Georgetown Edition | August 2021

GEORGETOWN EDITION

2021 P U B L I C E D U C A T I O N E D I T I O N

ONLINE AT

VOLUME 14, ISSUE 12 AUG. 19SEPT. 15, 2021

Georgetown ISD reported participation in state testing remained above 90% , decreasing from 99% to 93% in third grade and from 99% to 91% in fourth and fth grade.

IMPACTS

2021

PUBLIC EDUCATION EDITION

Georgetown ISD began its JumpStart summer program to help students close any learning gaps and prepare for the upcoming school year. (Courtesy Georgetown ISD)

SPONSORED BY • Georgetown ISD

STAAR SCORES

DISTRICT DATA

21 19

GISD STUDENT GOALS

Students tested

2019

2021

did not meet

The percentage of students who did not meet grade-level standards increased statewide from spring 2019 to spring 2021 on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness exams. In Georgetown ISD, the increase in students scoring “did not meet” was not as high, and the number of students tested dropped.

DINING FEATURE

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCYCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

Despite an increase in the number of students who did not meet standards on state testing, Georgetown ISD’s own test data shows student improvements, said Wes Vanicek, GISD chief strategist for assessment and feedback. Hutto and Leander ISDs. Apart from STAAR, the district also conducts the Measuring Academic Prog- ress, or MAP, assessment, that showed “strong evidence of growth in reading and math,” according to the district. CONTINUED ON 28 GISD looks toward academic, emotional recovery Districtwide, GISD saw a 5.53 per- centage point increase in the number of students who did not meet state expec- tations from 2019 to 2021 on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readi- ness, according to state data, which was lower than neighboring districts such as BY FERNANDA FIGUEROA

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EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT

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505 Lake Side Dr, Georgetown, TX 78628 Meleah Wehman | 512-656-9463

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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 2 million residential mailboxes, and it grows each month with new residents and developments.

HIGHLIGHTS FROMTHISMONTH

FROMDENISE: School is now back in session, and I’m asking myself, “Where did the summer go?” The older our kids get, the faster summer seems to y by. Both of my boys have been ready to get back into school for a few weeks now, which makes me so happy. This August issue is our annual Public Education Edition (see Pages 19-29). I encourage you to take a look at the Campus Deep Dive (see Page 23) in which we take a closer look into each the demographic and student makeup of campus in Georgetown ISD. District information is very important for those with children who are new to the Georgetown area, and we want to help keep you informed about the Georgetown school district. I want to wish all the students the best of luck this year! Denise Seiler, 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.

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BUSINESS &DINING Local business development news that aects you

TRANSPORTATION &DEVELOPMENT Regular updates on area projects to keep you in the know

SCHOOL, CITY & COUNTY We attend area meetings to keep you informed

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 geonews@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.

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GEORGETOWN EDITION • AUGUST 2021

IMPACTS

Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding

512-980-4558. www.thera-wave.com

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Texas Elite Lice Removal opened in June. The mobile company offers profession- al head lice removal at clients’ homes and sells products geared toward lice prevention and treatment. The business serves Georgetown and the surrounding areas, including Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Hutto and Pflugerville. 512- 400-4429. http://texaselitelice.com RadiateHope365 , a financial consulting service, opened for business in May. The business provides financial coaching ser- vices such as one-on-one coaching; group coaching; and workshops for individuals in Christian ministry, such as pastors, staff, Bible study and Sunday school teachers, and youth leaders. RadiateHope365 offers its services to Georgetown and surround- ing areas. https://radiatehope365.com Purple Sky Bookkeeping opened for busi- ness in Georgetown in June. The company offers bookkeeping services including transaction management, account recon- ciliations and monthly financial statements. Services are available in Georgetown and the surrounding areas. 512-518-0911. www.purpleskybookkeeping.com Veteran-owned Heidi’s Bakery opened for business June 9. The George- town-based bakery offers baked goods such as bagels, bundt and coffee cakes, scones and cookies to Georgetown and surrounding areas. Orders can be made through Facebook or Instagram or by 5 Kilwins , a chocolate, fudge and ice cream shop with locations throughout the country, is expected to open a new store at 120 W. Eighth St., Georgetown, on Sept. 25. The shop will offer a variety of products, including hand-crafted chocolates, hand-paddled fudge, caramel apples, caramel corn, brittle, choco- late-dipped treats and Kilwins original ice cream. www.kilwins.com 6 Summit Lofts , a new apartment com- plex in Georgetown, will open by summer 2022. The new complex will have 257 apartment units and include amenities calling 512-970-6088. Facebook: Heidi’s Bakery COMING SOON

