This ELECTION EDITION highlights info on that topic, plus significant updates on Council issues. Coronavirus info appears below.
In Lakeway
Lakeway elects a new mayor and 3 council members on May 1, 2021.
Early voting starts April 19 and ends April 27. Our Early Voting location is Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek). Vote for ONE person for mayor, but you can vote for up to THREE people for council (of the 5 running, the top 3 vote-getters win seats).
Please VOTE! Our May elections always have very low turnout. Traditionally, that has allowed the same small group of residents to control the outcome. Let’s change that!
I created 10 questions and sent them out to all the candidates. The responses are on a new page on this website—Lakeway May 1 Election. Today, I added MUCH MORE INFO there. Click on that page in the Menu above or use this link—https://ninawriteorwronginlakeway.com/lakeway-may-1-election/
MAYOR–I endorse Tom Kilgore.
Having researched the candidates AND having closely followed local politics for years now, I will be voting for TOM KILGORE to be our next mayor, and I hope you will consider doing so, as well. Tom is the level head we need leading the city and managing our growth. For years, he has advocated for building safe roads, conservative financial management, and transparent government.
Tom graduated from West Point and honorably served our country until he retired in 1996. He then went on to a successful career in the energy industry, working in both public and private companies. He retired here in Lakeway to be close to his family. He has been active in city politics for years.
And I do mean “active.” I have attended or watched online just about every Council meeting for the last 3 years, and I assure you that Tom Kilgore has done the same. He often provides comments—always on point and insightful—in Citizens Participation. Tom also was appointed by Council to serve on the recent Charter Review Committee. And (in a matter close to my heart), Tom stepped up in 2019 with a generous donation to retrofit the spiked metal fencing erected along the brand new police station grounds, making it safe for our kids and wildlife. Tom’s integrity is exactly what Lakeway needs.
Tom Kilgore knows Lakeway’s issues, and he is the right person to be our next mayor. Personally, I have serious misgivings about the other candidate for mayor that just START with his complete lack of involvement with Lakeway to date. I dearly wish this message could be 100% positive, but there are disturbing things in Mr. Babin’s recent past that voters deserve to know. Schuette Shuts Down Another Deceptive Veterans Charity 11/16/17 https://www.michigan.gov/som/0,4669,7-192-47796-452462–,00.html?fbclid=IwAR12AoLuzA95Me0K-7LS8Ma-WW2VItG7PvY1Ty9gMgzFs6NiEsjtN-x5ahU
Click below to visit Tom’s site and learn more about his campaign (you can also request a very cool Kilgore for Mayor sign for your yard): https://kilgoreforlakeway.com/
COUNCIL—I will vote for Gretchen Vance. As for the rest of the candidates on the ballot for Council, Lakeway is in a world of hurt.
See my Lakeway May 1 Election page for more info and resources. https://ninawriteorwronginlakeway.com/lakeway-may-1-election/
Follow up on Council’s April 5 meeting–Stratus—Main Street and options for The Oaks: patio homes vs. apartments
Stratus Properties presented options for development of its land, as related to the long overdue completion of Main Street. It was recently revealed that the city neglected back in 2015 to get an agreement signed regarding the developer’s obligations for building the road section beyond HEB. Nevertheless, the city passed an ordinance requiring Stratus to start construction in 2021 and complete the middle portion by 2023.
The tract, still owned by Stratus, is roughly 36 acres, extending from where Main Street now ends at the barricades. It includes the missing middle section of Main Street. This will connect to the missing far section of Main Street that is in the Legends tract, ending at Lohmans, where The Hills has its main gate on Wingreen Loop. THAT is where there will eventually be a stoplight connecting Lohmans to Main Street. (Legends already has approval for residential and commercial development of its tract and is due to break ground later this year.)
Currently, the Stratus land is approved as a PUD (planned unit development), allowing 70-100 houses (zoned R-2, patio homes) and a hotel/event center. Stratus made it clear at the meeting it is NOT interested in pursuing this type of development at this time, saying it can’t make enough money on the homes, and another hotel in that area currently makes no sense. No development now means no road now, per Stratus.
