New Georgetown Restaurant - Silver and Stone

A new restaurant is coming to Georgetown in October. From the website of Silver and Stone:

"A new restaurant is coming soon to Historic Downtown Georgetown, Texas. We will be located on the fourth floor penthouse in the new and beautifully constructed Tamiro Plaza, Silver and Stone is sure to bring a new and exciting experience."

Leander police receive grant to increase traffic patrols

From statesman, August 29, 2008...

The Leander Police Department is beefing up its patrols along major intersections to try to decrease the number of injury wrecks and get drivers to slow down.

The department received a grant this month through the Texas Department of Transportation for $23,702 to pay officers overtime to increase patrols in problem areas.

Last year, 87 of the city's 129 collisions resulted in an injury, according to the transportation department's records. Most of those were caused by someone running a red light or stop sign, according to the state agency.

Those statistics showed problem areas in Leander: the 183-A tollway, Ronald Reagan Boulevard, East Crystal Falls Parkway, Bagdad Road and Parmer Lane. Increased patrols will mainly focus on speed enforcement and intersection traffic control, said Lt. Greg Minton, a spokesman with the Leander Police Department.

Read more...

A New Economics of Place - Leander TOD

From citiwire.net, August 31, 2008...

Our firm, the Gateway Planning Group, planned a 2,000-acre transit oriented development (TOD) in Leander, Texas. A key goal: to enhance the value and potential of the growth corridor that’s expanding northward from Austin along a new rail transit line. The master plan will be carried out through an urban design-based zoning and subdivision ordinance.

My economist colleague, Jon Hockenyos of TXP, Inc., determined that the tax base of the area would be roughly $900 million at build-out if it were built as a typical suburb. But the new plan and code, Hockenyos calculated, would double the build-out value to almost $2 billion. Now his projection seems modest: as the market has recognized the value of our TOD approach, the value of the raw land has increased almost 600 percent.

And why? It’s because Leander, instead of being just another exploding bedroom community, will have its own cosmopolitan center supported by convenient regional rail connections to Austin. We’re convinced the Leander TOD, by providing a mix of housing options, pocket parks and neighborhood businesses, will attract talented young professionals as well as empty-nesters with disposable income. We fully expect to sustain the region’s economy, reduce its ever-expanding carbon footprint, and achieve sustainability on a site otherwise destined for classic sprawl.

Read more...

Garage Sale

OVERLOOK ESTATES ANNUAL GARAGE SALE

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2008

BEGIN COLLECTING YOUR TRASH
AND TREASURES NOW!!!!

MORE INFO LATER--SUGGESTIONS WELCOME

-- Diane & Jill

Biggest Williamson County Park to be Just North of Leander

We here at Overlook Estates are well-positioned for parks and recreation. Williamson County's Southwest Regional Park is a short drive to the east, 500 hundred acres 4 miles east on FM2243 (the former Garey Ranch) is being developed as a public park by Georgetown, and now 1011 acres just north of Leander is being converted to a Williamson County park... -- RCA



From statesman, August 26, 2008...


Williamson County commissioners voted Tuesday to purchase 1,011 acres of land that will serve as the county's largest park.

The county plans to buy the property, which is on the South San Gabriel River south of Liberty Hill and has rolling hills, and live oak and cedar trees, for roughly $10.6 million, $2 million less than what commissioners originally planned to spend on another park site north of Liberty Hill.

The 1,011 acres are owned by Andrew Williams and his two siblings, who inherited the land that their father bought in 1940.


Read more...

Texas' Capital Metro notes progress on new Leander passenger-rail line

From Progressive Railroading, August 26, 2008...

Construction is progressing on Capital Metro's 32-mile Leander-to-Austin, Texas, passenger-rail line, which is set to open later this year.

The agency has nearly completed the Leander, Lakeline and Plaza Saltillo stations, while work on the Crestview and Highland stations is expected to conclude by October. Capital Metro recently launched construction on Downtown Station, which is projected to open in November, and accelerated construction on the MLK Station so it's open by the time service begins. Next month, the agency will begin building the Howard Station.