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NOWOPEN 1 Wellness store Pinnacle Essentials opened at 4410 Williams Drive, George- town, on June 14. The opening marks the company’s first shop in Georgetown, and the store offers sleep, stress and pain re- lief, supplements and CBD products. The business also has a location at 1625 N. Bell Blvd., Ste. A, Cedar Park. 512-688-1117. www.pinnacle-essentials.com

2 The Pit Stop Grooming , a dog grooming business, opened in Georgetown on July 1. The business offers baths and haircuts by appointment only, and nail trim walk-ins are accepted. Dogs of all breeds and sizes are welcome. The Pit Stop Grooming is located at 2102 N. Austin Ave., Georgetown. 512-818-8385. www.facebook.com/thepitstopgrooming 3 Urban Glow Skincare Studio opened for business in Georgetown on July 15. The skin care studio offers facials, facial waxing, eyebrow and eyelash tinting, and lash

extensions. Urban Glow Skincare Studio is located at 104 Western Trails, Ste. 3., Georgetown. 512-963-4744. https://urbanglowskincare-studio.square. site 4 TheraWave Vibrant Wellness , a ther- apy business, opened in Georgetown in June. The business is focused on offering pulsed electro-magnetic fre- quency therapy that helps to increase circulation and oxygenation. TheraWave Vibrant Wellness is located at 1616 Williams Drive, Ste. 107, Georgetown. TM; © 2021 COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. MAP NOT TO SCALE N

Dr. Craig P. Torres D.D.S., Endodontist Board Certified (COL US Army Dental Corps RET) • Non-surgical root canal therapy • Root canal retreatments • Root canal surgery Dr. Gloria T. Torres D.D.S., Prosthodontist (LTC US Army Dental Corps RET) 60 Years Combined Experience (Retired Army Dentists)

Call for an appointment 512-868-5999 Advanced Technology CEREC (one day all ceramic crowns) Endodontic Microscopes Digital radiography/photography CBCT (3-D) scans Oral/nitrous sedation www.Torres-Dental-Specialties.com

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Pinnacle Essentials

Summit Lofts

COURTESY PINNACLE ESSENTIALS

RENDERING COURTESY SUMMIT LOFTS

NEWOWNERSHIP 8 House of Gainz is now under new ownership as of May 4. Keith Fischer took over ownership from Victor Olvera and Der- ek Tittle. The fitness center offers cardio areas, power-lifting equipment, a women’s only area, a sauna, personal training, nutri- tion counseling, posing clinics and massage therapy. House of Gainz is located at 610 N. Austin Ave., Georgetown. 512-688-5496. https://houseofgainzgt.com 9 CastleRock Pet Hospital is under new ownership as of June. Dr. Donnie Hoff purchased the practice from Dr. Margaret Stummer. The hospital is a full-service clinic for dogs and cats. CastleRock Pet Hospital is located at 6930 RR 2338, Georgetown. 512-868- 2280. www.castlerockpethospital.org/ home.htm

such as a rooftop pool, a sports lounge, an outdoor kitchen, cabanas and three private outdoor courtyards. Other ame- nities include a 450-car parking garage, a 3,000-square-foot fitness facility and a business center. Summit Lofts will be lo- cated at 1450 Rivery Blvd., Georgetown. https://summitloftsgtx.com RELOCATIONS 7 Certified Public Accountant Gary R. Brown relocated to a new office at 4869 Williams Drive, Bldg. 2, Ste. 201, Georgetown, on May 18. The business provides tax, accounting and advisory services for individuals with trusts, estates and businesses. Brown was pre- viously located at 5353 Williams Drive, Ste. 200, Georgetown. 512-930-3003. www.gbrowncpa.com

ROCK is an organization that utilizes horses to provide healing services.

COURTESY RIDE ON CENTER FOR KIDS

FEATURED IMPACT EXPANSIONS Local nonprot Ride On Center for Kids began work on a 29,250-square-foot expansion July 23. The expansion will include a covered arena, an outdoor arena, a makeover of the Cecile Autrey Ham Family room, tack space, a veterinarian horse stall and renovations to the Patti Colbert Learning Center. The project will cost $4 million, 82% of which has been raised by the organization. The project will be completed by late 2022. ROCK, located

at 2050 Rockride Lane, Georgetown, uses horses to provide healing services to children, adults and veterans. 512- 930-7625. https://rockride.org

110

WISHING YOUR FAMILY A WONDERFUL SCHOOL YEAR!

