INSIDE I-35 prioritized for state funding
Online-exclusive news impactnews.com INSIDE Regularly updated coupons impactdeals.com THIS ISSUE Find us on Facebook impactnews.com/swa-facebook Follow us on Twitter @impactnews_swa SOUTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION I-35 prioritized for state funding 195 M O V I N G F O R WA R D The Texas Department of Transportation’s Austin district will receive about $120 million in the first round of funding from Proposition 1 which was designed to divert more funding to 29 infrastructure. Most of that funding—$92,284,652— will be spent in Hays, Travis and Williamson counties, although the district includes eight other counties. By Amy Denney See I-35 | 33 9 BUSINESS Marigold—Gateway to India 183 I-35 $16,955,235 45 620 MoPac RM 2222 $1,002,882 SH 95 130 $11,917,500 360 Loop 360 290 $1,000,000 SH 95 $794,500 2222 MAP KEY Williamson County Total: $28,872,735 2244 35 I-35 95 RM 2244 $5,000,000 Travis County Total: $49,252,618 RM 1826 $5,034,300 I-35 $6,500,000 45 71 Austin area prepares for ‘silver tsunami’ 19 DEVELOPMENT Sunset Valley sues food trailer park for lacking permits 21 EDUCATION that drew her to Southwest Austin was the many families who live in the area. Mariam added the new restaurant could offer breakfast and add a full bar. “I will have more space to use,” she said. “I may be able to offer a cooking class and things like that because my kitchen will be bigger.” Michi Ramen, a former food truck, is slated to open a south Austin restaurant in a 1,500-squarefoot space at 3005 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. D-114, this spring, owner Fredrick Lee said. “That part of town, just like Austin as a whole, is growing and developing with all these multiuse See Restaurants | 34 183 Map not to scale Timeline sought for south high school Austin ISD mulls Mueller school site 23 CITY & COUNTY 25 AT THE CAPITOL Patrick, Straus name committees in Senate, House for 84th session 27 CALENDAR 28 SXSW 2015 highlights 31 GUIDE Stargazing 32 REGIONAL REPORT Kelli Weldon Several restaurants have come to call Southwest Austin home in the past few months, bringing with them variety and a few new types of cuisine to the area. Local residents will be able to try Cuban, Ethiopian and Japanese food at area restaurants making their debut. Guantanamera, which offers traditional Cuban cuisine, opened in March at 6800 West Gate Blvd., Ste. 11 (See more on Page 11). Pflugerville-based eatery Taste of Ethiopia will open a second location this summer at 3801 S. Congress Ave., owner Woine Mariam said. Food is served on a platter that everyone eats from, she said, explaining one thing 15 PLANNING Filing property tax exemptions 183 I-35 $9,124,999 TxDOT backs Eateries spring onto scene, 45 SW study expand local dining options The Texas Department of Transportation confirmed that it has finished its environmental review of SH 45 SW, thereby allowing the project to begin final design and construction planning. Carlos Swonke, TxDOT Environmental Affairs Division director, signed the Record of Decision March 4. SH 45 SW is a proposed roughly 4-mile, four lane limited access tollway connecting MoPac in Southwest Austin to FM 1626 in Hays County. Guantanamera 16 NEWS BRIEFS 21 Source: Texas Department of Transportation By Kelli Weldon 11 FIRST LOOK 18 TAXES Hays County Total: $14,159,299 By Joe Olivieri Kesos Taco House The latest on local road projects $34,955,236 1826 10 DINING 13 TRANSPORTATION UPDATES 80 For more information visit impactnews.com 6 IMPACTS Now Open, Coming Soon & more $41M for local intersections About $120 million in Proposition 1 funding will be pumped into Central Texas road projects in 2015 with the majority of funding going toward I-35 projects in Hays, Travis and Williamson counties. Eighty percent of Texas voters approved Prop. 1 on Nov. 4. This approval diverts a portion of oil and gas tax revenue from the Economic Stabilization Fund, also known as the Rainy Day Fund, to the State Highway Fund. The money will help bridge a $5 billion annual shortfall. In the first year $1.74 billion will go to TxDOT for four purposes: congestion relief, connectivity, maintenance and energy sector roads damaged by vehicles used in development and production of energy. In October, the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Central Texas regional transportation planning agency, threw its support behind TxDOT using the majority of the 2015 Prop. 1 funding for I-35. CAMPO is also providing $33.1 million to use toward these projects, bringing Volume 7, Issue 12 | March 26–April 22, 2015 35 REAL ESTATE Traditional ramen at Ramen Tatsu-ya is made with pork bone broth. Belterra 2 Community Impact Newspaper • impactnews.com Chances are we already know you and your kiddo. No one knows you better. You trusted us to care for you during labor, delivery and your baby’s NICU stay. You can now trust us to care for your child. Have comfort in knowing that if you should need a hospital, we have a dedicated pediatric ER and access to experts in pediatric care available to you. She is the center of your world, and we promise she will be the center of ours. stdavids.com/kids St. David’s Children’s Hospital is located at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center (South Entrance) 3 Southwest Austin Edition • March 2015 RAINWATER HARVESTING SYSTEM SYSTEM INCLUDES: Delivery · Installation · Leaf eater · First-flush diverter · Overflow pipe w/ overflow flap · Water level indicator Hose bib · Decomposed granite pad w/landscape metal edging border · Metal or plastic rain barrel All for one price = 320 GALLONS = 32 INCHES AUSTI N AVERAGE HOME WATER USE PER DAY OF RAIN PER YEAR 100 GALLONS USED OUTDOORS DAILY 1000 SQUARE FOOT ROOF CATCH 600 GALLONS OF WATER IN A 1” RAIN RAINWATER HARVESTING BENEFITS: REDUCES DEMAND ON EXISTING WATER SUPPLY REDUCES RUN-OFF REDUCES EROSION REDUCES CONTAMINATION OF SURFACE WATER RAIN CAN BE USED: RAINWATER: IS VALUED BECAUSE IT SUPPORTS LANDSCAPE HEALTH IS SOFT, FREE OF SODIUM & OTHER CHEMICALS PH OPTIMIZED TO SUPPORT PLANT & MICROBIAL SOIL LIFE HELPS RECHARGE AQUIFERS LANDSCAPE USE CAR WASHING PET WATERING * This spring at TreeHouse veggies and herbs are dirt cheap starting at $.69. Also buy one get one free organic soil. 4477 S. Lamar Blvd Suite 600. Austin TX, 78745 | 512-861-0712 | TreeHouse.co/spring FIRE PROTECTION 4 Community Impact Newspaper • impactnews.com ® ® Realty Austin City Wide Open House VIEW OUR OPEN HOUSE MAP AT Sunday, March 29th 2015 EZ.COM/OPENHOUSE CIRCLE C 10900 Canfield Dr DRIPPING SPRINGS 220 Quinn Dr Listed by Denise Bodman 512.903.5129 Listed by The Bara Team 512.779.7009 3 BD 2.5 BA +/-3,597 SQ FT 4 BD 3.5 BA +/-4,435 SQ FT HIGHPOINTE 112 Grapevine BELTERRA 340 Catalina Listed by The Hachtel Team 512.789.1965 Listed by Donna Darling 512.422.2367 3 BD 3 BA +/-3,128 SQ FT 4 BD 4 BA +/-2,921 SQ FT BAUERLE RANCH 3000 Onslow Dr SHADY HOLLOW 3608 Apache Listed by Burt Dement 512.689.7352 Listed by Josh Lasserre 512.627.7023 4 BD 2.5 BA +/-2,156 SQ FT 3 BD 2.5 BA +/-2,938 SQ FT Who says you can’t shop for memories? HILLCREST 2411 Lavendale Ct MEADOWS AT DOUBLE CREEK 100 Morning Primrose 3 BD 2.5 BA +/-2,476 SQ FT 3 BD 2.5 BA +/-2,233 SQ FT Listed by The Bara Team 512.779.7009 Listed by Christina Balderas 512.797.4968 Welcome to Our Southwest Austin Office! SCOTT R. HAMILTON REALTOR® STEPH CRUTCHFIELD OV E R 1 0 0 S T O R E S & R E S TAU R A N T S S U N S E T VA L L E Y Everything Under the Sun REALTOR® HWY 290 & Brodie Lane workatrealtyaustin.com • 512.241.1300 sunsetvalley.org/shopping 5 Southwest Austin Edition • March 2015 FROM THE EDITOR PUBLISHERS AND FOUNDERS John and Jennifer Garrett PUBLISHER - AUSTIN METRO Traci Rodriguez GENERAL MANAGER Travis Baker, [email protected] Editorial Cathy Kincaid Shannon Colletti MANAGING EDITOR JP Eichmiller EDITOR Joe Olivieri REPORTER Kelli Weldon COPY CHIEF Andy Comer STAFF WRITERS Leslee Bassman, Jennifer Curington, Amy Denney, Joe Lanane, Emilie Lutostanski, Matt Stephens, Lyndsey Taylor, JJ Velasquez FOUNDING EDITOR EXECUTIVE EDITOR Advertising Tess Coverman Desiree Bohls SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE ACCOUNT COORDINATOR Design Joe Olivieri EDITOR [email protected] COMMUNITY FEEDBACK Derek Sullivan Erin Behncke STAFF DESIGNERS Angie Calderon, Kara Nordstrom ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Tiffany Knudtson CREATIVE DIRECTOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Business READER COMMENTS TAKE THE POLL SH 45 SW closer to construction (Volume 7, Issue 11) What do you see as the most pressing concern for Austin’s aging population? “It appears there is absolutely no consideration to how this project will impact FM 1626 traffic. Claire Love Cody Leitholt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER CIRCULATION SPECIALIST Local taxes and costs of living have gone up; real estate experts say some residents may want to move but stay out of fear of paying higher prices elsewhere. My story on page 15 looks at what it means to age in Southwest Austin. I spoke with experts who are tracking the so-called “silver tsunami” and businesses that are opening to cater to our aging population. Residents like my grandma are an important part of our community. They are a link to the past and can inform future decision-making. Their issues—affordability, access to health care, mobility—are everyone’s issues. I hope you enjoy the latest issue of Community Impact Newspaper. You can be sure I will send a copy to Grandma. My grandma moved into the classic southern colonial house with the tall trees in the front yard when my dad was in elementary school. For more than 50 years she has watched her suburban bedroom community grow and evolve. She has seen property values rise and lot sizes shrink. Her stories include phrases such as “where the old so-and-so used to be” or “back when what’s-his-name was the superintendent of schools.” She loves her neighborhood and her city, but she could not afford to buy a home there at today’s prices. I think of my grandma whenever I hear someone use the phrase “aging in place,” a phrase that comes up a lot when discussing local city planning. Take the poll online at impactnews.com/SWA-poll It seems obvious that all who use this connection [are] only interested in connecting to I-35, which would dump almost all traffic from SH 45 onto an already overused FM 1626. Even now it takes us forever to exit our subdivision, which can only be exited by 1626. There’s not even a center turn lane in front of our main entrance at Knolls at Slaughter Creek. To exit toward I-35 to the left requires us to wait for traffic to clear from both directions on 1626 before we can make our exit. This situation should work out really well during an evacuation. About us John and Jennifer Garrett began Community Impact Newspaper in 2005 in Pflugerville, Texas. The company’s mission is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Now, with 18 markets in the Austin, Houston and Dallas/Fort Worth metro areas, the paper is distributed to more than 1.3 million homes and businesses. LAST MONTH’S POLL RESULTS In our previous issue, Community Impact Newspaper reported on food insecurity and local efforts within the Southwest Austin area as well as throughout the Central Texas region to feed the hungry. To my knowledge there is no plan for accommodating additional traffic on 1626 from [the] I-35 service road to the railroad tracks ... in spite of the hundreds of residential housing units (apartments and single-family homes) being added to the area. Contact us 16225 Impact Way, Ste. 1 Pflugerville, TX 78660 • 512-989-6808 impactnews.com How large of a problem do you perceive food insecurity to be in Southwest Austin? Why is there no discussion of, if we are going to do this connection at all, to not complete it all the way to the existing SH 45 at I-35 as part of this project?” [email protected] ADVERTISING [email protected] COMMENTS [email protected] SUBSCRIPTIONS impactnews.com/subscriptions PRESS RELEASES 43.14% —James Bryan Muhlenbruch I do not consider it a problem 25.49% Somewhat important 21.57% A top priority 7.84% One of several pressing issues Results from an unscientific Web survey, collected 2/26/15–3/20/15 © 2015 COMMUNITY IMPACT LICENSING LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO REPRODUCTION OF ANY PORTION OF THIS ISSUE IS ALLOWED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE PUBLISHER. Cer tifiedPreowned.com 2015 XV Crosstrek 2.0i Prem 5MT $309 mo $999 Due at signing 1 1.49% APR financing available WAC for 63 mos 2015 Forester 2.5i CVT $269 mo $999 Due at signing 2 0.9% APR financing available WAC for 48 mos (512) 706-7065 2015.5 S60 T5 2015 XC60 T5 Drive-E Premier FWD Drive-E FWD Premier $299mo 4 36 MO. LEASE $399mo 4 39 MO. LEASE 1 - Subaru Crosstrek-With approved credit. Dealer contribution may affect final negotiated price. 42 mo lease, $999 total due at inception, no sec. dep. required, 42 monthly pymts of $309, final pymt / residual = $13,184. Based on 10k mi. / yr with $.15 per mi. excess charge. MSRP $23,972. Stk# Z11588. 2 - Subaru Forester -With approved credit. Dealer contribution may affect final negotiated price. 42 mo lease, $999 total due at inception, no sec. dep. required, 42 monthly pymts of $269, final pymt / residual = $14,256. Based on 10k mi. / yr with $.15 per mi. excess charge. MSRP $25,011. Stk# Z11479. 3 - Volvo S60 T5 -$2,979 cash due at signing. No security deposit required. Monthly payment of $299, based on $38,600 MSRP of 2015.5 S60 T5 Drive-E FWD Premier with Heated Seats and Metallic Paint, includes destination charge and application of $1,250 Volvo Allowance and $250 Lease Bonus. Lessee is responsible for excess wear and mileage over 10,000 miles/year at $0.25 / mile. Take new retail delivery from dealer stock by March 31, 2015. Car shown with optional equipment. Advertised lease payment and financing excludes taxes, title, and regis. fees and is available for qualified customers based on FICO score through Volvo Car Financial Services. 4-Volvo XC60 T5 - $3,579 cash due at signing. No security deposit required. Monthly payment of $399, based on $41,705 MSRP of 2015.5 XC60 T5 Drive-E FWD Premier with Heated Seats and Metallic Paint, includes destination charge and application of $750 Volvo Allowance. Lessee is responsible for excess wear and mileage over 10,000 miles/year at $0.25 / mile. Take new retail delivery from dealer stock by March 31, 2015. Car shown with optional equipment. Advertised lease payment and financing excludes taxes, title, and regis. fees and is available for qualified customers based on FICO score through Volvo Car Financial Services. 6 Community Impact Newspaper • impactnews.com l vd . IMPACTS we st P kw y. 3 16 Lightsey Rd. 8 s t. ugh te r L n nc Ma S la Ca n non Woodward Ave. ng Co Ln . S. ey 71 D it tm ar Rd . Ralph Ablanedo Dr. 35 22 . 15 18 26 21 9 Robnett & Co. CPAs opened at 3601 W. William Cannon Drive, Ste. 350 in late 2014 and offers tax preparation, accounting services and wealth management. The location is Robnett’s second in Southwest Austin. The other is located at 6301 Manchaca Road, Ste. H. 512-527-3085. www.robnett-tax.com 2 27 290 Bluff St. 12 Lead Pastor Scott Hatch said. The church is looking for volunteers to help with its Sunday services. 832-754-9200. www.gvcaustin.org 10 SparkleKIDS Upscale Resale opened Nov. 1 at 2810 Manchaca Road. At the store’s second location customers can buy or sell clothing for babies as well as clothes for children up to age 10. The company offers brands such as Gap, Janie and Jack, and Stuart Weitzman. 512-712-5365. www.sparklekidsresale.com, www.facebook.com/sparklekidsresale 5 Guantanamera opened March 3 at 6800 West Gate Blvd., Ste. 112, co-owner Tuky Ibarra said. The restaurant serves traditional Cuban food and drinks. See profile on page 11. 512-382-1022. www.guantanameraaustin.com. Twitter: @GuantanameraAUS 11 Total Men’s Primary Care opened in late February at 4301 W. William Cannon Drive, Ste. 300, Clinical Director Michael Shorth said. The medical practice treats low testosterone, erectile dysfunction and medical weight loss. 512-222-8868. www.totalmens.com 1626 Map not to scale TM; © 2015 COMMUNITY IMPACT LICENSING, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Now Open 1 Used car seller Auto Hero opened in December. The company helps customers sell cars online and at its 3212 S. Congress Ave. location. 512-640-3630. www.autohero.com 2 Conn’s opened at 9900 S. I-35, Bldg. H, in the Southpark Meadows shopping center Phase III in January. Conn’s sells furniture, appliances and electronics. 512-292-1832. www.conns.com 3 Delaware Sub Shop opened at 7212 W. Hwy. 71, Ste. A, on Feb. 11, owner Pete Ademski said. The restaurant specializes in Philly cheesesteaks and Italian sub sandwiches. The new South Austin site is the local eatery’s fourth location. 512-288-4500. www.delawaresub.com 4 Grace Vineyard Church has begun holding weekly services at Patton Elementary School, 6001 Westcreek Drive, and will formally launch April 5, 7 Mistique Makeup opened in late January on the ground floor of The 704 building inside Moore Couture, 3401 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 3138. Mistique Makeup owner Jacqueline Bassett offers waxings, eyelash extensions, makeup, spray tans and items from the boutique shop. 210-421-9094. www.mistiquemakeup.com 8 Posh Boutique opened Feb. 7 at 4211 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. B-3. The store offers dresses for special occasions, including bridesmaid dresses, as well as apparel and accessories. Apparel prices start at $25. 512-387-0602. www.poshatx.com Dr. O l d L o ck har t Hwy. ha ca Ledgestone Terrace 35 . L n. Rd vis 25 290 23 re s Fi r Ln od Da MoPac lia m S. s sn . Sta W il Br n. sA ve . S t. tG 5 ie 6 er L 1 17 W es 9 s L n. De 14 S t. a te . vd Bl nt 11 13 28 Davi or f . 