Transit-oriented development plans are under way at most stations, as well, including an office, retail and residential project at Crestview Station, and a mixed-use project adjacent to Crestview Station.

Read more...

Leander PD STEP Grant for traffic safety

Hi Rusty,

Officer Wilcox ask that we post this announcement:

STEP Grant Information

The Leander Police Department is participating in the state-wide Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP). The STEP grant is focused on reducing collisions due to speed and at intersections. This focus is based on the 56 speed related crashes and 83 intersection related crashes that the department investigated in 2007. Eighty-seven of those crashes resulted in injuries. The enforcement from this program will be focused on 183A, Ronald Reagan Boulevard, East Crystal Falls Parkway and Bagdad Road . If you have any questions, please contact Lt. Minton at 528-2816.

Traffic Safety Presentation

On October 8, 2008 at 7 pm the Leander Police Department will hold a traffic safety presentation at Pat Bryson Hall. As part of the department's STEP grant, information will be discussed related to speed and intersection safety. Specific information on stopping distances and distance traveled at different speeds will be discussed. If you have any questions, please contact Officer Wilcox at 528-2832.

Thank you,
Terri

Barnum and Bailey rolls into Austin

From KXAN, August 18, 2008...

The Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey production pulls into Austin Monday.

The Frank Erwin Center will host the production that is set to run Aug. 20 through Aug. 24.

Tickets for the show are priced anywhere from $15 to $80 and are on sale now at all Texas Box Office Outlets, inluding selected H-E-B stores in Austin, Bastrop, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Kyle, Leander, Pflugerville, Round Rock and San Marcos.

Read more...

Monument Café Is Relocating in September

The Monument Cafe, which opened in its current location in 1995 will be moving to a new location between Fifth and Sixth streets on Austin Avenue in Georgetown. The move will take place in September, and they plan to have no interruption in service.

By the way, did you know that the Monument Cafe has free wi-fi?

Monument Café
Currently at 1953 S. Austin Ave.
Georgetown , TX 78626
1-512-930-9586

Kerbey Lane Cafe Is Moving Closer!

Kerbey Lane Cafe - NorthWest is relocating to 13435 US 183 on Aug. 21. ..Mapquest puts this address at 183 & Anderson Mill.

The old location at 12602 Research Blvd. will shut down Aug. 18.

Call 258-7757 or visit http://www.kerbeylanecafe.com/.

Recycle Household Waste

From Community Impact, August 8, 2008...

Waste Management launched an online service allowing consumers to recycle universal household waste like compact fluorescent lamps, batteries and eventually other household electronics. Individuals can order a kit to mail in recyclables. Visit http://www.thinkgreenfromhome.com/.

The Vinyard at Florence is opening its wine tasting villa in August

From Community Impact, August 8, 2008...

The Vineyard at Florence, 8711 W. FM 487 in Florence, is opening its wine tasting villa in August. The Villa Firenze is accessible to visitors and residents and includes a tasting room, event space, a café, spa and gallery. An event Aug. 14, will feature local artist CJ Carlig and New Hampshire’s Toni Garland. Call 254-793-3363 or visit http://www.thevineyardatflorence.com/.

Read more...

Market Data Cedar Park and Leander MLS area - August 2008

From Community Impact, August 15, 2008...

Key Statistics
Change in average selling price during last year
Cedar Park/Leander North: +$20,923
Cedar Park/Leander South: -$8,345

Change in number of homes sold during last year
Cedar Park/Leander South: -38
Cedar Park/Leander North: -31

Read more...

1890 Ranch is Growing!

Restaurants,eateries, and food establishments are highlighted in blue.
.

.