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Keep Georgetown Beautiful

Properly disposing of our solid waste is another way to show our community how much we care. The City offers a variety of recycling and solid waste programs, such as free bulky waste pickups, household hazardous waste collection events, no cost medication drop off, the bag-the-bag program and curbside yard trimming collections. Together we can all help keep our Square and the entire City the most beautiful in Texas.

For more information, visit recycle.georgetown.org

#Love WhereYouLive

Household hazardous waste is being properly disposed of during a collection event.

COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

TODO LIST

August & September events

COMPILED BY FERNANDA FIGUEROA

AUG. 20 SEPT. 12

CATCHA LIVE PLAY GEORGETOWN PALACE THEATRE

AUG. 25 SEPT. 26

ADMIRE ARTWORKAT AN EXHIBIT GEORGETOWN PUBLIC LIBRARY

Sweet Lemon Kitchen in Georgetown hosts lives music. LIVEMUSIC BARKING ARMADILLO 507 River Bend 512-240-5137 https://barkingarmadillo.com AUGUST 21 Kaye Reznick & John Davenport, 7 p.m. 28 Bob Case, 7 p.m. SEPTEMBER 4 Nichole Wagner, 7 p.m. 11 Charlie Weyler, 7 p.m. HARDTAILS BAR AND GRILL 1515 I-35 512-869-5454 www.hardtailsbarandgrill.com AUGUST 20 Little Texas , 8 p.m. 21 Radar Rat, 8 p.m. ROOTS BISTRO 118 W. Eighth St., Ste. 101 512-863-7080 www.rootsonthesquare.com SEPTEMBER 11 Sam Lee Grona & Kyle Piland SOUTHFORK FUN, FOODAND BREW 3309 W. Hwy. 29 512-593-2376 www.southforkgtx.com AUGUST 21 Reverend Nathon Band, 7 p.m. SEPTEMBER 3 The Rhythm Dawgs, 7 p.m. 10 The Phantom Shakers, 7 p.m. SWEET LEMONKITCHEN 812 S. Church St. AUGUST 21 Jeremy Slemenda, 5 p.m. 27 Mirage Jazz Ensemble, 5 p.m. 28 Bethany Becker, 5 p.m.

“The Marvelous Wonderettes” is a story about four girls, their hopes, dreams, and highs and lows in life. The play will be held indoors on the Springer Stage. Times vary. $24 (student with ID), $32 (senior 55+, military, student), $34 (adult). 810 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown. 512-869-7469. www.georgetownpalace.com

The “Symphony of Images” exhibit will showcase the works of members of the Central Texas Pastel Society. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (Mon.-Fri.), 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Sat.), noon-5 p.m. (Sun.). Free. Second Floor Bridge and Hall, Georgetown Public Library, 402 W. Eighth St., Georgetown. https://library. georgetown.org/art

AUGUST 25 GET CRAFTY AT AQUILT WORKSHOP National educator Teresa Coates will teach attendees to use cuddle minky to make a patchwork quilt, including how to stabilize and mark it. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Prices vary. 3010 Williams Drive, Ste. 156, Georgetown. 512-863-6108. The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce will oer a lunch and learn on how to respond to negative reviews on social media. Guest speakers include those from the city of Georgetown and Georgetown ISD. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. $5-$10 (virtual), $15-$25 (in-person). 1 Chamber www.poppyquiltnsew.com 25 LUNCHAND LEARN Way, Georgetown. 512-930-3535. https://georgetownchamber.org 26 COOK UP AMEAL AT AN INSTAPOT CLASS The Sanctuary Holistic Kitchen will host the cooking class at which individuals can learn from Robin Cervantesto how to make meals with an InstaPot, such as vegetable curry and re cider chicken soup. 6:30-7:30 p.m. $35. Sanctuary Holistic Kitchen, 1911 N. Austin Ave., Ste. 102, Georgetown. 941-284-4266. https://sanctuaryholistickitchen.com 27 MAKE CRAFTS AND DRINK COCKTAILS Participants will be provided with one drink, crafting supplies and light snacks and create self-care crafts. 6:30-8:30 p.m. $15 (museum members), $20 (museum nonmembers). 716 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown. 512-943-1670. www.williamsonmuseum.org 27 SHOOT CLAY TARGETS FOR A FUNDRAISER Teams of up to ve can attend a Pull, Shoot & Serve fundraiser that will feature 10 shooting stations and 60 clay shoot features, breakfast, lunch and other games. Proceeds will benet Opportunities for Williamson & Burnet Counties. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. $1,200 (team

