ROUND ROCK EDITION
VOLUME 17, ISSUE 4 DEC. 4, 2021JAN. 8, 2022
ONLINE AT
VOLUNTEER GUIDE 2021
GUIDE
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IMPACTS
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DINING
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Supply chainwoes hurting local businesses, suppliers, consumers
MEASURES OF I N F L AT I O N
The Consumer Price Index of Texas increased steadily year over year before experiencing several years’ worth of growth in 2021. As dened by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the CPI is the average change over time of the prices of consumer goods and services since the early 1980s, when the CPI was set at 100.
For restaurant owner Rob Snow, it has become common for him to see empty shelves at local grocery stores. Snow owns two locally sourced restaurants called Greenhouse Craft Food with locations in Round Rock and Taylor. He said nding food and supplies for his two eateries is getting more and more dicult. “I’ve never walked down the gro- cery aisles and there’ll be a whole sec- tion that’s just totally empty,” Snow said. “It’s weird to see that. Whatever it is today, chicken broth, or what- ever it is, that whole section is totally BY CARSON GANONG & BROOKE SJOBERG
empty at the grocery store, and I see it every time I go.” Snow’s is just one example of how consumers and business owners are struggling to nd what they need. In local communities, recent sup- ply chain bottlenecks driven by infla- tion and labor shortages are putting business owners, suppliers and con- sumers in increasingly dificult posi- tions during the busiest shopping season of the year. Experts say at its core, the issue is a simple mismatch between supply and demand that has been greatly CONTINUED ON 32
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SOURCE: TEXAS COMPTROLLER OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTSCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
Potential Amazon facility creates stir inRoundRock
purchased the land Oct. 29, and city documents state the company led an application Oct. 22 for the zon- ing change of a planned unit development on the property. The application shows the property located at 2801 CR 172, Round Rock, is the proposed site for a new Amazon warehouse and distribution center. Amanda Brown, senior development and land use planner with consulting and design rm Kim- ley-Horn, said Amazon submitted applications for both annexation and a zoning change. “Concurrently with the annexation application, CONTINUED ON 34
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Due to recent news that global tech company Amazon purchased nearly 200 acres just outside the southwest city limits of Round Rock, residents, city leaders and company representatives have met to expand public outreach, and share certain details and planning strategies. Amazon representatives said the company
Amazon purchased a 193-acre property at the intersection of McNeil Road and CR 172 on Oct. 29.
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ROUND ROCK EDITION • DECEMBER 2021
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
THIS ISSUE
ABOUT US
Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched the rst edition of Community Impact Newspaper in 2005 with three full-time employees covering Round Rock and Pugerville, Texas. We have expanded our operations to include hundreds of employees, our own printing operation and over 30 hyperlocal editions across three states. Our circulation is over 2million residential mailboxes, and it grows eachmonth with new residents and developments.
HIGHLIGHTS FROMTHISMONTH
FROMAMY: Supply chain delays have been making headlines globally for the last several months, and many are wondering how we will personally be impacted by a lack of goods we want or need. Reporters Carson Ganong and Brooke Sjoberg spoke with several local economic experts and business owners to dive into how the situation is aecting our local communities as the holidays approach. Amy Leonard Bryant, GENERALMANAGER
Community Impact Newspaper teams include general managers, editors, reporters, graphic designers, sales account executives and sales support, all immersed and invested in the communities they serve. Our mission is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our core values are Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.
FROMBRIAN: Within any given issue of Community Impact Newspaper , readers are likely to nd a useful guide. They range in size and topic, and they are versatile. This issue features two guides. One lists area opportunities to volunteer during the holidays, and the other provides information on senior living. We hope you nd them useful. Brian Rash, SENIOR EDITOR
Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other.
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MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Amy Leonard Bryant SENIOR EDITOR Brian Rash REPORTERS Carson Ganong, Brooke Sjoberg SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jay Jones ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Brittney Perez METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Travis Baker MANAGING EDITOR Amy Denney ART PRODUCTIONMANAGER Haley Grace CORPORATE LEADERSHIP GROUP PUBLISHER Traci Rodriguez EXECUTIVE EDITOR Joe Warner CREATIVE DIRECTOR Derek Sullivan SALES &MARKETING DIRECTOR Tess Coverman CONTACT US 16225 Impact Way, Ste. 1, Pugerville, TX 78660 • 5129896808 PRESS RELEASES rrknews@communityimpact.com SUBSCRIPTIONS communityimpact.com/subscriptions © 2021 Community Impact Newspaper Co. All rights reserved. No reproduction of any portion of this issue is allowed without written permission from the publisher.
