, TX 78613 Bus: 512-219-7295 www.insuremejt.com JT Reisdorph ChFC CLU, Agent 103 N. Bell Blvd Suite B1 Cedar Park, TX 78613 Bus: 512-219-7295 www.insuremejt.com

Call (512) 788-9478 to schedule your tour! Independent Senior Living • 11350 Hero Way W, Leander, TX 78641 • (512) 788-9478 • VerenaAtLeander.com

State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY or WI) State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI) Bloomington, IL 2001574

CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22-23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44

communityimpact.com