Instead, as what it called “an alternative to move things along,” Stratus proposed a multi-family development—apartments—on about 10 acres of the land that would all be on one side of the road (to the left if you stand at the barricades and look into the vacant land). There would be 250-275 apartments (1, 2 and 3 bedrooms, no rental pricing provided), in 13 buildings, densely situated. The buildings are “lake house” style—pitched roofs and lots of wood. They were shown as 3 stories; most or all of the first floor area would be parking. No amenities were mentioned, but the drawing shows a clubhouse and pool. The rest of the land, over on the right side of the road (about 26 acres, bordering Rolling Green) would be undeveloped parkland.
My impression was that the multi-family plan was very spur of the moment, with Stratus just throwing numbers up in the air. The representatives were poorly prepared, with no solid answers to questions raised. The whole thing could just be a delaying tactic, and I wonder if Stratus is trying to sell the land. The fact is that Stratus has the city over a barrel, since we really need Main Street completed before work starts on revamping 620. And, Stratus’ sudden demand for a dense apartment development in the heart of Lakeway seems abusive. (Even for that plan, Stratus provided no timeline for the road.) It may well be that the only way to get Main Street built in the near future is for the city to take the land and build the road itself, hoping to recoup funds from Stratus later.
On the other hand, if there is ANY location within Lakeway appropriate for a dense apartment complex, it is this site, which is next to heavy commercial development. As mentioned at the meeting, designating a percentage of the apartments as affordable housing should be considered. The central location and walking access to shops and restaurants are big positives. Also, having a 4 lane road running through the tract makes it difficult to place luxury homes. And, having a large park on the Rolling Green side insulates those established homes as well as providing green space for everyone. (In the patio home version, the houses would be across the entire tract, with a buffer along Rolling Green but no large park.)
Council made no decision at the April 5 meeting. This is something the community needs to know about and weigh in on, sending comments to the mayor and council members. The city recently uploaded the Stratus presentation, and that PDF is attached here. To watch the meeting, go here and click on item 5 (the discussion is about an hour)– https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/117125
Here is the PDF showing various drawings.
Contact officials with your questions and comments here– https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/100/Mayor-City-Council Or email info@lakeway-tx.gov
Council meets on Monday, April 19, 6:30pm.
This will be an IN PERSON MEETING AT CITY HALL. [I assume the 3 newcomers on the May 1 ballot have supporters lined up to lead them by the hand to City Hall, to be sure they find it.] Masks are required, and distancing means there will be reduced seating available. Comments can be submitted to Council beforehand, but no one can call in to participate. Citizens Participation requires attendance.
The agenda includes another consideration of the planned development on Flint Rock Road (item 11), after a Traffic Study was reviewed at the April 5 meeting. Request is for a zoning change from the current R-1 and C-1 to creation of a Planned Unit Development. Having settled a long-running lawsuit with the city, developer Legacy DCS wants to build 126 detached single-family homes on 25 acres, with several variances. This development is designed to serve the adjacent hospital complex, and the proposal is more in line with Lakeway’s usual requirements than the recent one for apartments. But, nearby homeowners are objecting over density and traffic. The Meeting Packet for April 19 has info on this item.
Also, Stratus is back for another presentation on The Oaks and Main Street (item 15). See above for a summary of their presentation at the last meeting. Stratus has provided written answers to some questions from last time, and the document is in the April 19 meeting Packet (pages 166-170). For the apartment option, Stratus clarified there would be 275 units (750 to 1510 square feet) priced at $1600-1700 (but possibly including some workforce/affordable units), with amenities. Extensive variances would be required. Completion date for the road was vague but tied to completion of the project. (I cannot see how THAT could be done in 2 years.) For the patio homes option, Stratus was even less specific, but it did say the homes would be high-end with no workforce/affordable units and that the PUD allows 83 homes OR 56 homes plus a hotel. Stratus stated construction on this option would not start in the foreseeable future, with the same applying to Main Street expansion. Clearly, Stratus is not interested in doing the right thing for Lakeway. Here are the new pages from Stratus:
Plus, there is a proposal for a recreation center (item 16) that was last considered a year ago. Lakeway is being asked to move forward with the YMCA to the pre-design, conceptual design and funding support phases, for $48,000. Details are in the Meeting Packet, pages 172-187.