4945 Williams Drive, Georgetown. 512- 509-0200. https://events.bswhealth. com/event/diabetes-boot-camp- georgetown-48 SEPTEMBER 02 THROUGH 23 HEAR FROMA 911 FIRST RESPONDER Enjoy the exhibit of Susan Hoppenworth, a 9/11 rst responder, who used her experience in her quilting and writing. On Sept. 10 at 4 p.m., Hoppenworth will give an artist talk about her works. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (Mon.- Fri.), 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Sat.), noon-5 p.m. (Sun.). Free. Second Floor Hewlett Room, Georgetown Public Library, 402 W. Eighth St., Georgetown. https://library.georgetown.org/art 03 THROUGH06 SHOP A LABOR DAY SALE AND DINE DOWNTOWN Participating Georgetown shops and restaurants will have special weekend- only deals for Labor Day. 4-8 p.m. Free. Downtown Georgetown. www.facebook. ENJOY A LOCAL PLAY “Lost in Yonkers” tells the story of two sons whose father leaves them with their grandmother, their aunt and uncle in a strange world called Yonkers. Times vary. $24 (student with ID), $32 (senior com/downtowngeorgetown 03 THROUGHOCT. 3 55+, military, student), $34 (adult). Georgetown Palace Theatre, 810 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown. 512-869-7469. www.georgetownpalace.com 12 COMPETE INA COOKING EVENT For the third annual Chupacabra Cooko, competitors will hunt, kill and cook their own chupacabra. Proceeds will go to Veterans Outdoor, a local charity that sends retired veterans on hunting trips. 5 p.m.-midnight. $25 (until Aug 31), $30 (Sept. 1-11), $40 (Sept. 12). Bentwood Texas Event Center, 8150 E. Hwy. 29, Georgetown. http://gtownchupacabracooko.com

of ve shooters). Reunion Ranch, 850 CR 255, Georgetown. https://igfn.us/e/ jzmwng 28 TRAIN FOR AHALFMARATHON The Georgetown Fit half- marathon program will help walkers and runners achieve their training goals. 8-11 a.m. Prices vary. San Gabriel Park, 445 E. Morrow St., Georgetown. www.usat. com/georgetownt 28 LEARNABOUT SNAKES Children ages 4-13 will interact with snakes, including the four venomous species found in Central Texas. They will learn how to identify snakes and what to do when they see one. Preregistration is required. 9-10:30 a.m. $20 (resident), $30 (nonresident). Garey Park, 6450 RM 2243, Georgetown. 512-930-6800. https://parks.georgetown.org/gareypark/ garey-park-programs 28 ATTENDA BRUNCH TO FIGHT CHILDABUSE The Bikers Against Child Abuse brunch will include live music, yard games and drinks. BACA is an organization that helps to create a safe environment for abused children and empower them. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Hardtails, 1515 N. I-35, Georgetown. www.hellogeorgetown. com/events/287424 28 ENJOY HIT SONGS FROMTHE 1960S Palace performers will sing hits from the 1960s, and attendees are encouraged to dress in ‘60s attire such as tie dye. 7:30 p.m. $20 (student with ID), $22 (senior 55+, military, student), $24 (adult). Doug Smith Performance Center, Georgetown Palace Theatre, 810 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown. 512-869-7469. www. georgetownpalace.com 30 LEARN SKILLS TOMANAGE DIABETES Baylor Scott & White Clinic-Georgetown will host a boot camp to help those with diabetes learn skills to live healthy. A physician referral is required. 1-3 p.m. Cost based on insurance coverage. Baylor Scott & White Clinic-Georgetown,

Find more or submit Georgetown 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.