Already Open
Wachovia
Cinemark Theater
Circuit City
PetSmart
Claire’s
Super Target
OfficeMax
FedEx Kinko’s
Great Haircuts
Starbucks
Mattress Firm
Massage Envy
Which Wich?
Rudino’s Pizza and Grinders
Willy O’s Burgers
GNC
AT&T
Studio Nails & Spa
Famous Footwear
Jamba Juice
Spicy Pickle
Image Tile & Carpet
Hayashi
Zales Outlet
Beverly Hills Weight Loss

Opening Soon
Buffalo Wild Wings – August 2008
Nothing Bundt Cakes (bakery) – August 2008
Bealls – August 2008
Gold’s Gym – August 2008
Academy Sports + Outdoors – August 2008
Baskin Robbins – September 2008
Rosie’s Pho – September 2008
Chick-fil-A – September 2008
Hobby Lobby – October 2008
Charming Charlie (women’s accessories) – October 2008
Firehouse Subs – October 2008
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory – November 2008
Hemispheres (home furnishings) – November 2008
Mardel (bookstore) – November 2008
Carl’s Jr. (fast food)– November 2008
Tropical Smoothie Café – November 2008
Breeze Salon (AVEDA) – December 2008
Guaranty Bank – December 2008
Mattress, Etc. – December 2008
Verizon Wireless – December 2008
Einstein Bros. Bagels – December 2008
InkStop – December 2008
SportClips – December 2008
Freddy’s Frozen Custard – December 2008
Ross Dress For Less – May 2009
Blue Wave Car Wash – July 2009

Kohl's To Open in October

From Community Impact, August 15, 2008...

Kohl’s department store will open in the Gateway at Leander, 1495 US 183, in October. The store sells clothing and footwear for men, women and children as well as some furniture, linens and electronics. Visit http://www.kohls.com/.

Cave Day

From Community Impact, August 15, 2008...

The Texas Cave Conservancy and the City of Cedar Park Parks and Recreation Department will host cave day Sept. 13 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The free event will feature nature walks, educational signs and talks with cave experts. Visitors are encouraged to visit Kay Redden Park at the intersection of Lakeline Boulevard and Buttercup Creek Boulevard on cave day for directions to cave preserves. Call 401-5500 or visit http://www.cedarparktx.us/.

Chick-fil-A Opens at 1890 Ranch

From Community Impact, August 15, 2008...

Chick-fil-A will hold its grand opening Sept. 11 in 1890 Ranch, 1325 E. Whitestone Blvd. Customers will have the opportunity to win Chick-fil-A for a year by camping outside and being one of the first 100 customers to enter the store. Campers will be treated to ice cream and chicken nuggets throughout the night before the doors open at 6 a.m. Following the event, the store will be open Monday-Saturday and offer Chick-fil-A’s full menu. Call 260-9777 or visit http://www.chick-fil-a.com/.

LISD to scrap and replace structure at Bible

From Hill Country News, August 13, 2008...

The Leander ISD Board of Trustees voted on Thursday, Aug. 7, to dismantle the current structure at A.C. Bible Jr. Memorial Stadium, rather than have it repainted. The new structure is to have 10,000 seats. The decision followed the announcement at the July 17 meeting that lead primer was discovered.

What remains to be decided is how large the voter-approved regional stadium near Vista Ridge High School will be - whether it will have 10,000 seats or fewer. The board has until January to make that decision.

Read more...

Web Site Chronicles the History of Leander

While Googling for other topics, I discovered the Leander Texas Webpage. It has a lot of interesting historical tidbits.

--Rusty

Leander wins round one of battle with Block House Creek

From Hill Country News, August 13, 2008...

Residents of Block House Creek said 'Not in my back yard' to the city of Leander over a proposed easement for a wastewater line. Judge Billy Ray Stubblefield thought otherwise in his ruling.

Stubblefield on Wednesday afternoon ruled in favor of Leander in the case, meaning the city can use a greenbelt to lay a wastewater line.

Read more...

Water rates increase in Leander

From Hill Country News, August 13, 2008...

The Leander City Council saw one of its more action-packed agendas for last week's regularly-scheduled meeting, and it led to a night of citizens' complaints, bickering between council members and one particular teary-eyed moment.

