Significant projects in the Lake Travis area are moving right along in 2019. Some pretty easily. Others have had a less than perfect journey. Plus, we’ve discovered a few happy surprises along the way! And we’re probably in for a few more. That said, here’s a quick look at where they are now:
Forward motion in The Backyard hubbub
It’s a story we’ve been following for years, so it’s not “new” news, but there is a hint of positive change in the air.
If you remember the story from 2014, the original concept for our once beloved Backyard music and concert venue was jaw-dropping. They even broke ground for it in 2017. Unfortunately, there were more than a few bumps in the road. Bing, bang, boom. A lawsuit ensued.
Last week, there was forward motion when Bee Cave City Council approved the proposed site development plan (infrastructure) for the 35.139-acre tract. It’s a step in the right direction to resolve the pending lawsuit.
Interestingly enough, the major issue that was so problematic in the first place — road access to Hwy. 71 — is not addressed in the plan. This means you won’t see anything vertical being built at The Backyard quite yet.
Bee Cave Middle School zoning
We reached out to our friend Marco Alvarado over at Lake Travis ISD for the inside scoop on zoning for the brand new school under construction in Lake Travis, Bee Cave Middle School.
They are currently in the process of realigning school attendance zones. Part of that process just concluded this week which was the Thoughtexchange, an online forum for public feedback that lasted from January 17-28.
The input gathered will help guide the advisory committee comprised of 31 members. The committee will provide recommendations to the school board, and their findings will eventually reach a voting process in mid-May. Attendance zones will be announced before summer break. Stay in-the-know by following the district blog.
Bee Creek Sports Complex moving along
When we last wrote about the $23.6 million Bee Creek Sports Complex in October 2018, some hurdles needed to be jumped so the project could continue. Those hurdles were cleared earlier this month when Lakeway City Council approved the rezoning of 70 acres of property on Bee Creek Road.
The council also recently approved the rezoning of 30 acres of adjacent land on 4528 Bee Creek Road from agricultural to commercial. When the project was initially approved, a proposed timeline indicated construction would begin later this year.
Rock quarry woes in Spicewood
We first started covering the rock quarry debate in October 2018 when hundreds of residents attended meetings to voice their concerns about the proposed rock quarry on Hwy. 71 between two residential neighborhoods, Double Horn Creek and Spicewood Trails. State officials were also in attendance to address various concerns from noise pollution, to air pollution, and how the rock quarry would impact home values.
At that time, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TECQ) was reviewing the air-quality permit. According to documentation on the Spicewood Equity Protection Alliance Texas, the permit was approved by TECQ for Spicewood Crushed Stone, LLC, on January 16, 2019.
Lakeway’s $23m police facility
This project broke ground on February 16, 2018. Today, nearly one year later, the new Lakeway police facility looks like it’s nearing completion. After the traffic lights were installed at the intersection of Lohmans Spur and Lohmans Crossing, the project seemed to move along swiftly behind the barricade.
As if overnight, the 31,000-square-foot facility has taken shape, and the department is anticipating moving into the new building in March or April.
What’s shaking at Hill Country Galleria
Party people, unite! Tee Hee Party will host its Grand Opening celebration at Hill Country Galleria this week on February 1. The company is all about perfecting any party with themes, custom cakes/cookies, party entertainments, studio rentals, art/craft equipment rentals, photo/video/sound studio, tea parties and more.
Plus, Lululemon has extended their term at HCG and will stay through the end of April 2019! You can join Lulu for a community event with yoga and more on February 8.
New stores at HCG that are now open include Avrey Grace Boutique, Backroads 2 Oz, Estilo, Elevé Cosmetics, Jules Design Bar, and Hill Country Dentists and Orthodontics.
