Round Rock Edition | April 2024

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Round Rock Edition VOLUME 19, ISSUE 8 APRIL 5MAY 3, 2024

2024 Voter Guide

Residents gathered in downtown Round Rock for the a Music on Main event March 20.

HALEY MCLEODCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Downtown Round Rock revitalization eorts in full swing

downtown—a blend of residential, commercial, retail and public amenities. Building o his work, the city of Round Rock has invested nearly $200 million in public infrastruc- ture and facilities since 2010.

journey in 1998, renovating his rst run-down house on the south side of Main Street and repur- posing it for his private counseling practice. Nelson’s eort to revamp properties from old homes to businesses on the south side laid the groundwork for the future aesthetic of

BY HALEY MCLEOD

One man’s hobby nearly 30 years ago sparked a movement in downtown Round Rock that acceler- ated the city’s vision for revitalization. Once dubbed the “Urban Frontiersman” by local newspapers, Nelson Nagle began his real estate

CONTINUED ON 30

Also in this issue

Impacts: Swallow Wines now open (Page 6)

Government: Sports center expansion moves forward (Page 13)

Education: RRISD sets price for Early College High School (Page 17)

Business: Piranha Records celebrates 20 years (Page 37)

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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 Sarah Hernandez Sierra Martin Katy McAfee Haley McLeod Hannah Norton Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Amira Van Leeuwen Zacharia Washington Chloe Young Graphic Designers Rachal Elliott Alissa Foss Gloria Gonzalez Melissa Johnson Sabrina Musachia

Amy Leonard Bryant General Manager abryant@ communityimpact.com

Minh Nguyen Joseph Veloz Copy Editors Adrian Gandara Beth Marshall Managing Editor Darcy Sprague Senior Art Production Manager Haley Grace Publisher Travis Baker

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Steffanie Bartlett Account Executive sbartlett@ 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

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Impacts

Hair removal services provided by Relax and Wax include bikini, under arms and facial waxing as well as sugaring. • Opened March 5 • 110 N. I-35, Ste. 130, Round Rock • www.relaxandwax.com 5 Smile Solutions Dentistry The dentistry practice offers comprehensive dental services in the Round Rock area. Owned by Dr. Bruce Beheshtin, DDS, patients receive customized care with special considerations for those who may have anxiety around dental work. • Opened Feb. 21 6 Swallow Wines The winery and tasting venue is located in a space formerly occupied by Round Rock Travel & Cruises. The venue also includes a private space intended for small dinner parties and wine-tasting events. • Opened Feb. 29 • 407 Round Rock Ave., Round Rock • www.swallow-wines.com • 4337 Teravista Club Drive, Round Rock • www.smilesolutionsroundrock.com

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7 Chick-fil-A A representative told Community Impact the city’s third location of the restaurant chain is expected to open this summer. • Opening this summer • 109 Deer Ridge Drive, Round Rock • www.chick-fil-a.com 8 Dirty Dough Cookies The bakery, which specializes in stuffed cookies, will open a shop in the Round Rock Crossing retail center. The business offers stuffed cookies, with a rotating menu of weekly flavors and a standing menu of classic flavors, for delivery, pickup and purchase in-store. • Opening TBD • 121 Louis Henna Blvd., Round Rock • www.dirtydoughcookies.com

Round Rock

The studio’s services include men’s grooming and include haircuts, beard grooming, facial hair waxing and massage. • Opened Feb. 5 • 2711 La Frontera Blvd., Ste. 110, Round Rock • www.hairbyhali512.com 3 Nothing Bundt Cakes The bakery, which specializes in bundt cakes, offers a variety of flavors paired with its signature cream cheese frosting. • Opened Feb. 29 • 3021 S. I-35, Ste. 130, Round Rock • www.nothingbundtcakes.com 4 Relax and Wax Authentic Brazilian Wax The skin care studio opened in Round Rock in early March.

Now open

1 Finding Flow Pilates The boutique studio, owned by certified instructor Claire Kinchen, offers private and small-group Pilates classes for a variety of skill levels. • Opened Jan. 16 • 102 E. Main St., Ste. A, Round Rock • www.findingflowpilates.com 2 Hair By Hali The private barber studio, owned by Halima Arroyo, opened inside of MySalonSuite in Round Rock in February.

