1. The fate of Lone Star Rail
The transportation policy board for the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization is set to vote on removing the Lone Star Rail line from its 2040 long-range plan, thereby halting any planning on the proposed regional rail that would have connected San Antonio and Georgetown. The board meets today at 6 p.m. at the Thompson Conference Center, located at The University of Texas campus. View an agenda here.
2. First section of the MoPac express lane opened
The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority opened the express toll lane Saturday on the northbound side of MoPac between RM 2222 and Parmer Lane.
The northbound section was originally slated to open in June, but contractor CH2M faced delays, including inclement weather. The remainder of the project is slated to be complete by early 2017.
3. CAMPO 183 study
A new study that begins this summer by CAMPO aims to find recommendations to implement in the near-, mid- and long-term to improve accessibility for walking, biking and taking transit on US 183 as well as make policy suggestions for long-term benefits.
Residents weighed in on issues and proposed recommendations at meetings held Tuesday and Thursday.
4. More assistance for small-business owners
The city of Austin launched a new online tool Thursday designed to help small-business owners get answers to questions and other information related to the development process.
By using Smart Start, designed by Northwest Austin-based Bazaarvoice, business owners can ask questions about a prospective site to determine if it is zoned for the right use, such as for a coffee shop, or if demolition and renovation is permitted.
5. Round Rock ISD ponders middle school boundaries
RRISD trustees will see an updated plan Thursday that would alter several of the district’s middle school boundaries ahead of the 2016-17 school year. The plan has created concern among a majority of parents who responded to an RRISD online survey, the results of which were made public last week. Trustees vote Nov. 17 on the plan.
6. RRISD election forums
RRISD’s Council of Parent-Teacher Associations hosts three election forums this week, with the first one scheduled from 1:15-2:15 p.m. Monday at Canyon Creek Elementary School. Additional forums are scheduled 7-8 p.m., Tuesday at Walsh Middle School and 7-8 p.m., Wednesday at Cedar Ridge High School. The district’s board of trustees election includes one contested race this year, with Mason Moses and Tony Pitts running for Place 7.