BUSINESS &DINING Local business development news that aects you
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ROUND ROCK EDITION • DECEMBER 2021
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon or relocating
COMPILED BY BROOKE SJOBERG
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a drive-thru only eatery. Juan Francisco Ochoa, who also created the El Pollo Loco franchise, founded the rst Taco Palenque in 1987 in Laredo. 512-243-6553. www.tacopalenque.com 8 Texas-based Happy State Bank opened in September at 559 S. I-35, Ste. 100, Round Rock. Happy State Bank oers personal and business banking for clients, as well as wealth management services. 737-220-9150. www.happybank.com 9 Uptown Cheapskate opened Oct. 4 at 2601 S. I-35, Ste. D-300, Round Rock. Co-owner Christina Latterell-Loganimoce said the business purchases items such as gently used clothes, shoes, bags and acces- sories to stock its store, and oers sellers cash and store credit. 512-520-8025. www.uptowncheapskate.com COMING SOON 10 Veteran-owned Alamo Coee Co. will open in Round Rock at 1021 Sendero Springs Drive in January. The gourmet FEATURED IMPACT NOWOPEN Anchor Bar, a company that bills itself as the creator of the original chicken wing, opened in mid-October at 2702 Parker Drive, Ste. B, Round Rock, in the La Frontera Village shopping center. It is the New York-based chain’s third location in Texas. The new location is locally owned by Round Rock native T.J. Mahoney. 512-494-6727. www.anchorbar.com
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4 Rockler Woodworking and Hard- ware opened at 2701-A Parker Drive, Ste. 240, Round Rock, on Oct. 1. In addition to selling products ranging from lumber to power tools, Rockler oers learning services, including classes and events centered on home repair. 512-813-7969. www.rockler.com 5 Sauvage Salon and Spa opened its doors Sept. 13 at 2851 Joe Dimaggio Blvd., Ste. 32, Round Rock. Owner Tabitha Dowell said the salon oers haircuts, styling, color service, luxury hair exten- sions and spa services. 512-502-5223. www.vagaro.com 6 Sha Sha Beauty Hair Supply Store and Salon opened Oct. 11 at 110 N. I-35, Ste. 130, Round Rock. Owner Shalavah Bundu said the full-service beauty salon oers clients braids, twists, chemical treatments and other hair services, as well as eyelash extensions and brow shaping services. 515-505-6026. www.shashabeautyhairsalon.com 7 Taco Palenque opened Oct. 15 at 130 Louis Henna Blvd., Round Rock, as
coee roaster will oer several coee blends at the Round Rock location, in- cluding San Jacinto, a light roast; Brazos, a breakfast blend; San Antonio Mission, a medium roast; Gonzales Garrison, a bold dark roast; and Victory or Death, an espresso. www.alamocoee.com 11 Coworking space Oce Evolution will open at City Centre 2 at 551 S. I-35, Ste. 300, Round Rock, in December. When completed, the facility will oer 35 private and fully furnished oces, seven micro oces, six dedicated desks, a drop- in coworking lounge that ts 16, two conference rooms and two exible day oces. www.oceevolution.com 12 My Eyelab will open in Round Rock on Dec. 6, according to the company. The location at 2150 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Ste. 300, will oer in-house eye exams, eye glasses, sunglasses and contacts, as well as thousands of styles of frames. The company also oers a variety of dier- ent eyeglasses and sunglasses in men’s, women’s and children’s styles. 512-793-9917. www.myeyelab.com
1 Big Hug Gym opened Sept. 25 at 1920 Sam Bass Road, Ste. 700, Round Rock. The children’s gym oers recreational gymnastics classes for children as young as 16 months old once or twice a week depending on parent preference. 737-224-1929. www.bighuggym.com 2 Central TexAXE opened in Round Rock at 3590 Rocking J Road on Oct. 1. Operational hours for the axe-throwing venue vary and are listed online. Parties of up to 16 people may book lanes with rates varying according to size. 512-851-3501. www.centraltexaxe.com 3 Prime Nail Bar opened Oct. 22 at 635 University Blvd., Ste. 115, Round Rock. Services oered at the salon include manicures, pedicures, nail enhancements and waxings, and customers may make appointments or walk in. 512-713-8056. www.primenailbar.com
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ROUND ROCK EDITION • DECEMBER 2021
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
