Leander mayor announces run for re-election

From Impact News, February 25, 2009...

John Cowman, first elected as Leander’s mayor in 2003, plans to run for re-election.
“I have an opponent; I look forward to the challenge, but I would like to talk about the rest of the council races,” Cowman said.

He endorses Andrea Navarrette for the Place 1 position which will be vacated by Vic Villarreal, who announced his candidacy for mayor earlier this month. Cowman also backs current council members Kirsten Lynch, Michell Cantwell and David Siebold to retain their seats in places 2, 4 and 6, respectively.

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Leander council rescinds lawn parking ordinance

From statesman, February 19, 2009...

The Leander City Council tonight repealed a controversial parking ordinance meant to stop people from parking on their lawns.

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$4.3 million of roadwork approved in Leander

From Impact News, February 19, 2009...

The Leander City Council approved $4,329,362.87 in roadwork for two projects originally approved in a 2006 bond election.

Schroeder Construction received the contract for $3,139,592.17 for phase I of E. Crystal Falls Parkway, which includes construction of four lanes with medians, traffic signals, storm drainage and sidewalk improvement from Toll 183A to Ronald W. Reagan Boulevard. The work is expected to be complete 300 days after the contract is executed, which should be within the next 15 days, said Scott Wall, assistant city manager.

Ross Construction, Inc. received a contract for $1,189,770.70 to widen the roads and improve the signals at the intersection of Bagdad Road and Old 2243. The work is expected to be completed 210 days after the contract is executed, which should also be within the next 15 days, Wall said.

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US 183 and Crystal Falls Parkway

From Impact News, February 20, 2009...

Crystal Falls Plaza is nearing completion. The center includes four lease spaces.

A Starbucks with a drive-through will occupy the south end of the building. The coffee shop plans to open March 3. Next to Starbucks, 1,200 sq. ft. of space is available for lease.

Cricket Wireless and Southern’s Pizza and Sports Pub fill the remaining space.

Southern’s is a family-owned restaurant that will serve sub sandwiches, pizza and salads and will also have a patio area. Cricket and Southern’s both anticipate opening by early March. A pad site is also available at this location. For more information, call 535-0262.

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Cedar Park Center construction

From Impact News, February 20, 2009...

John Frew of the Frew Management Group reported that 600 tons of steel have been erected for the Cedar Park Center.

“I sincerely believe that the project is on schedule, the budget is sound, and we’re on our way to delivering the building to you on time this October,” he said.

Located at the intersection of New Hope Drive and Toll 183A, the Cedar Park Center will be a multi-use facility with 6,800 seats available for hockey and 8,700 for concerts and other events.

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Leander transit-oriented development

From Impact News, February 20, 2009...

Mobility to and within Leander’s transit-oriented development will improve with the completion of about $12 million in roads, said Pix Howell, Leander urban design officer.
“We’ll have a landing strip for development once we get these roads finished, and they’ll probably be finished about mid-2010,” he said.

An engineer has been hired to design the Leander T, consisting of the extensions of San Gabriel Parkway and CR 273.

The project received $4.03 million in funding from the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. The grant does not cover engineering, which is being paid for by landowners and is to be reimbursed over time by the associated tax increment financing district.

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Restaurant closings

From Impact News, February 20, 2009...

Four Cedar Park restaurants have closed in recent months. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory closed about three months after it opened. Traxx closed in December. Willy-O’s, which opened in December 2007, closed one year later. Village Inn also opened in December 2007 and closed in late 2008. The Cedar Park Threadgill’s, first announced in late 2006, was recently described as “dead in the water” by a restaurant spokeswoman.

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Tropical Smoothie Cafe Opens at 1890 Ranch

From Impact News, February 20, 2009...

Alonzo Soliz opened a Tropical Smoothie Café Feb. 7 at 1465 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. 350. The restaurant serves sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, breakfast and has a children’s menu. Also available are many types of frosty drinks, including dessert smoothies and low-fat smoothies made with Splenda. Store hours are Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sun. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Call 259-5472 or visit www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com.

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Another Cedar Park Hotel

From Impact News, February 20, 2009...

Cedar Park will add another hotel to its roster soon. Pradip Mulji, through his company LQ Cedar Park Hospitality, is building a La Quinta at 1010 E. Whitestone Blvd. The $4 million project began construction this month. The hotel will have 75 rooms. Call 800-753-3757 to find out more.

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Promoting public art in Leander

From Impact News, February 20, 2009...

Leander’s arts ordinance creates a public art fund. It stipulates that 1 percent of the construction cost of a municipal building project and up to 1 percent of the construction cost of a municipal construction project should be deposited into the fund.

