South Central Austin Edition | February 2023

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SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 11 MARCH 1MARCH 27, 2023

Luxury boarding facility opening on Burnet Road

FACING THE FALLOUT Winter Storm Mara caused freezing temperatures and ice, which brought down trees and limbs on energy lines, leading to widespread power outages and debris.

373K POWER RESTORATIONS

Lee and Carrlyn Miller stand with a heritage tree that fell in their yard on Feb. 2nd. (Katy McAfee/Community Impact)

Paid parking coming to South Congress Ave.

COMPLETED BY AUSTIN ENERGY

'Historic' Winter Storm Mara recovery drags on

4 DAYS OF CLASSES AT AUSTIN ISD CANCELED

36K+ DUMP TRUCKS OF DEBRIS COLLECTED

CAMP GUIDE 2023

SOURCES: AUSTIN ENERGY, AUSTIN ISD, CITY OF AUSTIN COMMUNITY IMPACT

BY DARCY SPRAGUE & BEN THOMPSON

more of accumulated ice, caused widespread destruction and power outages, including knocking out a heritage oak tree in a neighboring church’s yard into the Millers’ fence. The city of Austin said 36,000 dump trucks of debris has already been picked up as of Feb. 21. The ice coated power lines and trees, knocking out electricity to at least 170,000 Austin Energy customers CONTINUED ON 22

Lee and Carrlyn Miller were eating lunch Feb. 1 when they heard a massive crack and felt their house shake. “We ran outside because we feared [a tree] had fallen on the house,” Carrlyn Miller said. “In fact, that brought people from across the street.” Winter Storm Mara, which hit the Austin area starting Jan. 31 with freezing temperatures and half an inch or

Local summer camps

TxDOT's I35 plan draws re for displacing businesses BY KATY MCAFEE

Vic & Al’s pays homage to owner’s Cajun roots

290

A $4.5 billion plan for widening an 8-mile section of I-35 in downtown Austin has red up business owners and residents since it was released in December. The Texas Department of Transportation’s preferred plan would expand I-35 from a range of 11-18 lanes in either direction to 17-22 lanes, when accounting for frontage, bypass and auxiliary roads, according to TxDOT.

Pull the newest teaser from CC Libraries Join to receive exclusive Saturday news and more.

TxDOT's $4.5 billion preferred plan for widening I35 will span eight miles and take about eight years to complete. (Ben Thompson/Community Impact)

CONTINUED ON 24

ONE SMART NEIGHBOR

As drought conditions continue, 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

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

More Rebates, More Savings » Find instant savings on energy efficient products at local stores » Get up to $115 in smart thermostat rebates and incentives » Enjoy rebates averaging $2,600 on home energy improvements » Earn an $800 rebate on eligible heat pump water heaters » See if you qualify for free home energy improvements » Monitor your energy usage and get savings tips at coautilities.com Learn more ways to save at austinenergy.com/go/tips

Customer Driven. Community Focused.

SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • MARCH 2023

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

THIS ISSUE

MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Deeda Lovett EDITOR Darcy Sprague REPORTERS Katy McAfee, Ben Thompson GRAPHIC DESIGNER Joseph Veloz ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Gail Watson METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Travis Baker MANAGING EDITOR Amy Denney COPY EDITOR Kasey Salisbury SENIOR ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Haley Grace CONTACT US 16225 Impact Way, Ste. 1, Pugerville, TX 78660 • 5129896808 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES ctanews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING ctaads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter SUPPORT US Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today. We have expanded to include hundreds of team members and have created our own software platform and printing facility. CI delivers 35+ localized editions across Texas to more than 2.5 million residential mailboxes.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH

FROM DEEDA: As I wait for debris pickup for our once icy tree limbs, I nd it hard to believe it is already time to plan for summer break. To help make it a bit easier for parents, this issue includes our annual Camp Guide. Starting on Page 16, you’ll nd ve pages of local summer camp listings including a few facts about each one to help you determine which might be right for your kids. Deeda Lovett, GENERAL MANAGER

FROM DARCY: As someone who does not like change, I feel a sense of apprehension everytime I drive down I-35 at the thought six years of construction altering what has been my gateway to the city for so long. Though opinions are split on the project, the Texas Department of Transportation reinforced one thing when it chose its preferred plan for the redesign: Change is coming. Read more about the plan on Page 24. Darcy Sprague, EDITOR

CORRECTION: Volume 1, issue 10 On Page 19, a zoomed in map of the 183 North Mobility Project was shown. However, the project stretches from RM 620 to MoPac.

Marie Leonard Digital Product Manager

Yes, you read that right. In addition to mailing over 2.5 million newspapers monthly, Community Impact sends email newsletters to 170,000 inboxes each weekday. Here's the digital team curating news for your community: • They start your morning with breaking news headlines along with info on local government, health care, education and real estate. • You'll be sent o with tips about new businesses and recommended weekend events.

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SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • MARCH 2023

BARTON SPRINGS ROAD BRIDGE PROJECT PUBLIC MEETING

IN-PERSON PUBLIC MEETING McBeth Recreation Center 2401 Columbus Drive Austin, TX 78746

Open house format, stop by anytime March 2, 2023 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

bit.ly/BartonSpringsBridge March 2 - 16, 2023

VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETING

Scan to visit the project website

If you would like language access or other accommodations, please leave a message at 512-974-7111. Si desea acceso a otro idioma o otras adaptaciones, por favor deje un mensaje llamando al 512-974-7111.