4 me Esc a r p 24 O lt 7 290 Westcreek Dr. 20 19 vd 290 1826 12 10 MoPac Bl 71 ma La u th S. So rB 360 6 Owners Karen Speir and Greg Ginther held a soft opening for Hiit Fit Gym March 6 and will hold its grand opening April 11. The gym, located at 8204 Brodie Lane, Ste. 102, offers more than 80 classes a week, including interval training and kickboxing. 512-660-8969. www.hiitfitgym.com Now Accepting Reservations Luxurious Assisted Living and Memory Care Community Granite countertops, theatre room, full-service salon, exercise room with scheduled programming, beautiful views Opening in March New Assisted Living & Memory Care 512.288.8300 www.Legacy-Oaks.com 7501 W. Hwy 290, Austin, TX 78736 passionate service, passionate cleanliness and passionate care A Civitas Senior Healthcare Community 7 Southwest Austin Edition • March 2015 Compiled by Joe Olivieri and Kelli Weldon 14 The Rusty Mule will open in late March at 9201 W. Hwy. 290, General Manager Vince Cotroneo said. The bar and music venue will host live music and a rotating lineup of food trailers, including pulled-pork vendor Chico & The Fox. 512-496-9632. www. therustymule.com, www.facebook.com/ pages/The-Rusty-Mule/953380421342401 15 Construction started in late January on South Austin Beer Garden at 10700 Manchaca Road. Co-owners Ryan Thomas, Davey Pearce and Chris Cantu are transforming a house built in the 1920s to the main bar area, which will offer 50 to 60 Texas beers on tap as well as a full bar. The 1-acre property will also include a covered pavilion and a live music stage when it opens this summer. Thomas said the company plans to host food trailers on the property. www.facebook.com/ southaustinbeergarden 16 Via 313 Pizzeria will open its brickand-mortar location at 6705 Hwy. 290, Ste. in April. The restaurant will serve Detroit and tavern-style pizzas as well as beer, wine and desserts. Co-owner Brandon Hunt said the business, which started as a food trailer, will open for dinner service only during its first month, add lunch in May and add brunch in June. www.via313.com 17 Wet Canvas Nail & Beauty Bar will open in April at 3801 S. Congress 18 MedSpring Urgent Care bought CareSpot Urgent Care and opened the facility under the MedSpring name March 7. The medical facility is located at 401 Slaughter Lane. 512-792-4450. www.medspring.com 23 Furniture store Nest Modern will move by May 1 from 1009 W. Sixth St., Ste. 5, to 2603 S. Congress Ave. The store’s offerings include furniture, home decor, lighting options and accessories. 512-637-0600. www.nestmodern.com Anniversaries 24 South Austin Presbyterian Church moved its services from Southwest Family Fellowship to Gorzycki Middle School, 7412 W. Slaughter Lane, on Feb. 15. Sunday services are held at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. 512-758-9867. www.southaustinpres.org 19 The Park on South Lamar celebrated its first anniversary March 7 at the Brodie Oaks Shopping Center, 4024 S. Lamar Blvd. The Park serves lunch, happy hour, dinner and Sunday brunch. 512-731-2077. www.eatdrinkthepark.com. [email protected] School Notes 20 Rose Dental celebrates its 20th anniversary April 2. The business has four Austin-area locations, including one at 6211 W. William Cannon Drive, and offers general dentistry services. Dentists Rollin Sarradet and Sergio Escobar founded the practice in 1995, and the business name was created from the first two letters of their first names. 512-288-4447. www.rosedental.net 25 Austin ISD’s board of trustees named Heather Scholl principal of Kocurek Elementary School, 4103 Slaughter Lane, on Jan. 26. She has worked for AISD for 17 years and previously served as an assistant principal at Pleasant Hill, Palm and Mills elementary schools. www.austinisd.org Expansions 26 Body Central closed in mid-January at 9600 S. I-35, Ste. 500. The store sold women’s clothing and accessories. 21 Dripping Springs–based company Core Health Care, headquartered at 400 W. Hwy. 290, Bldg. B, Ste. 205, opened its first Austin outpatient and day program facility March 23 at 3215 Steck Ave., Ste. 100. The new facility features physical, occupational, speech, cognitive and psychological therapies in a nonclinical environment designed to help those with brain injury and other needs increase their independence in all tasks of everyday living, working and leisure activities. 512-894-0801. www.corehealth.com 6 Courtesy Luisa Kelly/Lady Lu Photography New Ownership 22 Big 4 Auto Parts moved from 8601 Cullen Lane to 220 Ralph Ablanedo Drive in January. The business buys and sells trucks and SUVs in addition to selling automotive parts. 512-282-4546 Hiit Fit Gym offers interval training and kickboxing among its classes. 17 Joe Olivieri 13 Cryofix Austin will open at 4301 W. William Cannon Drive, Bldg. B, Ste. 146, at the Shops at Arbor Trails in late April or early May, according to the owners. 704-804-0647. www.cryofixaustin.com Relocations Wet Canvas Nail & Beauty Bar will open in April on South Congress Avenue. Closings 19 Kelli Weldon Coming Soon Ave., Ste. 104, owner Diana Sek said. The business will offer creative nail care, lashes, waxing and airbrush tanning, she said. It will also serve drinks. 512-5622444. www.wetcanvasnailbar.com 28 Kelli Weldon 12 World of Beer South Lamar held its grand opening March 16 at 3121 S. Lamar Blvd. The restaurant serves craft beer, cocktails and tavern fare. 512-584-8770. www.wobusa.com. Twitter: @wobsouthlamar The Park on South Lamar celebrated its first anniversary in March. 27 Karavel Shoes closed at 9900 S. I-35, Ste. P-150, on Feb. 27. 512-459-7603. www.karavelshoes.com 28 Eco-friendly gift boutique Wanderland closed its 4301 William Cannon Drive, Bldg. B, Ste. 146, location in early January. The store’s 3419 N. Lamar Blvd. location remains open. www.wanderlandshops.com Wanderland closed its William Cannon Drive location. The North Lamar Boulevard site remains open. News or questions about Southwest Austin? Email [email protected]. 8 Community Impact Newspaper • impactnews.com Clean Shops for Clean Water Coal Tar Ban The City of Austin Watershed Protection Department recognizes the following Austin Enviro Mechanics for running clean shops to reduce pollution in our creeks and lakes. Look for the Austin Enviro Mechanics logo to identify those businesses that go the extra mile to protect the environment. To become a member or to get more information, call 512-974-2550 or visit our website at: www.austintexas.gov/austinenviromechanics our AUSTIN ENVIRO MECHANICS� Advanced Automotive and Tire 7528 Burnet Road • 512-454-3454 Capital Metro 2910 E. 5th Street • 512-389-7411 Lamb’s Tire & Automotive Center #4 3564 Far West Boulevard • 512-345-6600 Arbor Car Wash and Lube 10401 Jollyville Road • 512-346-8050 Capital V Connection 4201 S. Congress Avenue • 512-441-1334 Arboretum Auto Service 12108 B Roxie Drive • 512-343-8393 Champion Toyota 4800 S. I35 • 512-440-4500 Leonard Johnson’s Garage & Muffler Center 4401 S. 1st Street • 512-445-2892 Austin Infiniti 8140 Burnet Road • 512-453-0660 East First Grocery 1811 E. Cesar Chavez Street • 512-477-0988 Auto Gate Austin 435 Industrial Boulevard • 512-444-4283 Ellis & Salazar Garage & Body Shop 4501 S. Congress Avenue • 512-444-5555 Balcones Exxon Automotive 5400 Balcones Drive • 512-452-5422 E-Z Food Store #5 6400 S. 1st Street • 512-447-5825 B&B Muffler & Automotive Service Center 3000 S. Lamar Blvd • 512-447-5581 Flamingo Automotive 3512 Guadalupe Street • 512-459-9917 Brake Check # 17 205 E. Ben White Boulevard • 512-448-1221 Friendly’s Auto Repair Bridgestone Firestone # 43E2 2500 W. Palmer Lane • 512-388-6060 Goodyear Auto Service Center 907 E. 41st Street • 512-459-6554 Bridgestone Firestone # 43E3 6412 S. I35 • 512-442-9388 Caliber Collision Centers 8735 N. Lamar Boulevard • 512-836-0000 Caliber Collision Centers 6222 Manchaca Road • 512-443-2244 Capitol Chevrolet 6200 S. I35 • 512-444-8888 419 Tillery Street • 512-385-4466 Great Hills Automotive 5346 Thunder Creek Road • 512-795-2995 Jiffy Lube #2926 3704 Spicewood Springs Road 512-345-1274 Kwik Kar Southwest 4316 W William Cannon • 512-891-7800 Lexus of Austin 9910 Stonelake Boulevard • 512-343-3400 Marks American Car Care 6303 Cameron Road • 512-459-1486 Maxwell Ford 5000 S. I35 • 512-443-5000 It is illegal to use coal tar containing pavement sealants in the City of Austin and its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). The City banned coal tar containing sealants in 2006 because they are a potent source of PAH’s (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), an organic contaminant known to be toxic to aquatic life. Check to see if your property is located within the Austin city limits or the ETJ before sealing a parking lot. Find out at www.austintexas.gov/gis/JurisdictionsWebMap/ Mazda South 4506 S. I35 • 512-462-3131 Mercedes Benz of Austin 6757 Airport Blvd • 512-406-3321 Mopac Auto Service Inc. 3500 Hyridge Drive • 512-346-0438 Redline Automotive & Marine 4705 Weidemar Lane • 512-441-0416 Swedish Auto Service 11008 N. Lamar Boulevard • 512-836-0022 Travis Engine Center 2406 Hidalgo Street • 512-476-6837 Zimmer’s Auto Shop 2313 Thorton Road #C • 512-445-6731 Request Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) from any potential contractor or sealcoat applicator before purchasing or applying sealants to verify their compliance with the ordinance. For more Information and a list of coal tar alternative products, visit www.austintexas.gov/coaltar or call 512.974.2550 Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional. the physicians & staff of advanced pain care are dedicated to helping our patients regain their quality of life. call today for an appointment. MARK T. MALONE, M.D. | Board Certified Pain Management Physician SEVEN CONVENIENT LOCATIONS: ROUND ROCK . CENTRAL AUSTIN . SOUTH AUSTIN . CEDAR PARK . GEORGETOWN . WACO . KILLEEN 9 Southwest Austin Edition • March 2015 BUSINESS Marigold—Gateway to India Retailer offers saris, glimpse of Indian culture L ata Karna, owner of local business Marigold—Gateway to India, was born in her store’s namesake country. The youngest of six children in a family that emphasized education and so-called “conventional” careers, Karna said she sought to branch out by moving to the U.S. at age 19 to work in fashion. “I had a bit of a rebellious streak in me, and I said, ‘I’m not going to be a lawyer; I want something different. I want something creative. I want to do something fun.’ … Little did I know how hard it was going to be.” Karna studied fashion design in San Francisco and lived in New York City for 25 years while working in the wholesale women’s fashion importing industry and for Esprit and Levi’s, she said. Over the years she became interested in the retail side of the business and decided to open her own store. In 2005 she started scouting locations and traveled to a few other U.S. cities before deciding on Austin. In May 2007 she moved to Austin and opened Marigold a month later. The vibrant colors of dresses, linens, jewelry, bags and traditional Indian garments such as saris are on display in the 2,000-square-foot store. Decor and products such as incense are also for sale. Marigold’s shoppers run the gamut from people who attend local Hindu temples to people with no knowledge of Indian culture at all, Karna said. “I get a lot of people that come in here, and they say, ‘I work with an Indian person; I have this friend at work and she is getting married and I’m going to the wedding and I want to look the part.’ So they come to me. And I love helping them; it’s so much fun,” she said. She added shoppers also seek out her assistance when attending Bollywoodthemed parties or seeking cotton clothing during Austin’s sweltering summers. “The Indian climate and the Texan climate are so similar, so [cotton] is really ideal,” she said. She said she bonds with her customers over the quality of the textiles and designs, some of which she creates herself. Clothing items in the store with the Marigold label are her own designs. “Some people like beautiful objects, and they like to possess them,” she said. “In my case, I don’t like to possess them; I like to make them available for other people to enjoy.” Photos by Kelli Weldon By Kelli Weldon Jewelry, clothing and home decor items are among the wares at local store Marigold—Gateway to India. Upcoming monthly events Marigold hosts a variety of events on a regular basis and has also hosted parties and benefits for local nonprofits. Tunic terms Sari: Women’s garment made of a piece of fabric about 6 yards long that wraps around the body and is often made of silk and cotton, $25–$249 Salwar kameez: Three-piece outfit for women consisting of a long tunic, a scarf and pants, $49–$189 Kurta: Traditional men’s shirt or tunic, $36–$58 Tika: Forehead ornament, $20–$25 Kantha throws: Fabric with an ancient stitch similar to a running stitch, $79–$189 April 5: Guided Meditation with Sound •First Sunday of each month at 11 a.m. •A sound-healing session uses the vibrational sound of Tibetan gongs and bowls to help reduce stress. April 7: Bryoga—Yoga for Bros •Tuesdays at 7 p.m. •Men’s yoga series April 8: Singing Bowls •Second Wednesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. •Crystal quartz singing bowls are played, creating vibrational energy to help heal and create balance. April 15 and 16: Weekly Pilates mat classes •Wed. at 8:45 a.m., Thu. at 7 p.m. •Britt Causey teaches the weekly Pilates mat class. Marigold—Gateway to India Rd . ne y Kin St. Lata Karna opened the retail store in 2007 after working for more than 25 years in fashion. torf Marigold–Gateway to India is located on South Lamar Boulevard. l W. O d. ar Blv S. Lam 2200 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. A 512-442-6600 www.marigoldaustin.com Hours: Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Austin Eye works special package $298, includes Crizal non-Glare, Restrictions Apply eyecare Accurate Prescriptions. Allergy & DryEye care. Natural Herbal Drops. Lasik & Cataract Management. Most insurances accepted/FSA,HSA Cards. Newest Dailies as low as $1.06 per day. “Ultra” non-drying Lenses. Bifocal Multifocal CL. Dennis P. Goehring, D.D.S., P.A. Dr. Paul C. Jacobs, Optometrist 512.892.1864 7225 Hwy 71 West #B 71 Scenic Brook Dr. Family Dentistry with emphasis on IMPLANTS, IV SEDATION, SPECIAL NEEDS AND COSMETICS. MoPac H-E-B 290 Performed a 2 year residency in advanced General Dentistry & Hospital Dentistry W. W illi N (512) 892-8822 n. Varilux no-line Progressives contacts B r o di e L EYEGLASSES a m Ca n n o n D r. 3421 W. William Cannon Dr. • Suite 141 • Austin $99 NEW PATIENT SPECIAL Full exam & full series of x-rays. Value $265. Residency program not recognized as a specialty area by the ADA. All services provided by a General Dentist. Man-made roots and teeth using Dental Implants completed from start-to-finish. IV sedation by licensed and certified staff. 10 Community Impact Newspaper • impactnews.com DINING Kesos Taco House South Austin eatery to add a downtown site this summer By Joe Olivieri Photos by Joe Olivieri I n a city as taco-obsessed as Austin, new taco vendors must find a way to stand out from the pack if they want to survive. Kesos Taco House opened on South Congress Avenue last February and has been serving original recipes named after local landmarks and events ever since, co-owner Oscar Aldama said. “We wanted a unique taste, a good taste,” he said. “When you taste carnitas, it’s going to taste like carnitas, but not like [everyone else’s carnitas]. It’s different.” Most of its signature tacos are served with Kesos’ house sauce. Kesos’ most popular tacos are the Keep It Weird, the Rot Rallie and the SOCO, Aldama said. “A lot of our customers are new customers—we get new ones every day,” he said. “We get a lot of businesspeople in here.” Kesos has applied for a beer and wine license, which Aldama said he hopes to receive this spring. The owners also plan to open a second location downtown at Nueces Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in May or June, he said. “Our main focus is the new place,” he said. “After that we are going to look into a food trailer. In this city trailers are so popular; it becomes a necessity to have one, to be mobile [and] for special events.” 1 2 1 The Keep it Weird Taco ($3.50) is one of the restaurant’s most popular tacos, co-owner Oscar Aldama said. It features pork carnitas, potatoes, pico de gallo and Kesos’ signature sauce on a corn tortilla. sA ve . Kesos Taco House E. S Co ng res t. E She lmo 2 The SOCO Taco ($2.99) is made with migas—crispy corn tortilla, pico de gallo and eggs—and Kesos sauce on a flour tortilla. Rd. 3 Named for the annual Republic of Texas Rally, the Rot Rallie Taco ($3.75) is one of many specialty tacos named for local events and landmarks. It includes sirloin steak fajitas, grilled onions, bell peppers, roasted potatoes and Kesos sauce on a flour tortilla. rato S. 3 nA ve. 4720 S. Congress Ave. 512-358-4555 • www.kesostacohouse.com Hours: Mon.–Fri. 6 a.m.–4 p.m., Sat. 7 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m.–2 p.m. 4 4 Aldama opened Kesos Taco House with his brother and five other business partners in 2014. The Shape Of Behavior 610 Cardinal Ln.