at 18616 Hill Top Commercial Drive, Pflugerville, opened Oct. 26. Hotel ame- nities include an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast and a fitness center. The Holiday Inn Express has 86 rooms and suites. 512-601-6000. www.ihg.com 4 A Maaco auto bodyshop opened at 16040 Central Commerce Drive, Pfluger- ville, on Oct. 1. The business provides ser- vices for minor and major collision repair, as well as automotive painting. Maaco works with all insurance companies and guarantees work with nationwide warran- ties. 512-919-4833. www.maaco.com COMING SOON 5 JJ’s Wok , a new dine-in Chinese restaurant, is coming to Pflugerville next year. The restaurant will be located in the H-E-B shopping center at 1420 Wells Branch Parkway, Unit 280, Pflugerville. Owner Shentong Ji said he expects to open JJ’s Wok in March. JJ’s Wok does not yet have a phone number or online presence. 6 Willie’s Grill & Icehouse is expanding with a new location in Pflugerville at 19200 Colorado Sand Drive. A represen- tative with the Willie’s Grill & Icehouse location in Georgetown confirmed the new location in Pflugerville is happening but could not say when construction would begin or end. Willie’s serves a diverse menu of food and drinks that
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includes burgers, tacos, sandwiches and coastal cuisine. www.williesgrillandicehouse.com EXPANSIONS 7 CrossFit 3 Strands , located at 100 W. Pflugerville Parkway, Ste. 108, Pfluger- ville, is expanding its existing facility to also occupy the space next door in Suite 109. Owner Blyth DelBene said the full expansion should be complete by early March, but clients have been able to use the new space starting Oct. 18. The ex- pansion will take the facility from about 1,600 square feet to 3,300 square feet, and it will add new workout equipment, including pull-up rigs and squat stations. 512-877-9443. www.crossfit3strands.com
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PFLUGERVILLE NOWOPEN
operates as both a funeral home and cemetery. 512-251-4118. www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com 2 Heritage Lakes Senior Living Com- munity opened Nov. 4 at 19005 Pleasant Bay Drive, Pflugerville. Heritage Lakes offers a number of options for seniors, including assisted living, memory care, independent living and cottages. Poten- tial clients may call to request a private tour. 737-224-1057. www.heritagelakesliving.com 3 Holiday Inn Express & Suites , located
1 Cook-Walden Capital Parks official- ly reopened Oct. 28 at 14501 N. I-35, Pflugerville, after being closed at that location for more than eight months. General Manager Rick Davis said prior to the company’s grand reopening, Cook Walden had to operate in several tempo- rary facilities due to damages caused by the February winter freeze. The business
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
COMPILED BY CARSON GANONG & BRIAN RASH
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Mighty Fine Burgers, Fries & Shakes
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furniture and other items for homes for 20 years. 512-642-6274. www.luismarquezstudio.com 4 Austin-based burger chain Mighty Fine Burgers, Fries & Shakes will open a new location on the 200 block of Ed Schmidt Boulevard in Hutto. There is not yet an expected timeline at this stage in the project. The original Mighty Fine opened in 2007, and today the company operates five restaurants throughout the Greater Austin area. www.mightyfineburgers.com RELOCATIONS 5 CrossFit Texas , a CrossFit gym for-
merly located at 4674 Priem Lane, Ste. 408, Pflugerville, moved to a new loca- tion at 641 W. Front St., Hutto, on Nov. 8. CrossFit Texas’ experienced coaches offer fitness training to people of all ages and fitness levels. 512-937-2389. www.crossfittx.com IN THE NEWS 6 As part of a push to offer electric vehicle services, the Jiffy Lube at 20916 Burgan Path, Hutto, is one of seven Jiffy Lube locations nationwide to begin offering maintenance services for electric vehicles, including multipoint safety inspections, 12-volt battery terminal cleanings and tire rotations. 737-234-0902. www.jiffylube.com
BURGAN PATH
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HUTTO COMING SOON
2 Country Donuts , a new locally owned donut shop, will open in 2022. The shop is located at 133 Front St., Ste. 300, Hutto, as one of the units at the Valero gas station. Owner Johnny Khan said he hopes to open the new Country Donuts location Jan. 1. 3 Luis Marquez Studio will open at 3750 Limmer Loop, Ste. A, Hutto, in Feb- ruary. Owner Luis Marquez makes custom furniture, including tables, mirrors and lamps. His most popular items are candleholders, and he has been making