The council passed a hefty increase in the water rate, set the dates for the public hearings on the 2008-09 budget, talked about next year's residential tax rate and named a stretch of road after a former land owner who passed away in November.

The water rate will increase 21.3 percent over the next three years. Council voted 6-1 to increase it. The dissenting vote was cast by Place 3 councilmember John Perez, who expressed concerns about senior citizens who will not be given a discount.

Read more...

More restaurants on Leander's horizon

From Hill Country News, August 13, 2008...

Restaurants have been opening in Leander, more are scheduled to open and the city is beginning a letter-writing campaign to bring even more lavish sit-down places to eat.

Leander currently has 16 restaurants. In the last 16 months, openings have included Spoonz Cafe (inside H-E-B plus!), a Subway next to H-E-B plus!, Moody's Subway across from Leander High School and Taco Bell in the Lowe's parking lot. Lily's has opened in the old spot where Tony's used to be. Closings have included Como's and Snack Shack.

Scheduled to open by Spring 2009 are McDonald's, Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks and Southern Sports Bar. Maid-Rite has also expressed interest in coming.

Read more...

Safety Tip

PUT YOUR CAR KEYS BESIDE YOUR BED AT NIGHT

Tell your spouse, your children, your neighbors, your parents, and the check-out girl at the market, everyone you run across.

Put your car keys beside your bed at night. If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies.

This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator. Next time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys away, think of this: It's a security alarm system that you probably already have and ; requires no installation.

Test it. It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain. It works if you park in your driveway or garage If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break in your house, odds are the burglar rapist won't stick around... after a few seconds all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want that.

And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there.... This is something that should really be shared with everyone. ~Maybe it could save a life or a sexual abuse crime.

P.S. I am sending this to everyone I know because I think it is fantastic. Would also be useful for any emergency, such as a heart attack, where you can't reach a phone. My Mom has suggested to my Dad that he carry his car keys with him in case he falls outside and she doesn't hear him. ~He can activate the car alarm and then she'll know there's a problem.

--The Landers

Web site launches Austin in 3-D

From KXAN, August 12, 2008...

Creator of "The Real World Online," EveryScape, launched a virtual 3-D version of Austin Monday.

EveryScape is creating the first photorealistic interactive experience that lets anyone online explore Austin's interiors and exteriors by walking down streets and going inside local restaurants, hotels, landmarks and more.

Austin visitors can virtually explore the Pennybacker Bridge, stroll through the Zilker Park and the State Capitol.

Read more...

Reasons you should go organic

From KXAN, August 10, 2008...

1. Organic food delivers more nutrition. Studies have repeatedly found increased levels of some nutrients in various organic foods. "That means more nutritional quality per calorie and food serving," explains Dr. Charles Benbrook, chief scientist at the Organic Center for Education and Promotion in Greenfield, Massachusetts...

Read more...

Got Camera? Got $150? You could win a house in Leander

From KVUE, August 11, 2008...

When it comes to houses, it's currently a buyers' market in Central Texas, with a growing number of homes up for sale.

Now one local woman has come up with a creative way to sell a 3-bedroom home in Leander, and it will only cost potential buyers $150.

Read more...

Transit Oriented Development

The City of Leander has a nice web page about the TOD.

"The TOD is the area in the northeast quadrant of the City, including “Old Town”, areas west of US 183, south of FM 2243, and going north, almost to the San Gabriel River. It is made up of “Transect Zones” that describe the levels of density and intensity (i.e. T1=rural to T3=suburban to T5 and T6=urban). The Transect Map (TOD Master plan) shows the transect districts for the TOD."

Read more...

Country Folks Saddle Club

I stumbled across this web site while looking for something else. It looks like fun. You might want to check it out.

From the KXAN bulletin board:

Come ride with us at the Country Folks Saddle Club playday in the Gerogetown showbarn. Playday is open to all. Visit our website at http://www.cfsc.us/ for more information.