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9 Dutch Bros Coffee A fourth Round Rock location will open near RM 620 toward the end of the year, a company representative confirmed. The coffee chain offers hot and cold beverages, such as cold brew and frozen coffee, as well as its own energy drink and muffins. • Opening in late 2024 • 111 Deer Ridge Drive, Round Rock • www.dutchbros.com 10 Huk Gear The fishing gear outfitter will open its first Texas store in the Round Rock Premium Outlets, a representative of Simon Malls confirmed March 25. The store offers fishing gear for men, women and children, and will open in a space between the Crocs and Pacsun retail stores. • Opening this summer • 4401 N. I-35, Ste. 821, Round Rock • www.hukgear.com 11 Tim Horton’s A location of the franchise is planned to open between Austin and Round Rock. The Canadian coffee chain also

Now open

14 The Point ATX The new Latin social club and tapas bar opened in February with the aim of bringing together Latin dance music, craft cocktails and conversation. • Opened Feb. 7 • 910 Round Rock Ave., Round Rock • www.thepointatx.com

16 Salad and Go The drive-thru restaurant chain offers nine types of salads and wraps as well as breakfast burritos, lemonades, teas and cold-brew coffee. • Opened March 12 • 101 Deer Ridge Drive, Round Rock • www.saladandgo.com

serves a variety of breakfast items. • Opening in late 2024 or early 2025

• 16201 RM 620, Austin • www.timhortons.com

Relocations

• Relocated in February • 2021 N. Mays St., Ste. 100, Round Rock • www.mrgattispizza.com

Closings

12 Forest Ridge Calvary Chapel The former Calvary Chapel Austin will move from Pfluger- ville to a new location in Round Rock where it will serve the community under the new name Forest Ridge Calvary Chapel. The church is run by Pastor Terry Michaels. • Relocated March 17 • 1535 Red Bud Lane, Round Rock • www.calvaryaustin.com 13 Mr. Gatti’s Pizza The pizzeria relocated from Rock Creek Plaza in February. The business moved across Mays Street into a newly built addition to the Sundial Plaza retail center. The former location of the pizza shop will soon be home to a JuiceLand location.

17 Spy Shop Round Rock The security system supplier closed its retail store and now offers its safety products online only. • Closed in January • 105 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Ste. 110, Round Rock • www.spyshoproundrock.com 18 Wings and Rings The sports bar franchise location was sold to another tenant on Feb. 22, a company representative said. • Closed in February • 1901 Town Centre Drive, Round Rock • www.wingsandrings.com

In the news

15 Chasco Family YMCA Board members held a groundbreaking for a new aquatics center—to be named the Carl and Deanna Miller Family Pool—in February. It will be located behind the

existing YMCA facility. • Opening in October • 1812 N. Mays St., Round Rock • www.ymca.org

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Impacts

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A.W. GRIMES BLVD.

45 TOLL

RED BUD LN.

TOWN CENTER DR.

130 TOLL

Now open

1 The Branch Workspace at JLA The workspace facility includes a variety of conference rooms, offices and workstations available for rent by the hour and day. • Opened Jan. 1 • 601 E. Pecan St., Pflugerville • info@jerrylawyer.com 2 Hawaii Fluid Art The art studio, owned by David Watkins, opened to provide artists of every level a space to try new art techniques in a professional setting. The company provides a variety of classes, materials and workshops. • Opened March 9 • 1513 Stone Hill Drive, Ste. 300, Pflugerville • www.hawaiifluidart.com

GREENLAWN BLVD.

STONE HILL DR.

685

TERRELL LN.

130 TOLL

Pugerville

VISION DR.

685

OXFORD DR.

Coming soon

3 Valero Dirt is turning on the construction of a new Valero gas station and small retail center off Oxford Drive

MAP NOT TO SCALE

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY HALEY MCLEOD

in Pflugerville, adjacent to the Cambridge Villas apartment complex. • Opening in September • 601 Oxford Drive, Pflugerville • www.valero.com

Now open

Coming soon

Relocations

4 EVS Metal Metal fabrication company EVS Metal broke ground on a 175,000-square-foot facility in Pflugerville’s One Thirty Business Park. The plant is expected to support the expanding semiconductor industry. • Relocating 2025 • Intersection of SH-130 and Pecan Street • www.evsmetal.com