1 Burger King purchased a plot of land at 100 Chris Kelley Blvd., Hutto, directly next to the recently opened Dutch Bros. coffee shop, according to Maribel Forte, a representative with Evergreen Commercial Real Estate. The company does not yet have an expected start or completion date for the restaurant. www.bk.com
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ROUND ROCK EDITION • DECEMBER 2021
TODO LIST
December events
COMPILED BY CARSON GANONG, BRIAN RASH & BROOKE SJOBERG
DECEMBER 09 THROUGH 18
ATTENDA LIVE RADIO BROADCAST Penfold Theatre Co. will host a live radio broadcast of the holiday classic “Miracle on 34th Street.” Players will incorporate dozens of character voices and live sound eects as part of the show. 7:30-9 p.m. $16-$21. Old Settlers Association of Williamson County, 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. 512-850-4849. www.penfoldtheatre.org 10 MAKE YOUR OWNORNAMENT The city of Pugerville will host an event for attendees to make their own holiday ornaments. All supplies will be provided, and several design options will be available. 6-8 p.m. $3 (Pugerville residents), $4.50 (nonresidents). Pugerville Recreation Center, 400 Immanuel Road, Pugerville. 512-990-6360. www.pugervilletx.gov 11 DRIVE THROUGHAUNIQUE LUMINARY SCENE Residents can drive through a unique luminary display that is created by more than 50 volunteers. A project representative said the display includes nine dierent scenes to drive through and incorporates animals. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free to attend. Immanuel Lutheran Church, 500 Immanuel Road, Pugerville. 512- 431-1942. www.ilcpville.org 14 ENJOY A FESTIVE FARMERSMARKET Mrs. Claus will join the Pugerville Pfarmers Market from 4-6 p.m. for pictures. Attendees can also enjoy fresh, locally grown and prepared foods including tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, squash, garlic, melons and
DEC. 11
ENJOYAHOLIDAY FAIRANDCONCERT BRUSHY CREEK AMPHITHEATER
DEC. 18
SEE AHOLIDAY CHOIR CONCERT FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
grapes. 3-7 p.m. Free admission. Pugerville First United Methodist Church, 500 E. Pecan St., Pugerville. 512-990-6360. www.pugervilletx.gov 18 FINDOUTWHODID IT The Dinner Detective is putting on a live murder mystery and dinner theater show. Guests will solve a mystery for which the culprit is hiding in plain sight. The three-course menu includes an entree choice of vegetable lasagna, grilled salmon or chicken breast. 6-9 p.m. $63.99. Courtyard by Marriott Austin Pugerville, 16100 Brushy Creek Amphitheater will host a full day of holiday festivities and performances. Attendees can enjoy live music, local artisans, food trucks, kids’ activities and more at the annual Holidays in Hutto event. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission. Brushy Creek Amphitheater, 1001 CR 137, Hutto. 512-759-4015. www.huttotx.gov/calendar
The Round Rock Community Choir, Round Rock Youth Choir, Council Oak Bells, Voices on Fire and the Women’s Ensemble will put on an evening of vocal and instrumental music that includes a singalong component. 7 p.m. Free admission. 1004 N. Mays St., Round Rock. www.roundrockcommunitychoir.org
Impact Way, Pugerville. 866-496-0535. www.thedinnerdetective.com 18 SUPPORT AND PURCHASE ART FROMLOCAL ARTISTS
Round Rock’s monthly pop-up art show will return to Prete Plaza for December. Upward of 12 local and regional artists will sell and demonstrate their art for the public during the art show. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission. Prete Plaza, 221 E. Main St., Round Rock. www.roundrocktexas.gov
Find more or submit Round Rock and Pugerville-Hutto events at communityimpact.com/event-calendar. Event organizers can submit local events online to be considered for the print edition. Submitting details for consideration does not guarantee publication.
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ROUND ROCK EDITION • DECEMBER 2021
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
TRANSPORTATIONUPDATES
Officials approve Old Settlers Boulevard extension project
ONGOING PROJECTS
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designs; illumination; environmental documentation; utility improve- ments; public involvement; and geo- technical investigation and survey for the project bidding process. The contract includes options for con- struction services if they are deemed necessary. The Old Settlers extension is part of the city’s 2017 Transportation Master Plan, and upon completion will be a four-lane urban roadway intended to increase mobility in the area.