Country Folks Saddle Club is a family orientated organization that strives toprovide low cost family fun for horse enthusiasts of all ages. We promoteand sponsor playdays, parades, and trail rides; always following our motto of“Horsemanship, Sportsmanship, Citizenship, and Fellowship”
All of our playdays are held at the Georgetown Showbarn in San Gabriel Park in Georgetown, Texas. Playdays are held RAIN or SHINE.

Anyone with an interest and love of horses is welcome to participate with us. You do not have to own a horse to be an active part of our organization we have a place for everyone.

August 11th, 2008
Starts at 09:30 AM

Location: Country Folks Saddle Club, San Gabriel Park showbarn, Georgetown, TX 78626

Contact Sharon Balyney
Phone: 512-789-0952

HOA Documents Available For Download

HOA Documents are now available on the Overlook Estates web site. You can now download the following:

• Architectural Review Committee Improvement Request Form
• Overlook Estates CCRs
• CCR Amendments - Handout at Annual Meeting
• Resale Certificate
• Proxy Form
• Overlook Estates Policies
• Overlook Estates Budget 2008

You can find these documents on the "Etc." page, under the heading, "HOA Documents."

Austin Ice Cream Festival This Weekend

From News 8 Austin, August 6, 2008...

Imagine that. An entire festival devoted to the celebration of the Godly mixture of milk and cream.

The second annual Austin Ice Cream Festival will be chock full of people blanketing their palates with ice cream, polishing off anything from bite-size cups containing twirls of churned heaven to simply taking a spoon to a container of butter pecan until it's gone.

The festival is Saturday, August 9th at Waterloo Park.

Read more...

LISD rankings improve

From Hill Country News, August 6, 2008...

The Texas Education Agency posted its 2008 accountability ratings report last week, giving Leander ISD many reasons to cheer, as well as a few concerns.

The standard was made more rigorous this year to align with the dropout definition of the federal No Child Left Behind law and the National Center for Education Statistics. The new definition considers any student who does not graduate within four years, receive a GED, or remain in school, to be a "non-completer."

Even though most of its performance measures were ranked as recognized, LISD risked being classified as academically unacceptable over the dropout rate.

However, the TEA extended its "School Leaver Provision" for 2008. The provision states that a campus or district can’t be rated lower because of the completion rate alone.

Read more...

WOBCP looks for a permanent home

From Hill Country News, August 6, 2008...

After years of looking and even a $65,000 grant opportunity for a facility in Cedar Park, The Way Off Broadway Community Players (WOBCP) still has not found a permanent home. But, that doesn’t keep them from continuing to look.

Phil Duprey, treasurer of the WOBCP said the theater’s current location on Crystal Falls Parkway in Leander is acceptable, but they need a place that is cheaper.

Read more...

Major Leander intersection closed this weekend

From Hill Country News, August 6, 2008...

The railroad crossing at Crystal Falls Parkway and US Highway 183 in Leander will be closed for construction the weekend of Aug. 9 and 10. Traffic will be detoured away from the crossing.

Read more...

Without Waiver From TEA, Leander Schools Would Be Rated Academically Unacceptable

From statesman.com, August 2, 2008...

More Texas schools received top ratings under the state's school accountability system this year than last year, according to preliminary ratings released today. But for the second year in a row, the Texas Education Agency gave school districts a pass on dropout rates, sparing five Central Texas districts from earning the state's lowest rating.

Without that waiver, the Round Rock, Leander, Bastrop, Lockhart and Elgin school districts would be rated academically unacceptable. All five districts instead were rated acceptable, as were most districts in Central Texas, including Austin.

Read more...

National Night Out Has Been Postponed

Terri sent an email today explaining that we were going to have to cancel and possibly reschedule the National Night Out celebration due to the liklihood of severe weather being spawned from Tropical Storm Edouard.

A tough call had to be made by noon today in order to cancel our liability for the food ordered from Smokey Mo's BBQ. Rather than gamble that the storms would arrive after the gathering, Terri opted for fiscal prudence. Stay tuned for information about rescheduling this event.

LISD Opens Four New Schools This Fall

From Hill Country News, August 5, 2008...