With our free checking account you get 24-7 account access, and more: √ No minimum balance requirements or service fees √ Early payday with direct deposit (up to 2 days) √ Personalized service and financial health guidance

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

IMPACTS

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

COMPILED BY KATY MCAFEE

METRIC BLVD.

SHOAL CREEK BLVD.

NORTH AUSTIN

MOPAC

183

360

Gràcia

COURTESY GRÀCIA

2222

MOPAC

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3 4

BHV

COURTESY BHV

classrooms and several simulation labs, including a simulated intensive care unit and a surgical suite. The campus will be located at 7951 Shoal Creek Blvd., Austin. www.faireld.edu RELOCATIONS 7 Karavel Shoes —a footwear retailer owned by Austin local Rick Ravel—is re- locating from 5501 Burnet Road, Austin, to 1011 W. Anderson Lane, Austin, on March 1. The new location will quadru- ple the amount of space for parking and inventory, and have a bigger sales oor to showcase shoes and accommodate customers. www.karavelshoes.com CLOSINGS 8 Austin-based company Daily Juice Cafe closed all of its locations Jan. 22. Daily Juice Cafe was a health-centered store. Daily Juice Cafe’s North Central Austin stores were located at A 3720 Far West Blvd., Ste. 105, Austin, and B 8620 Burnet Road, Ste. 132, Austin.

NORTH CENTRAL NOW OPEN

Burnet Rd., Bldg. F, Austin on Feb. 17. Foxtrot is an upscale convenience store oering local items such as Pint House Electric Jellysh and Lick Honest Ice Creams. Foxtrot also has an all-day cafe serving coee, smoothies, breakfast ta- cos, salads and more. Foxtrot is slated to open three more Austin locations in 2023. www.foxtrotco.com COMING SOON 4 Gràcia , a new full-service Medi- terranean restaurant, will open in the Rosedale neighborhood in Austin in March. The restaurant comes from Cameron Lockley, the owner of Gusto Italian Kitchen + Wine Bar, and Exec- utive Chef Jason Tallent, who most recently led Italian restaurant Cipollina. Gràcia’s menu will feature seafood, including oysters, crudo, and season-

al ingredients from local and regional farmers. Gràcia will be located at 4800 Burnet Road, Ste. 450, Austin, in the former Flu Meringues+More space. www.graciamediterranean.com 5 BHV , a luxury dog day care and boarding kennel, will open a second loca- tion at 8613 Burnet Road, Austin, in late 2023. The space at BHV has chandeliers, TVs and fenced areas for dogs instead of using crates. BHV also oers supervised indoor and outdoor play and bathing services. BHV is locally owned by Vanessa Calabria, who bought the company in August. www.bhvaustin.com 6 Faireld University —a private Jesuit university in Connecticut—will open an Austin campus for nursing students in May. The new campus, named Faireld University Austin Campus, will have

1 Artipasta’s rst brick-and-mortar location opened in late January in the Linc at 6406 N. I-35, Austin. At the local- ly owned restaurant, Italian native Ugo Bigi serves North Italian-style lasagna, spaghetti carbonara and more. The South First Street food truck will remain open. 512-228-7489. www.artipasta.com 2 WaFd Bank opened its rst Austin branch at 3800 N. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 135, on Feb. 15. WaFd Bank oers person- al and commercial banking services, mortgage lending and more. WaFd Bank has over 200 locations in Western states. 737-207-3471. www.wafdbank.com 3 Foxtrot —a boutique corner store— opened its rst Austin location at 4800

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SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • MARCH 2023

IMPACTS

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

MOPAC

Hyatt Centric hotel

Ember Kitchen and Subterra Agave Bar

COURTESY JANE YUN

COURTESY EMBER KITCHEN AND SUBTERRA AGAVE BAR

dog day care and a full-service groom- ing spa. Barkin Creek was co-founded by Flint Beamon and Jeff Springer. www.barkincreek.com 4 The Hyatt Centric Congress Av- enue Austin hotel and its ground- floor restaurant Luminaire opened at 721 Congress Ave., Austin, on Feb. 1. The hotel has 246 guest rooms, five suites, and a floor dedicated to meeting and event space. The restaurant—led by Steve McHugh, a six-time James Beard Foundation finalist—offers seasonal Texas fare and charcuterie. The hotel also features an outdoor terrace bar called Las Bis on the eighth floor. www.hyatt.com, www.luminairerestaurant.com 5 A new multilevel concept called Ember Kitchen and Subterra Agave Bar opened in the Seaholm District in early February. Ember Kitchen’s menu offers Latin fare with dishes such as a charcoal seafood tower, dry-aged prime ribeye, Texas wagyu skirt steak and more. The menu was created by María Mercedes Grubb—a native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and a James Beard Award-nominated chef—and drinks at the Subterra Agave Bar are by mixologist Chris San Andres. Ember Kitchen & Subterra Agave Bar is located at 800 W. Cesar Chavez St., Ste. PP110, Austin. www.emberatx.com 6 Empower Therapy ATX , a private psychotherapy clinic, opened Jan. 1. The clinic, owned by Austin native and licensed phycologist Lauren David, spe- cializes in eating disorders, sex therapy and couples therapy. Empower Therapy ATX is located at 3001 N. Lamar Blvd.,

Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center

RENDERING COURTESY CITY OF AUSTIN

EXPANSIONS 7 Emma S. Barrientos Mexican Amer- ican Cultural Center entered the second phase of expansion at 600 River St., Austin. Construction is slated to begin in the spring and be completed in winter 2024. A grand opening is expected to be held in early 2025. The center is under- going expansions to create more space for community programs and better connect the center to nearby trails. www.austintexas.gov ANNIVERSARIES 8 The University of Texas is celebrating its 140th anniversary in 2023. The univer- sity opened in 1883 in one building with eight professors and 221 students. Today, UT, led by President Jay Hartzell, has over 170 fields of study for bachelor’s degrees, 116 master’s degree programs and 78 doc- toral programs. UT is located at 110 Inner Campus Drive, Austin. www.utexas.edu

RIVER ST.

DOWNTOWN/ WEST CAMPUS NOW OPEN

2 In February, Studio Three —a boutique fitness center—opened its first Texas location at the bottom floor of Thompson Austin at 501 Brazos St., Austin. Studio Three combines interval training, yoga and cycling classes. The Austin location, which is led by four local female fitness experts, also has a grab-and-go cafe for members to order before class and pick up afterward. www.studiothree.com 3 Barkin’ Creek Dog Kitchen & Bath opened its fourth location at The Quincy, 91 Red River St., Ste. 150, Austin, on Jan. 23. Barkin’ Creek sells healthy dog food and treats, grooming products, toys, and outdoor and travel accessories. The new downtown location also offers small-

1 A new Legislature-themed cof- fee shop called Capitol Cafè opened at 1001 Congress Ave., Ste. 180, Aus- tin, on Feb. 1. The cafe, located a block away from the Capitol building, serves coffee, pastries, sandwiches, beer, wine and mimosas. It is led by general manager Brianna Hubery and her fa- ther, state Rep. Dan Huberty. It was previously a Starbucks. 512-503-1785. www.facebook.com/capitolcafeatx

Ste. 305, Austin. 512-253-1353. www.empowertherapyatx.com

MAY 5TH & 6TH at the Paramount

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

COMPILED BY ELLE BENT & KATY MCAFEE

located on the upper-level Dillard’s wing next to Sephora. Steeplogie Teas offers more than 230 fresh, loose-leaf teas and 50 bagged teas in addition to tea dishes, gift packs and more. 831-226-7925. www.steepologie.com 5 Ziki , a Greek-Mexican fusion food truck, is opening a new location at 2120 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin, in early March. Ziki offers health-conscious Greek dishes served as quesadillas, burritos and bowls. A Ziki representative said its most-popular dishes include the Feta Fig SmashBurger; a slow-roasted honey pork bowl; and the Ziki Bite, a snack with a blend of cheese and spinach. Ziki is led by Nick Nanakos, who is of Greek origin. www.ziki.kitchen EXPANSIONS 6 Circuit of the Americas will build an amusement park featuring more than two dozen rides on the property at turns 19 and 20. COTA is located at 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Austin. The project is known as COTALAND and will have a tilt coaster—which is on a large rotating track that rotates cars into a vertical position before dropping them—which will be the first of its kind in America. Another coaster will take riders up 90 degrees and goes over COTA Boulevard. The project will open in 2024 at the earliest. www.circuitoftheamericas.com ANNIVERSARIES 7 Austin Community College is cel- ebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023. The college will offer a series of events throughout the spring semester to cele- brate the milestone, officials said. There will also be giveaways of swag at various campuses. The 50th Anniversary Plan- ning Committee will lead the celebrations and is composed of founders, faculty, staff, students and employee associa- tions. The college has multiple locations throughout the Austin area, including the Riverside Campus at 1020 Grove Blvd., Austin. www.austincc.edu 8 Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden will celebrate its five-year anniversary in mid- March. The coffee and beer garden sits at 121 Pickle Road, Ste. 121, Austin. It fea-

MOPAC

360

CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS BLVD.

1 2 4

821

Lululemon

COURTESY LULULEMON

290

PICKLE RD.

Ziki

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SOUTH CENTRAL NOW OPEN

jewelry at affordable prices. The location at Barton Creek Square offers curbside pickup as well as in-store purchase op- tions. 737-204-7730. www.pandora.net 3 Williamsburg Therapy Group opened its first Austin location at 2121 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 204, Austin, on Feb. 2. The clinic offers individual, group and couples therapy; cognitive behavioral therapy; and LGBTQ affirmative therapy. Williams Therapy Group was founded by Dr. Daniel Selling. 512-866-5077. www.williamsburgtherapygroup.com COMING SOON 4 Steepologie Teas will open in the spring at Barton Creek Square Mall, 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin. It will be

1 Lululemon opened in Barton Creek Square mall at 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Space A10B, Austin, on Dec. 7. The yoga-focused store offers athletic wear and accessories for men and wom- en. Curbside and in-store shopping is available at this location. 512-601-8823. www.lululemon.com 2 Pandora Jewelry opened Dec. 14 at Barton Creek Square mall, 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Space J10A, Austin— downstairs next to the Disney Junior Play Zone. Pandora is best known for design- ing and manufacturing hand-finished

Circuit of the Americas

RENDERING COURTESY CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS

tures specialty coffee, local beers, craft cocktails and live music with food trucks parked outside the shop. The venue also hosts private events. 512-481-0694. www.cosmichospitalitygroup.com

SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • MARCH 2023

IMPACTS

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

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Ezov

Progress Coffee

COURTESY EZOV

COURTESY DANI PARSONS

2 A European Wax Center location opened in the Mueller neighborhood, 1900 Aldrich St., Ste. 170, Austin, on Jan. 30. The business offers hair waxing services for men and women, including eyebrows, face, full body and Brazilian. www.waxcenter.com 3 A new cocktail bar called Lucky’s opened at 1050 East 11th St., Austin, in late January. Lucky’s features a globally-inspired menu with cocktails, mocktails and frozen drinks. Lucky’s also serves small plates, including the chicken bao sandwich, deviled eggs and soba noodle bowl. www.luckysatx.com COMING SOON 4 A new cocktail bar and restaurant called Holiday will open at 5020 E. Seventh St., Austin, in early spring. Holiday will have “bright, feminine” energy, serving seasonal plates and an ever-changing cocktail menu. John DiCicco and Erin Ashford co-own Holiday and Executive Chef Peter Klein leads the food program. The trio met while working at the Southern restaurant Olamaie. www.holidayon7th.com 5 A new Mediterranean restaurant with Israeli influences is opening in East Austin this spring. Ezov —whose namesake comes from the Hebrew name for hyssop, a flowering plant used in the spice blend za’atar—will feature a shareable menu that changes with the seasons. Execu- tive Chef Berty Richter said Ezov will be inspired by Tel Aviv nights, with a light- hearted vibe. Ezov will mark the eighth concept from Austin-based Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group—which owns TLV, Hestia, Canje and others—and Richter’s

973 Austin-based design firm, celebrated 40 years in business in January. The company has designed a wide range of academic, residential, commercial and religious buildings throughout Austin, including two Community First! Vil- lage micro-homes, Smith Family Capel, Texas School for the Deaf Administra- 130 TOLL tion and Welcome Center and Early Learning Center building, and more. McKinney York Architects Austin office is located at 1301 E. Seventh St., Austin. www.mckinneyyork.com third pursuit as an executive chef in Tex- as. Ezov will be located at 2708 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin. Instagram: ezovatx ANNIVERSARIES 6 The Buzz Mill , an Austin hangout with coffee, food trucks and spirits cel- ebrated its 10th anniversary in January. In addition to being a lunch and dinner spot, The Buzz Mill also hosts open mic nights, live music performances and other community events. The Buzz Mill is owned by Austinite Jason Sabala and located at 1505 Town Creek Drive, Austin. www.buzzmillcoffee.com 7 McKinney York Architects , an 8 In January, the Dispute Resolution Center , celebrated its 40-year anniver- sary. The nonprofit organization provides affordable resolution services including mediation, which empowers participants to resolve their own disputes with the aid of a trained mediator. The nonprofit also provides training and free public education. The center is located within the Chase Bank at 5407 N. I-35, Ste. 410, Austin. www.austindrc.org

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EAST AUSTIN NOW OPEN

71 beer, wine, cocktails and food from local trucks, including Burro Cheese Kitchen and Pueblo Viejo. The location will have indoor and patio seating as well as a gr- ab-and-go window. Progress Coffee orig- inally opened in 2004 and is co-owned by Joshua Bingaman and James Benson. www.progresscoffeeroasting.com

1 Progress Coffee opened a brick-and- mortar location at 3421 N. I-35, Austin, on Feb. 24. The new shop serves coffee,

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TODO LIST

March events

COMPILED BY KATY MCAFEE

18 THROUGH 20 CELEBRATE ART AND MUSIC atxGALS + The Cathedral will host Springfest, a three-day art and music event. The event will showcase art by Austin’s emerging women artists, live performances by local musicians and panel sessions focused on local women entrepreneurs, art and community. Times and prices vary. 2403 E. 16th St., Austin. www.thecathedralatx.com 20 THROUGH 21 SEE VANCE JOY LIVE Australian singer/songwriter Vance Joy will bring the tour for his 2022 album “In Our Own Sweet Time” to Austin. 6:30 p.m. (doors open), 8 p.m. (show starts). Tickets start at $54. ACL Live at The Moody Theater, 310 W. Willie Nelson Blvd., Austin. 512-404-1300. www.acllive.com/calendar 24 THROUGH 27 DANCE IT OUT The Austin Tango Society will host a weekend of dancing at the Austin Spring Tango Festival. Multiple tango workshops will be held during the day, followed by an evening of performances from festival “maestros” or tango experts. 4 p.m.- 1 a.m. $35-$340. 6612 Sitio Del Rio Blvd., Austin. www.austinspringtango.com

Wildlife Center horticulturists to identify native and migratory birds and the plants they rely on for food and shelter. Registration is required. 8-10 a.m. Free (ages 7 and younger) $8 (ages 8-17), $15 (adults). 4801 La Crosse Ave., Austin. BUCKLE UP FOR THE RODEO Austin Rodeo 2023 will host 15 concerts spotlighting artists including Carly Pearce, Flo Rida and Aaron Watson. The event will also include a livestock show, carnival attractions and more. Doors open at 6 p.m. $30-$175. Travis County Exposition Center, 9100 Decker Lake Road, Austin. www.rodeoaustin.com 13 THROUGH 17 TAKE A BREAK Austin ISD will give students and teachers a week o for spring break. School will resume March 20. 17 CELEBRATE AN IRISH HOLIDAY B. D. Riley’s will celebrate St. Patrick’s day from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. The pub will oer Irish dishes—including full Irish breakfast until 5 p.m. The pub will have Irish music. However it will not feature green beer, a popular St. Patrick’s Day staple. The pub will focus on the in person experience by not allowing online orders. 905 Aldrich St., Ste.130, Austin. 512-580-3782. www.bdrileys.com www.wildower.org 10 THROUGH 25