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City Council approved a supple- mental contract with the rm Aguirre & Fields LP to provide engineering services, plans, specications and estimates, as well as supporting documents for the construction of an extension to Old Settlers Boulevard in Round Rock. The extension will run from North Red Bud Lane to CR 110. The contract includes necessary transitions to accommodate the city’s trac-control plan and other miscellaneous work.
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Ocials on Oct. 28 approved a deal with the Texas Department of Trans- portation for a water line extension along the northbound frontage road of I-35 from Greenlawn Boulevard to SH 45 N. Approximately 700 linear feet of 12-inch pipe will be laid. Timeline : TBD Cost : $226,371.19 Funding source : City of Round Rock, TxDOT
Timeline: TBD Cost: $934,919
Under the agreement, Aguirre & Fields LP will nalize the roadway, hydrologic, hydraulic and structural Work continues on RM 620 improvements in Round Rock Funding source: Round Rock Transporta- tion and Economic Development Corp. City ocials have contracted to connect Old Settlers Boulevard to CR 110. BROOKE SJOBERGCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
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Improvements to College Park Drive in Round Rock City Council on Oct. 28 approved a contract for the engineering of the College Park Drive project. The proj- ect will create 700 feet of a four-lane divided roadway with a southbound
CHISHOLM TRAIL
The city of Round Rock, Williamson County and the Texas Department of Transportation partnered on an over- haul project to improve RM 620 from Deep Wood Drive to I-35. Construction began in February 2020 and is expected to be complete in mid-2023. The project will add frontage road lanes to both sides of RM 620 and construct a bridge over the railroad crossing at Chisholm Trail Road. It will also add a roundabout underneath the bridge. To help maintain access to businesses and residential spaces in the area, access roads will be built between Lake Creek Drive and Chisholm Trail. As part of the project, an eastbound frontage road is anticipated to open by mid-2022. A second bridge is under construction to carry RM 620 trac over Lake Creek, but work on that part of the project
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right-turn lane. Timeline : TBD Cost : $109,829.50
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has not yet begun. Work began in August on the bridge, which will run over the Union Pacic railroad crossing and includes retaining walls near Chisolm Trail. Information from TxDOT states it is in Phase 2 of 5, though crews may work out of phase. Timeline: February 2020-mid-2023, weather permitting Cost: $27.4 million Funding sources: TxDOT, Williamson County, city of Round Rock
Funding source : Round Rock Trans- portation and Economic Development Corp.
ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF NOV. 15. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT RRKNEWSCOMMUNITYIMPACT.COM.
New Year Wellness Check List! Check Hormone Levels Immune Health Plan IV Therapy Health Goals
It’s
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ROUND ROCK EDITION • DECEMBER 2021
DEVELOPMENT UPDATES
Developments underway in the Round Rock, Pflugerville & Hutto area
Officials OK rezone of planned unit development
BY BROOKE SJOBERG
was approved for rezoning to a PUD from its designated commercial use under the city’s comprehensive plan, making it fit for residential use. The developer will build a max- imum of 108 units of single-family attached homes, or duplexes. Private drive aisles will serve the project. At the Sept. 15 meeting of the Round Rock Planning and Zoning Commission, the commission voted 7-0 to recommend approval of the
PALO DURO LOOP
Round Rock City Council approved a rezoning and annex- ation of a 9.24-acre tract of land to a planned unit development Oct. 28. In addition to holding a public hearing, council approved a resolu- tion to execute a service agreement with the property owner to provide utilities as well as ordinances for the parcel’s rezoning and annexation. Located near south A.W. Grimes Boulevard, the parcel of land owned by Epitome Development
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45 TOLL
Council rezones 5.19 acres on edge of city
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zoning. No speakers commented on the matter at public hearings held for the development by either the commission or council.
BY BROOKE SJOBERG
Mixed-use residential development moves forward in northPflugerville
A 5.19-acre plot of land was approved on its first reading for rezoning to planned unit devel- opment status and annexation by Round Rock City Council on Oct. 28. Council approved a resolution to execute a service agreement to provide utilities with the property owner and ordinances for the parcel’s rezoning and annexation. The development will receive services from the city of Round Rock except for wastewater, Planning and Development Services Director Brad Wiseman said, as there is no access. The property, owned by RGC Cade Lake LLC, is surrounded by a single-family development in Round Rock on two sides as well as by another single-family development in Pflugerville on another and boxed in by a church-owned property in Round Rock, according to city documents. In the north and south, two local streets provide access to the property from both Round Rock and Pflugerville.
