Leander's future looks bright (Opinion)

From Hill Country News, July 30, 2008...

There is nothing like listening to the city's economic development director speak to the chamber of commerce to get your mind off $4 a gallon gasoline and back on realizing what a great market we have. Kirk Clennan gave an economic update to the Leander Chamber of Commerce last Tuesday and even though we have heard it before, you just can't help but get excited about what will likely occur.

Clennan started off with what new businesses are opening very soon, including a new A+ Federal Credit Union and a Starbucks, both located near the intersection of Highway 183 and Crystal Falls Parkway. Taco Bell just set a sales record for an opening in front of Lowe's. It is easy to see this intersection is turning out to be a bonanza for Leander, as most residents have traditionally had to travel into Cedar Park or Austin to shop and Leander government has been forced to operate on property taxes only.

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Leander Issues Notice to Boil Water

From KXAN, July 29, 2008...

The City of Leander has issued a boil water notice due to a failure in supply of water to the city. It said the water pressure fell below standards set by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

The following subdivisions are affected: Boulders, Fairways, Grand Mesa and Woods of Crystal Falls. Water samples have been taken to a lab for analysis. The results should be available in a few days.

If customers have questions, they can contact the City of Leander at (512) 528-2700 or Southwest Water Company at 877-405-1750.

Notice that Overlook Estates is not mentioned. -- Rusty

Renovation of Lakeline Mall nearly finished

From Austin Business Journal, July 28, 2008...

A major renovation of Lakeline Mall in Northwest Austin is nearing completion.

Lakeline's owner, Simon Property Group Inc. [NYSE: SPG], began the renovation of the 1.1 million-square-foot mall last summer and expects to complete the project early next month. In addition to new landscaping, lighting, signage and floors, elements of the project include:

• An updated food court with new furniture and a common area for live entertainment;
• A new elevator relocated to make room for additional tenants;
• New seating in front of anchor retailers and at center court;
• Updated guest services booth.

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FDA Advises Against Consumption of American Lobster (Maine Lobster) Tomalley

From The FDA, July 28, 2008...

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today warned consumers to avoid eating tomalley in American Lobster (Maine Lobster), regardless of where the lobster was harvested, because of potential contamination with dangerous levels of the toxins that cause Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP).

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Passenger train peeks into Leander

From Hill Country News, July 28, 2008...

A Capital Metro passenger train made an appearance at the Leander train station last Saturday. Metro rail service in Leander is expected to begin in the fall. The line will have the ability to take passengers all the way to San Antonio.

Blog Devoted to Austin Parenthood - A Great Resource

I found this blog today, and it seems to have a lot to offer for parents in the Austin area.

The welcome message on the site says:

"Being Savvy Austin is here to help you make the most of all that our city has to offer during your child's magical early years. Everyday and off-beat activities, the latest thing to do, the tried and true and so much more - everything you need to know to help your preschooler learn and thrive."

Check out the Being Savvy Blog for Parents.

--Rusty

Leander pizza joint claims Southwest title

From Hill Country News, july 23, 2008...

Sometimes it's pretty easy to spot someone who grew up in New Jersey. Take Steven Saccone, for example. Although he grew up in Carteret, N.J., he still refers to the New Jersey Turnpike when asked where he grew up.

“It's exit 12 on the Turnpike,” Saccone said. “That's how you know you're really from Jersey, you give the exit number.”

Saccone is the son of Phillip Saccone, the owner of Saccone's Pizza and Subs, located at 2701-A S. U.S. Highway 183 - between Osage Road and Woods Lane.

Saccone's motto is “Pizza with a Jersey attitude.”

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Therapeutic riding center opens in Leander

From KXAN, July 16, 2008...

Horseback riding is more than just a hobby for some, it can make a huge difference in the lives of kids with special needs. A new riding center has opened in Leander thanks to Donna Roland.

"I'm a retired special ed teacher who got bored after 5 to 6 and a half weeks of retirement," said Donna Roland, Owner of Open My World Therapeutic Riding Center. Since retirement is for the birds she turned to horses as a way to pass the time and teach kids how to ride.

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Parking on Lawn Illegal in Leander

From statesman.com, July 18, 2008...

Getting parked cars off lawns in Leander will go a long way to making the city more attractive, officials said Thursday.

City Council members approved an ordinance amendment that will allow a fine of as much as $200 against residents who continue to park their vehicles on the grass, rather than the pavement, after they receive a warning.

The council voted unanimously in favor of the amendment after a public hearing Thursday.

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Also, there is additional information in this article from The Hill Country News: Leander passes abandoned vehicle ordinance.

