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Growth across the Cedar Park area continues to take shape through new public amenities, regulatory changes and major county infrastructure investments.
1. New 10-acre Ridgeline Park open to the public in Austin, Cedar Park
Work is complete on Ridgeline Neighborhood Park, a new park located right on the Austin-Cedar Park line near Lakeline Mall, a spokesperson for Austin Parks and Recreation said.
The overview
The park is now open to the public, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for June 3 by Austin Parks and Recreation.
The park covers an area of just over 10 acres and preserves natural features including forested areas, a wetland ecosystem and two small streams, according to a news release.
The development of the park also included amenities such as a looped trail, picnic areas, a water fountain, and native grass and wildflowers.
Read more here.
2. New state law curtails Cedar Park’s authority over local food trucks
The Cedar Park Planning & Zoning Commission voted unanimously at its May 19 meeting to advance changes to the city's ordinances regulating food trucks that city staff said are necessary in order to comply with a new state law.
The context
Starting July 1, the operators of food trucks, referred to in government documents as mobile food establishments or MFEs, will not need permits from cities or counties. Instead, a single statewide permit process will take the place of local regulations that were previously in effect.
What’s new
The proposed changes would remove parts of the current city code of ordinances and add new requirements for food truck locations.
Read more here.
3. WilCo commissioners approve land purchase, funding for proposed justice center
Williamson County commissioners formally authorized a land purchase and funding mechanism May 19 for a 255-acre tract in southwest Georgetown intended for the justice center.
What happened
Located on SE Inner Loop adjacent to the new county administration building, commissioners said the location will allow for more efficient government operations and meet the needs of the growing population.
The vote to close on the land sale passed 4-0, with County Judge Steve Snell absent.
Commissioners also authorized up to $150 million in tax anticipation notes, a short-term funding strategy to minimize interest, that will cover the $76 million cost of land.
Read more here.