Also, when private developers or owners of commercial structures apply for building permits, they will “be encouraged to commit 1 percent of the construction or reconstruction costs” to acquiring fine art to be displayed on the property or donate that sum to the public art fund.

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Dozens of restaurants earn perfect scores in Williamson County

From KVUE, February 19, 2009...

There is good news to report from Williamson County -- no restaurants failed the Williamson County and Cities Health Inspection. Here is a list of the perfect scores in January:

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Officials break ground on Williams Drive expansion

From Impact News, February 19, 2009...

Williamson County, City of Georgetown and Texas Department of Transportation officials broke ground Feb. 19 on the Williams Drive expansion project.

The $17 million project will widen the two-lane roadway to four lanes from DB Wood Road to FM 3405. The project is being constructed by JC Evans and is expected to be completed by June 2010.

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Georgetown now home to Carmine's Italian Restaurant

From Impact News, February 18, 2009...

Carmine's Italian Restaurant is now open in Georgetown at 3010 Williams Drive, Ste. 118. The restaurant relocated from Hutto and opened in February. Known for its 28 inch New York style pizza, the restaurant will be open Monday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Call 240-4981.

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Leander could ease off parking restrictions

From statesman, February 19, 2009...

Law meant to keep people from parking on lawns has kept some from parking anywhere.

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New shops opening this month at Wolf Ranch

From Austin Business Journal, February 18, 2009...

Wolf Ranch in Georgetown is gearing up for a flurry of new shop and restaurant openings in the next few months.

A number of national retailers are moving into Wolf Ranch’s newest addition, a 12,000-square-foot building on the southwest corner of I-35 and State Highway 29.

Those shops include:

• Wolf Camera & Video, opening February
• The Vitamin Shoppe, opening February
• Starbucks, opening March
• Mama Fu’s Asian House, opening April
• Firehouse Subs, opening April

Additionally, the Wolf Ranch Town Center is awaiting the opening of James Avery in April and Genghis Grill in late spring.

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Austin Restaurant Week reveals participating restaurants in northwest Austin

From Impact News, February 17, 2009...

Austin Restaurant Week, held March 1-4 and 8-11, lets you enjoy three course dinners for either $25 or $35 and you can pick a different restaurant each night.
Participating restaurants in the northwest Austin area:

• Chez Zee, 5406 Balcones Dr., $25
• Cru, 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, The Domain, $35
• Daily Grill, The Domain, 11506 Century Oaks, $25
• Fleming's Prime Steakhouse, The Domain, 11600 Century Oaks Terrace, TBD
• Jasper's, The Domain, 11506 Century Oaks Terrace, TBD
• Manuel's Great Hills, 10201 Jollyville Rd., $25 and $35
• The Melting Pot, 13343 Research Blvd, TBD
• Truluck's, Arboretum, 10225 Research Blvd., $35
  
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Fleming's, now open at The Domain, offering fine steaks and wine

From Impact News, February 18, 2009...

The newest dining addition to The Domain, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar takes traditional steakhouse fare to a new level of sophistication. The establishment mingles a fine-dining experience with a casual atmosphere while remaining relatively affordable.

Thick, hand-cut steaks are made from USDA prime corn-fed beef and seared on gas broilers to seal in the beef's natural juices and flavors. Kosher salt, black pepper, a dab of butter and some parsley are the only seasonings used on the steaks. The filet mignon is cooked to perfection at medium rare. Fleming's also has plenty of non-red meat items including seared scallops, and lobster en fuego — generous chunks of lobster, shallots and a sriracha chile-soy sauce served with orzo.

For more information, visit http://www.flemingssteakhouse.com/.

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Quick fix traffic solution to Hwy 183 on-ramp woes

From News 8 Austin, February 12, 2009...

Drivers commuting down Southbound Highway 183 through Cedar Park say the on-ramp entrance near Lakeline Mall Drive can become a parking lot with traffic at times.

Enough complaints from drivers have prompted action and possible relief at that on-ramp entrance to Hwy 183.

"If you're not in the line to get on, it's just almost impossible to get over. People won't let you over," commuter Sam Inman said.

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Georgetown arts and culture board designs vision for arts master plan

From Impact News, February 13, 2009...

Whether residents are listening to the Williamson County Symphony Orchestra, reading a book by one of many local authors, watching The Georgetown Palace Theatre’s performance of “Grease” or viewing Don Snell’s paintings in the local gallery, the arts in Georgetown are good for business. Not only do they help improve the quality of life in the city, they attract tourists who bring money to pump into the local economy.

A national Arts and Economic Prosperity III study from 2005 found that an average of 39 percent of arts and cultural event attendees come from outside of the community. The study, which focused on the nonprofit arts and culture industry in 156 communities and regions that represent all 50 states, showed that while local audiences spent an average of $19.53 per person per event, in addition to the cost of admission, those travelling from other areas spent an average of $40.19.