• Austin, TX 78704 ABA and Health and Behavioral Intervention Clinic Ph# 866.437.2165 www.shapeofbehavior.com Communication Socialization Self-Help Skills Our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) develop an individualized program for each child. We offer an array of services such as in-clinic treatment, social skills training, inschool shadowing programs, parent trainings, and play groups. Academics and Behavior Problems Proudly serving children and their families since 2000. Like us on Facebook to information on Free Trainings and Play Groups. Download Our FREE App for Up-To-Date Information on Clinics, Events, Training, Etc. 11 Southwest Austin Edition • March 2015 Menu options Ropa Vieja—Shredded beef cooked in a tomato-based sauce with onions, bell peppers and Cuban spices ($9) Lechon Asado—Pulled pork marinated with Cuban mojo criollo and then oven roasted ($8.50) Masas Fritas—Cubed tender pork chunks, marinated in Cuban mojo criollo and fried ($9) Quimbombo—Fried okra, onions, bell peppers, rosemary and garlic white wine sauce ($9) Media Noche–Sweet egg roll with ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, mustard and pickles ($9) FIRST LOOK Arroz con Pollo a la Cubana—Chicken, yellow rice, Cuban spices, olives and beer ($14.50) Guantanamera Paella Cubana—Seasoned rice, squid, octopus, shrimp, crab, tilapia and mussels ($18) T wo entrepreneurs hope to bring a taste of Cuba to Southwest Austin. Iskander Gener and his wife Tuky Ibarra opened Cuban restaurant Guantanamera on March 3 in the Cannon West shopping center. “We are trying to bring our family recipes from my mom and grandmother. This is all about the Cuban food,” Gener said. “I think we need more Cuban food in Austin. There are just a few places that have it. People love it.” Gener and Ibarra said they opened on West Gate Boulevard because they wanted to bring more restaurants to South Austin. Gener said he grew up in Cuba and traveled in South America before arriving in Austin in 2010. He worked in restaurants in Argentina before learning how American restaurants operate at some local Austin establishments. “I knew about kitchen [operations] and how to cook, but [I learned] all of the policies in this country and that helped me along,” he said. Gener said he has been working with his sister for six months to develop the recipes for the restaurant. “We have the croquetas, the empanadas, the yucca,” he said. Ibarra said Spanish influence is apparent in the restaurant’s paella, a classic seafood and yellow rice dish. In addition to perfecting the food, Gener and Ibarra said they worked with a designer to create the right atmosphere for the dining room. Empty cigar boxes decorate each table, though the restaurant does not sell Cuban cigars, Gener said. A mural of Cuban musicians and a lighthouse and cathedral in Havana covers a wall. “People can come here and really imagine what it is like to be [in Cuba],” Ibarra said. About Cuban cuisine Cuban cuisine is a blend of indigenous flavors from the local Tainos and Guanahatabeyes people as well as Spanish, African, Chinese and French influences, Guantanamera co-owner Iskander Gener said. Guantanamera’s menu features classic Cuban dishes such as the El Cuban sandwich, shredded beef and seafood options. “We have a lot of rice and beans as well as the famous roasted pork,” he said. Many of the recipes are adapted from Gener and co-owner Tuky Ibarra’s family kitchens, Gener said. The menu showcases classic ingredients—yucca fries, bell peppers and tropical fruits. From left, owners Iskander Gener and Tuky Ibarra sit in their new restaurant. Guantanamera 6800 West Gate Blvd., Ste. 112 512-382-1022 www.guantanameraaustin.com Hours: Mon.–Fri. 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m.–10 p.m. W. W illia B l v d. By Joe Olivieri mC a nn on a te Couple opens Cuban restaurant March 3 Guantanamera’s shake flavors include mango, plantain, strawberry and mamey, a tree fruit. Dr. tG The El Cuban sandwich ($9) consists of roasted pork, ham and Swiss cheese on Cuban bread. Tropical Ceviche—Fresh fish, lime, cilantro, diced tomatoes, avocado and tangerine ($7.50) We s Photos by Joe Olivieri Croquetas—Cuban-style croquettes (chicken, pork or fish), bell peppers, onions, garlic and Cuban spices ($2) Refreshing looks for Springtime! Kristen M. Hawthorne, M.D. OPHTHALMOLOGIST Richard A. Berkowitz, M.D., F.A.C.S. OPHTHALMOLOGIST Free LASIK consultations Whole Earth Provision Co. 2410 San Antonio Street • 512-478-1577 1014 North Lamar • 512-476-1414 Westgate Shopping Center • 512-899-0992 WholeEarthProvision.com Scott Kelly, M.D. OPHTHALMOLOGIST NOW OPEN at SOUTHWEST MEDICAL VILLAGE 5625 Eiger Road, Suite 100 | Austin 2610 South IH 35 Austin Bringing your world into focus. 5401 S FM 1626, Suite 365 Kyle howertoneye.com | 512.443.9715 12 Community Impact Newspaper • impactnews.com YOUR FAMILY WILL FEEL BETTER FASTER WITH ADC EasyCare The Austin Diagnostic Clinic’s doctors and providers at ADC EasyCare clinics provide care for those minor emergencies that seem to happen after 9 to 5 and on the weekends. We welcome new patients and accept most insurances. ADClinic.com Call 512-901-1111 for same-day, next-day appts. On-site lab and x-ray. Access to ADC specialists for follow-up care. No ER or hospital deductible or co-pay. Lisa Gaw, M.D. EasyCare Pediatrics 1 W. Slaughter Ln. 5701 W. Slaughter Ln., Bldg. C 512-901-1111 Schedule school and sport physicals all year ADC Circle C ADC Circle C services include: Allergy & Asthma, EasyCare, Family Practice, Pediatrics, Podiatry, Lab and X-ray ADClinic.com SETTING CENTRAL TEXAS IN MOTION he Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority is focused on setting Central Texas in motion with innovative solutions that think outside the box. Created by Travis and Williamson Counties with the mission of finding solutions to traffic congestion, we operate 183A Toll, and the Manor Expressway (290 Toll). We’re constructing Express Lanes on MoPac. Learn more about the project at mopacexpress.com. The Mobility Authority is committed to adding new capacity while keeping existing free alternatives through the construction of non-tolled frontage roads. Our transportation solutions offer drivers a choice to bypass congestion, getting you where you need to go—efficiently, and with fewer delays. With $2 Billion in projects in development, the introduction of mobile technology applications and the construction of non-tolled facilities, we’re re-envisioning connectivity and transforming mobility in Central Texas. F O R M O R E I N F O R M A T I O N V I S I T W W W. M O B I L I T YA U T H O R I T Y. C O M 13 Southwest Austin Edition • March 2015 News or questions about these or other local transportation projects? Email us at [email protected] TRANSPORTATION UPDATES Major projects in the area 71 . Compiled by Joe Lanane, Joe Olivieri and Kelli Weldon S. Lamar Blvd. MoPac 3 360 290 anno nD R S. 360 Davis 1826 m . 7 Panther Trail nch 6 La lvd Ma El r. B ar R d. i am C ey Blv d. Will aca 290 290 L n. section from east of Brodie Lane to Manchaca Road with a continuous center left-turn lane. Utility relocation is in progress, according to the county. 2 MoPac Intersections Environmental Study An environmental study is underway for possible improvements on Loop 1 at the intersections of Slaughter Lane and La Crosse Avenue to alleviate traffic congestion and increase safety. The project team is reviewing schematics for a diverging diamond interchange at Slaughter Lane as well as for an underpass design in which Loop 1 would go under Slaughter and LaCrosse. A public hearing is slated to take place in spring 2015, according to the Mobility Authority. Timeline: February 2014–summer 2016 Cost: about $7 million for construction Funding sources: Travis County, TxDOT 5 On schedule: widening FM 1626 in Travis County The project will rebuild FM 1626 from Brodie Lane to Manchaca Road, widening it from a two-lane road to a five-lane highway with shoulders, curbs, gutters and sidewalks. The project is in the design phase, which is about 60 percent complete. Timeline: May 2013–sometime in 2015 or 2016 L n. Rd ca Ga ha ar Rd . Environmental study S la ugh te r L n . 1 Co Co un un County, construction funded by TxDOT nc tm 6 Behind schedule: El Rey Boulevard sidewalks Ma La Crosse Ave. We st MoPac D it Timeline: design complete by mid-2015 Cost: $12 million Funding sources: design funded Travis ty ty Travis County will add sidewalks along El Rey Boulevard from its intersection at W. Hwy. 290 to its intersection at Espanola Trail. Construction was scheduled to be done by November but did not start until Oct. 1. Joe Olivieri ys is Cost: about $45 million for construction Funding sources: TxDOT . d. te Blv 2 vis O l d L o ck har t Hwy. Tra v Ha Da n. pm ie L ar . lvd B ro d c Es e B nt Frate Barker Rd. 5 4 Map not to scale Cleared for construction 1 SH 45 SW SPONSORED BY Timeline: Oct. 17, 2012–sometime in 4 Behind schedule: Frate Barker Road Joe Olivieri The project will widen the road to a four-lane GOOD BEGINS EARLY At Thiel Pediatric Dentistry, we look forward to caring for your children and making sure their dental visits are a positive and pleasant experience. 3755 S Capital of Texas Hwy, Suite 292 Austin, TX 78704 thielpediatricdentistry.com Works Department widening FOLLOW US ON : We will offer tips for getting your children into early habits that promote healthy teeth and gums. There is nothing more important to us than your child’s smile. 7 South Lamar Boulevard repaving South Lamar Boulevard between Manchaca Road and Panther Trail will be closed to pavement that is cracking or in generally poor condition. Two travel lanes will close, shifting traffic to the center turning lane. Northbound and southbound motorists could see some delays. Left turns into driveways within the work zone may be restricted. Austin Police Department officers will sometimes be on site to help direct traffic. Timeline: March 22–mid-April Cost: $860,000 Funding sources: city of Austin Public Cost: TBD Funding source: TBD DENTAL HEALTH (512) 892-0013 A project team is refining two concepts as part of the ongoing Oak Hill Parkway environmental study to bring long-term traffic relief to the intersection of Hwy. 71 and Hwy. 290. The Mobility Authority will host its second Context Sensitive Solutions Workshop on April 7 at Oak Hill United Methodist Church from 6–8 p.m. The next open house will occur sometime this summer. 2016 Joe Olivieri The Texas Department of Transportation approved the project in March following an environmental study on the limited access, four-lane, 3.6-mile proposed toll road connecting MoPac to FM 1626 in Hays County. The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority hired a firm to develop a design. After TxDOT approval the Mobility Authority will seek construction bids. Timeline: Design could take several months, construction to start after contractor selected Cost: $100 million (CAMPO estimate) Funding sources: Travis and Hays counties, Mobility Authority, CAMPO grant funds 3 Oak Hill Parkway study 1626 Timeline: complete by mid-April Cost: about $400,000 for construction Funding sources: Travis County 2011 bond www.MobilityAuthority.com | @CTXmobility | facebook.com/MobilityAuthority COME TO THE AUSTIN NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR OVER 250 COLLEGES APRIL 7, 2015 5:30-8:00pm AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER 14 Community Impact Newspaper • impactnews.com 2014 Best Master-Planned Community THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHTER FROM HERE. Come see why Sweetwater is your next brilliant move. Kids attend top-rated Lake Travis schools, including new elementary and middle schools. You’ll enjoy 700 acres of open space, 4 miles of nature trails, and 10 acres of sporty, splashy amenities. Choose your beautiful energy-efficient new home from a wide selection by top builders and love those low natural gas heating bills. All just 25 minutes from downtown. What could be smarter? New Homes from upper $200s to $800s NOW ENROLLING! GRADES K-9 5348 Pedernales Summit Pkwy • Austin, TX 78738 • 512-264-3200 SweetwaterAustinTexas.com Lake Travis 2222 Lakeway Visit the Sweetwater Welcome Center to enter Ends April 30, 2015 71 Ham 620 Bee Cave ilton Pool Rd. 2244 NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. See www.SweetwaterLiving.com for Official Rules. Open to legal TX residents 18 years of age or older currently residing within the greater Austin area and legal U.S. residents of any other state including TX who are visiting the Austin area during the Promotion Period. FL and NY residents, individuals who are under contract with a Sweetwater builder at time of entry, current homeowners in Sweetwater, and professional real estate agents holding an active Texas real estate license are not eligible. Ends 4/30/15. Drees • River Oaks • M/I Homes • Coventry • Ashton Woods David Weekley • Ryland • Chesmar IDEA Public Schools is a nationallyrecognized network of college prep schools. 100% of IDEA Public Schools seniors have been accepted to college eight years in a row, and their college graduation rates are FIVE TIMES the national average. Free. Focused on College. For All. www.ideapublicschools.org/apply 512-646-2828 15 Southwest Austin Edition • March 2015 PLANNING Austin area prepares for ‘silver tsunami’ Public, private sectors expect more active senior population Future housing In Southwest Austin, Titan Senior Living is billing Elan Southpark Meadows, a 111-unit development off Slaughter Lane, as a resort-style retirement community with amenities such as a restaurant, salon, spa, wellness center and concierge services, according to a statement. President David Dronet said Elan should open in early 2016. “We saw the opportunity to serve seniors and their families and exceed expectations for what senior living could be,” he said. Civitas Senior Living LLC is scheduled to begin building Ledgestone Senior Living in June and finish in fall 2016. Wayne Powell, president of Civitas Senior Living, said Ledgestone would include 120 independent-living apartments, 60 assisted-living studio suites and one-bedroom units, and 10 memory-care units near Dripping Springs. Staying active The South Austin Senior Activity Center on Manchaca Road serves 150 to 600 people per day, Recreation Program Supervisor Angela Niemiec said. The center hosts tai chi, Zumba and line-dancing classes as well as diabetes and financial-planning classes. “When I first started, most of the people coming in were age 75 [and older],” she said. “Now we have a lot more younger, active programs. We have a walking club, hiking, kayaking and yoga.” Joe Olivieri Austin chapter of the AARP, said many older residents live on fixed incomes. “People have spoken to me with issues such as, ‘Do I buy my pills, or do I eat a balanced meal?’” she said. From left: Bondell Zeugin and Iola Canady play rummikub, a version of the card game rummy. P lanningforthefuture facts & forthe Austin has a reputation as a young city, but statistics about the city’s aging population have caught civic leaders’ attention. Recent data shows the Austin-Round Rock metropolitan statistical area, or MSA, hosts the fastest-growing population in the country of residents ages 55–64. Residents age 65 and older made up 8 percent of the Austin-Round Rock MSA’s population in 2010 but are predicted to make up 20 percent of the population by 2040. Local forecasters have dubbed this demographic shift the “silver tsunami,” and the area’s public and private sectors have been preparing to address issues related to an aging population, such as health, housing and transportation. In 2013 the Austin Mayor’s Task Force on Aging produced recommendations on the topic, including age-inclusive policies, focusing on affordable housing and integrating seniors into civic life. The South Austin housing market continues to grow, with several multifamily projects under construction. However, most are considered marketrate or luxury developments; few new or proposed properties are considered affordable housing, according to real estate reports. In the Southwest Austin area, new developments, such as retirement community Elan Southpark Meadows, Legacy Oaks Assisted Living and Memory Care and independent- and assisted-living apartment complex Ledgestone Senior Living, are slated to open in the next few years. Medical practices have opened South Austin locations to cater to new patients. Meanwhile, as resources spring up to serve them, some of today’s older residents are concerned about affordability and transportation. Elaine Benton, an officer in the South figures Austin–RoundRock from2000–2010, Austin-roundrock MSAwasthe Austin-roundrock MSApopulationage 65andolderin2010 fastest-growing populationof peopleages55–64 intheU.S. 20% 63% #1 #3 and the By Joe Olivieri For more information visit impactnews.com 200% ofthepovertyline 8% Austin-roundrock MSApopulationage 65andolderin2040 more than 75% ofseniors surveyed hopeto stayintheir homes forthe next10-15 years ofseniorssurveyed thinklivinginCentral Texaswillbecome unaffordableduring thatsametimeframe morethan 80% fastest-growing populationof peopleages65+ intheU.S. nearly21%ofresidents age50andolderlive atorbelow metropolitan statistical area(MSA) ofsurvey respondents relyonacar 67% ofsurveyrespondentssaidtheydo notthinkpublictransportation isa goodoptionforthem 62% ofsurvey respondents feelthere arenot manyjob prospects fortheir agegroup Source: City of Austin RUNNERS... DID YOU KNOW... Running is an easy, lifelong sport which is healthy for your body and mind. However, injuries can occur, including many affecting the foot and lower leg such as shin splints, sprains, fractures, tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and blisters. Often, a good solution for injuries is summed up in the acronym RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation of the area. Injuries can also be prevented by following a few tips: 1. Create a running plan which matches your ability and Angela Drury, D.P.M, F.A.C.F.A.S. longterm goals and which takes place on comfortable terrain in good weather conditions. 2. Prior to exercise, wear quality socks and appropriately fitting shoes, and do a short warm up and stretch. 