BY BRIAN RASH
a development called Black Locust Townhomes that will consist of 12.88 acres on the south side of East Black Locust. City documents state the rezon- ing will allow for condominiums, single-family detached homes and single-family attached townhomes.
Officials have approved a rezoning of nearly 13 acres along East Black Locust Drive to a mixed-use residen- tial development. During a second reading at a Nov. 9 meeting, Pflugerville City Council approved the rezoning for
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City staff said the development will now move into the subdivision process.
Land near Old Settlers Boulevard inRoundRock rezoned
BY BROOKE SJOBERG
Brooks Clark Properties. Two speakers commented during a hearing held by the planning and zoning commission. Both shared questions regarding the site’s development and how it might impact their own properties, according to the city.
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Round Rock City Council approved the rezoning of a small plot of land near Old Settlers Boulevard at its Nov. 4 meeting. Just over 4.5 acres of land was approved for the addition of a child care center at the request of owner
OLD SETTLERS BLVD.
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austincc.edu/register
14
COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Medical office building in on itsway to completion inPflugerville
685
130 TOLL
PFLUGERVILLE PKWY.
BY BRIAN RASH
Building 3 through the Texas Depart- ment of Licensing and Regulation. It will facilitate offices for clients mainly in the medical profession. Information from the TDLR states the estimated cost for construction is $3.2 million. Project representative Philip Rainey, managing principal for Pin- nacle Real Estate & Management Co., said in early November the building is somewhere between 30%-50% leased out by future tenants.
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A 40,000-square-foot, three- story commercial office building is expected to complete construction in the first quarter of 2022, according to a project representative. The building is located at 1601 E. Pflugerville Pkwy. near the entertain- ment venue Spare Time Texas, Dental Care of Pflugerville and Endeavor Physical Therapy, and it is listed under the project name Pflugerville Parkway Medical & Professional
A medical oce building in Pugerville is estimated to be complete in early 2022. (Brian Rash/Community Impact Newspaper)
Lot on FM1660 South rezoned for business use
TOWN CENTER DR.
1660
PFLUGER FARM LN.
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BY CARSON GANONG
commercial site for more than 15 years. Ashley Lumpkin, executive director of development services for Hutto, said the rezoning just brought the 0.41-acre lot’s desig- nation in line with what it already should have been. “I think everyone just expects this to be a commercial corner,” Lumpkin said. “It’s not what it actually is on the map, so we just need to fix it.” The rezoning will also allow for additional seating areas for food trucks such as Tia’s Kitchen that occasionally set up on the site, according to Lumpkin.
Development to deliver 1,000homes The new Lifestyle Communities development in Pugerville will deliver its rst units by the end of 2022. (Rendering courtesy Lifestyle Communities)
A 0.41-acre lot on the southwest corner of Richards Drive and FM 1660 South will provide extra parking and an additional entrance to Hutto Grocery Store and the neighboring gas station following rezoning of the lot at a Nov. 4 Hutto City Council meeting. The lot was originally zoned for single-family use, but it was rezoned for local business use to allow for construction of the parking lot and new entrance. The adjacent site housing the grocery store, gas station and nail salon has been in use as a
BY BRIAN RASH
townhome rental units, according to Justin Scott, director of development for Lifestyle Communities. Scott said Phase 1 will have a 15,000-square-foot amenity center that includes a 9,000-square-foot restaurant. Phase 1 will deliver the first units by the end of 2022, and as of now con- struction is estimated to be compete in 2024, he said.