6 Hobby Lobby In its new 55,000-square-foot location, the artisanal craft company boasts an inventory of over 70,000 products, including holiday crafts, art supplies, custom framing options, scrapbooking materials, fabric and sewing accessories. The Pflugerville store marks the 115th location for the company in Texas, according to a news release. • Opened March 15 • 2400 Terrell Lane, Pflugerville • www.hobbylobby.com

7 Crux Climbing Center After experiencing delays since 2021 for an initially planned Round Rock location, Crux Climbing Center now shows substantial signs of progress toward opening on property in Pflugerville. Local climbers can expect a roughly 30,000-square-foot facility with 55-foot rope-climbing walls, a bouldering area and a yoga studio by this summer. • Opening this summer • 18817 N. Heatherwilde Blvd., Pflugerville • www.cruxclimbingcenter.com

Expansions

5 Austin’s Austin’s on I-35 will open a new Las Vegas-themed indoor mini-golf course, adding to its long list of attractions. The course will include 12 holes and feature a tour of Las Vegas, including the city’s top attractions. • Opened April 5 • 16231 N. I-35, Pflugerville • www.austinspark.com

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Impacts

Hutto

Coming soon

3 Mi Vida Comida The Mexican restaurant, which was set to open in February, now has plans to open this April. Owned by Firas Abusaada, who also own’s Cece’s Froyo, the restaurant will serve authentic-style dishes, such as tacos and burritos for pickup and to-go ordering. • Opening in April • 101 Limmer Loop, Ste. 100, Hutto • Facebook: Mi Vida Comida

EXCHANGE BLVD.

Now open

LIMMER LOOP

EAST ST.

1 Bumble Bee Pediatric Dentistry Led by Dr. Amy Albright, the office provides comprehensive dental care for children. Other services include sedation dentistry, laser dentistry, emergency dentistry and care for children with special needs. • Opened Feb. 23 • 351 Exchange Blvd., Ste. 140, Hutto • www.pediatricdentisthutto.com 79 2 Hutto Wine Bar Located in the downtown area, the bar’s menu features a variety of red, white and sparkling wines from vineyards around the globe. For instance, patrons will find a cabernet franc from Argentina; sauvignon blanc from Napa, California; a brut de chardonnay from France; and more. On Sundays, guests will also find mimosas on the menu. • Opened Feb. 28 • 105 East St., Hutto • www.huttowinebar.com 1660

ED SCHMIDT BLVD.

Hutto

110

Expansions

130 TOLL

4 Rockabilly Brewing The business has renovated its space to include a covered patio, additional seating, a kids play area and more parking. Once it reopens, the brewery also plans to have five of its own beers on tap at all times, and a food truck, BBQ Fiends, will be at the location on weekends.

MUIRFIELD BEND DR.

137

• Opening this April • 1133 CR 137, Hutto • www.rockabillybrewing.com

GATTIS SCHOOL RD.

138

MAP NOT TO SCALE

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY GRANT CRAWFORD

In the news

Now open

Coming soon

5 Apex Dental Studio The dental office reached its five-year anniversary in February. The office provides general, cosmetic and restorative dentistry. • 21000 N. SH 130, Ste. 100, Hutto • www.apexdentalstudio.com 6 Fortune House The restaurant will reach its five-year anniversary this April. The dining spot offers Vietnamese noodles, Chinese entrees, soups, egg rolls and other Asian cuisine. • 2098 Muirfield Bend Drive, Ste. 110, Hutto • www.fortunehousehutto.com

8 Mansions Eight65 A new rental-home community in Hutto, right outside of Round Rock, is made up of over 450 duplex homes. Renters can choose from one- to four-bedroom layouts, and the community offers a 24-hour fitness center and pool. • Opened in December • 865 Limmer Loop, Hutto • www.mansionseight65.com

9 Smokey Mo’s BBQ The Texas barbecue restaurant plans to open a new location in Hutto. The menu features a variety of smoked meats, including brisket, turkey, pork ribs, pork loin, sausage and chicken. For sides, patrons will find pinto beans, potato salad, green beans, coleslaw, potatoes, and mac and cheese. • Opening this spring • 120 Chris Kelley Blvd., Ste. 300, Hutto • www.smokeymosbbq.com