MARCH 1019

TAKE PART IN SXSW DOWNTOWN

MARCH 2426

WATCH A RACE CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS

South by Southwest Conference and Festivals will showcase music, lm, comedy, education and technology. Times vary. Online passes start at $199. The music badge for March 13-18 costs $895. The lm and TV badge for March 10-18 costs $1,495. Locations vary. www.sxsw.com

NASCAR will host NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xnity Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series at Circuit of the Americas. 2:30-6:30 p.m. $75 (adults) and $10 (kids 12 and younger). 9201 Circuit of The Americas Blvd., Austin. www.nascaratcota.com

COURTESY SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST

COURTESY NASCAR AT COTA

MARCH 04 EMBRACE EMOTIONS Moontower Comedy will present “Terrible, Thanks for Asking” at The Paramount Theater, a show that encourages guests to be honest about how they are feeling. The show is based on the “Terrible, Thanks for Asking” podcast hosted by writer and grief expert Nora McInerny, who will be

hosting the live show. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $35; VIP Tickets start at $125. The Paramount Theater, 713 Congress Ave., Austin; parking is located at 600 Congress Ave., Austin. https://tickets.austintheatre.org/9070 09 BECOME A BIRDER The Lady Bird Johnson Wildlife Center will host Birds in the Landscape every second Thursday of the month starting in March. Attendees will join

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

Getting an electronic tag for your vehicle makes paying tolls easy — and saves you money. The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority accepts electronic tags from multiple providers: Save time, Save money, Save hassle.

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SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • MARCH 2023

TRANSPORTATION UPDATES

REGIONAL PROJECTS

Congress parking plan A city plan will bring paid parking and permitted spots to Austin’s SoCo district.

The city of Austin could implement paid parking along South Congress Avenue this spring after decades of efforts to manage traffic have fizzled. The city, neighbors and commu- nity stakeholders took on a local parking study in 2019 that produced several proposals, but new strategies remained on hold amid the pandemic, said Joseph Al-hajeri, an Austin Transportation Department program manager. “The parking problem has continued as things started to come back, and that’s why we’re here today to go through this process and complete it,” Al-hajeri said at City Council’s Mobility Committee meeting on Jan. 19. The ATD’s vision would enact paid parking along most of the corridor between Oltorf Street and Bouldin Creek. Parking would start at $2 an hour for the first two hours and increase to $5 per hour by the seventh hour. Most of the surrounding side streets would also be blanketed with parking restrictions under the city’s plan, with a mix of permit-only spots for area residents and employees alongside paid areas for visitors. The city’s plan would also establish a new Parking & Transportation Management District for a broader area surrounding the South Congress corridor. A majority of parking revenue collected within that area would be set aside for mobility improvements the city and Paid parking could come to South Congress this spring BY BEN THOMPSON

EAST BOULDIN CREEK

MANOR RD.

MUSIC LN.

MELISSA LN.

paid parking paid parking, plus resident/ employee permit

183 TOLL

AIRPORT BLVD.

ELIZABETH ST.

THE CIR

Springdale Road improvements The Austin Transportation Depart- ment has installed 2.4 miles of pro- tected bike lanes and 12 new pedestri- an crossings along Springdale Road from Alf Avenue to Oak Cliff Drive and 51st Street to Manor Road. Work was completed following pavement reconstruction by the public works department. Future phases of work will include the construction of con- crete pedestrian crossing islands, bus stops and intersection improvements at Webberville Road, 12th Street and East Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Timeline: fall 2022-summer 2023 Cost: $370,000 Funding sources: city of Austin 2016, 2020 mobility bonds ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF JAN. 31. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT CTANEWS@COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM.

NICKERSON ST.

ROMA ST.

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EVA ST.

BRACKENRIDGE ST.

FOREST AVE.

FLETCHER ST.

COLLEGE AVE.

LINDELL AVE.

DURWOOD ST.

SOURCES: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

residents could work together to identify. Final PTMD plans will be presented to Austin’s Urban Transportation Commission in March before moving to the City Council for approval. The paid parking program is scheduled to launch in April.

“Just don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.”

Ella Fitzgerald AMERICAN JAZZ SINGER

Celebrating Black History Month and the diversity of our community

AustinWater.org

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EDUCATION BRIEFS

News from Austin ISD

If you see a coyote in your area, call 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000 to submit the HIGHLIGHTS AUSTIN ISD On Feb. 13, Austin ISD provided more information about the affordable housing it plans to build at the Anita Ferrales Coy site, located at 4900 Gonzales St., Austin. AISD Director of Real Estate Jeremy Striffler said although the district will own the land, it will not be the landlord, nor will it collect rent. Striffler said the district will prioritize teachers, staff and families for the units, but they would not be reserved exclusively for the district. The next step in the process will be discussed at the board workshop on March 9. AUSTIN ISD On Feb. 17, Austin ISD officials met with members of Austin City Council and Travis County Commissioners Court and identified increasing the amount per student the district receives from the state, and decreasing the district’s recapture payment as the top two priorities for Austin during the 88th legislative session. The allotment is currently $6,160. Austin ISD Will meet March 9 and 23 at 6 p.m. MEETINGS WE COVER 4000 S. I-35, Austin www.austinisd.org

Austin ISD to improve special education training

SPECIAL EDUCATION FOCUS

Austin ISD exceeds the state average for special education students meeting expectations. It has a goal of 60% by 2026.