3. Upon completion, stay hydrated, and on your off days, cross train to build strength. For questions about running or treatment should running injury occur, contact our office to schedule an appointment. Dr. Drury is a board licensed, award-winning podiatrist, with over 20 years of experience, and a former collegiate cross country athlete. WWW.ANGELAFOOTDOCTOR.COM | 2312 WESTERN TRAILS SUITE #103, AUSTIN, TX 78745 | (512) 382-0773 16 Community Impact Newspaper • impactnews.com NEWS BRIEFS Mirror Mate Frames: The frame we install in minutes, while your mirror is on the wall! Freescale plans merger this summer Deal with Dutch firm to create $40B semiconductor company Available at South: Shops at Arbor Trails 4301 W. William Cannon Dr. #190 Austin, Texas 78749 512-288-8825 North: Gateway Courtyard 9901 N. Capital of Texas Hwy. #130 Austin, Texas 78759 512-241-1442 Austin’s Premier BASKETBALL CAMP is now Enrolling! Basketball Camp for Boys and Girls ages 7-16 with 7 locations in Austin including Southwest: Akins High School and WAYA Register now at www.bperrymanshootingcamp.com Shooters are developed not born. Freescale Semiconductor Ltd. will merge with Netherlands-based company NXP Semiconductors N.V. in mid-2015 as part of an agreement announced March 2. The merger will result in a company valued at more than $40 billion with annual revenue of more than $10 billion, according to a news release. In a statement, Freescale CEO and president Gregg Lowe said the merger will help Freescale and NXP deliver more complete solutions. “We believe this merger, which combines two highly successful and complementary companies, will create significant value for Freescale’s and NXP’s shareholders, customers and employees,” he said. “Both companies have built leadership positions and have a sharp focus on delivering superior value to customers. Our combined scale, size and global reach will position our new company to deliver sustainable above-market growth.” After the sale Freescale shareholders will own about 32 percent of the combined company. Both companies’ boards of directors unanimously approved the sale. NXP CEO Richard Clemmer will Joe Olivieri By Kelli Weldon Freescale Semiconductor Ltd.’s Oak Hill facility become the president and CEO of the merged company. “The combination of NXP and Freescale creates an industry powerhouse focused on the high-growth opportunities in the smarter world,” he said. “We fully expect to continue to significantly outgrow the overall market, drive world-class profitability and generate even more cash, which taken together will maximize value for both Freescale and NXP shareholders.” Freescale is headquartered at 6501 W. William Cannon Drive. Southpark Meadows III sold Site includes Conn’s, Sheplers By Kelli Weldon 4301 W. William Cannon Urgent care. Walk in. Walk out. Feel better. With no appointment needed, walk in and get treated for medical conditions ranging from the flu and allergies to broken bones. Austin – William Cannon 512-467-6608 | concentra.com/austin 4301 W. William Cannon Bldg. E, Suite 320 A l i c e M ae Taft L n. Ln . Old San Antonio Rd. 35 Phase III of Southpark Meadows sold March 2. Maffia, of Newmark Grubb Knight Frank, announced the sale of the shopping center. Jones said the location and tenant mix make it a perfect fit for the company. “We view the long-term potential of this area as excellent and see opportunity for future growth in the surrounding markets,” he said. “We see continued residential growth in the area, which should help our retailers in terms of their traffic and sales.” Kelli Weldon Getting better starts here Southpark Meadows III, a 257,988 -square-foot Class A commercial site that is part of the 425-acre Southpark Meadows mixed-use development, was sold in February to Rainier Companies and Harbert Management Corp., or HMC, for an undisclosed sum. Rainier Principal Rob Jones said that on Feb. 13 the company closed on the property, which includes a Conn’s, Cinemark Theater, Spec’s, Sheplers Western Wear and Half Price Books. The center still has some room for another junior anchor tenant of about 40,000 square feet—possibly a fitness facility—as well as a few smaller businesses, Jones said. Southpark Meadows III has been on the market since January 2014. Real estate firm CBRE’s National Retail Investment Group marketed the site on 25 acres at 9900 S. I-35 on behalf of Austin-based Endeavor Real Estate Group, which developed the property. Endeavor will retain management and leasing for the property, according to a CBRE news release. CBRE and Michael 17 Southwest Austin Edition • March 2015 Austin Texans Soccer Tryouts am Dr. non an Southwest Medical Village purchased Anonymous buyer acquires property for an undisclosed sum Southwest Medical Village, a medical outpatient center in Southwest Austin, was sold to an anonymous buyer for an undisclosed sum, CBRE Capital Markets’ Institutional Properties Group announced March 4 in a news release. CBRE did not reveal the name of the buyer but clarified the sale will not affect tenants’ business. Southwest Medical Village, located at 5625 Eiger Road, includes about 70,000 square feet of medical office space and is home to Premier Family Physicians as well as 18 specialty practices such as Please visit our website for more information and registration 512-222-9198 • austintexanssc.com Thinkery camps spark curiosity and inspire creative learning cardiology and dermatology. Construction ended in January 2014, and the site provided investors with a high-quality medical office property and sustainable cash flow, CBRE Vice Chairman Gary Carr said. “Its location within Austin’s leading Southwest submarket, positioned within the city’s primary growth corridor, also places it within reach of some of the most desirable neighborhoods and affluent demographics,” Carr said in the release. EverWest Real Estate Partners LLC, based in Denver, worked with the buyer to complete the purchase. Innovative summer camps for pre-k to 5th grade Register online at thinkeryaustin.org/camps 1830 Simond Ave, Austin, TX 78723 Data: Homeless population shrinks Annual count results released Jennifer Curington By Jennifer Curington Estimates revealed March 4 suggest there are fewer homeless Austinites than there were last year. Local nonprofit Ending Community Homelessness Coalition, or ECHO, conducts a homeless count each year to learn how many people might be homeless on a given night in Austin. District 5 Councilwoman Ann Kitchen and District 4 Councilman Greg Casar volunteered for the homeless count, which took place from 3–8 a.m. Jan. 23. Kitchen and Casar were among more than 415 volunteers who participated in the ECHO program. “Being able to participate in the count was really an eye-opener,” Kitchen said. Austin’s homeless population is estimated at 1,877 people, according to this year’s ECHO count. From that total, 677 people, or 36 percent, do not stay in a shelter. The number of homeless counted throughout Austin has declined each of the past four years, Kitchen said. While volunteering Kitchen said she met a man she referred to as “Roy” who 10100 S. Mary Moore Searight Dr. Austin, TX 78748 V Southwest Medical Village, a medical outpatient center, is located on Eiger Road. By Kelli Weldon U12 - U18 South: Paredes MS Tuesday, May 26 - Wednesday, May 27 Joe Olivieri il l i Ave . 303 E Pflugerville Parkway Pflugerville, TX 78660 U11 Monday, May 11 - Tuesday, May 12 e ga W W. C E ig e r R d . North: Texans Fields District 5 Councilwoman Ann Kitchen speaks March 4 about Austin’s homeless count. had been homeless six months after losing his job and a fallout with his family. “Folks experiencing homelessness are just like the rest of us, and it doesn’t take much when people are living on the edge,” Kitchen said. “I think the other thing that I learned is [there are] a lot of folks in the shadows that we don’t see.” The new Housing and Community Development council committee will seek to find more housing solutions for Austin’s homeless population, Kitchen said. (512) 469-6200 18 Community Impact Newspaper • impactnews.com TAXES Filing PROPERTY Appraisal districts deadline approaching T exas law allows a variety of exemptions from local property taxes. A partial exemption removes either a percentage or a fixed dollar amount of the property’ s value from taxation, and a total exemption excludes the entire property from taxation. In essence exemptions lower the total property value amount that is taxed by an entity, such as a city, school district, county or municipal utility district, or MUD. The deadline for filing an exemption application is April 30. In most circumstances exemptions from property tax require an application to be filed with the county’s central appraisal district. There is no charge to file an exemption application. The property owner only needs to apply for an exemption once unless there is a change to the status of the property, such as a new owner or tenant, or if a new application is requested by the central appraisal district. TAX exemptions How much it could save How to check if you have exemptions State law requires public school districts to offer a $15,000 homestead exemption as well as at least an additional $10,000 for property owners age 65 and older and at least $10,000 for disabled property owners. Any taxing entity, including a city, county, school district or special district, has the option of offering a separate exemption of up to 20 percent of the property’s appraised value but not less than $5,000. Taxing units can also offer an optional senior or disability exemption of $3,000. A county may also offer a $3,000 exemption if it collects a property tax to fund farmto-market roads or flood control. Depending on the county of residence, property owners can check if they have exemptions filed using the property search tool on the Hays Central Appraisal District website, www.hayscad.com, or the Travis Central Appraisal District website, www.traviscad.org. OFFERED Austin ISD Exemptions in Hays County can be filed online at [email protected] or delivered to the Hays Central Appraisal District, Lex Word Building, 21001 N. I-35, Kyle. In Travis County applications can be mailed to or dropped off at the Travis Central Appraisal District, 8314 Cross Park Drive, Austin, or faxed to 512-835-5371. Age 65 or older exemption 65+ DISABILITY $25,000 $15,000 Austin Community College $5,000 $115,000 $115,000 Central Health $5,000 $70,000 $70,000 City of Austin $0 $70,000 $70,000 City of Dripping Springs $0 $25,000 $25,000 $15,000 $10,000 $10,000 $5,000 $10,000 $45,000 $0 $70,000 $70,000 Travis County To qualify for the age 65 or older exemption, the homeowner must be age 65 or older and live in the house. If the age 65 or older homeowner dies, the surviving spouse may continue to receive the exemption if the surviving spouse is age 55 or older at the time of death and lives in and owns the home and applies for the exemption. HOMESTEAD $15,000 Hays County Homestead exemption How to file Local exemptions Dripping Springs ISD Common property tax exemptions Compiled by Emilie Lutostanski, Design by Kara Nordstrom This list is a sampling of local exemption amounts but is not comprehensive. Sources: Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Hays Central Appraisal District, Travis Central Appraisal District Disability exemption General homestead exemptions require that the owner claims the property as the primary residence and not claim an exemption on another residence in or outside of Texas. The exemption also limits the amount the assessed value can increase year over year to 10 percent. A disabled person must meet the definition of disabled for the purpose of receiving disability insurance benefits under the Federal Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance Act. A person who qualifies as both age 65 or older and disabled does not qualify for both but must choose which exemption to claim. There are many additional exemptions allowed under the Texas Property Code, including those for veterans and charitable organizations. For additional information, visit http://comptroller.texas.gov. WE’RE OPEN AND ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! Solo practice for one-on-one care. Friendly staff and easy scheduling. We accept most insurances. Ove r pedia 2 decad e tric expe s of rien ce! Southwest Pkwy. W. William Cannon Dr. 71 Eiger Rd. Vega Ave. Patton Ranch Rd. 290 Casey Mulcihy, M.D. 512-447-5588 www.AustinPediatrics.net 5626 Eiger Road, Ste. 225 MoPac N (inside the brand new Southwest Medical Village, with full service accommodations including a lab, x-ray and pharmacy) APF_Ad_Grant_FINAL.indd 1 3/16/15 9:09 AM 19 Southwest Austin Edition • March 2015 DEVELOPMENT 7010 W. Hwy 71 • 512-358-6111 1211 W 6th St • 512-480-8466 Joe Olivieri 2012 W. Koenig Ln. • 512-452-6202 www.clementspaint.com The Barn, located at 6218 Brodie Lane, is home to three food trailers and a hair salon. City sues food truck park for permits Owners submit new documents, hope for a resolution in April By Joe Olivieri The city of Sunset Valley has accused the owners of food trailer park The Barn of operating without watershed and sign permits. In February, Sunset Valley filed a complaint in the 200th District Court against Austin Curling Center LLC, which is owned by Dennis and Anita Dunn. The Barn opened in November and hosts three food trailers and a hair salon. Plans are in the works to open a bar called The Pub at The Barn, the Dunns said. The Barn is located at 6218 Brodie Lane in Sunset Valley’s extraterritorial jurisdiction, an area in which the city’s influence over development is limited. The city contends The Barn’s parking lot and site improvements require watershed and sign permits. On Jan. 7 the city issued a notice of violation to the Dunns stating The Barn was in violation of two sections of the city land development code. “Despite having earlier submitted applications for a watershed development permit and sign permit, [Austin Curling Center LLC] now contends that the city either has no authority to regulate in its [extraterritorial jurisdiction] or that [Austin Curling Center LLC] is at liberty to determine when compliance with applicable regulations is required,” the complaint states. The Dunns have contended that Travis County is the entity that has jurisdiction over their property, and they are working with Travis County on development and permitting. In a statement, Sunset Valley Mayor Rose Cardona said the city’s complaint is not about controlling or running food trailers in Sunset Valley. “The issues are that this property needs proper permitting through Sunset Valley “The issues are that this property needs proper permitting through Sunset Valley and Travis County and that these should have been obtained prior to any development starting.” 20 % off in-store items Coupon valid for 20% off retailers’ suggested retail price per gallon up to 5 gallons. Excluding Aura. Customers must present this coupon to redeem. Only original offer will be honored; no photocopies or faxes will be allowed. Limit one offer per customer at participating dealers listed in this ad. Subject to availability. Retailer reserves the right to cancel this offer at any time. Cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts.—Coupon Expires 4/30/2015 —Rose Cardona, Sunset Valley mayor and Travis County and that these should have been obtained prior to any development starting,” she wrote. In March, City Administrator Clay Collins said Austin Curling Center LLC had submitted a watershed permit application to Sunset Valley for the property. The appropriate city departments and committees will review the application before it reaches City Council. Anita Dunn told Community Impact Newspaper that she and Dennis filed new paperwork with the city March 19. “We’ve been working with Sunset Valley,” she said. “All of the paperwork is in with [the city]. On the advice of Clay Collins we have decided to present our preliminary and final site plan at the same time. “Everything looks great,” she continued. “We are hoping to get with their engineers to finish up with the site plan before the April 7 [council] meeting and to get that signed off at that meeting.” As of press time the complaint remains filed in district court. Tell us what you think. Comment at impactnews.com MANCHESTER TEXAS FINANCIAL GROUP 20 Community Impact Newspaper • impactnews.com A New Church in South Austin St. Michael’s Episcopal Church All are welcome around God’s Table! No Exceptions (Including marital status, sexual orientation, doubts) St. Michael’s Episcopal Church – New South Campus Covington Middle School Auditorium 3700 Convict Hill Road 1 block south & west of Brodie & William Cannon Christian Education follows for all • Nursery Downtown...WHEN YOU WANT IT St-Michaels.org Please join us! Worshiping Sundays, 9:00 a.m. Create your own Soil Reduce waste and learn how to compost kitchen scraps into nutritious soil at a FREE City composting class. Receive a FREE kitchen compost collector and a $75 rebate or voucher* on a home composting system just for attending. Register at: austintexas.gov/composting. April 4 9:30 a.m. SFC Farmers’ Market Downtown April 11 9:30 a.m. Barton Creek Farmers Market April 19 11:30 a.m. Hope Farmers Market April 25 9:30 a.m. SFC Farmers Market at Sunset Valley *City of Austin Home Composting rebates and vouchers are available to Austin residents who pay the Clean Community Fee. NEW HOMES FROM THE LOW $200s Located in Southeast Austin’s gateway corridor, just three miles south of 71 on Highway 183, Addison is a perfect match for those seeking convenient access to the vibrant downtown business and entertainment scene without the expense of living downtown. Beautiful home designs complimented by extensive amenities, quality schools and tranquil surroundings make Addison the perfect place to start living more. 16 homes already sold, so visit Addison today! liveaddison.com Buffington Homes | Homes by AVI | Milestone Community Builders | Pacesetter Homes Addison-CI-March.indd 1 3/10/15 4:09 PM 21 Southwest Austin Edition • March 2015 EDUCATION Timeline sought for south high school By Kelli Weldon Austin ISD’s long-term discussion about the land purchase for a potential new high school in South Austin got a little longer March 9 as the school district’s board of trustees spent an hour and a half on the subject at a work session. Parent Michael Currie said during the public comment portion of the meeting