GEORGETOWN EDITION • AUGUST 2021

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TRANSPORTATIONUPDATES City to spend $2.8Mon street resurfacing

COMPILED BY FERNANDA FIGUEROA

UPCOMING PROJECTS

The city of Georgetown is expected to spend $2.8 million on 129 street resurfacing projects that will be completed through the summer, according to city sta. Last year the city spent $2.7 million on street resurfacing projects, accord- ing to the Georgetown Systems Engi- neering Department. On an annual basis the city spends an average of $3 million on street maintenance projects, the department added. Street resurfacing projects are conducted annually by the city and funded by the city’s quarter-cent sales tax. The city’s 0.25% sales tax for street maintenance was rst approved by voters in 2002 and most recently in 2018, according to the city’s website. The sales tax generates $3 million annually, which is all used to maintain the city’s streets. The 129 street resurfacing projects being conducted this summer are intended to maintain and extend the life of the existing Georgetown street network. “Maintaining high-quality roads ensures all modes of transportation through the city are safe,” said Aly

SOUTHWEST BYPASS

Southwest Bypass extension The project will extend the two-lane Southwest Bypass from Wolf Ranch Parkway to Hwy. 29. Design and right of way acquisition are complete; util- ity relocations are underway; and the existing overhead utilities will remain overhead instead of underground. Timeline: summer 2021-late 2022 Cost: $2.8 million Funding source: Williamson County 2019 road bond

Crews resurfaced Holly Street in May 2020, and the city expects to spend $2.8 million on street resurfacing in 2021. (Courtesy city of Georgetown)

Van Dyke, Georgetown director of communication and public engage- ment. “Streets from dierent areas of the city are selected for maintenance each year.” Resurfacing projects will include a high-performance surface seal treatment and hot-in-place recycling, an alternative to mill and asphalt overlay. During the work schedule for surface seal treatment in the Old Mill Crossing, Pleasant Valley, Quail Valley and portions of Sun City neighborhoods, the streets will be closed to trac and street parking from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. High-performance

approaching the intersection will enable higher volumes of trac to ow through the intersection, reducing congestion and increasing mobility in an ever-growing area of Georgetown.” The project includes improvements on Hwy. 29 west of Wood Court to east of River Chase Boulevard and at the intersection of D.B. Wood and Hwy. 29. The proposed improvements on Hwy. 29 include adding curbs and gutters, designated left- and right- turn lanes, a raised median and eliminating the continuous left-turn. On D.B. Wood, crews will widen the road from three to ve lanes south of Hwy. 29 and to six lanes north of Hwy. 29. surface seal treatments scheduled in portions of Berry Creek, Gatlin Creek and Lakeside at Lake Georgetown will close streets for 24 hours from 7 a.m.-7 a.m. On the day hot-in-place recycling is scheduled, the streets will not be closed, but residents should expect delays and plan for alternate routes. Projects are chosen based on the pavement condition index study, an assessment of road surface condi- tions based on vehicles outtted to record street surface conditions. A full list of projects and paving schedules can be found at https:// transportation.georgetown.org.

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SAM HOUSTON AVE.

Hwy. 29 bypass project The project includes building a new two-lane bypass road to extend Sam Houston Avenue from Patriot Way to Hwy. 29 with a bridge over SH 130. Fu- ture phases to construct the ultimate build-out of the road could take sever- al decades. Timeline: late 2021-spring 2023 Cost: $24.3 million Funding source: Williamson County 2019 road bond

Hwy. 29, D.B. Wood improvements could aidmobility on growing corridor In response to increasing trac growth in the Hwy. 29 corridor, Williamson County, in partnership with the Texas Department of Covey said in an email. “The addition of turning movements and medians

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Transportation, is working to make improvements that will aid mobility and safety. Currently about 15,000 vehicles travel the corridor per day, and that is expected to increase to more to 40,000 per day by 2035, according to the Williamson County Department of Infrastructure. The project, which is funded a 2013 road bond, is expected to be com- pleted by September 2022 and cost $5.5 million, according to Williamson County. “[Hwy.] 29 serves as an alternative to Williams Drive for many northwest Georgetown residents wishing to access I-35,” Commissioner Valerie

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ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF AUG. 9. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT GEONEWSCOMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. Westinghouse Road expansion The project will upgrade the exist- ing narrow road to a 3.7-mile-long, two-lane road with shoulders. It will also provide preliminary planning to eventually expand Westinghouse to six lanes. The project will also expand CR 110 North from two to three lanes. Timeline: fall 2021-summer 2022 Cost: $19.5 million Funding Source: Williamson County 2019 road bond

Timeline: January 2021-summer 2022 Cost: $5.5 million Funding source: Williamson County 2013 road bond

GEORGETOWN EDITION • AUGUST 2021

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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

HOUSING Georgetown continues to see apartment construction surge

DEL WEBB BLVD.