All AISD students

All Texas students

AISD special education students

Texas special education students

50% 60% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

AUSTIN ISD Leaders in the district will receive additional training as Austin ISD focuses on improving special education scores. The most recent data shows 26% of special education students in kindergarten through eighth grade met or exceeded grade-level expec- tations in the 2021-22 school year in Austin ISD. While that is slightly higher than the state average of 24%, district officials said it is not good enough. “This is nowhere near the level of excellence that we need for our stu- dents,” said Dru McGovern-Robinett, assistant superintendent of special education programs. Robinett said district officials must provide the right structure and sup- port to teachers and students to boost

2020-21

2021-22

2018-19

STUDENTS WERE NOT TESTED IN 2019-20 DUE TO THE PANDEMIC

SOURCE: AUSTIN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

the number to the district’s goal of 60% by 2026 for special education students in grades K-8. Frances Stetson of Stetson & Associates Inc., the educational consulting firm tracking and helping the district with special education scores, said there are “districtwide issues and department issues.” “We’ve begun robust efforts to train leaders, including principals, and we’re asking them what needs to be done to address this,” she said. Stetson said 125 leaders in the district were brought together to seek

out solutions and find strategies that enrich instruction while not putting a burden on teachers. “Starting today, we are launching foundational training that we found, across the country, results in systems changes that improve instructional outcomes for all learners,” Stetson said. “We will train every school in the district by the end of the spring semester.” Stetson said this will result in a common vision and common vocabulary to meet the goals set out by the district.

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CITY & COUNTY

News from Austin & Travis County

Austin City Council Will meet March 7 and 21 at 9 a.m. and March 9 and 23 at 10 a.m. 301 W. Second St., Austin www.austintexas.gov/ austin-city-council Travis County Commissioners Court Will meet March 7 and 21 at 9 a.m. 700 Lavaca St., Austin www.traviscountytx.gov/ commissioners-court MEETINGS WE COVER HIGHLIGHTS AUSTIN On Feb. 15, City Council voted to pursue negotiations over a new one-year contract with Austin’s police union, days after city and police leaders announced a tentative four-year plan. Ocials voting for the new approach said a May election over police oversight measures should play out before a new contract is put in place. Austin Police Association leaders said the union will not work to negotiate a one-year deal before the existing contract expires March 31. Council planned to vote Feb. 23, after press deadline, on an extension of ocer benets and police oversight if the city defaults on its contract. AUSTIN On Jan. 26, City Council unanimously voted to begin a code update that could streamline the development of new and expanded child care centers as many parts of the city remain categorized as child care deserts. Proposed by District 2 Council Member Vanessa Fuentes, the changes are aimed at removing permitting requirements and zoning limits on new facilities. AUSTIN The rst regional point- in-time count of Austin and Travis County’s unhoused residents since 2020 was conducted Jan 28. The biennial survey is used for both federal tracking purposes and to give the community an idea of the makeup of the local homeless population on any given night. A full report on the 2023 count will be released in late spring.

County gets federal overdose funds

LOCAL DRUG OVERDOSE CRISIS Travis County Commissioners Court will receive $2 million for overdose prevention, as fatal overdoses have continuously increased throughout the county in recent years. The $2 million will be used to: Hire 9 peer support specialists

BY KATY MCAFEE

to last two years. Funding will go toward hiring at least nine peer support specialists with personal addiction experience and training for at least 250 residents on how to administer Narcan—an overdose reversal drug—and how to identify an overdose. Existing peer support contracts will be extended as well. Training will also be given to health providers to prevent cycles of dependency as addiction can stem from pain killers given at the hospi- tal. And aside from training, funds will support a dedicated education campaign to get information in the community.

TRAVIS COUNTY Area leaders announced securing $2 million in fed- eral support for overdose education, outreach and prevention programs Jan. 17, the rst long-term federal funds received for this purpose. Travis County leaders declared drug overdoses a public health crisis last May following a report showing drug toxicity was the top cause of accidental death in the county in 2021. Fatal overdoses have since increased, according medical examiner data. The $2 million will be given to Austin Public Health and is expected

Train 250 residents on how to administer Narcan

Create a public education campaign

SOURCE: TRAVIS COUNTYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Austin ordered to pay $90M to acquire ABIA South Terminal

Council appoints interim city manager

BY BEN THOMPSON

negotiations. Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison voted against his removal. Including salary and benets, Cronk’s severance totaled $463,001.50. Garza, who most recently managed a political committee supporting Mayor Kirk Watson’s election, will earn $350,000 plus other allowances and benets this year. “I knew the job that I signed up for when I came to Austin ve years ago, and it’s not uncommon for the council and manager to re-evaluate their working relationship, and today was a reection of that,” Cronk told Community Impact after the vote.