The City of Georgetown, through its own arts community, is hoping to capitalize on that principle.

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For the Children: Let your creative juices flow in flood safety poster contest

From News 8 Austin, February 11, 2009...

Recent rains put only a small dent in the exceptional Central Texas drought. Will this one end with a flood like so many dry spells before?

History suggests it might, and young artists are encouraged to let their imaginations run wild in depicting this top Texas weather hazard.

Located in an area known as Flash Flood Alley, the City of Austin says residents should prepare now for that next flood and they want your help in creating the message.

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Capital Metro holds open house for new Leander Station

From Impact News, February 11, 2009...

The first of five open houses at stations along the new passenger rail line between Austin and Leander was held Saturday, Feb. 7 at the Leander Station, 800 N. US 183. Along with Capital Metro officials and Leander city officials, more the 1,000 people came out to view the new train and station.

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TxDOT plans improvements for Highway 183 near Lakeline

From KVUE, February 11, 2009...

The Texas Department of Transportation will soon expand the entry ramp from Lakeline Mall Drive to Highway 183 South in Northwest Austin.

Responding to complaints from drivers, the agency will expand the ramp from one lane to two.

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Free Wireless on the Downtown Square

From Georgetown City News, February 10, 2009...

Coffee shops and eateries in the heart of historic Georgetown are usually buzzing with informal business meetings and social conversation throughout the day, but as of today the Square becomes an official hot spot. The City of Georgetown has officially launched free downtown wireless service for visitors and customers on the Square.

The City’s information technology department turned on the free web access several weeks ago, and has since been testing it to see how it works.

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Tree Care Class with City Urban Forester

From Georgetown City News, February 11, 2009...

Tuesday, March 3rd

6:00 PM in the Hewlett Room

Come hear from your City Arborist, Heather Brewer, about caring for your trees from selection and planting to pruning and maintenance.

This is a FREE workshop that is open to anyone.

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The City's 119 Best Bargains

From KXAN, February 7, 2009...

Each month Austin Monthly informs, entertains and intrigues readers in the capital area in an effort to provide relevant information, enrich lives and foster enthusiasm for our unique city. The February issue has a unique section devoted to great deals around Austin. The suffering economy has prevented many from living a comfortable lifestyle that they have grown accustomed to. Austin Monthly urges those who are forced to cut back, that there are some ways to still indulge.

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Villarreal to run for Leander mayor

From Hill Country News, February 9, 2009...

Vic Villarreal on Monday filed to run for the office of Leander mayor in the upcoming May general election. Villarreal, a Place 1 council member since 2001, has served as Mayor Pro-Tem and on several boards as a city representative.

"I am overjoyed that Mr. Villarreal is running for mayor," Cowman said. "It is my understanding he will have to resign. That's good for the city of Leander."

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The Leander Highway Patrol

Neighbors,

Just a word of caution...

I just received a telephone solicitation from someone who identified himself as "with the Leander Highway Patrol." He made a vague reference to an "officer who was recently killed in the line of duty," and was wanting a donation. This sounded suspicious, as I had never heard of the "Leander Highway Patrol." I agreed to have him send info by mail, then hung up and called the Leander Police Dept.

I asked the officer who answered if he had ever heard of the Leander Highway Patrol, and he said, "No, sir." I told him what had just transpired and he said, "Give us a call back when you get their mailing. We'd be very interested in looking at it."

One other note: the call came from a "C Marshall" at (281) 580-6385 -- A Houston phone number.

I suspect that this is a phone bank operation which is in the business of scamming people, and will identify themselves as "with the [enter your city name here] Highway Patrol."

I'll keep you posted as I learn more...

Austin Avenue Has New TXDOT Names and New Owner

From Georgetown City News, Februaary 5, 2009...

A change in ownership for the downtown segment of Austin Avenue in Georgetown means new state highway names and new signs for two other segments of the road.

Austin Avenue in Georgetown is no longer called Business 35. While the entire length of the road will retain the name Austin Avenue, the road now has numbered state designations for two different segments.

From Williams Drive to NE Inner Loop on the north side of town, Austin Avenue is called State Spur 158 on the state highway system (see photo at right).

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LISD could get $5.4 million from stimulus package

From Hill Country News, January 29, 2009...

The $835 billion stimulus package making its way through Congress could turn out to be a major windfall for Leander ISD. The district could receive more than $5 million over a two-year period, according to an Austin-based research firm.

Strategic Partnerships, Inc., estimates that LISD will get $5,428,700 if the stimulus bill goes through as expected. School districts throughout Williamson County could receive a total of $27,292,500 in funding.