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BY FERNANDA FIGUEROA

The plan adjusts zoning provisions to provide greater exibility for dierent housing types. Nelson said land availability and the desire to have dierent types of housing helps make Georgetown a desirable market. Georgetown is also seeing growth in communities for older adults, with three complexes opening within the next year, including Amberlin Georgetown, which will open in summer 2022. “Georgetown is already a top desti- nation for active seniors, but there’s a real need for more low-maintenance alternatives to single-family homes for people who no longer want a yard but don’t yet need the services oered in assisted living facilities,” Sparrow Partners co-founder Je Patterson said in a June 9 release. Sparrow Partners co-founder Luke Bourlon said the growth happening in Georgetown was an attractive feature in deciding to bring a commu- nity to the area. As Georgetown continues to grow, city planners and council members are looking to invest in utilities in areas of growth, sta, infrastructure and transportation, Nelson said. Council has taken these needs into consideration during planning for the scal year 2021-22 budget, she added. “The commitment the council has displayed is evident in so many ways in terms of prioritizing areas of growth,” Nelson said. “That is highly evident in the council’s strategic planning as well as their nancial planning.”

Within the next year, Georgetown expects to see at least seven new apartment complexes open with several options for senior living in adult active communities. Georgetown is primarily a sin- gle-family community but has gone from having 5,900 multifamily units in August 2020 to 6,312 units in August 2021, a 6.98% increase, according to Apartment Trends Services, which tracks the apartment market in the Georgetown area. Its data shows that 1,571 units are under construction with an additional 2,671 units waiting for permits. The city of Georgetown’s planning department data, however, shows as of Aug. 2 the city has closer to over 7,100 apartment units. This makes up approximately 20% of housing in the city, Susan Watkins, Georgetown Neighborhood & Housing Program manager, told Community Impact Newspaper . “Georgetown has a lot of assets in terms of open space, quality of life and a lot of small-town charm that people seek out,” Georgetown Planning Director Soa Nelson said. “So, I think certainly we are feeling the eects of Central Texas growth.” By 2030, Georgetown is expected to need 14,000 more housing units, according to its 2030 plan. As George- town continues to grow, the city uses this comprehensive plan to identify a vision for the city that helps to cite locations with specic types of housing, Nelson said.

LAKE GEORGETOWN

LAKEWAY DR.

SAN GABRIEL RIVER

130 TOLL

SAN GABRIEL RIVER

SOUTHWEST BYPASS

MAYS ST.

1 2

SOURCE: COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME As of Aug. 2, seven apartment complexes are expected to open by late 2022 in Georgetown.

1 The Caroline Opening late 2022 336 apartment units 2 Amberlin Georgetown Opening 2022 188 apartment units for residents 55+ 3 Vida Apartments Opening 2022 124 apartment units 4 Grand Living at Georgetown Opening 2021 184 apartment units

5 Alta Austin Avenue Apartments Opening winter 2021 312 apartment units 6 Summit Lofts Opening 2022 257 apartment units 7 The Hacienda at Georgetown Opening late 2022 315 apartment units

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GEORGETOWN EDITION • AUGUST 2021

PUBLIC SAFETY

CommUNITY Initiative Police eort works to enhance public safety in Georgetown

STAKEHOLDERS The Georgetown Police Department is working with seven groups to help public safety within the community.

organizations and the media, Nero said. Through the initiative, police department representatives explain how, why and what the department is doing. Stakeholders also have an opportunity to give feedback and highlight issues they see in the community, Nero added. “The reason for the CommUNITY Initiative is not for me as the police chief to tell people what we should be doing for them,” he said. “As a police chief, what I want is more community involve- ment, like you tell us what you need from us.” To help strengthen these relationships, the police department engages in several eorts that dier depending on the group. For example, engagement with youth includes eld days for high school students to spend the day at the police station, a summer youth police academy, and the annual Chase the Chief 5K and Fun Run. The initiative has also established a chief’s advisory task force, comprising leaders from stake- holder groups that help the police department better understand community needs, Nero said. Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, the initiative was in the process of establishing a subcommittee made up of leaders from the task force who would help the police department develop more opportu- nities for engagement, Nero said. “[This initiative] is about how do we create mean- ingful relationships within these stakeholder groups, and how do we bring people together?” Nero said.