AUSTIN City Council voted 10-1 to re City Manager Spencer Cronk on Feb. 15 and appoint former City Manager Jesús Garza as his interim replacement. Cronk’s tenure lasted just over ve years and ended after city ocials expressed discontent with the handling of the recent winter storm and police labor

BY ELLE BENT

AUSTIN A probate court ordered the city to pay $90 million to LoneStar Airport Holdings LLC, the operator of the South Terminal at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, to acquire the facility. Austin is seeking to acquire the South Terminal as part of the airport’s 2040 Master Plan. Austin oered LoneStar $1.95 million in April to end the remainder of its 40-year lease on the terminal that opened in 2017; LoneStar rejected that oer. The court order issued Feb. 6 assessed total damages payable to LoneStar are more than the city initially oered.

Jesús Garza

Spencer Cronk

SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • MARCH 2023

CAMP GUIDE

GUIDE

A noncomprehensive list of camps in the area

COMPILED BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

7 Austin Playhouse oers weeklong programs in which campers explore their creativity through theater games and create an original production with the guidance of Austin Playhouse professionals. Grades: rst-sixth Dates: June 5July 28 Cost: $295 per week A+ ART DAY NIGHT SP 405 W. 22nd St., Austin 5124760084 www.austinplayhouse.com/camps 8 Badgerdog Creative Writing campers work with professional writers to explore poetry, ction, nonction and playwriting. All three-week campers will have their work published in an anthology. Grades: third-12th Dates: June 523 and July 1028 Cost: $400-$575 per week A+ DAY www.austinlibrary.org/creative-writing-camp 9 Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area will oer the 2022 Great Futures Summer Camp. Attendees will explore culture, history and people of the world through hands-on and age-appropriate science, techology, engi- Locations vary 5125420076

14 Camp Wildower oers campers an immersive experience in nature focused on natural science, technology, engineering, arts and math. It includes hikes, plant labs, nature-based arts and crafts. Grades: second-fth Dates: June 5June 29 Cost: $450-$500 per week DAY 4801 La Crosse Ave., Austin 5122320100 www.wildower.org/camp 15 Challenger International Soccer Camp oers participants a chance to improve their soccer skills, make new friends and learn from industry experts. The curriculum was updated in 2022. Ages 314 Dates: June 2024; July 2529 Cost: $120 (tiny tykes); $160 (half day) per week DAY SP 3025 Crosscreek Drive, Austin 5123713655 www.challengersports.com

Families looking for summer camps for their children have a number of options to choose from in the Central Austin area. This list is not comprehensive.

neering and math; arts; healthy lifestyles; and character and leadership activities. Ages: 518 Dates: June 6Aug. 12 Cost: price varies; scholarship opportunities available DAY Various locations in Austin 5124447199 www.bgcaustin.org 10 Brandy Perryman Shooting Camp is a four-day intense basketball shooting camp mirrored after all the camps Brandy Perryman attended and enjoyed the most as a kid. Ages: 717 Dates: May 31June 1 Cost: $260-$285 per week DAY SP Various Austin-area locations 5127998891 www.bperrymanshootingcamp.com 11 Camp Latinitas will host four camps for girls and nonbinary students in design, entrepreneurship and leadership, health and self-image, and video games. Age: 914 Dates: June 26July 28 Cost: $325 per week A+ ART DAY

1023 Springdale, Bldg. B, Ste. 2C, Austin 5129000304 www.latinitasmagazine.org 12 Camp Jump from Jump Gymnastics oers gymnastics, arts and crafts, games, spe- cial guests, open play and zen time. Camps are available with themes such as robotics, space and Jurassic journey. Ages: 310 Dates: May 30Aug. 11 Cost: $225-$375 per week DAY SP 2117 W. Anderson Lane, Austin 5125936226 www.jump-austin.com 13 Camp ¡Vámonos! oers campers the chance to play with loose parts, bake goods, make arts and crafts, go on outings to the pool and around town using public transit, watch classic movies, play classic board games, and make new friends. Ages: 511

A+ Academics ART Arts DAY Day NIGHT Overnight SP Sports O Outdoors

Austin 1 All Saints' Episcopal Day School has an 8-week summer program packed with hands-on exploration and learning activities for young children. Ages: 36 Dates: May 30July 21 Cost: $600-$695 per two-week sessions DAY 209 West 27th Street, Austin 5124728866 www.allsaintseds.org 2 ATX Ballers Summer Basketball Camp coaches will teach the fundamentals of basketball. All skill levels are accepted, and players are grouped together by age and skill level.

www.atxballers.com 3 ATX Kids Club promotes exploration and self-condence through educational and health-minded urban adventures. Ages: 412 Dates: May 30Aug. 18 Cost: $425 per week A+ O Locations vary; multiple pickup spots available 5122345437 www.atxkidsclub.org 4 Austin Film Festival’s Summer Film Camp oers campers a summer of creativity, collaboration and fun. Camps are hands-on and last one week each with workshops in the arts of screenwriting, lmmaking, editing, stop-motion animation and more. Ages: 918 Dates: June 5July 28 Cost: $200-$450 per week ART DAY 901 Trinity St., Austin 5124784795

ATX Ballers Summer Basketball Camp

Austin Film Festival's Summer Film Camp

COURTESY ATX BALLERS SUMMER BASKETBALL CAMP

COURTESY AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL'S SUMMER FILM CAMP

6 Austin Parks and Recreation Summer Camp oers an opportunity to experience vi- sual and performing arts, culture and history; celebrate Austin’s diversity; and build commu- nity. Camps include playground, therapeutic, nature, recreation and arts. Ages: 515 The dates, times and costs vary by location, and program types are listed on the website. DAY O www.austintexas.gov/department/ parks-and-recreation

www.austinlmfestival.com/ summer-camps-and-classes 5 Austin School of Film oers award-win- ning camps in lm and animation.