Closings

7 Dwell House Coffee and Tap The shop, which serves coffee, beer and pastries, closed its Hutto location. The business will maintain its other location at 204 E. Main St., Florence. A new business is expected to take over the space and serve coffee. • Closed Feb. 25 • 2100 Muirfield Bend Drive, Ste. 125, Hutto • Facebook: Dwell House Coffee and Tap

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Government

BY HALEY MCLEOD & CHLOE YOUNG

Locals raise concerns over quarry industry

PUD approved for children’s home

In a survey of Williamson County residents at a Coalition for Responsible Environmental Aggregate Mining event, 97% reported experiencing negative impacts from quarries. By the numbers 90% felt quarry blasts 45% had property damage 61% experienced excessive dust 55% had vehicle damage

Almost 250 people gathered at a Feb. 29 forum designed for residents to voice their concerns about the impact of the local rock quarry industry to a panel of speakers organized by Sun City residents and the Coalition for Responsible Environmental Aggregate Mining in Georgetown. Two-minute impact Texas Rep. Terry Wilson, R-Georgetown, and quarry and environmental experts discussed how residents could seek local and legislative change to peacefully coexist with quarries and other aggregate production operations, or APOs, which extract gravel, sand and rock from the earth. Williamson County is home to the most APOs in Texas with 37 registered operations as of March 1, a Texas Commission on Environmental Quality representative told Community Impact . As the county’s APO industry expands, more quarries are located near existing and future residential developments, according to a presen- tation at the event. Solutions presented by residents and a for- mer quarry owner included forming a citizen’s advisory council to bridge the gap between Sports center expansion advances Round Rock City Council approved a $19 million contract March 14 with John King Construction, Ltd. for an expansion project at the Round Rock Sports Center. In a nutshell The expansion is expected to add over 25,000 square feet, including two additional basketball courts; four additional volleyball courts; and other amenities such as addi- tional seating, restrooms, concessions and storage. There will also be more parking added for the facility. The construction company has previously worked on the Rabb House and Dell Dia- mond. Funding comes from the recent 2023 voter-approved bond for public safety; and parks, recreation and sports projects. Con- struction is expected to be complete in 2025.

The Texas Baptist Children’s Home received approval March 14 from Round Rock City Council for a planned unit development, or PUD, on about 112 acres off Hwy. 79. The gist The nonprofit organization plans to eventually move facilities toward the back of the property and expand existing facilities. The front portion of the property will be designated for mixed use. Terms of the development agreement state the original chapel must be preserved and remain visible from Hwy. 79, as it serves as an iconic landmark in Round Rock.

SOURCE: COALITION FOR RESPONSIBLE ENVIRONMENTAL AGGREGATE MINING

neighborhoods and quarries, in which local residents can advocate for better conditions. The background The number of APOs in Texas has drastically grown since 2005 when the state deregulated the industry, Wilson said. In 2005, there were 80 APO permits compared to 1,800 in 2018, he said. Wilson said he’s had little success advancing bills in the Texas Legislature to mitigate the impact of APOs due to lobbying and a lack of political support. Wilson said he wants to APOs to implement best practices, including using a less impactful blasting method, monitoring water usage, addressing truck routing to avoid road damage, maintaining specific operating hours and making nondeceptive land purchases.

Total solar eclipse to blanket Williamson County A roughly 120-mile-wide shadow will cast nearly all of Williamson County into subdued darkness April 8. A total solar eclipse only occurs over the same location once every 360 years, according to NASA. What you need to know Eclipse safety tips Avoid stopping on shoulders and be on alert for distracted pedestrians Limit travel on major roadways due to increased traffic

The eclipse can be seen in Williamson County between 12:18-2:58 p.m. with maximum totality lasting for between three to four minutes around 1:36 p.m., according to a Williamson County news release. During the solar eclipse, it is not safe to look directly at the sun without special eye protection. Those interested in taking a peek should acquire special eye glasses, according to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. The options Williamson County will host a viewing event at River Ranch County Park in Liberty Hill. Experts

Keep an emergency kit in your car

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SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

will be available to offer educational insights about the eclipse, alongside interactive activities and access to viewing equipment. Park admittance is $4 per person on a first- come, first-served basis. The park will close to visitors once it reaches capacity.

ROUND ROCK EDITION

Election Voter Guide

2024

Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.