• Business community • Faith-based groups • Media

• Neighborhoods • Seniors • Youth

• Nongovernmental organizations

BY FERNANDA FIGUEROA

Since 2015, the Georgetown Police Department’s CommUNITY Initiative has focused on building and strengthening relationships with residents in an eort to enhance public safety, said Police Chief Wayne Nero, who started the initiative. “Relationships between the police and the community are important,” Nero said. “Especially in today’s world where there is a strain between police and community relationships.” The initiative focuses on working with seven groups or stakeholders in the community, including neigh- borhood leaders, youth, the business community, seniors, faith-based organizations, nongovernmental

TO REACH THE GOAL Within each of those seven groups the police department will focus on the following topics: 1 Assess the strength of relationships between law enforcement and the various stakeholder groups. Establish benecial contacts with stakeholder groups to build

2 3 4 5

meaningful relationships. Participate in community engagement to strengthen relationships.

Develop opportunities to actively listen and problem-solve across stakeholder groups.

“AS APOLICE CHIEF, WHAT I WANT IS MORE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, LIKE YOU TELL USWHAT YOU NEED FROMUS.” WAYNE NERO, GEORGETOWN POLICE CHIEF

Develop a network of relationships that add value to the community and allow for problem solving. SOURCE: COMMUNITY INITIATIVECOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

REGIONAL NEWS

Updates from the Austin metro

Austin council OKs purchase of Candlewood Suites inWilliamson County for homeless housing

BY BEN THOMPSON

Council Member Mackenzie Kelly, who represents Williamson County residents in Austin, opposed the hotel purchase and said the city did not act on a resolution she sponsored directing Austin to cooperate with neighboring counties on a homeless strategy. On June 10, City Council members passed a resolution to improve infor- mation sharing with surrounding local governments. However, Connie Odom, Williamson County public aairs manager, said no communication has taken place between county and city ocials since June. Commissioners were slated to discuss a lawsuit at the Aug. 17 meeting, after this publication’s

again threatened legal action if the city’s purchase plans moved forward. Williamson County Precinct 2 Com- missioner Cynthia Long also petitioned Austin ocials to hold o on going down the “awed path” of the hotel purchase in a pair of letters sent to the city this week. County ocials said they were never notied about the project at rst and have raised concerns over the potential impact on resources and services. “Mayor [Steve Adler], you can do things under the cover of darkness, but you will not trample upon the people of Williamson County,” County Judge Bill Gravell said Aug. 10.

A Candlewood Suites hotel in southern Williamson County is one step closer to conversion as a support- ive homeless housing facility through the city of Austin following months of pushback from county elected ocials, residents and business owners. Austin City Council on Aug. 11 voted 7-4 for the $9.55 million purchase of the Candlewood Suites at 10811 Pecan Park Blvd., Bldg. 2, Austin, to provide “services, shelter or housing” units per the approved city resolution. Renova- tions are expected to cost $1.66 million. The vote came one day after Wil- liamson County commissioners once

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PECAN PARK BLVD.

Candlewood Suites is located in southern Williamson County.

deadline. At the court’s Aug. 10 meeting, Long made it clear a lawsuit would proceed following the city’s nal approval to purchase Candlewood Suites. Trent Thompson contributed to this report.

TxDOTunveils newI35 designs inCentral Austin

Area residents could receive gift cards for getting vaccine

CAP AND STITCH A cap is a structural cover over a highway, and a stitch is a widened bridge that allow for added sidewalks and bike lanes. Here are the proposed locations of caps and stitches in downtown Austin.

BY BENTON GRAHAM

BY MAGGIE QUINLAN

The Texas Department of Transportation plans to massively overhaul I-35 between Hwy. 290 and Hwy. 71. The $4.9 billion plan includes taking down the existing I-35 upper decks, lowering the lanes from Lady Bird Lake to Airport Boulevard and adding two high-occupancy vehicle managed lanes in each direction. TxDOT will indicate its preferred design in fall 2022. The city of Austin is pushing for a cap-and-stitch design to create better connectivity. That project would be separate from TxDOT’s plan and could cost $796 million, according to an Aug. 10 Texas A&M Transportation Institute report. A cap is a structural cover over the highway that could include green space, streets or buildings. Stitches are widened bridges that would allow for adding sidewalks and bike lanes.

Austin Public Health will give newly vaccinated people a $50 HEB gift card for each dose they get. To receive a gift card, people would get vacci- nated at an APH event and ll out an exit survey. Residents may receive the vaccine in any county. The goal is to incentivize the “moveable middle,” or unvaccinated people who are persuadable, to get vaccinated, according to the memo. 1. Find an APH vaccine site at http://austintexas.gov/covid19-vaccines. 2. Receive the appropriate number of doses for the vaccine. 3. Fill out an exit survey after each dose to receive a $50 H-E-B gift card per dose. HOWTORECEIVE A FREE GIFT CARD

DEAN KEETON ST.