Grades: second-12th Dates: May 29Aug. 4 Cost: $395695 per week ART DAY 2200 Tillery St., Austin 5122368877 www.austinlmschool.org

Dates: May 29Aug. 11 Cost: $210 per week A+ ART DAY SP O 6919 Reese Lane, Austin 5127707789 www.campvamonos.com

Grades: pre-K-eighth Dates: June 5Aug. 10 Cost: $160-$300 per week DAY SP 1201 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin 5122308965

CONTINUED ON 18

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

GUIDE

A noncomprehensive list of camps in the area

Ages: 517 Dates: June 5Aug.10 Cost: $280 (full day), $160 (half day) per week DAY SP 5501 Ed Bluestein Blvd., Austin 5127320380 www.rstteeaustin.org/summer-camp 24 Grin School oers three weeklong camps for architecture, music performance and game design. Ages: sixth-ninth grades Dates: June 59 Cost: $300 per week A+ ART 5001 Evans Ave., Austin 5124545797 www.grinschool.org/summer-camps 25 Idea Lab Kids is a science, technology, engineering, art and math camp that allows students to complete projects using their design skills. Ages: 513 Dates: May 31Aug. 12 Costs: $375-$413 per week A+ ART DAY 8620 Burnet Road, Austin 5124946744 www.idealabkids.com/locations/austin 26 iCode Austin will host weekly camps that explore mechanical engineering, digital design, programming and other tech-related skills. Ages: 614

Ages: 39 Dates: June 20Aug. 4 Cost: $275 per week ART 7729 Burnet Road, Austin 5124197611 www.austin-dance.org

Families looking for summer camps for their children have a number of options to choose from in the Central Austin area. This list is not comprehensive.

A+ Academics ART Arts DAY Day NIGHT Overnight SP Sports O Outdoors

nities, including interactive learning in small groups and projects. One-week camps use Minecraft and Roblox to teach real-world programming skills. In three-week accelerated classes, students learn Python, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, Scratch and Java. Ages: 818 Dates: June 5Aug. 24 Cost: $399 per week A+ Virtual 8002132417 www.codewizardshq.com/summer 19 Creative Action Summer Camp o ers hands-on learning, exploration, personal growth, and both indoor and outdoor activi- ties alongside professional teaching artists. Ages: 511 Dates: June 5July 28 Cost: $395 (one week), $775 (two weeks) ART DAY Various Austin locations, including 1314 E. Oltorf St., Austin 5124428773 www.creativeaction.org/programs 20 Dance Discovery hosts themed camps, including with “Encanto” and “Harry Potter.” Campers learn about ballet, jazz, hip- hop and set design.

CONTINUED FROM 17

16 Chaparral Ice oers two summer camps. Camp Avalanche includes skating lessons, park play, arts and crafts, and a eld trip to Quest ATX wakeboard park. Campers at Camp de Champs focuses on improving gure skating skills. Ages 513 Dates: May 30Aug. 11 Cost: $270-$450 SP 2525 W. Anderson Lane, Austin 5122528500 www.chaparralice.com 17 Crayola Imagine Arts Academy o ers problem-solving activities with art and helps foster creativity and critical thinking. Activities include sculpting, illustrating, painting and textile artistry. Ages: 512 Dates: May 30Aug. 11 Cost: $200-$450 per week ART DAY Locations vary 5128921143 www.austin.imagineartsacademy.com 18 CodeWizardsHQ Summer Camps and Classes oers virtual coding opportu-

21 ESTEAM Learning Labs provides hands-on learning opportunities, including Lego robotics, coding, comic book creating, animation, drones, forensic science and more. Ages: 517 Dates: May 30Aug. 11 Cost: $195-$450 per week A+ ART DAY NIGHT SP O 7300 Hart Lane, Austin 5127403024 www.esteamlearninglabs.com/camp 22 Fantastic Magic Camp teaches life skills and condence through magic, juggling and puppets. Ages: 512

Dates: May 30July 17 Cost: $390 per week DAY 7500 Woodrow Ave., Austin 5129883045 ww.magiccamp.com

23 First Tee features fun and challenging golf activities. Camps are structured around First Tee’s life skills-based curriculum, which introduces and reinforces values and skills inherent in the game of golf.

GET IN THE ACT! Summer Theatre Camps | May 30–August 10 Broadway Kids • Acting • Improv • Musical Theatre • Act the Story Axel B. Photography

AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL

SUMMER FILM CAMP FULL/HALF DAY CAMPS AGES 9 – 18 JUNE 5 – JULY 28, 2023

Downtown 1510 Toomey Road 512-476-0594 x236

North 14010 N. Highway 183, Suite 540 512-470-0594 x265

Summer Camp Presenting Sponsor

512-478-4795 | WWW.AUSTINFILMFESTIVAL.COM

For information call 512-476-0541 x3

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