Lifestyle Communities broke ground on the first phase of a 1,050- unit residential rental development Nov. 12. The development is located at the intersection of Pfluger Farm Lane and Town Center Drive in Pflugerville, just west of the Stone Hill Town Center. The first phase of development will consist of 409 apartment and
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ROUND ROCK EDITION • DECEMBER 2021
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7 7 0 0 C AT HO L LOW D R I V E I R OUN D R O C K
Join the St. Julians community as we celebrate Advent and Christmas with the hope of seeing the wonders happening all around us • Daily Advent Reflections
• Children’s Chapel • Nursery • Lessons & Carols • Caroling • Christmas Pageant • Prayer
• Services on Zoom • Services In Person • Holy Communion • Candlelight Services • Christian Education
Join the St. Julians community as we celebrate Advent and Christmas with the hope of seeing the wonders happening all around us See our website for details and more upcoming events: stjuliansaustin.org
Follow us on Facebook
16
COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
EDUCATION BRIEFS
News from Round Rock ISD
QUOTEOFNOTE “WE ARE IN THE
District gives info on updated in-person strategy
MIDDLE OF DOING A SALARY STUDY FOR JOBS INOUR DISTRICT. WE HOPE WE CANBRING SOME INFORMATION BACK TOYOU EARLY SPRING.” – SUPERINTENDENT HAFEDH AZAIEZ, DURING DISCUSSION OF THE DISTRICT’S BUDGET NUMBER TOKNOW the retention incentive approved by the RRISD board of trustees for full-time district employees Nov. 18. $500 HIGHLIGHTS ROUND ROCK ISD District officials held eight forums in October to inform the board of trustees as it develops updated student outcome goals. During all meetings held in October, the board spent 99% of its time discussing student outcomes, according to Place 6 Trustee Tiffanie Harrison. ROUND ROCK ISD District Chief Financial Officer Dennis Covington stated at a Nov. 18 board meeting that the district collected $7,532 more than expected in property tax revenue so far for the 2021-22 fiscal year, which began Oct. 1. Round Rock ISD board of trustees Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. 300 Lake Creek Drive, Round Rock 512-464-5000 www.roundrockisd.org MEETINGSWE COVER
BY BROOKE SJOBERG
begun conducting surveys to gather information from teachers, parents and students regarding the return to campus before the end of the year with windows of transition set for campuses and departments to create in-person schedules. He said campus staff and counselors are preparing to bring students back, providing support as needed, while internal plans to share data between virtual and in-person educators are under development. Some teachers are already planning on returning to campus from virtual learning prior to the end of the semester, Smith said, as in-person enrollment grows. Smith said an extension of virtual learning beyond 2023, when funding made possible by Senate Bill 15 expires, will no longer be an option for the district if it wishes to retain funding from the state.
RRISD VIRTUAL LEARNING TIMELINE For several months, district officials have been working on policy with regard to in-person learning for the 2021-22 school year. • July 22: Round Rock ISD announced it will offer self- funded virtual learning for grades K-8. • Aug. 9: Students could no longer enroll in public virtual learning opportunities. • Sept. 9: SB 15, the bill funding virtual learning in Texas public schools, was signed by Gov. Greg Abbott. • Nov. 10: RRISD announced intent to return to in-person instruction for the spring 2022 semester. • Nov. 15: RRISD set dates for COVID-19 vaccine clinics for children ages 5-11. SOURCE: ROUND ROCK ISD/ COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
ROUND ROCK ISD Administrators shared information regarding plans to update the district’s in-person learning strategy in spring 2022 during a Nov. 18 school board meeting. The district announced its intention to return to total in-person learning earlier in the month. Chief of Teaching and Learning Ryan Smith gave a presentation to the board of trustees outlining the next steps leading up to the first semester of full in-person attendance with no virtual students since spring 2020. “[Teachers are] recognizing that it’s going to be an emotional transition as well as [an] academic transition, and more than our day to day on campus,” Smith said. “[They will] get to know the students, and they [will be] able to reach out and welcome them that first day.” Smith said the district has already school board on the program that has been in place for three years. Data presented by Grosso showed 49% of student referrals to social workers during the program’s third year were made for concerns around mental health. That is followed by behavior concerns and basic needs, both categories that make up 20% of social worker referrals, 7% for significant family needs and 4% for substance use concerns. The program also launched a new website, providing another way for students and families to access services, Grosso said.
Mental health concerns increase in the fall at RRISD
NUMBEROF REFERRALS The RRISD Behavioral Health Services program makes referrals to social workers and mental health centers based on needs.