Williamson County Jester Annex, Anderson & Harrell Room 1801 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Round Rock, 78664 Travis County A list of polling locations was not yet available as of press time.

Dates to know

Round Rock polling locations

April 4: deadline to register to vote in the May election April 22: first day of early voting April 23: deadline to apply for a ballot by mail April 30: last day of early voting May 4: election day

Williamson County Allen R. Baca Center, building 2, meeting room 3 301 W. Bagdad Ave., Round Rock, 78664 Palm Valley Lutheran Church, back porch building 2500 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock, 78665 Randalls 2051 Gattis School Road, Round Rock, 78664 South University, Room 110 1220 W. Louis Henna Blvd., Round Rock, 78681

Where to vote

Williamson and Travis counties are both open counties, meaning residents may vote at any location within their county for the May election. Polling locations are listed at www.wilco.org/departments/elections and www.countyclerk.traviccounty.org.

SOURCES: WILLIAMSON COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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BY BROOKE SJOBERG

What do you see as the greatest challenge for the city, and how will you improve it? The greatest challenge I see will be meeting the needs for future growth and development while retaining the character of our great community. I will work with neighborhood groups, and business and community leaders to ensure Round Rock remains a great place to live, work and raise a family.

Round Rock City Council Place 3

What uniquely qualifies you for this position?

I have 26 years in the financial services industry, prior business owner and founder of a local nonprofit. I serve on various boards and committees within my community to give back. As a wife of a retired police officer, I am uniquely prepared to tackle public safety issues.

Melissa Fleming Occupation: Wealth advisor Relevant experience: Financial advisor, small business owner, nonprofit founder, board member, charter review commission and mom https://votemelissafleming.com

My diverse background in transportation, entrepreneurship and community engagement uniquely qualifies me to understand and address the needs of Round Rock residents effectively.

Balancing economic growth with maintaining a high quality of life poses the greatest challenge. I’ll address it by fostering responsible development, improving transportation infrastructure and creating job opportunities to support our community’s well being.

Alan Simms Occupation: Owner/manager of Rio Grande Tex-Mex Round Rock Relevant experience: Transportation and restaurant entrepreneur 737-349-4954

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For a full Q&A and more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

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ROUND ROCK EDITION

Education

Starting this fall, Round Rock ISD students will be able to pursue associate degrees free of charge through a new partner- ship with Austin Community College. RRISD, ACC partner to offer free associate degrees

to reach higher and achieve more,” Superintendent Hafedh Azaiez said. This pathway to a degree will include the following courses, according to the district: • Advanced Placement • International Baccalaureate • OnRamps • Dual credit • ACC courses The partnership is one of a few recently announced by the district, as it is partnering with Texas State Technical College to expand some of its career and technical education program- ming. This program will allow Cedar Ridge and Stony Point High School students to take dual credit courses in precision manufacturing. “There are so many support systems here at Round Rock ISD. In the long run, even if you have to forfeit the degree, you do have the experience under your belt and you can maybe get a better job offer or something, so it opens doors.” CHRISTINE GIBSON, EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR

What you need to know Through a partnership

announced Feb. 23, students at all RRISD high schools will be able to combine courses taken through the district with those offered at ACC to earn the 42 core credits comprising an associate degree. The program is similar to that offered through the district’s Early College High School. About the program The initiative is similar to that which allowed the district to create its ECHS program in 2016, allowing students to begin working on their college degree while in high school. “By offering free associate degrees alongside their high school diplomas, we’re not only alleviating financial burdens but also empowering our students

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District chips away at hail repairs

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Round Rock ISD in February began just over $2.4 million in repairs, following a September hail storm that caused an estimated $70 million in damage. What you need to know Six RRISD buildings were approved for repair in February, having been identified as in immediate need.

Approved for repair • Brushy Creek Elementary School • Wells Branch Elementary School • Chisholm Trail Middle School • Round Rock High School (multiple buildings) • Round Rock Opportunity Center and central kitchen • Administration buildings

SOURCE: ROUND ROCK ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY BROOKE SJOBERG

Price set at $950K for first phase of Early College High School

Months after approving agreements with Austin Com- munity College to facilitate the construction of an Early College High School near its Round Rock campus, Round Rock ISD has set the maximum price it will pay for the first part of the school. What you need to know RRISD trustees voted Feb. 15 to set the maximum price of $949,502 for the first of two phases of the ECHS. This price includes project contingencies, allowances, bonds and insur- ance, per district documents. The first phase of work will include the initial building of the school as well as the relocation of underground infrastructure.