Though the funds aren't guaranteed at this point, “the formula is not likely to change significantly since the bill is on such a fast track,” said Strategic Partnerships President and CEO Mary Scott Nabers.

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Cedar Park launches online fine payments

From Impact News, January 27, 2009...

Anyone who needs to pay the city of Cedar Park for municipal court fines or fees now has a convenient new option.

Those who need to pay the city can log onto http://www.cedarparktx.us/ and find their violations, either by entering a citation number, driver’s license number, vehicle license plate number or social security number, according to a city press release. Payment through this site can be made using either a Visa or Master Card credit or debit card.

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Leander council to discuss idea for real estate transaction tax

From statesman, February 4, 2009...

Leander Mayor John Cowman’s hope to establish a real estate transaction tax within the city seems to be gaining little traction, if any at all.

He’s floated the proposal, which would take 0.5 percent from real estate sales and and spend it on public works projects, to the staff of a couple of lawmakers. But he hasn’t received any commitments to sponsor legislation that would allow cities that use sales tax revenue to pay for public transportation, like Leander, to charge the tax.

And, Cowman said, he isn’t sure how committed the rest of the council is in backing the proposal. He also says he’s aware that the real estate industry would likely not support such a proposal.

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First Friday Author Series

From Georgetown City News, February 4, 2009...

The Georgetown Public Library announces the new First Friday Author Series.

March 6th @ 4:00 PMAuthor Gerald Riddle will talk about the first book in his new series Little Red Feather

April 3rd @ 4:00 PMAuthor Dale Roberts will talk about Tales of Travis Hawkins McCleodDale will also bring along a few civil war re-enactors

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Hey, Kids! Doodle 4 Google! Win Prizes!

From Fast Company, February 3, 2009...

Any kid who’s ever been intrigued with Google’s playful holiday logo-decorating antics can now get in the act–with the potential for winning lots of loot for the best efforts.

Appearing on the Today Show, Marisa Mayer, Google’s chief experience officer, announced the second annual contest to redesign Google's logo for a day. This year's competition encourages kids in grades K-12 to riff on the topic of “What I Wish for the World.” The top four designs, along with 40 regional winners, will be featured in an exhibit at New York’s Cooper-Hewitt Museum, a partner in the project.

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Music! Live @ the Library resumes February 15

From Georgetown City News, February 23, 2009...

On Sunday, February 15, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., Premium Blend, a guitar and cello duo, will entertain you in the lobby of the Georgetown Public Library. Guitarist Jim Fain, who also is accomplished on the violin and piano, writes the musical material for the duo. Their repertoire includes something for everyone with influences from flamenco, world, classical, jazz-fusion, rock, and new age music.

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The Weekend Gardener: Preparing for a Spring garden

From KXAN, January 31, 2009...

This week the Weekend Gardener focuses on the future of your garden. It is important to prepare for a Spring garden.

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Whooping cough is prevalent illness in Williamson County

From News 8 Austin, January 30, 2009...

Pertussis, otherwise known as whooping cough, continues to pose problems in Williamson County and health officials issued a statement for Central Texans to take heed of in order to prevent acquiring the illness.

In 2008, there were 65 reported cases of the whooping cough in Williamson County, including four children who were hospitalized with the illness.

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Demand for Cedar Park transit system on the rise

From News 8 Austin, February 2, 2009...

City officials in Cedar Park said there is a growing demand for public transportation with the booming growth.

The City of Cedar Park is looking for a way to provide a shuttle service for commuters around town during peak hours that would connect Northwest Austin Park and Ride . It's similar to what the City of Round Rock already has in place with Capital Metro.

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Cedar Park Threadgill’s ‘dead in the water’ for foreseeable future

From Impact News, January 29, 2009...

The possibility of a Threadgill’s in Cedar Park is no-go, at least for the foreseeable future, with the recession cited as one of the reasons.

“It is dead in the water for the current time period,” said Gracie Taylor, a spokeswoman for the popular Austin-based restaurant and live music venue.

Threadgill’s has ended its lease at a building in the Railyard shopping center on Whitestone Boulevard, Taylor said.

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Texas Stars launch official website

From Impact News, January 26, 2009...

The Texas Stars’ website, http://www.texasstarshockey.com/, is now online.

The site features information about the new Cedar Park hockey franchise, scheduled to begin play next season in the American Hockey League. The Texas Stars will be the primary development affiliate of the NHL’s Dallas Stars and the main tenant of the Cedar Park Center, which is scheduled for completion by late summer.

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Status update: Leander's 2006 bond election projects

From Impact News, January 23, 2009...

In 2006, Leander voters approved the sale of bonds to finance projects ranging from road improvements to fire department vehicles.

City manager Biff Johnson presented the mayor and council with a status report on each of the projects Dec. 10.

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