Mental health centers Social worker referrals
BY BROOKE SJOBERG
ROUND ROCK ISD An update on the Round Rock ISD behavioral health program showed roughly half of social worker referrals from Aug. 1, 2020, to Oct. 31, 2021, were made due to mental health concerns. Director of Behavioral Health for RRISD Dr. Amy Grosso gave a presentation updating the district’s
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
SOURCE: ROUND ROCK ISD/ COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
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ROUND ROCK EDITION • DECEMBER 2021
We’re here to help you get around the state. And around billing issues. • Be sure your TxTag account is up to date, so you’ll always pay the lowest toll rates and avoid extra fees. • Install a TxTag on each vehicle and link it to the license plate. • Keep your account on AutoPay and your credit card up to date, so there are always funds to pay your tolls. Signing up for AutoPay means your TxTag sticker is free. • Have a question? Visit the Contact Us page at TxTag.org to chat with a representative or submit questions online. Our call center is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
CITY& COUNTY
News from Round Rock
COMPILED BY BROOKE SJOBERG
QUOTEOFNOTE “WE’VE LEARNEDAS A COMMUNITY, ANDAS ADEPARTMENT, WE’RE GOING TOROLLWITH THE PUNCHES; WE’RE GOING TOKEEP GOING; ANDWE’RE GOING TO GET THINGS DONE.” RICK ATKINS, PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR, AT THE OCT. 28 COUNCIL MEETING REGARDING THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 AND OTHER CHALLENGES TO HIS DEPARTMENT NUMBER TOKNOW The estimated ridership of public transit in the city during 2020, per preliminary data from the city’s transportation department 52,000 CITY HIGHLIGHT ROUNDROCK After discussion, City Council on Nov. 4 approved a resolution recommending the speed limit on a portion of Creek Bend Boulevard remain unchanged. The final approval from council came after staff presented a speed study to officials at an Oct. 28 meeting. Round Rock Transportation Director Gary Hudder said during the meeting his department’s recommendation is to leave the speed limit set at 45 mph for Creek Bend between Wyoming Springs Boulevard and the southwest approach to the bridge over Brushy Creek. Round Rock City Council Meets Dec. 16, 6 p.m. 216 E. Main St., Round Rock 512-218-5401 www.roundrocktexas.gov MEETINGSWE COVER
Council approves contractwithCentral TexasRefuse ROUND ROCK Officials approved an exclusive contract with Central Texas Refuse for its commercial waste program that will go into effect in April. TALKING TRASH Central Texas Refuse maintains the largest number of commercial refuse collection accounts in the city of Round Rock. Other companies contracting with the city, along with the number of accounts serviced, were:
CityCouncil approves vehicle purchases for city operations ROUND ROCK City Council approved roughly $1.15 million for the purchase of vehicles during an Oct. 28 meeting. Council broke the purchases into two resolutions. The first resolution is for 11 4×4 Chevy Tahoe SUVs to be used by the Round Rock Fire Depart- ment’s Community Risk Reduction At a Nov. 4 meeting, council heard citizen comment from residents and representation for the five sol- id-waste disposal service providers contracting with Round Rock. Paul Daugereau, the public-sector manager for Waste Management, asked officials to consider going out for bid on a contract if they want to select a single provider of solid-waste collection services. He added the resolutions would void what he described as city residents’ right to choose commercial customers. Round Rock Utilities Director Michael Thane told officials multiple vendors create duplicate routes in the city, wear and tear on roads, possibly more air pollution and less accountability than if trash pickup is
Central Texas Refuse
Waste Management
Texas Disposal Systems Progressive/Waste Connections
Central Waste and Recycling
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Number of commercial accounts in Round Rock
SOURCE: CITY OF ROUND ROCK/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
contracted through one vendor. City documents state council directed staff in July to start nego- tiating with CTR for a single-source contract that would make it the only solid-waste collection service provider for residential and com- mercial property in the city limits of Round Rock. Task Force. City officials said the 11 vehicles come from grants received through the federal American Rescue Plan Act. The second resolution is for three Ford F-450s, two F-350s and two F-250 trucks for city operations. The vehicle purchase is funded by the city’s drainage, utility and general fund. The Tahoes will be fitted with emergency lights, second-row personal transport cages and secure storage in the trunk. The vehicle purchases are included in the city’s 2021-22 budget.
The five companies contracting with Round Rock have franchise agreements to provide multiple waste collection options. CTR serves around 40% of com- mercial customers, according to the city. It is also the sole vendor for residential waste pickup services in the city. • 11 4×4 Chevy Tahoes: $598,518 • three Ford F-450s, two F-350s and two F-250 trucks: $554,735 Force will receive several Chevrolet Tahoe 4x4s. Council also approved several additional vehicles for purchase to replace others in use by various city departments. Following a vote from City Council, Round Rock Fire Department’s Community Risk Reduction Task HOWMUCHDOES IT COST?
SOURCE: CITY OF ROUND ROCK/ COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
Wishing you and yours peace, joy, and good health throughout this holiday season and in the year to come. And remember, we are always here for you … days, nights, weekends, and holidays. — Your ARC family Happy Holidays
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ROUND ROCK EDITION • DECEMBER 2021
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