that he wants AISD to address recommendations made by the south high school planning committee in 2013. “It’s 2015. This bond election was in 2008,” Currie told trustees. “I think the inertia that is plaguing this process is causing a lot of disservice to both the students and potential employees in the district and [has resulted in] academic programs that have not been provided to the students here.” Trustee Paul Saldaña said he is “adamant” that the board needs to make a decision by the end of the calendar year whether it will or will not purchase land for a new South Austin high school. The discussion Austin voters approved $32 million in bond funding on May 10, 2008, for the purchase of land for a south high school to relieve overcrowding at campuses such as Bowie High School. The board has met several times since then in public, talked in private about real estate issues and hosted community engagement meetings, but the district has not purchased land. Trustees and Superintendent Paul Cruz repeatedly emphasized March 9 that the discussion is not about the school or its design but instead about the land purchase voters authorized in 2008. The board did not take action or vote on anything related to the land at the meeting. Trustee Kendall Pace pointed out the district conducted community engagement meetings years ago related to the south high school that revolved around the potential school’s academic programming, yet many attendees were more interested in where the school would be built—in Southeast or Southwest Austin. Saldaña said there is “misinformation” being circulated about the south high school project, referencing comments that the district has been considering purchasing two parcels of land instead of one. He said the board has not taken any formal action to approve such direction. “I really wanted to ask the administration, ‘When did the conversation come up [about] more than one piece of land?’” Pace said. “I see the need for one high school, not two.” Trustee Robert Schneider said he firmly believes the school district needs two more high schools in South Austin. He added he also wants the district to continue its discussions about expanding Liberal Arts and Sciences Academy, or LASA, programming to students who live in the southern part of the district. “I am hoping that the end result of this conversation is that we move forward expeditiously on both south high school and LASA south,” Schneider said. “To me they’re two very different, very separate conversations but both of which need to be had, and in the case of south high school, it’s urgent. … If we [purchase] two sites, one southeast and one southwest, it prepares us for the future.” Cruz said staffers have met with members of the LASA community to discuss the possibility and added that by November the administration aims to have LASA south programming options for the board to consider for possible 2016–17 implementation. Trustee Edmund Gordon suggested a Southwest Austin trustee, Southeast Austin trustee and an at-large trustee work together to develop a framework with target dates so that the district can move forward. CASK NIGHT 2ND & 3RD WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH AT SLAUGHTER & MOPAC THE HAMMER STRIKES THE TAP @ 4PM north by northwest restaurant & Brewery (512) 301 6969 · NXNWBREW.COM Kelli Weldon Austin ISD board of trustees to set land purchase vote by 2016 The Austin ISD board of trustees discusses the need for a south high school March 9 during a work session in the board auditorium of the Carruth Administration Center on West Sixth Street. Trustee Gina Hinojosa asked the administration to develop such a timeline, and Cruz said staff will include dates such as when the district will begin looking for sites and hosting more community engagement meetings. “Nothing happens until the board reviews the timeline for that plan,” Cruz said. Cruz estimated it would take about 30 days to develop the timeline, which would go to the calendar committee for placement on a board meeting agenda for approval, he said. “If we don’t do something soon, especially in Southwest Austin, then you are in effect saying we are never going to build a high school in Southwest Austin, and you’re going to have to rely on Bowie and Austin and Crockett and the schools in that area, and it’s not going to work,” Schneider said. Hinojosa also directed staff to schedule a vote regarding the land purchase for the south high school by January 2016. Resident input AISD community members spoke in favor of a south high school. During public comment, LBJ High School alumnus Ricardo Zavala said members of local group Dove Springs Proud, consisting of more than 280 members, want the land purchase for the new high school to be in either the 78744 or 78747 ZIP code in Southeast Austin. Parent Isabel Rios said she thinks the school should be built in Southeast Austin. “The projected growth for that area indicates that we are going to have sufficient kids to fully fill out that high school,” she said. Both magnet high schools in AISD are located in North Austin, Currie said. Currie and others have said they want the district to establish a LASA south program. He noted that Crockett High School is underenrolled. “I think that tough choices have to be made in the district,” he said. “Tough choices may be redrawing the [attendance zone boundary] lines, which no one wants to do, but that is a tough choice that has to be made.” For more information visit impactnews.com 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE AUSTIN LANDSCAPE AND TREES TREE TRIMMING/REMOVAL ND CLEARING NDSCAPING LOCATED AT 290/BRODIE NE 512-801-3282 www.austinlandscapeandtrees.com Danny Horrigan • DHTREEMAN @gmail.com 22 Community Impact Newspaper • impactnews.com W. 45 Trustees consider area growth, demographics in board dialogue KNOW THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF VEIN DISEASE. St. E. 5 1st St. HARRIS ELEMENTARY 8th St. Air po 35 LEE ELEMENTARY Mueller Phase 2 MAPLEWOOD ELEMENTARY Manor PECAN SPRINGS ELEMENTARY PROPOSED SCHOOL SITE Mueller Phase 1 Rd. CAMPBELL ELEMENTARY d. g Jr. Blv ther Kin Lu E. Martin E. 12th St. Spr ingd ale Rd. E. 3 BLANTON ELEMENTARY lvd. rt B Trustee Edmund Gordon, who was elected in November to his first term, said During its March 2 dialogue meeting, something is amiss if growth in the Muelthe Austin ISD board of trustees revisited ler area is not resulting in more students. its discussion about potential development “If you build 6,000 houses and you still of an AISD campus—possibly a magnet— have a flat student population, there is on a 10-acre site that is part of the Mueller something horribly wrong going on there. development, which is seeking a school. … Especially if you have schools there that Trustees discussed an RFI, or request are not doing well,” he said. for information, related to the Mueller Board President Gina Hinojosa said development’s site. Mueller’s residents curperhaps families with children are moving rently have access to AISD schools—such into older housing instead of those units. as Blanton Elementary School and Reagan Trustee Julie Cowan said in her part of High School—and private and charter the district, families may be moving into schools. The Mueller master plan includes neighborhoods but not necessarily having a site for a future school, according to the children in the ZIP codes AISD’s demogracommunity’s website. Board documents pher tracks, so that data does not show up state that public input indicates interest in in projections for the district. Cowan noted various grade spans and school models. AISD is partnering with the Austin Board of Realtors to examine that. Projections Two schools in the area are overenrolled Demographic projections show a downand others are underenrolled, trustee ward trend in terms of student population Jayme Mathias said. growth in the Blanton attendance area “This is too important an opportunity to despite growth in the Mueller area, accordpass up for a number of reasons,” trustee ing to Beth Wilson, assistant director of Kendall Pace said, noting the district needs planning in AISD’s Office of Facilities. to increase its enrollment and that charter “The growth that you’re seeing at Muelin the area will1be 12/17/14 aggressive10:32 aboutAM ler is offsetHAMI-0159_October by the decline in the rest of the 2014 Print Ad_Communityschools Impact _12-16-14.pdf trying to secure that real estate. attendance area,” she said. By Kelli Weldon th RIDGETOP ELEMENTARY Plans for the Mueller development include a site for a future school. Dr. Austin ISD mulls Mueller school site CHOOL S S K E E S R E L L MUE Be rkm an EDUCATION SIMS ELEMENTARY Source: Austin ISD board documents Background AISD had three undesignated elementary schools in the portion of its 2013 bond that did not pass, Chief Operations Officer Lawrence Fryer said. Based on previous discussions with the developer, AISD would not be required to purchase the Mueller land, staff said. Trustee Robert Schneider, who was re-elected in November to serve a fourth term on the board, said in the past board members could not agree on moving forward with a competitive process for the Mueller site. 60% Schneider said he was open to discussing a potential school but emphasized the board must consider the district’s priority needs and budget issues. Trustees discussed potential Mueller programming options including a health sciences magnet school and a performing arts school to tie in with the Performing Arts Center that AISD opened in the Mueller development in January. of people suffer from some form of vein disease For more information visit impactnews.com SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION 512.551.1403 COVERED BY INSURANCE MULTIPLE LOCATIONS AROUND TEXAS HAMILTONVEIN.COM TILE & GROUT CLEANING SPECIAL 50 0FF $ Cleaning Completed By 4/30/15 Promo Code: 50TILE asthma & allergy friendly™ Certification applies to Carpet Cleaning service only. Minimum charges apply. Not valid with any other offer or coupon. Valid at participating locations only. Certain restrictions may apply. Call for details. BEYOND CARPET CLEANING 1-800-STEEMER ® CARPET | TILE & GROUT | HARDWOOD | UPHOLSTERY stanleysteemer.com Cannot be used for water emergency services. Must present promotion code at time of service. 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The remaining members will be appointed by the Parks and Recreation board, Music Commission Environmental board and the Open Space, Environment and Sustainability council committee, which will have three appointments. Any task force recommendations will Peter McCrady Task force created to examine parkland uses Zilker Park is home to several special events throughout the year. be due to the Open Space, Environment and Sustainability committee no later than June 5. Mayor Pro Tem Kathie Tovo initiated the task force proposal, which stems from her concern about how major events impact city parkland, such as Zilker Park, Auditorium Shores and Festival Beach. Compiled by Jennifer Curington and Joe Olivieri Court supports Hays Co. on water issue Village cancels its May general election TRAVIS COUNTY The Commissioners Court unanimously passed a resolution March 10 supporting Hays County regarding the effective management of groundwater resources outside of groundwater conservation districts. The resolution states unregulated, non-exempt use pumping of groundwater in and near the Hill Country Priority Groundwater Management Area could deplete the Trinity Aquifer in Travis and Hays counties “beyond the desired future condition and negatively impact the property rights of existing well owners.” The resolution references an action Hays County took on Feb. 3 and related legislation. SAN LEANNA Village leaders cancelled the May election during a March 19 meeting. The terms of Mayor Elizabeth “Betty” Korts and alderwomen Barbara Quarles and Elaine Voeltz were set to expire in May, but only the incumbents submitted application to run for office, Village Administrator Kathleen Lessing said. The Village of San Leanna is governed by the board of aldermen, who serve voluntary two-year terms. Korts was elected mayor in 2013. Quarles and Voeltz had previously won elections in 2011 and 2013, respectively. Tweetings Tweetings Meetings Austin City Council Meets Thursdays at 10 a.m. Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second St. 512-974-2000 • www.austintexas.gov/ department/city-council Sunset Valley City Council Meets April 7 and 21 at 6 p.m. Sunset Valley City Hall, 3205 Jones Road 512-892-1383 • www.sunsetvalley.org Travis County Commissioners Court Meets Tuesdays at 9 a.m. 700 Lavaca St., Austin www.co.travis.tx.us/commissioners_court For instant coverage of these meetings, follow us on Twitter: @impactnews_swa Get a detailed picture of your heart in a heartbeat. HeartSaver CT provides the possibility of early detection of heart disease, when it is most easily treated. This vital test provides you life-saving information from one of the top heart programs in Texas. To schedule your HeartSaver CT, call 512-407-SAVE and care for your heart today. 3801 N. Lamar Blvd. • Austin, TX 78756 StDavids.com/heartsaver 15-SDH-0171 Heart Saver Ad_Community Impact_V3.indd 1 2/9/15 10:21 AM 24 Community Impact Newspaper • impactnews.com Easy Access to Appointments! When you’re sick & need to be seen, you can make an appointment with your doctor, or any ARC doctor at the time and location most convenient for you. Book your appointment online, try it today! Make an Appointment Visit ARCappointments.com SOUTH AUSTIN 9500 South I.H. 35 Suite L800, Austin, TX 78748 (inside Southpark Meadows Shopping Center, behind the Chick-Fil-A on Slaughter and Cullen Lanes) 512.969.6626 25 Southwest Austin Edition • March 2015 AT THE CAPITOL News from the 84th Texas Legislature Patrick, Straus name committees in Senate, House for 84th session LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR Dan Patrick served in the Texas Senate for eight years before being elected lieutenant governor. He is the first senator to become lieutenant governor in Texas since the 1960s. By Amy Denney AUSTIN For Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, his first said. “They decide which bills to hear. time assigning senators to each of the 14 They decide which bills are voted out. They decide who the invited expert witnesses Senate committees was a bit like the NFL are. A chairman has to be decisive.” draft and involved charting assignments on a whiteboard. In the House of Representatives, seniority The 84th Legislature will have the large plays a significant role in determining some undertaking of considering which of of the committee placements. Members several thousand bills to approve. To assist who have served the longest get first pick, with that process each chamber utilizes and House Speaker Rep. Joe Straus, R-San committees tasked with considering legisAntonio, appoints the remainder of the lation on specific issues. assignments. This is Straus’ fourth time to “That’s where everything happens,” make committee assignments as speaker. Patrick said. The House has 38 committees and two The 31 senators typically sit on four select or special committees Straus created to five committees, which mostly have for this session. Each of the 150 House between seven and 11 members. Patrick members sit on at least one committee with has sole discretion for making committee most serving on two or three committees. assignments in the Senate and released his Committees typically have between seven assignments Jan. 23. He used his knowledge to 11 members. House committees are of being a senator to each assigned differprovide insight into ent subject matters to determining assigndetermine which bills ments and also asked it considers. In makeach senator his or ing the committee her preferences. assignments, Straus “You try to put said he considers the people on commitdemographic and —Dan Patrick, lieutenant governor tees where they have geographic makeup of the House to ensure balance. interest and passion,” Patrick said. The Senate has 14 committees with one “It’s impossible to make it exactly balsubcommittee on border security, which anced and to make it exactly perfect, but is a decrease from 18 committees during we do our best to please the members and the 83rd Legislature. Once he assigns bills put them in positions where we think they can be effective,” Straus said. to committees, Patrick said he lets chairThis session brought the challenge of men and chairwomen lead. This session appointing new chairmen and chairhe appointed the first woman, Sen. Jane women to committees because many Nelson, R-Flower Mound, to chair the members either did not run for re-election finance committee. Patrick also reduced the number of Democrats serving as chair- or ran for other offices, Straus said. This allowed him to effect change in leadership. men and chairwomen from six to two. Patrick said he considered a senator’s “It’s good not to be too stagnant and experience and subject knowledge in maka good signal to the public that we have ing appointments for committee chair. versatile members, and they can handle a “The chairman has all the power,” he wide variety of challenges,” Straus said. “You try to put people on committees where they have interest and passion.” Patrick was first elected to the Senate in 2006 to serve District 7, which covers most of Northwest Houston and areas of Tomball, Jersey Village and Katy. Patrick released his committee assignments four days after the start of the 84th Legislature, allowing senators to begin considering legislation. During the first weeks of the session, committees have already approved bills on open-carry laws and the allocation of a portion of the motor vehicle sales tax toward transportation. Patrick and his wife, Jan, have two children, Ryan and Shane, and live in Cypress. DAN PATRICK • PARTY: REPUBLICAN • ELECTED: NOV. 4, 2014 • 512-463-0001 • WWW.LTGOV.STATE.TX.US SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE Joe Straus has served as speaker of the House since January 2009. He was first elected to the House in February 2005 to represent District 121, which includes Bexar County and areas of Northeast San Antonio. During his time in the House, Straus has helped the House pass balanced budgets, reduce the number of state tests in public schools, improve career readiness and make the budget more transparent for taxpayers. He also helped build support for a long-term water plan that would not raise taxes. Straus launched a fiscal review process in 2014 to analyze state agencies. Results were incorporated into the House’s proposed budget in January. Straus is a San Antonio native, where he lives with his wife, Julie, and two daughters, Sara and Robyn. JOE STRAUS • PARTY: REPUBLICAN • ELECTED: FEB. 5, 2005 • 512-463-1000 • WWW.HOUSE.STATE.TX.US/MEMBERS/SPEAKER 84TH LEGISLATURE COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS for Southwest Austin lawmakers SEN. KIRK WATSON • DISTRICT 14 *Chair, **Vice/co-chair SEN. JUDITH ZAFFIRINI • DISTRICT 21 D-AUSTIN D-LAREDO Business & Commerce, Finance, Higher Education, Nominations Agriculture, Water & Rural Affairs**, Health & Human Services, Natural Resources & Economic Development, State Affairs SEN. DONNA CAMPBELL • DISTRICT 25 REP. JASON ISAAC • DISTRICT 45 R-NEW BRAUNFELS R-DRIPPING SPRINGS Administration, Education, Health & Human Services, Veterans Affairs and Military Installations* Economic & Small Business Development, Environmental Regulation, Local & Consent Calendars REP. PAUL WORKMAN • DISTRICT 47 REP. DONNA HOWARD • DISTRICT 48 R-AUSTIN D-AUSTIN Insurance, Natural Resources, State & Federal Power & Responsibility** Appropriations, Higher Education**, House Administration REP. ELLIOTT NAISHTAT • DISTRICT 49 REP. EDDIE RODRIGUEZ • DISTRICT 51 D-AUSTIN D-AUSTIN Human Services, Public Health** Calendars, Economic & Small Business Development, Environmental Regulation** Sources: Texas House of Representatives, Texas Legislative Council, Texas Senate HOUSE COMMITTEES SENATE COMMITTEES Below is a selection of six of the 38 House committees, topics they discuss and top issues this session. For more information or to watch live feeds of meetings visit www.house.state.tx.us. Below is a selection of six of the 14 Senate committees, topics they discuss and top issues this session. For more information or to watch live feeds of meetings visit www.senate.state.tx.us. • Appropriations: approves the budget. Top issues: Employee retirement system, border security, transportation and education. Meetings: Frequently in Room E1.030 • Business and Commerce: insurance, banking, real estate, construction and licensing. Top issues: Payday loans and windstorm insurance. Meetings: Tuesdays at 9 a.m. in Room E1.012 • Economic & Small Business Development: workforce training, commerce and economy. Top issues: economic development incentive programs. Meetings: Thursdays at 8 a.m. in Room E2.010 • Higher Education: colleges and universities in the state. Top issues: funding capital projects and addressing the medical profession shortage. Meetings: Wednesdays at 8 a.m. in Room E2.014 • Public Education: public school system, the State Board of Education and Texas Education Agency. Meetings: Tuesdays at 2 p.m. in Room E2.036 • Public Health: the practice of medicine and dentistry, prevention and treatment of mental illness and the overall protection of public health. Meetings: Tuesdays at 8 a.m. in Room E2.012 • Transportation: roads, bridges, ports, the Texas Department of Transportation and Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Top issues: funding the state’s growing transportation needs. Meetings: Thursdays at 8 a.m. in Room E2.012 • Education: Primary and secondary education. Top issues: Early childhood education, school finance and school choice. Meetings: Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. in Room E1.028 • Finance: Approves the budget and addresses tax revenue bills. Meetings: Frequently in Room E1.036 • Health & Human Services: Agencies and policies related to health and human services, such as Child Protective Services. Top issues: improve response to infectious diseases and mental health. Meetings: Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m. in Senate Chamber • Higher Education: gaps in higher education, impact of technology on instruction, alignment between high school and freshman-level college. Meetings: Wednesdays at 8 a.m. in Room E1.012 • Transportation: roads, public transit, railroads, ports, the Texas Department of Transportation and Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Top issues: use of motor vehicle sales tax for state highways Meetings: Wednesdays at 8 a.m. in Room E1.016 26 Community Impact Newspaper • impactnews.com Pedernales Electric Cooperative www.pec.coop/landscaping GOLD SEAL OF APPROVAL FOR HOSPITAL ACCREDITATION Vibra Rehabilitation Hospital of Lake Travis has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Hospital Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal of Approval is a symbol of quality that reflects an organizations commitment to providing safe and effective patient care. KEWAY’S NEW FULLY DEDICATED REHABILITATION HOSPITAL • 36 private rooms with private baths • Spacious therapy gyms April 4th 11:00am-1:30pm ts Now Accepting Patien • In house pharmacy • Bariatric rooms • Bedside dialysis capabilities • Dedicated ADL therapy area • Respiratory therapy services • Individualized intensive therapy programs–physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy • Community based specialty physicians providing medical care • Patient specific eRehab outcomes data • Fully electronic medical records • FREE on site street level parking For more information, to make a referral, or for a tour, please contact: Melanie Kidd, Director of Business Development (512) 201-9742 [email protected] or visit www.vrhlaketravis.com 2000 Medical Drive • Lakeway, TX 78734 • (512) 263-4500 Over 50,000 eggs, balloon animals, face painting, trains, music and more! austinoakschurch.org Join us for Easter Sunday: English Services 9:15 & 11:00am Servicio en Español 11:00am Indian Community Service 8:00am 27 Southwest Austin Edition • March 2015 CALENDAR Compiled by Joe Olivieri and Kelli Weldon Americas, 9201 Circuit of The Americas Blvd. 512-3016600. www.circuitoftheamericas.com/motogp March 28 through 29 Zilker Garden Festival 28 Financial Aid Saturday Worth the TRIP Kelli Weldon The Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce event offers free assistance to students to help them complete federal and state college financial aid applications. Financial aid experts from area colleges and universities as well as business and community volunteers are also be on hand. 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Free. Travis High School, 1211 E. Oltorf St. www.austinchamber.com, www.austinisd.org 11 APR Town Hall Meeting with District 5 Councilwoman Ann Kitchen 16 Oak Hill Business and Professional Association luncheon The local group for entrepreneurs and area professionals holds its monthly membership luncheon. 11:30 a.m. $20. Mandola’s Italian Market, 4301 W. William Cannon Drive. www.ohbpa.org 08 Oak Hill Association of Neighborhoods meeting Courtesy Keep Austin Beautiful The group for residents of Oak Hill neighborhoods hosts its monthly membership meeting. 7 p.m. Free. Austin Community College Pinnacle campus, 7748 W. Hwy. 290. www.ohan.org Courtesy Circuit of the Americas 11 10 through 12 MotoGP at Circuit of The Americas The motorcycle racing championship returns to Circuit of The Americas for a fourth year. Rock band Cheap Trick performs after the race. 2 p.m. (race begins). Single-day general admission ticket prices begin at $39. Circuit of The THURSDAY APRIL 9 Clean Sweep 24 through 26 Dripping Springs Founders Day Festival 25 Sunset Valley ArtFest The city of Dripping Springs’ largest community event includes a parade, music, a carnival, cookoff competitions, street dances, live music, and arts and crafts. The event celebrates the founding of Dripping Springs by the Moss, Wallace and Pound families in 1850, according to the city. Proceeds support local nonprofits and charities. The event begins Friday at 6:30 p.m. with the grand parade. Free. Downtown Dripping Springs on Mercer Street. 512-858-4725. www.foundersdayfestival.com The annual event features live music, local artists working in a variety of mediums, food vendors and children’s activities. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. Toney Burger Center, 3205 Jones Road, Sunset Valley. 512-892-1383. www.sunsetvalley.org/artfest Keep Austin Beautiful hosts the citywide service day. Activities include lunch and live music. Local opportunities include working with the Cherry Creek Central Neighborhood Association, Southwood Neighborhood Association and the Austin Student Systems Support Team. 9 a.m. Free. Locations vary. 512-391-0617, ext. 705. www.keepaustinbeautiful.org/cleansweep 16 through 19 Old Settler’s Music Festival The annual event offers artisan vendors, children’s activities, camping, craft beer and wine, and a variety of food vendors. Bluegrass, folk and Americana acts perform on four stages during the fourday festival. Performance times vary. Free (children age 12 and younger), $30–$530 (tickets). Salt Lick Pavilion and Camp Ben McCulloch, 18300 FM 1826, Driftwood. www.oldsettlersmusicfest.org Area residents participate in a public conversation on issues affecting Austin City Council District 5. Kitchen will also discuss policy priorities and how the community can approach challenges. 12:30—2 p.m. Free. Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders cafeteria, 2206 Prather Lane. 512-978-2105. April 02 Courtesy Old Settler’s Music Festival The event includes the annual flower show, live music, gardening talks and a food court. Festival musicians include The Biscuit Brothers on Saturday and Sara Hickman on Sunday. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free (age 3 and younger), $4 (age 4–12), $5 (parking), $8 (ages 13 and older), Zilker Botanical Garden Austin Area Garden Center, 2220 Barton Springs Road. 512-477-8672. www.zilkergarden.org Online Calendar Find more or submit Southwest Austin events at impactnews.com/swa-calendar through 26 ‘Esprit!’ To have Southwest Austin events considered for the print edition, they must be submitted online by the second Friday of the month. Tapestry Dance Company collaborates with world dance artists to present the dance production. Performers include Roy Lozano’s Ballet Folklorico, Anu Naimpally and The Irish Dance Company. 8 p.m. (Thu.–Fri.), 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. (Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sun.) Tickets start at $23. Long Center for the Performing Arts, Rollins Studio Theater, 701 W. Riverside Drive. www.tapestry.org Sponsored by 6:30–9PM AT THE SALT LICK BBQ FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT US ONLINE AUSTINFOODWINEALLIANCE.ORG PECAN GROVE PAVILION EXPERIENCE AUSTIN’S PREMIER MEAT-CENTRIC, LIVE-FIRE COOKING EVENT IN THE TEXAS HILL COUNTRY WITH LIVE MUSIC, PREMIUM WINES, SPIRITED COCKTAILS, CRAFT BREWS AND CHEF MASTERY TO SUPPORT CULINARY GRANTS. GET YOUR TICKETS $85 PARK & RIDE FROM PALMER EVENTS CENTER OR B E V E R AG E S I N C L U D E D $105 28 Community Impact Newspaper • impactnews.com BRIEFS EDUCATION & INTERACTIVE COVERAGE BY COMMUNITY IMPACT Compiled by Jennifer Curington, Lyndsey Taylor, JJ Velasquez and Kelli Weldon EDUCATION Kelli Weldon AISD, IDEA talk charter, district collaborations From left: Ken Zarifis, president of employees union Education Austin, and Austin ISD Superintendent Paul Cruz speak March 9 as part of a SXSW Education panel discussion. EDUCATION IDEA Public Schools founder Tom Torkelson revisited the topic of the charter school group’s failed partnership with Austin ISD during a SXSW Education panel March 10. IDEA’s partnership with Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD in the Rio Grande Valley has resulted in positive academic outcomes, Torkelson said, adding such attempts do not always work. He referenced the contentious contract between AISD and IDEA, which the district’s board voted to terminate in 2012. AISD board member Jayme Mathias, who attended the session, said after seeing results of the partnership’s rollout trustees were not satisfied. Torkelson said he thinks the campus-initiated charter at Travis Heights Elementary School is a better fit for AISD. Collaboration was crucial in developing AISD’s first campus-initiated indistrict charter at THES, Superintendent Paul Cruz and Education Austin President Ken Zarifis said March 9 at a separate SXSWedu panel. Cruz said AISD has learned lessons about communication. “Let’s actually have a conversation and not try to guess and spend all that time and energy and resources on guessing and then executing a strategy that is not even meeting the need,” Cruz said. Panel discusses campus carry legislation Appleseed who researches school safety policies. Plenty of guns are already on school campuses today, but they are there illegally because of Texas state law, Crocker said. In Texas, someone with a concealedcarry license must be at least age 21 and complete four to six hours of training. Allowing licensed adults to carry guns with them on campus will make campuses safer in the possible event of an attack, Crocker said. INTERACTIVE A SXSW Interactive panel of researchers from The University of Texas discussed their use of 3-D mapping technology March 15 to predict flood events, improve construction projects and guide city planning, among other benefits. INTERACTIVE Kirsten Dickerson, founder and CEO of Austin-based business Raven+Lily, discussed the benefits of operating as a forprofit business in order to have a larger philanthropic effect on communities at a SXSW Interactive session March 14. EDUCATION Shiza Shahid, co-founder of nonprofit The Malala Fund, spoke March 12 about the importance of empowering girls through education as part of a featured session at SXSWedu at the Austin Convention Center. EDUCATION A panel session March 10 at SXSWedu highlighted a program by Austin-based The Thinkery to connect educators to museums and libraries for enhanced networking opportunities. EDUCATION Changes coming to E-Rate, the nation’s largest education technology funding program, were the focus of a SXSWedu panel discussion on March 10. Victor Valdez, executive director of technology for Pflugerville ISD, participated in the panel. Jennifer Curington EDUCATION With many saying this legislative session will be the one to approve campus-carry firearms legislation after years of failed attempts, a panel of local public and school safety advocates discussed what should be done to keep schools safe. A March 11 panel at SXSW Education included Daniel Crocker, a Texas police officer and EMS responder; John Woods, co-founder of Texas Gun Sense who graduated from Virginia Tech weeks after the 2007 mass shooting; and Morgan Craven, an attorney with Texas INTERACTIVE About 6,000 people attended SXSW Interactive’s career fair March 14, according to an event organizer. A total of 59 employers—from small startups looking to expand to large, multinational corporations—were on hand for the SXSW Job Market, which was free and open to the public. A panel discusses gun laws and campus safety during a SXSWedu panel discussion March 11. For more information visit impactnews.com JJ Velasquez Kelli Weldon JJ Velasquez Robotic devices, 3-D printers, games and drones were among the gadgets on display March 15 at the Create pavilion. Actress Goldie Hawn, founder of social and emotional learning group The Hawn Foundation, speaks at SXSWedu on March 12. The city of Houston was among the 59 employers at SXSW Interactive’s career fair March 14 at the Austin Convention Center. INTERACTIVE 10 0 IF %L ET IM R AR EW AN TY Rick Orr is CEO of RealSavvy, a Pinterest-like social platform for residential real estate. Austin-based startup wins Accelerator contest Lyndsey Taylor INTERACTIVE Austin’s Innovation Zone and high-density technology hubs were among topics discussed by a SXSW Interactive panel March 15. Innovation clusters are areas dense with startups, entrepreneurs and other agencies that facilitate the exchange of ideas. Panelists discussed positive and negative effects of clusters and Austin’s advantage of having a high quality of life in the session “Designing Austin’s Economy—An Innovation Uproar?” Michelle Skelding, senior vice president of global technology and innovation with the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, moderated the discussion. She said there are 4,700 high-tech companies in the area. Jim Butler, manager of creative industries development for the city of Austin, said although job creation is a large part of his job, he is invested in ensuring the quality of life for residents remains high as the city continues to grow. Thomas Osha, managing director for Wexford Science & Technology LLC, said Austin has significant advantages because of its quality of life. In his role, Osha works with Wexford’s partner universities and research institutions, entrepreneurs, growth companies and JJ Velasquez Panel discusses innovation clusters’ pros, cons Thomas Osha, managing director for Wexford Science & Technology, speaks at SXSW Interactive. economic development stakeholders in North America to position Wexford’s developments as “critical hubs in the regional innovation ecosystem.” Unlike Silicon Valley in California, which does not have a defined sense of place in its identity, Austin’s culture is vibrant, he said. A negative aspect of not having a defined sense of identity for Silicon Valley is the lack of dollars coming in from outside of California, he said. INTERACTIVE Austin-based startup RealSavvy was one of six winners March 15 at SXSW Interactive’s Accelerator contest. RealSavvy, located at 701 Brazos St., took home the award for social technologies. CEO Rick Orr founded the company along with Creative Director Clay Knight. Launched in July, the service is a social platform similar to Pinterest. It allows homebuyers to organize their home search by pinning homes to a “board.” That process allows them to collaborate with real estate agents who can broker their purchase. Orr has a real estate background and said he was going for a weekend drive to look at houses with his wife when she found a home listing on a database. When his wife was taking pictures of her computer screen to share information on the listing, Orr said he realized there was a problem. “One of the things you’ll see us do is give agents one-touch access to allimportant information about our listings so that they can be really responsive to clients, which is—I think most agents agree—the key to success within that profession,” he said. Go frameless! Transform your outdated shower today! We’ll beat ANY competitive quote for frameless shower enclosures Premium quality custom shower doors & tub enclosures All coupons in this ad can be combined! $75 OFF Single Frameless Shower Door $150 OFF Multi-panel Frameless Shower Enclosure FREE Diamon-Fusion Glass Protectant* With new shower enclosure purchase. 