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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