STITCH CAP KEY

SOURCE: URBAN LAND INSTITUTE COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

HOLLY ST.

SOURCE: AUSTIN PUBLIC HEALTHCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

UnitedWay branches merge inAustin area

“As the Austin metro area grows, the boundaries between Travis and Williamson counties continue to blend; many people work in one and live in the other,” said David C. Smith, CEO of United Way for Greater Aus- tin, in a statement. “This merger will help us better and more eciently serve the Greater Austin community while expanding and deepening our impact with a regional approach.”

The nonprots have signed an intent-to-merge contract and are in the operational, nancial and legal due diligence process, expected to wrap up by the end of 2021. Smith will carry on as CEO following the merger. The combined organization will continue its mission of combatting poverty in the Austin area under the United Way for Greater Austin name.

BY OLIVIA ALDRIDGE

United Way for Greater Austin and United Way of Williamson County announced Aug. 5 that they will merge, combining their 10-county Central Texas service region.

Two area branches will operate under the United Way for Greater Austin name.

GEORGETOWN EDITION • AUGUST 2021

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Offer for new residential customers. Former Suddenlink accts prev. not in good standing or have disconnected srvc within past 30 days not eligible. Not transferrable & may not be combined with other offers, is limited to advertised level of srvc. Other terms, conditions & restrictions apply. Min system req’s & equip configs apply. Not available in all areas. PRICES, EQUIP, TAXES & FEES: All advertised prices reflect $5 discount for enrolling in Auto Pay & Paperless Billing, must maintain both to keep discount. Surcharges, taxes, plus certain add’l charges & fees will be added to bill, and are subject to change during and after promotion period. 60-day money back guarantee is only for the monthly fee. Suddenlink must be contacted within first 60 days of service to receive full refund. Free standard installation with online orders. Free Smart Router available with leased modem. Limit 1 router per household. INTERNET: As of 13th mo., srvc will be billed at reg. rate & is subj to change. A $10/mo. modem fee & $3.50 Network Enhancement Fee applies. Advertised price for speeds up to 200 Mbps download/up to 10 Mbps upload. 1 Gig Internet not available in all areas. All speeds shown are for wired connection. WiFi speeds vary. Actual speeds vary & are not guaranteed. Wireless speed, performance & availability sbjct to factors beyond Suddenlink’s control. Many factors affect speed. Min. system req’s & equip. configs apply. In select markets with data caps, $15 will be charged automatically for each add’l 50 GB of data if initial data cap, or any previously applied data add-on amount, is exceeded. VISA ® REWARD CARD: Only available to individuals who participate in advertised Internet offer and is not available to individuals who have previously participated in an Suddenlink Visa ® Reward Card promotion within past 12 months. Visa Reward Card will be mailed to customers who maintain promotion and remain in good standing with no past due or returned payments throughout first 90 days after account activation. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Limit 1 per customer. Visa Reward Card cannot be used to pay Suddenlink monthly bill. Card value expires in 12 mos. Visa Reward Card may be used when making purchases from merchants in the U.S. and District of Columbia everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. No ATM access. Terms and Conditions apply to Reward Cards. See Cardholder Agreement for details. Visa Reward Card is issued by MetaBank ® , N.A., Member FDIC pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. This optional offer is not a MetaBank product or service nor does MetaBank endorse this offer. Card is distributed and serviced by InComm Financial Services, Inc., which is licensed as a Money Transmitter by the New York State Department of Financial Services. ONE MONTH OF FREE INTERNET: Free month of service covers offer price for Internet service (or Internet portion of bundle offer price) & related Altice-imposed fees and will appear as bill credit on the 3rd bill. Gov’t taxes & fees still apply. Customer will need to maintain promotion and remain in good standing with no past due or returned payments throughout first 60 days after account activation. BUILT-IN SECURITY: provides security alerts to help identify potential online threats. It does not identify all malicious sites or prevent all malware and viruses and may be bypassed by Subscriber. Subscriber remains responsible for maintaining the security of any device connected to the Suddenlink network. Service subject to discontinuance without notice. Speed, service availability, pricing, offers, equipment needed, limitations, restrictions and terms vary by area and subject to change & discontinuance w/o notice. Visit Suddenlink.com for details. All rights reserved. All trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owner. All trademarks & srvc marks are property of their respective owners. © 2021 Suddenlink Communications, a subsidiary of Altice USA, Inc.

COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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