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Products offered through CFS: are not NCUA/NCUSIF or otherwise federally insured, are not guarantees or obligations of the credit union, and may involve investment risk including possible loss of principal. Investment Representatives are registered through CFS. UFCU has contracted with CFS to make non-deposit investment products and services available to credit union members. Comm Impact_10x6.04_2-15.indd 1 3/2/15 4:02 PM 31 Southwest Austin Edition • March 2015 exploring the night sky Compiled by Kelli Weldon In Southwest Austin stargazers can seek constellations and more in the sky on a clear night. Our Stargazing Guide has tips and local events. Design by Erin Behncke S TA R G April constellations URSA MINOR AURIGA Polaris Its brightest star is Capella The North Star, or Polaris, helps make up Ursa Minor, or the Little Bear constellation. ORION Polaris lies nearly in a direct line with the Earth’s axis “above” the North Pole and has been used for years as a guide star for travelers throughout the northern hemisphere. TIP Us e a fla red lig shlight w it h takes t to see ( h It mor e fo r e t ime ye s u s i n g to a d ju s t if white l ig ht) Look for these in the sky about an hour after sunset. also known as the Little Dipper AZING GEMINI Castor Its brightest stars are Castor and Pollux, named for the twins in the Gemini myth. Orion is sinking into the western sky. Pollux Did you know? In 2014 the International Dark-Sky Association designated the city of Dripping Springs as the first International Dark Sky Community in Texas for efforts to protect and preserve the character of the night sky with smart lighting. AZ S TA R G PS ING TI Bring s ular b i noc Star facts 6 7 8 C N O CARBON NITROGEN The sun is the only star in our solar system. OXYGEN Stars are responsible for the creation and distribution History the largest stars, may be 100 times bigger than the sun on the surface 15 million degrees at the core. C° These 48 constellations formed the basis for our modern constellation system. In 150 A.D. Greek scientist Ptolemy published The Almagest. The book contained a catalog of 1,022 stars arranged into 48 constellations. Austin-area stargazing events Attendees stargaze from ACC’s Round Rock campus observation deck. Children’s activities take place at 5:30 p.m. and are followed by Dr. Jim Heath presenting “Dark Energy: The Return of the Subtle Fluid” and stargazing with telescopes. 5:30–9:30 p.m. Free. 4400 College Park Drive, Round Rock. www.austincc.edu/astro/ starparty.html 6,000 degrees Celsius Celsius of heavy elements such as carbon, nitrogen and oxygen. s D res l y r ding o c c r a eat h e fo r w MARCH 27: AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE STAR PARTY Hypergiants, The sun is MARCH 27–MAY 9: PAINTER HALL TELESCOPE VIEWING Each Friday and Saturday while The University of Texas is in session, the astronomy department hosts Painter Hall Telescope viewings. 8:30–10:30 p.m. Free. University of Texas, corner of 24th Street and Inner Campus Drive, Austin. Call 512-232-4265 for weather information. http://outreach.as.utexas.edu/ public/painter.html APRIL 2 AND MAY 7: GIRLSTART STARRY NIGHTS On the first Thursday of each month, Girlstart’s new science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, Studio and MiniPlanetarium allows families to explore astronomy. 6–7 p.m. Free. Girlstart STEM Center, 1400 W. Anderson Lane, Austin. www.girlstart.org/our-programs/ starry-nights Sources: Austin Astronomical Society Outreach Chair Larry Martin, Girlstart, International Dark-Sky Association, NASA 1.3 million Earths could fit inside the sun Now open Nonprofit Texas Museum of Science & Technology, or TXMOST, opened as Central Texas’ first science and technology museum March 20 on Toro Grande Drive in Cedar Park. TXMOST, formerly known as Austin Planetarium, was recently rebranded. For more information visit www.txmost.org. This list is not comprehensive. Details are subject to change; call ahead to RSVP. APRIL 8: BARTON CREEK NIGHT HIKE Members of the Southwest Austin– based organization Hill Country Outdoors start a 4-mile hike at 6:30 p.m. at the Zilker trailhead near the Barton Springs Pool. Participants should bring a headlamp or flashlight. 6:30 p.m. Free for members. Zilker trailhead. www. hillcountryoutdoors.com APRIL 25: AUSTIN ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY MONTHLY PUBLIC STAR PARTIES AAS members share their telescopes with the public to observe objects in the sky. 6–11 p.m. Free to attend; visitors to the park must pay parking fees. Canyon of the Eagles on Lake Buchanan, 16942 RR 2341, Burnet. www.austinastro.org 32 Community Impact Newspaper • impactnews.com REGIONAL Abridged stories from our other editions Full stories online at impactnews.com TOP STORIES Congress battles Highway Trust Fund deficit tXDOT’sFederalfunds spentinAustin 200 175 150 Millions of dollars TEXAS Although Texas voters approved Proposition 1—a constitutional amendment which could provide $1.7 billion to state transportation projects in 2015—on Nov. 4, Texas and the rest of the country have an even more significant long-term transportation funding problem on the horizon: the Highway Trust Fund. The federal government’s funding source for transportation projects throughout the country, the HTF could run out of money if Congress does not pass new legislation this session. Decreasing revenue from the federal motor vehicle fuel tax and a growing need for transportation projects means the HTF is facing a projected $17 billion average annual deficit from 2015–23 unless Congress finds a new funding source. “As more Americans continue to migrate to Texas, it is important that we Buda locks down controversial water source 125 100 75 50 25 0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Sources: American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Texas Department of Transportation continue to develop and maintain our infrastructure in order to accommodate the increasing population,” said U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Austin. Full story by Amy Denney and Matt Stephens Full story by JJ Velasquez DEVELOPMENT MOD Pizza CENTRAL AUSTIN Lucy’s Fried Chicken opened its first location almost four years ago near South Congress Avenue and has since expanded to the growing Burnet corridor with a third location in the works. Owner James Holmes served his grandmother’s fried chicken recipe during brunch at his first restaurant, Olivia, named after his oldest daughter. When customers started begging for more he said he decided to open Lucy’s Fried Chicken. “In the back of my mind I’ve always wanted to open a juke-joint place that had Texas music, a full bar and a place you get fried chicken; kind of a dive, but a family dive,” Holmes said. LAKE TRAVIS/WESTLAKE Seattle-based pizza restaurant MOD Pizza will be opening six Austinarea locations by 2016, spokeswoman Charlotte Wayte said. The restaurant offers pizzas with unlimited toppings for one set price. The first of the eatery’s local sites will open April 1 at the Mueller development, 1801 E. 51st St., followed by the Village of Westlake restaurant that is set to open April 2 at 701 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., West Lake Hills, she said. A third location will open May 4 in Plaza Volente, 11521 N. RR 620, she said. A South Shore restaurant on Riverside Drive is planned for a late August or early September opening. Full story by Jennifer Curington rf St . E. L iv eO n g re s lto S. C o W .O s Ave . Jennifer Curington Lucy’s Fried Chicken ak St . College Ave. 2218 College Ave. 512-297-2423 • www.lucysfriedchicken.com Hours: Mon.–Thu. 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–midnight, Sun. 10 a.m.–11 p.m. Full story by Leslee Bassman Rendering courtesy MOD Pizza DINING City Council on Jan. 20 secured the water source that will help the city transition to a new permanent source. The council voted 6-1 in favor of the contract. Angela Kennedy, a water engineer, voted against the measure. Private well owners in western Hays County cities, such as Driftwood and Wimberley, who draw on the aquifer for basic water needs fear proposed production will exceed levels the groundwater source can sustain. A diminished water supply would have adverse effects on their property valuations in the short term and grave implications for residents in the rural area, Driftwood resident Elizabeth Craig said. Craig said she believes several hundred, if not thousands, of private well owners could be affected by the project. SAN MARCOS/BUDA/KYLE The ongoing endeavor to secure future water supplies is coming to a boil in Hays County. A Houston-based water development company wants to pump more than 5 million gallons of water per day from the Trinity Aquifer to supply its local customers—the city of Buda, the Goforth Special Utility District and a proposed high-end subdivision in Mountain City’s outskirts. Its contracts become effective once the company’s test wells prove the site can produce sufficient groundwater. Electro Purification would not need permits to draw water from the aquifer and may, by law, extract as much water as desired because no agency regulates pumping from the production site. 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Inc. 2324 Ridgepoint Dr. Suite F1 Austin, TX 78754 512-615-3400 www.gcaservices.com/careers All shifts are available (Day and Night). Training is provided. Fast paced employee skill development is encouraged and supported. The compressed shift A criminal background check, results of which are not necessarily a bar to employment, and a drug screen are required. APPLY ONLINE: WWW.GCASERVICES.COM Maudie’s TEX-MEX WWW.MAUDIES.COM @MaudiesTXMex 33 Southwest Austin Edition • March 2015 State bankroll The Texas Legislature is not stopping its commitment to adequately fund transportation at the passage of Prop. 1. Scott Haywood of Move Texas Forward, an advocacy group that aims to educate Texans about the shortage of state funding for infrastructure, said Prop. 1 was only a step in the right direction to address the $5 billion annual shortfall. The organization supports Senate Bill 5, which would send the first $2.5 billion of motor vehicle sales tax revenue from that fiscal year to the state’s general revenue fund and the second $2.5 billion to TxDOT. The bill received support from the full Senate on March 4 and is now making its way through the House of Representatives. “We think [SB 5] makes a lot of sense,” Haywood said. “The tax we pay on cars we buy should go to roads.” He points out many cities and chambers of commerce support the bill because of the improved quality of life it could bring. RD . TA G E STAS SNEY 5 FR ON Both the Stassney Lane and William Cannon Drive bridges will be rebuilt to accommodate new lanes, and turnaround lanes will be added. Frontage roads will be widened at both intersections for dedicated turn lanes. On- and off-ramps will be reconfigured for safer merging on and off the main lanes. The main lane bridge over Williamson Creek will also be widened to accommodate a new auxiliary lane on the southbound side. 5l I-3 35 F r ro rec oad ntag ov on bri e er str dg W uc e Creilliam tion ek so n LN. an TIMELINE Construction to be bid in August es R 6-l econ tur ane b struc nar rid t t ou ge, o nd a lan dd es COST $57,301,000 P R O P. 1 F U N D S $34,955,236 5l an 6 la es ne s R 7-la econs turnne bri truct t aro dge, o und ad lan d es 5 la nes WIL LIA MC AN NO ND R . ER D. MAP KEY TA G ‘String of pearls’ Individually the projects on I-35 set to receive Prop. 1 funding will have a local effect on aiding congestion. Terry McCoy, TxDOT deputy district engineer for Austin, said overall the projects contribute to the agency’s focus on the highway. “As you start to build that string of pearls, start putting projects together cumulatively, you’re able to do a lot of good,” he said. In September the agency completed a collector-distributor lane in North Austin at Parmer Lane that allows vehicles to bypass the traffic signal on the frontage road by being diverted under the overpass. In Round Rock, TxDOT is completing ramp reversals—switching the location of on- and off-ramps to reduce bottlenecks— between Hwy. 79 and FM 3406 that directly tie to work proposed for Prop. 1 funding in Williamson County between Hwy. 79 and SH 45 N on I-35. “Those two projects in tandem really address the bulk of the bottlenecks we experience in Round Rock for commuters from Austin going home to either Round Rock or Georgetown,” McCoy said. In Travis County, I-35 intersection improvements at William Cannon Drive and Stassney Lane will involve reversing ramps so drivers have more time to safely merge on and off the main lanes. The project also involves widening the frontage roads and reconstructing both bridges. “Where all the direct connectors from Ben White tie into southbound I-35, that turns into a parking lot there,” McCoy said. “This project addresses that and also some of the operational issues we have at both the intersections of William Cannon and Stassney. Those are very high-volume intersections that break down in a.m. and p.m. peaks.” TxDOT did not have as many I-35 projects queued in its pipeline in Hays County, but it will complete ramp reversals at five locations in Hays between FM 150 and the Blanco River as well as adding an additional ramp. “This is a project we can move fairly quickly on, which is important,” McCoy said. “It allows us to put money in Hays County so we get money into each of the three counties we have I-35 in.” In identifying projects for the first round Project pipeline Williamson County has often picked up the tab to fund state or federal projects, an act County Commissioner Cynthia Long said residents have appreciated. But there comes a point, she said, when TxDOT needs to take the reins. “We have spent hundreds of millions in Williamson County on the state system,” said Long, who is also a member of CAMPO’s policy board. “I feel like it’s time for the state to step up on its own responsibility.” Will Conley, Hays County Commissioner and CAMPO policy board chairman, said the Hays County I-35 project will not only boost mobility and safety but also open economic development opportunities. Prop. 1 funding is a big step in the right direction for the region but will not solve all of its transportation needs, he said. “We’re hoping to work with the [Austin] district and administration to show our state legislators we’re handling these new funds in a responsible way for the benefit of the citizens of Texas and that [Prop. 1’s] success leads to future dollars to improve infrastructure,” he said. To get projects shovel-ready, McCoy said the Austin district has been blessed with enough funding for planning and completing the environmental coordination phase. TxDOT is already preparing in advance of next year’s district disbursement, which is likely to be at $85 million. “The worst possible case scenario is that money comes to us and we’re not ready to go to construction, and that money goes to another part of the state,” McCoy said. “We continue to try to get ahead of the game, have projects ready to go … [and] keeping that pipe flowing full of projects.” HWY. 71 ON the Austin district’s total allotment to $150 million. Travis County Commissioner Gerald Daugherty, who sits on CAMPO’s policy board, said it is clear TxDOT understands the importance of addressing I-35 congestion between Georgetown and San Marcos, but the agency’s needs are far greater than its resources. “Funding is a problem,” he said. “Thank goodness people in the state passed Prop 1. The unfortunate thing is I-35 is just one piece of what really needs to be improved in our area.” T R AV I S COUNTY 5F R Continued from | 1 of Prop. 1 funding, McCoy said it was important that projects could be bid for construction in 2015. This means construction likely will begin by spring and summer 2016. I-3 I-35 New on-ramp New off-ramp Existing ramp removal Expanded frontage road Four-way intersection SLAUGHTER LN. Design by Angie Calderon Map not to scale Sources: HNTB Corp., Texas Department of Transportation Opposition to the bill is mainly because it would necessitate a constitutional amendment to divert money to transportation that otherwise went into the general revenue fund. In the House legislators unveiled a proposed 2016–17 budget in January that calls for the end of diverting gas tax and vehicle registration dollars from the SHF. Haywood said that action could potentially bring in $660 million per year for Texas roads. Adding all those actions together, he said the state could be close to bridging the funding gap and address the message from voters to see transportation funding increased. “Based on what we’re seeing out of the governor and Legislature, it’s clear they heard that message,” he said. “Transportation was declared an emergency item. [Legislators are] all working to try to find a longterm, sustainable solution for transportation funding.” Regarding SB 5, Long said she would support TxDOT receiving more funding to maintain infrastructure. “My concern is if [SB 5 passes], we can’t afford any more unfunded mandates from the state,” she said. “I’d be delighted if they find that money but not at the expense of local government.” Find related stories at impactnews.com. Keyword Search Proposition 1, TxDOT Austin, I-35 5 34 ac a ng Co S. ir s S. F 35 6 Ma nch at tG 2 res sA ve . C an . t. S t. am W es i lli Rd . eB Ln l vd . 