Waste Management Offers CFL Recycling

From KVUE, July 21, 2008...

There is little doubt that compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) use less energy and last longer than traditional bulbs, but they do come with a major drawback -- they contain small amounts of mercury and should not be thrown away in the trash.

Waste Management is launching a new program in hopes that people won't throw them in the garbage -- "Think Green From Home."

"They are more energy efficient, they last significantly longer than the old bulbs but they do come with a little asterisk. They do contain a small amount of mercury," said Steve Jacobs, Waste Management.

The program allows you to order a small box from Waste Management to store old bulbs. There is a special bag inside to protect against mercury exposure.

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Moms Helping Moms

From Impact News, July 18, 2008...

The Leander MOMS club, which stands for Mothers Offering Other Mothers Support, is seeking new members. The organization provides a support group for new mothers and stay-at-home moms by scheduling field trips and mom’s nights out. The group meets the first Friday of each month and has events scheduled throughout each month. For more information, e-mail momsclubleander@yahoo.com or visit http://www.momsclub.org/.

Leander Resident's Can Now Pay Utility Bills Online

From Impact News, July 18, 2008...


The City of Leander has a new website and is encouraging residents to take advantage of the online payment option for their utility bills and municipal court fines. Customers can make a one-time payment or register to schedule future payments. All payments are processed daily. Visit the site at http://www.leandertx.org/ or call 528-2700.

Warning: they charge a fee to pay online -- Rusty

Benbrook Ranch Park Opens

From Impact News, July 18, 2008...

Benbrook Ranch Park, 1100 Halsey Drive, officially opened to the public July 17. The 46-acre park features Leander’s first BMX track and disc golf course as well as soccer fields, a playscape and a softball field. Phase two of the park will include a skate park. For more information, call 528-9909 or visit http://www.leandertx.org/.

New Leander restaurant burglarized last week - twice

From Hill Country News, July 19, 2008...

The owners of Lily's Cafe and Cantina in Leander - formerly known as Tony's Cafe - are offering a cash reward for information leading to arrests involving two recent burglaries of their restaurant.

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Hands On History of Williamson County for Kids (and parents)

From Wilcounty Line, July, 2008...

Visit the Williamson Museum, 716 S. Austin Ave., to celebrate the legend and lore of the county at its next "Hands-On History" activity for kids and families on Saturday, July 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participants can discover the true story of Sam Bass on the 130th anniversary of his attempted robbery of a Round Rock bank and create a wanted poster for the outlaw.

The Museum is free to the public and will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For information, contact Mickie Ross at 943-1670.

Cedar Park Police on the Lookout for Cold Case Suspect

From KXAN.com, July 14, 2008...

More than a year ago the New Hope Baptist Church was badly vandalized. Several items were stolen and a church van was also set on fire.

The leads on the case, however, went cold. But with the help of new technology, police have built a case that has linked two suspects to the crime.

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Ground broken on new segment of Brushy Creek Trail

From News 8 Austin, July 11, 2008...

Williamson County is blazing a new trail through Brushy Creek.

County Commissioner Cynthia Long broke ground on Phase 3 of the Brushy Creek Regional Trail Friday.

The nearly 3-mile segment will run from Parmer Lane at Brushy Creek Road to Twin Lakes Park at Highway 183 and Little Elm.

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New service allows Leander residents to connect utility services online via Internet

From Hill Country News, July 9, 2008...

Leander has joined 2TurnItOn.com, a website where new or existing residents who are relocating within the city can connect multiple utility services, including city water, at their new homes in minutes. The website's comparison shopping feature enables residents to find the best rates quickly and easily. 2TurnItOn.com is free for both consumers and cities.

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Leander Issues Mandatory Water Restrictions

From News 8 Austin, July 8, 2008...

Starting at 8 a.m. Thursday, the City of Leander will issue mandatory water restrictions banning all outdoor water use of any kind.

These restrictions will last until 5 p.m. Friday, July 11.

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Leander water tower brought online

From Hill Country News, July 2, 2008...

Don't be afraid of the water. That's what city officials in Leander are saying after bringing the new elevated water tank online Monday and flushing the system for nearly a day.

City staff noticed immediately after bringing the new system online that the water coming out was extremely cloudy and had some solid build-up that had settled.

“We now have a higher velocity in our lines than we've ever experienced,” said City Engineer Wayne Watts on Tuesday afternoon. “At first it was very cloudy, but the biological quality of our water is good. As far as any disease potential, we believe there absolutely was none. But we didn't anticipate any of this. This is just one of the growing pains of a city.”

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