The context Per the agreement between RRISD and ACC, the district will lease the property from ACC for 50 years, with a price tag of $6 million to be paid over a 20-year period at a 4% annual interest rate, RRISD’s Chief Financial Officer Dennis Covington said. Design and permitting for the school is expected to take six to nine months, officials said, with construction expected to last 16 months. The district has not given a timeline for when construction will start. In 2018, voters who live in the district passed a $508.4 million bond, with funds set aside for specific facilities.

Unmatched Academic Results Come tour a campus and see for yourself!

Early College High School funding In 2018, voters who live in the district passed a $508.4 million bond, with funds set aside for specific facilities, like the Early College High School

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. 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

Early College High School $33.93M

Bond funding for other projects $474.47M

$508.4M

SOURCE: ROUND ROCK ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Round Rock ISD appointed two department heads to lead special education and safety programs in March and February. What you need to know RRISD named Bonita Teasley to lead its special education program, and Richard Andreucci as the new head of safety and security. New department heads hired About the candidates

Teasley earned a doctorate degree in educational policy and planning in executive pub- lic-school leadership from The University of Texas and a mas- ter’s degree in education from Prairie View A&M University. Andreucci has 19 years of expe- rience in policing and security.

An independent private school offering preschool through eighth grade

ROUND ROCK EDITION

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Education

BY ELLE BENT

Texas opts out of summer food program

Put into perspective

Texas is one of nine states with the highest food insecurity rates, but several Austin-area counties are faring better.

implement a new program and the need for new appropriations from the Legislature.” Part of this problem includes a current strain on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP benefits, causing many eligible Texans to wait up to six months to receive benefits. “People don’t stop eating because they’re not enrolled in SNAP,” said Celia Cole, CEO of nonprofit Feeding Texas. “They show up at the food bank.” In Texas, a fifth of children experience food insecurity, meaning that they do not always have reliable access to meals, according to Feeding Texas.

For some students, the transition into summer break comes with an uncertainty—access to consistent meals. Summer of 2024 will be the first that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will implement the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program, or Summer EBT, in which families will receive $40 per eligible child monthly to supplement the cost of food during summer break. However, Texas is one of 15 states that did not implement the program for 2024. Thomas Vasquez, a press officer for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, said Texas could not successfully launch the program this year due to “current resource constraints at the state agencies, the level of effort needed to

Food insecurity rates:

Texas

20%

Travis County

16%

Williamson County

16%

Hays County

15%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%

SOURCE: EVERY TEXAS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

What's next?

Diving in deeper

While the Summer EBT program is an appealing program for Texans, it is also a challenging program to run, Cole said. It only reaches about 10% of kids who participate in free or reduced-price lunch programs during the school year. “The main reason for that low participation is just the challenge of kids getting to those sites in the summer months,” Cole said. Additionally, only about 4.6% of students who participated in lunch programs during the 2021-22 school year in Texas benefited from summer food service, according to a 2023 report by nonprofit Food Research and Action Center. Another barrier to success with the program is getting three entities to collaborate, Cole said.

The HHSC will continue to work with stakeholders in order to implement the program in Texas, officials said. Feeding Texas will also keep advocating for the program’s implementation and gathering the resources needed for it. Summer hunger programs Families can find additional assistance here: • Backpack Friends www.backpackfriends.com • Round Rock Area Service Center www.rrasc.org

“Good nutrition is critical to keeping kids nourished and making sure they’re ready to go back to school ... in the fall,” Cole said. School districts and the Texas Department of Agriculture offer programs to help families during the summer.