And, there is a long list of expensive projects recommended for the Capital Improvement Plan (item 17).
The Agenda concludes with Executive Sessions, away from the public, on 5 separate issues (including what amounts to suing Stratus over Main Street). Go here for the Agenda and Meeting Packet— https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx
Keep in mind that this is likely the LAST time this Mayor and Council will preside, depending on how long it takes to certify the May 1 vote. There WILL be a NEW MAYOR and up to 3 new Council members at upcoming meetings, making a majority of the April 19 members LAME DUCKS. It will be interesting to see how that goes….
To send comments to Council beforehand (there is a 3pm deadline on the meeting date) about any agenda item, go here and create a Public Comment Form–https://lakeway-tx.civicweb.net/Portal/CitizenEngagement.aspx
Go here to watch this Council meeting online (live or after the fact)— https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1062/Videos—Meetings-Events
The Coronavirus
Worldwide, the stats just passed some mind-boggling milestones. There are now over 140 million confirmed cases, as well as over 3 million Covid deaths. (Due to lack of testing in many countries, both numbers are considered serious undercounts of reality.) At the world level, Covid remains a deadly and uncontrolled wildfire.
In the US, a worrisome projection became reality as of April 7: Most infections in America are now caused by a contagious virus variant that was first identified in Britain.
America continues to experience a slow but steady rise in cases and hospitalizations, as the fourth surge continues. As of April 16, over 20 states reported at least a 10% rise in daily average positive cases. Michigan remains the worst-hit state. Hospitals across the country report younger patients in this surge, likely due to most seniors having been vaccinated.
The latest Covid controversy seems to be over pandemic passports, which is just secure certification that a person has been vaccinated. Those who get vaccinated have the right to be able to prove that, as needed for work, school, travel, etc. Some states—Texas and other red ones, of course—are blocking this, seeming determined to protect those who refuse vaccination, as opposed to protecting public health. There are consequences for refusing to get vaccinated—practical ones in addition to the whole get-sick-and-maybe-die thing. Airlines, schools, and businesses worldwide want to protect their workers and customers, and proof of vaccination is the obvious way to do that. As time passes and the vaccines become widespread, everyone will have to choose to get vaccinated or get out of the way as society moves forward. A small number of loudly outraged Americans defining freedom as the right to infect others will not be tolerated by the rest of the world. Here are a couple articles on the issues:
—Likely Legal, ‘Vaccine Passports’ Emerge as the Next Coronavirus Divide 4/6/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/06/us/politics/vaccine-passports-coronavirus.html
—Should You Be Worried About ‘Vaccine Passports’? 4/6/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/06/opinion/vaccine-passports-covid.html
Vaccinations–the safe path to herd immunity
Finally, America is setting a GOOD standard for the pandemic!
On April 5, Pres. Biden announced that as of April 19, every adult 18 and up will be eligible for vaccination across the US. The supply of doses is steadily increasing, so it looks like all adults can actually be vaccinated by this summer.
A new daily vaccination record was set—4.6 million shots were given on April 10.
Among US adults, 30% are now fully vaccinated, with 50% having received at least one dose of vaccine. Last week, the FDA and CDC agreed to temporarily pause use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, due to 6 reported cases on a rare type of blood clot in people having received the shot. So far, J&J shots have accounted for only about 9 percent of fully vaccinated Americans, but the company is scheduled to deliver a larger proportion of product soon. J&J paused U.S. Calls for Pause on Johnson & Johnson Vaccine After Clotting Cases 4/13/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/13/us/politics/johnson-johnson-vaccine-blood-clots-fda-cdc.html
My view is that the FDA and CDC saw that something serious happened and decided an investigation need to be done, to see IF the J&J vaccine caused the blood clots. Seems to me this is the correct scientific response. And, it should not make people afraid of ANY of the vaccines. It shows the process works, AND it proves that ALL the vaccines are being watched closely and are SAFE. If you want to understand this controversial issue, I recommend listening to this excellent podcast. The Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Pause Explained https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/15/podcasts/the-daily/johnson-johnson-vaccine-blood-clots-covid.html?rref=vanity
In Texas, more than 6 million people in Texas are fully vaccinated, which is about 20% of the state’s population.