The 2008-09 school year will be marked by a couple of important milestones. First, LISD will open four new campuses, the most the district has ever opened at once. Second, the district will open the first elementary campuses based its new design - based on “neighborhoods,” rather than the traditional hallways-and-square-classrooms design.

“The workmen are on the job seven days a week right now,” said LISD spokesman Dick Ellis.

Campuses opening for the first time on Aug. 25 will be Rouse High School (next to Wiley Middle School in Leander), Westside Elementary (off Lime Creek Road in Cedar Park), Parkside Elementary (in the Parkside at Mayfield Ranch subdivision) and Grandview Hills Elementary (in the Grandview Hills neighborhood).

Read more...

Restaurant looks to call Leander its new home

From Hill Country News, August 5, 2008...

Maid-Rite, known for its seasoned, fresh ground beef sandwiches, has targeted Leander as a priority city for its 2008 Development Growth Plan.The franchise, which was founded in 1926 in Muscatine, Ia., is currently seeking a franchisee to open a Maid-Rite diner in the Cedar Park and Leander area.

Read more...

Leander ISD board considers rebuilding Bible Stadium

From News 8 Austin, July 29, 2008...

The 61-year-old stadium has its share of problems.

An uneven field, lead primer in the stadium paint and tiny ticket booths are some of the problems plaguing 61-year-old A.C. Bible Jr. Memorial Stadium in Leander.

Dennis Farris is a member of the athletic boosters for Leander Independent School District.

"It's pretty sad. It's pretty sad. This place is in bad shape," Farris said.

Read more...

Mulch ado about composting

From News 8 Austin, August 1, 2008...

Saying that gardeners call compost brown gold is not off the mark, considering it's like money in the bank for their plants.

And considering a lot of what’s in our landfills doesn’t need to be there, it's becoming increasingly important to find alternative methods to limit your carbon footprint.

In fact, the waste in landfills could be somewhere else, doing some good like making soil richer or serving as a medium to grow plants.

Read more...

National Night Out, August 5th

Terri sent out a reminder yesterday:

Howdy Neighbors,

Here is some information about this year’s National Night Out event.

When: Tuesday, August 5 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Where: The cul-de-sac by Jon & Jill’s house.

Jon & Jill have also graciously offered the shade of their backyard and the playscape for the kids. There is no babysitter assigned, so please watch your kids.

Food: We’ll be ordering Smokey Mo ’s BBQ again. This will include meats, side dishes and iced tea.

What to bring with you:

- Lawn chairs
- Additional drinks – it’ll be hot and we want to stay hydrated
- Kids should wear “play clothes” that can get dirty
- Your helpfulness :-) Jill will be leading kids activities, Tracy will be taking pictures, Jim will be drawing a neighborhood map on a driveway, Terri will be greeting visitors and directing. We would greatly appreciate help with these activities. Also, afterwards, help with cleaning up would be greatly appreciated.

Planned Activities - starting at 7:00pm

- Kids will be using hand paints to create a group “Thank you” poster for our police and fire departments

- Adults will be drawing a neighborhood map on the driveway and we’ll have a “put a face to the address” activity

- Balloon relay

- We will be taking pictures of you and your family for some upcoming activities

We look forward to seeing you!!
Terri, Jim, Tracy, Jill

---

Don't forget to periodically check the Overlook Estates Calendar for upcoming events. -- Rusty

The Wing's the Thing!

Two new chicken wing restaurants are coming...

I drove by 1890 Ranch yesterday and noticed that the free-standing building that has been taking shape over the last 6 weeks now has an identifying paint job. I had hoped that it was going to take shape as Chik-Fil-A (which is also slated to open at 1890 Ranch) but it's going to be a Buffalo Wild Wings.

Also...

From Franchising.com, July 31, 2008...

Wingstop, awarded Best Overall Company by the American Business Awards, has landed in the city of Cedar Park. Chandler Wiley of Austin Wingco, Inc. just opened a new location at 401 W. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. B100.

Read more...