• Circle of Hope Community Center https://circleofhopecc.org • Texas Department of Agriculture

Summer Meal Programs www.summerfood.org

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ROUND ROCK EDITION

Real estate

Home prices and sales fluctuated across the Round Rock market in February, compared to February 2023, according to data by the Austin Board of Realtors. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

February 2023

February 2024

-22.22%

+34.43%

-8.33%

+25%

78664

78665

78681

78717

130 TOLL

78665

Median home sales price

78681

183 TOLL

February

2023

2024

78664

620

45 TOLL

78717

$360,000

$385,500

78664

MOPAC

$440,000

$452,481

78665

$480,000

$547,500

78681

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

$673,000

$500,000

78717

Market breakdown

Average days on the market

February 2023

February 2024

-4.55%

-2.56%

+42.59%

-20.55%

February

2023

2024

263

New listings

142

Closed sales

78664

78665

78681

78717

Homes under contract

174

Homes sold by price point in February

Months of inventory

2.1

1.7

78664

78665

78681

78717

1 1

2 3

$900,000+

Price per square foot

$700,000-$899,999

$220 $194

5 5

$500,000-$699,999

$300,000-$499,999

Active listings

221

380

<$299,999

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Real estate

Hidden Glen, 78681 In the northwest part of Round Rock, the Hidden Glen neighborhood features a range of high-end, custom-built homes on oak-lined lots. The median home price as of March 8 was $825,000. Residents have easy access to I-35 and are minutes from a host of restaurants. Roughly 2 miles from the neighborhood is the Round Rock Sports Center, while the Southwest Williamson County Regional Park is about 6 miles away. Other details of the neighborhood include: • Average square footage: 3,317 • Homes on the market as of March 8: 2 • School district: Round Rock ISD • Amenities: hiking trail; access to amenity center with pool, playscape and pavilion

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Development

BY HALEY MCLEOD & BROOKE SJOBERG

Revised agreement advances development of The District on SH 45 Round Rock City Council approved an amended agreement Feb. 22 with M4 Greenlawn LLC regarding the development of The District—a mixed-use project planned along SH 45 behind Round Rock Crossing. Current situation The amended economic development deal has a new timeline for construction as well as an increased requirement for developed land once the project is fully built out. According to the contract, developers are required to complete 200,000 square feet by 2026, 1 million square feet by 2029 and a total of 3 million square feet by 2039. The mixed-use project, initially approved by council in 2019, will encompass oce, retail and

County breaks ground on Berry Springs Park and Preserve upgrades Williamson County broke ground on a new visitors center and park headquarters in Berry Springs Park and Preserve on March 8, promis- ing plans for a ribbon-cutting within a year to commemorate the completion of improvements

Samsung supplier chooses Round Rock Continuing a trend among industrial suppliers, another South Korea-based supplier announced it will establish its U.S. headquarters in Round Rock. This choice underscores the inux of businesses converging on the area to meet the demands of tech manufacturers, such as Samsung Semiconductor Austin in Taylor. The overview iMarket America Inc.—the U.S. division of iMarketKorea—is a maintenance, repair and operations company that also provides industrial material distribution. The company has primarily served Samsung Electronics, according to an announcement at a Feb. 29 Round Rock Chamber event.

“We know how sensitive this park is with the creek and all the native plants. We want to take care of this area and keep it beautiful for all Williamson County residents to enjoy.” VALERIE COVEY, WILLIAMSON COUNTY COMMISSIONER PRECINCT 3

Outdoor aquatics center under way Chasco Family YMCA is building a new aquatics center in Round Rock. Two-minute impact The outdoor center is expected to open in October. The center will includes a multi- depth pool, in addition to other features: • In-water play structure • Water slide • Shallow-water lounge

facility, as well as an extension to the Meadow Loop Trail system. While the dilapidated farmhouse on the prop- erty will be replaced by the new visitor center, the donkeys residing on the property—known as Lil Bob and Pedro—will remain a warm welcome to visitors, housed in their fenced barnyard adjacent to the new building site. The $5.9 million in funding for the improve- ments comes from 2023 voter-approved bonds. Construction costs are funded from the county’s construction fund.

A mixed-use project in Round Rock, The District, is set to see vertical growth by 2026.

to the park. In a nutshell

RENDERING COURTESY CITY OF ROUND ROCK

Construction will last between 10-12 months and may see minor closures to areas of the park throughout construction. The campgrounds, though, will remain closed until the construction is complete. Alongside the new visitors center and head- quarters buildings, the park will receive new restrooms, additional paved parking, a new open air pavilion, and a new maintenance and storage

residential spaces. The revised agreement speci- es that 20% of the development, approximately 600,000 square feet, must be designated for commercial and retail purposes. If all the milestones are met, the city of Round Rock will reimburse the company up to $25 million for the cost of infrastructure, such as roads, water and wastewater lines.

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