7 di e nt WEST H T U O S AUSTIN 1 MoPac me N OW OR OPEN ING COM IN SOON Bl s t a E New 8 Sta s sne yL 71 n. DINER by Kelli Wel non Dr. mprehen sive. Definitions Rd . RESTAU is not co wn Bro Now Op 1 Flo en res Coming Restaura Mexican Soon n don • Des t, 4 5 6 2 ign by Erin 5 R Cannon William amen Ta De Behncke Dri tsu-Ya, 1234 S. er Relocate ve, Bldg. 4 Ln. La d, open Opened mar Blvd. ed Jan. Jan. 25 17 2 Gu anta 6 Ta West Ga namera, 6800 s te o te S. Congre f Ethiopia, 380 Opened Blvd., Ste. 11 ETHIOPIAN 1 ss Ave. S March 7 Opening te. 107 Injera–flat bread used to scoop s u m 3 M mer 201 ichi R 5 food (in place of utensils) such as 7 Un Lamar B amen, 3005 S. cle Mad lvd., Ste d io’s Pizz beef and vegetables Joint, 5 . D-114 Opening a 601 Bro spring 2 die Lane Doro wot–chicken drumsticks Ste. 120 SA 015 CUBAN , J lau 0 A S ON 4 Pin served with a hard-boiled egg Opened thouse Arroz con pollo–chicken Partner,ghter FALUDI Dec. 13 Pizza, 4236 S. AquilaLCn. L o a m m and rice mercial ar Blvd. 8 Via Opening 3 1 3 Pizzeri summe Cuban sandwich–roasted pork, W. Hwy. r 2015 290, Ste a, 6705 ham and Swiss cheese . 50 Opening in April 3 Restaura on pressed bread teurs loo king to o have mu p ch to co nsider. A en or expand in Faludi h quila Co Southwe as hand PARKIN JAPANESE mmerc st Aus le d a m n d offers G parking expert ti ore than 100 res ial partner Jaso tin Ramen–long, curly noodles served in broth is key, F Ample n p n ta s e u a o ra r a n lu a n h t di said. road ow to ch as a traditional Japanese dish oose a lo deals in Austin to the To , Faludi said, po TRAFF c a rc ti in o I h ti C n y’s Taco ng D Chashu slices–slices of pork prepared in a . high-den Seek ou Cannon evelop a t sit Drive as s on William business barbecue-like style of cooking accessib y areas that are an exam h p ig ro p h la v id v le from m n e is e asily and ple of ibility. do Tonkotsu– pork bone, which is used to thorough ajor experien cumentation of fa your ce, avail ANCHO make broth for ramen example res, he said. As a b a le propose capital a an F RS Look grocery d m nd e Allen’s K aludi points to J Sources: Guantanamera, Michi Ramen, Taste of Ethiopia n u s fo .H to knowled ac itc restaura re or a variety o r a geable b ire a Hill, one hen near the Y k n ro f ts e o k x th e n p r, e e e a of arb diter a r t a permit intersec Austin’s most tr Oak people in regu y to draw has work nd a contractor Offering pizza, Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Joint tions. aveled larly. wh ed on re s past. taurants o PL ANN opened on Brodie in December. V I S I B I L in the I N difficult IT Y business to develo G The area is P Via 313 Pizzeria co-owner Brandon Hunt is a pure Unless your A p th T b I e e E cause o Edward NCE So concept, d to find th it is idea estination meti said there is pent-up demand for local eatOur Spri s Aquifer, the S f e right s l to be lo ngs ordin ave pot it tak mes “ tw o cated w eeks to ance an es impervio eries in the Southwest Austin area, which two d us cover waiting can be w years,” but restrictio ns. orthwhil said. is dominated by chains. Via 313, which October 2012, e, Faludi Compiled Checkl ist RATEU launched as a food trailer in East Austin, will open a brick-and-mortar location at 6705 W. Hwy. 290 in April, he said. “The Southwest Austin restaurant scene is just starting to take shape, really. People probably started taking it more seriously with the arrival of Jack Allen’s a few years back,” he said in an email, adding other independent restaurants have also opened. Pinthouse Pizza will renovate an existing 6,000-square-foot space and open a South Austin location at 4236 S. Lamar Blvd. this summer, owner Tyler Norwood said. The restaurant, which opened the original 4,700-square-foot Burnet Road location in R brews about half of the beers offered on tap. Norwood said “off-themap” specials have included banh mi pizza, made with pepperwurst, pickled carrots and onions, jalapenos and cilantro. Pinthouse also features specialty pizzas such as The Armadillo, with olive oil, cheese, sausage, ricotta and cilantro garnish. South Lamar’s eclectic businesses and new housing attracted him, Norwood said. Locally owned restaurants such as St. Philip—which opened Oct. 2—and North by Northwest Restaurant and Brewery have seen value in the area, Norwood said. Other restaurateurs will likely This list tty Tex-Mex options, pizza succeed Several new Tex-Mex restaurants are also being drawn to the area: Rosa’s Cafe Tortilla Factory opened Dec. 29 at 509 W. Slaughter Lane, and Taquerias Arandinas opened a new location called Casa Arandinas in mid-December at 9001 Brodie Lane. Jalapenos Taco Bar and the new location of Flores Mexican Restaurant both opened recently on William Cannon Drive. David Amaya, owner of Amaya’s Taco Village, grew up in South Austin and said he thought Southpark Meadows was a perfect fit for the local restaurant’s second location, which opened in October. “We definitely knew there was a lot of growth coming out here … looking at all the housing and apartments going up here, all through South Austin and Southwest Austin. So we knew there was a great need for more restaurants here,” he said. He said he doesn’t think the local Tex-Mex market can be oversaturated. “In Texas and Austin you can go on almost any corner and find a Tex-Mex restaurant,” he said. It helps that there is a diverse mix of cuisine nearby, he said, citing a Chinese buffet, a pizza place and Bucket’s Backyard Sports Bar & Grill, which opened in the Southpark Meadows shopping center in mid-February. Dr . B ro le W Nu condos [and apartments], and it seemed like a goodF fit,” he said, noting the site will it zh ug and delivery. only offer takeout hR d. On Jan. 25, Ramen Tatsu-ya opened a location at 1234 S. Lamar Blvd., building on its Northwest Austin restaurant’s success. “We saw a lot of customers coming from South [Austin] and just heard, ‘We need this over here, south, south of the river,’” owner Tatsu Aikawa said. Japanese soul food is Ramen Tatsu-ya’s focus, and diners are encouraged to slurp loudly to aerate the noodles, Aikawa said. “We just try to keep it simple,” he said. “I just want to represent ramen as how you can actually get it if you’re in Japan. For South Austin people, now they don’t have to drive north to get it, [and] they don’t have to fly to Japan and get it. They can get it here.” vd . C ir c Continued from | 1 E s c arp Restaurants Impact Newspaper • impactnews.com Southwest Austin is now home to several new restaurants and will add more inCommunity the coming months, including a few types of cuisine unusual to the area. d. So ar Blv ut h O lt am L we or f 360 S. st P St . kw 4 y. 3 290 capitalize on the area’s in-demand housing scene and residents’ interest in staying close to home for dinner as well, he said. “That market is really vibrant now and the population [is growing],” Norwood said. “I think that trend is only going to continue, and I think it’s great for the market and the people that live there.” Additional reporting by Joe Olivieri. Tell us what you think. Comment at impactnews.com 35 Southwest Austin Edition • March 2015 REAL ESTATE FEATURED NEIGHBORHOOD Belterra is a 1,600-acre, master-planned community in Dripping Springs. Belterra Recent listings Its amenities include a community recreation center, pool, hike and bike trails, and access to parks. 78737 175 Canterbury Builders include: Buffington Homes, Capital Pacific, David Weekley Homes, Drees Custom Homes, Highland Homes, Newmark Homes, Sitterle Homes, Treaty Oaks, Wilshire Homes 4 Bedroom / 2.5 Bath Agent: Dawn McKim Coldwell Banker United, Realtors $315,000 221 Crampton Cove $424,900 2,067 sq. ft. 3,102 sq. ft. 512-300-1187 4 Bedroom / 3.5 Bath Agent: Audrey Row Keller Williams Realty 512-789-1633 114 Drury Lane $359,500 210 Trinity Hills Drive $394,900 3 Bedroom / 3 Bath Agent: Carlisle Kennedy Realty Austin 2,553 sq. ft. 5 Bedroom / 3.5 Bath Agent: Steve Mallett Keller Williams Realty 2,988 sq. ft. Home values: $315,000–$749,000 78735 78736 290 Build-out year: not built out Square footage: 2,067–4,692 360 71 Joe Olivieri It is served by Dripping Springs ISD schools Rooster Springs Elementary School, Dripping Springs Middle School and Dripping Springs High School. HOA dues (estimated): $425 annually 78749 78739 Property taxes (in dollars): 78745 MoPac 35 78748 78747 Market Data provided by Marc Warshawsky Realty Austin Southwest Austin Market Manager 512-658-2128 www.realtyaustin.com Dripping Springs ISD Hays County WCID No. 1 Hays County Hays County ESD No. 6 Special Road District North Hays County ESD No. 1 1.5200 0.8750 0.4252 0.0795 0.0438 0.0248 Total (per $100 value) 2.9683 Median home value $449,900 Median price per square foot $140.29 Median annual property taxes $11,745 512-689-9579 Homes on the market* 44 Homes under contract* 18 512-829-2062 Average days on the market* 83 *As of 3/19/15 Opening this month. Join our interest list for pricing and updates. Set upon 477 acres, Heritage at Vizcaya is a destination community designed for people greater than their age. Heritage is the perfect home for men and women 55 and better. An exciting range of on-site recreational and social activities, and homes built for get-up-and-go days, this intimate community will offer an inspired living experience meant to be savored: • Planned 6,000 sq. ft. Clubhouse with Lifestyle Director and amenities • Stimulating activities and events just for members - coming soon • Lagoon-style pool, hike and bike trails, outdoor amenities and more I AM > 63 • Serene setting in a convenient location Visit Heritage today. The ideal backdrop for those dedicated to living life to the fullest. I am carefree Heritage at Vizcaya 4900 Fiore Trail, Round Rock, Texas 78665 >>>> Contact: Heather Fox, our Internet Home Consultant, at 512.845.7350 or [email protected] VIZCAYA55.COM HOMES FROM THE MID $200S -$400S Offer void where prohibited or otherwise restricted by law. All information (including, but not limited to prices, availability, incentives, floor plans, site plans, features, standards and options, assessments and fees, planned amenities, programs, conceptual artists’ renderings and community development plans) is not guaranteed and remains subject to change or delay without notice. Maps and plans are not to scale and all dimensions are approximate. Photos and descriptions of any planned improvements, features or amenities are not an actual representation and are for illustration purposes only that remain subject to change. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required or if void by law. At least one resident of household must be 55 or better, and additional restrictions apply. Some residents may be younger than 55 and no one under 19 in permanent residency. Please see a Taylor Morrison Sales Associate for details and visit www.taylormorrison.com for additional disclaimers. ©February 2015, Taylor Morrison of Texas, Inc. All rights reserved. AN INSPIRED LIVING EXPERIENCE FROM 36 Community Impact Newspaper • impactnews.com Market Data Price Number of homes for sale/ Average days on the market 78735 78735 78736 78737 78739 78745 78747 78748 78749 $500,000 $149,999 and less — — — — 2/1 — — — $450,000 $150,000–$199,999 — — — — 9/16 1/32 1/6 — $400,000 $200,000–$299,999 2/3 1/34 1/88 2/29 20/54 19/41 18/74 5/7 $300,000–$399,999 3/40 2/11 22/94 6/18 17/163 11/59 30/70 7/33 $400,000–$499,999 10/36 1/186 27/81 33/55 3/62 3/50 6/161 1/148 $500,000–$599,999 1/5 2/8 25/108 10/122 — 1/185 — 1/300 $600,000–$799,999 1/32 3/57 16/76 13/115 1/246 1/285 2/56 — $100,000 $800,000–$999,999 4/129 5/140 3/103 2/184 — — — — $50,000 $1 million + 40/137 1/161 1/105 — 1/29 — — — Price Range February 2014 vs. Median price of homes sold On the market (February 2015) 78736 78737 78739 78745 February 2015 78747 78748 78749 $350,000 $300,000 $250,000 $200,000 $150,000 – Recent Property Listings ZIP code Subdivision Address Bed/Bath Price Sq. ft. Agent Agency Phone 78735 Barton Creek 8837 Chalk Knoll Drive 4br/4ba $1,170,000 4,690 Maru Davis Moreland Properties 512-971-3797 78735 Barton Creek 2700 Maravillas Cove 5br/5ba $1,575,000 5,771 Eve Kush Coldwell Banker United, Realtors 512-845-0405 78735 Escondera 7800 Southwest Parkway, Unit 1710 2br/2ba $695,000 1,958 Carolina Aceituno Keller Williams Realty–RR 512-217-1218 78735 Foothills of Barton Creek 7504 Loasa Cove 5br/4ba $1,800,000 5,748 Jeanne White Kuper Sotheby’s Itl. Realty 512-751-7582 78735 Mountain Shadows Cove 8913 Mountain Shadows Cove 2br/2ba $240,000 1,440 Amy Degnan Keller Williams Realty 512-228-6262 78735 Woods Travis Country 4404 Travis Country Circle, Unit K1 4br/2ba $275,000 1,389 Donna Tarbox Private Label Realty 512-217-2532 78736 Covered Bridge 7020 Covered Bridge Drive 4br/3ba $420,000 2,834 Mike Conner Stanberry & Associates 512-785-7490 78736 Covered Bridge 8623 Foggy Mountain Drive 4br/2ba $386,000 2,840 Mike Conner Stanberry & Associates 512-785-7490 78736 Windmill Run 8402 Red Willow Drive 3br/2ba $233,000 1,561 Memo Vargas Keller Williams Realty 512-801-9999 78736 Windmill Run 8416 Selway Drive 3br/2ba $299,000 1,722 Jane Coffman Private Label Realty 512-657-2129 78737 Belterra 719 Catalina Lane 3br/2ba $415,677 2,590 Kenneth Gezella Gatehouse Properties 210-837-8423 78737 Belterra 210 Trinity Hills Drive 5br/3ba $394,900 2,988 Steve Mallett Keller Williams Realty 512-829-2062 78737 Belterra 120 Atwater Cove 5br/4ba $469,900 3,957 Ken Bartlett Keller Williams Realty 512-418-1435 78737 Fieldstone 13070 Fieldstone Loop 4br/2ba $529,000 2,646 Christy Baker Keller Williams Realty 512-431-9598 78737 Fox Run Ridge 9107 Gallant Fox Road 5br/4ba $775,000 4,625 Joanna Lee Keller Williams–Lake Travis 512-501-9065 78737 Friendship Ranch 14405 Echo Bluff 4br/3ba $590,000 3,308 Lauri McNevin Keller Williams–Lake Travis 512-439-7765 78737 Heritage Oaks 10 Scarlet Road 4br/3ba $995,000 4,216 Eve Kush Coldwell Banker United, Realtors 512-845-0405 78737 High Pointe 203 Raindance Cove 3br/2ba $345,000 2,964 Kim Burke Kuper Sotheby’s Itl. Realty 512-912-6075 78739 Alta Mira 7917 Ladera Verde Drive 5br/3ba $440,000 3,114 Gary Gentry Keller Williams Realty 512-794-6728 78739 Circle C Ranch 6508 Aden Lane 4br/3ba $455,000 2,954 Joanna Brown Keller Williams Realty 512-789-9317 78739 Circle C, Golf Club Estates 10901 Canfield Drive 4br/3ba $734,900 4,509 John Squires Keller Williams Realty 512-970-1970 78739 Meridian 11421 Cherisse Drive 4br/3ba $475,000 3,005 Leslie Kasen JB Goodwin, Realtors 512-769-8849 78745 Cherry Creek 2611 Market Garden Lane 3br/2ba $249,000 1,410 Ryanne Vaughan Keller Williams Realty 512-619-5034 78745 Cooper Oaks 6605 Woodhue Drive 4br/2ba $269,900 1,536 Kendred Manceaux Keller Williams Realty 512-531-2977 78745 Southampton 3215 Evanston Lane 3br/2ba $274,500 1,185 Karis Fagerberg Kuper Sotheby’s Itl. Realty 512-657-4142 78745 Western Trails Estates 2204 Laramie Trail 4br/2ba $400,000 2,340 Denise Lewis Keller Williams Realty 512-657-4975 78748 Brodie Springs 3116 Raspberry Road 4br/3ba $529,000 3,089 Deborah Howden Moreland Properties 512-567-6625 78748 Parkridge Gardens 521 Celery Loop 3br/2ba $209,900 1,213 Roman Lopez Keller Williams Realty 512-947-2250 78748 Sweetwater Glen 2001 Rockland Drive, Unit 287 3br/2ba $249,999 2,166 Cristina Murphey Keller Williams Realty 512-809-1107 78748 Texas Oaks 742 Shade Tree Drive 3br/2ba $214,950 1,430 Carrie Garwick Private Label Realty 512-458-1700 78749 Heights at Loma Vista 7124 Via Correto Drive 5br/3ba $472,000 3,184 Vince Martinez Keller Williams Realty 512-785-4288 78749 Legend Oaks 6707 Oasis Drive 3br/2ba $405,000 2,127 Barbara Siegwalt Keller Williams Realty 512-745-5883 78749 Oak Creek Parke 4021 Shavano Drive 4br/3ba $369,000 2,709 Chris Rios Keller Williams Realty 512-775-5476 78749 Village at Western Oaks 7605 Hawkeye Drive 3br/2ba $315,000 2,112 Ashley Stucki Keller Williams–Lake Travis 512-217-6103 78749 Westcreek 6200 Honey Dew Court 4br/2ba $309,000 2,058 Lauren Hawn JB Goodwin, Realtors 512-964-7245 360 71 78735 78736 290 78737 78749 MoPac 78739 78745 35 78748 78747 78610 120 Atwater Cove 11421 Cherisse Drive 6200 Honey Dew Court Residential real estate listings added to the market between 3/02/15 and 3/17/15 were provided by the Austin Board of Realtors, www.abor.com. Although every effort has been made to ensure the timeliness and accuracy of this listing, Community Impact Newspaper assumes no liability for errors or omissions. Contact the property’s agent or seller for the most current information. 37 Southwest Austin Edition • March 2015 Looking for Coupons? Explore the all-new Hundreds of local and regional coupons Just click and print At Seton, we understand that some emergencies are more like mini emergencies. Which is why we have SetonER.com. Now you can get in line online. Make an appointment online and mini emergencies only. If you’re experiencing a major emergency, get to the ER ASAP or dial 9-1-1. SOUTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION you’ll be seen within 15 minutes of it. Welcome to Humancare. Remember, SetonER.com is for
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