Leander to discuss CARES Act grant application, 148-acre annexation petition, possible private school May 21

A 148.65-acre annexation next to Lakeline Boulevard; a possible city application for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant; and a public hearing for a Challenger School located at Crystal Falls Parkway and Toll 183A are on Leander City Council’s agenda for its May 21 meeting.

City Council will meet at Pat Bryson Municipal Hall for its second in-person meeting since March. The council chamber is limited to 25 attendees, and the public may speak in person or call in and the meeting will be available online. The regular meeting will begin at 7 p.m.

Council will consider accepting a petition for a 148.65-acre annexation located east of Lakeline Boulevard. If accepted, a public hearing and ordinance readings would be scheduled in June. The petition applicant will also present a concept plan, preliminary plat and planned unit development plan.

The city will also consider applying for the federal Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant, which includes $236 million for the U.S. Economic Development Administration's Austin region that covers five states. Leander may qualify for a $2.5 million grant, according to the agenda. Council will consider action on submitting an application for the program, which ends in September.

According to the agenda item, grant money may be used for:

• construction or upgrade of public infrastructure including water, wastewater, roads, and buildings;
• construction of business incubators;
• activities that support the creation of businesses and jobs;
• planning and recovery strategies for industry contraction and expansion; and
• infrastructure to promote telehealth and remote learning for job skills.

Council will also hold a public hearing on the concept plan and subdivision of a private school at the corner of Crystal Falls Parkway and Toll 183A. Challenger School at Crystal Falls would be located on 15.63 acres. The private school group has four other Texas campuses with one in Avery Ranch and one in Round Rock.