Recent Covid articles I recommend
Covid Hospitalizations At Highest Level In Over A Month As Cases And Deaths Climb 4/16/21 https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicholasreimann/2021/04/16/covid-hospitalizations-at-highest-level-in-over-a-month-as-cases-and-deaths-climb/?sh=60213019196d
What Women Need to Know About the Covid Vaccine 4/14/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/14/well/live/women-covid-19-vaccine.html
Likely Legal, ‘Vaccine Passports’ Emerge as the Next Coronavirus Divide 4/6/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/06/us/politics/vaccine-passports-coronavirus.html
Should You Be Worried About ‘Vaccine Passports’? 4/6/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/06/opinion/vaccine-passports-covid.html
Great series of Q&As on side effects from the shots and how to handle them. Is the Second Dose Bad? If I Feel OK, Is It Working? Can I Take Tylenol? 4/4/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/02/well/live/covid-vaccine-side-effects-faq.html
Excellent and reassuring article on why this is all so hard and why we feel so bad. We Have All Hit a Wall 4/3/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/03/business/pandemic-burnout-productivity.html
Back to me….
I’m painting again! My built-in-1997 home had gold hardware EVERYWHERE. Some people like that—not me. I changed out the cabinet pulls, hinges, doorknobs (SO MANY doorknobs….), etc. to modern brushed nickel during the 2 renos. But, I was stuck with the very gold custom threshold at the front door; inside and outside, it glared blindingly, taunting me…. Rather than have a new one made, I decided to try painting it. So, after sanding and slapping on a coat of primer, I applied metallic paint in brushed nickel. (Having been using lovely latex paint recently, I had forgotten that oil paint is sticky to work with and a bear to clean up, plus it STINKS.) But, I got 2 coats on, and the result is exactly what I wanted. The threshold now matches all the brushed nickel hardware in the house, and you’d never know it was painted as opposed to coming that way.
I am scheduled for my second Pfizer vaccination next week. I can’t wait.
NEWBORN FAWNS ARE HERE!
DO NOT assume a fawn has been abandoned. Mama does leave newborns in safe areas to rest while they forage. Parked fawns tend to curl up like cats and nap. The spot chosen may seem exposed; fawns are safer from predators out in the open than they would be hidden in a wooded area. Does don’t go far, and often other deer in her group keep watch. Removing a fawn that is not in danger or clearly in distress causes terrible harm.
If the fawn is wandering around or bleating, it may need help. If the ears are curled at the tips or its bottom is dirty, Mom hasn’t been around in a long time and the fawn needs help. If the fawn has been injured or is being attacked by fire ants, it needs help. Otherwise, don’t get close enough to frighten it into moving from its assigned spot, and let Mama Doe return.
If you do find a fawn or other deer in distress, here are people to call:
–Lakeway police animal control officer Andrea Greig (cell) 512-261-2852.
–Wildlife rescue expert Leanne Dupay 512-694-1811 (she lives in The Hills.)
–Animal rehabber Emily Ash 512-773-5653 (she lives in Bee Cave)
–All Things Wild animal rehab 512-897-0806
–Austin Wildlife Rescue 512-472-9453
All this info and more is on my website’s Parked Fawn page; see Menu above or click here– https://ninawriteorwronginlakeway.com/parked-fawns-injured-deer
Since I have not seen any fawns yet, here are some recent photos of our adult deer in town.
Panda cub updates on Washington Zoo’s Xiao (AKA Biscuit):
I am impressed with how dedicated this panda mom is; she really seems to love playing and interacting with her very demanding cub pretty much constantly. And, it is a VERY good thing that panda cubs are so well-padded, as Biscuit takes a lot of slips and falls as he careens around non-stop.
Xiao Qi Ji and Momma’s Delightful Life 4/14/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKtInWasvJw
Xiao Qi Ji & Momma’s Rip Roaring Funfest in the Panda House 4/10/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPR78nHKj1Q
Xiao Qi Ji & Momma’s Sweet Day 4/6/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsAkJiK6GgY
Watch Xiao Qi Ji Climb and Tumble 4/2/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7syodg5x1Jc