By CASSIE MCKEE, Four Points News

Steiner Ranch Neighborhood Association Chairman Brian Thompto is urging the Steiner Ranch community to make its voice heard regarding the future of an 84-acre property known as MU-14 that Thompto describes as the “front door” of Steiner Ranch.

An online survey has been launched at http://steinerranchna.org/mu14/ to get community feedback about this land.

Currently, the tract located off of RM 620 and Quinlan Park Road is privately owned by a number of landowners. Taylor Morrison was one of the owners but recently sold its share to the other owners, Thompto said. Under the current plan, Taylor Morrison would still be contracted to build 150 two- to three-bedroom duplexes on the tract. Thompto said many Steiner Ranch residents oppose that plan.

The future of an 84-acre property off of RM 620 known as MU-14 is at stake. It is shown in this map in the tan color. Currently duplexes are proposed for the site but the Steiner Ranch Neighborhood Association would like to see if the community is interested in purchasing it and asks that residents to go to www.steinerranchna.org/mu14 to voice their support or opposition regarding the land.

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By SARAH DOOLITTLE, Four Points News

The Vandegrift PTA ladder hosted a Meet the Candidates forum last week to find out where candidates stand on issues as two incumbent Leander ISD Board of Trustee members are being challenged for their seats in the May 9 election.

Voters will decide on the Place 1 seat, currently held by Lisa Mallory and being challenged by Trish Bode, both who live in Four Points, and the Place 2 seat, held by Don Hisle and being challenged by Cobby Caputo, both of Cedar Park.

Questions covered a range of topics from district debt, to Common Core curriculum, to the use of portable classrooms, to sex education materials, to whether or not teachers and administrators should be allowed to carry guns on campus.

LISD Board of trustees candidates at the Vandegrift PTA Ladder Meet the Candidates forum at Grandview Hills Elementary on April 29. (L-R) Trish Bode, Lisa Mallory, Don Hisle and Cobby Caputo.

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By CASSIE MCKEE, Four Points News

Place 6 City Council member Don Zimmerman says that while he opposes subsidized housing projects such as the proposed Cardinal Point apartment complex on Four Points Drive, the state’s current scoring system does not take his views into consideration. Zimmerman worked with State Sen. Donna Campbell (R-New Braunfels) to file legislation that would change that.

Don Zimmerman
Place 6 City Council member

“I investigated the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affair’s scoring process, I personally met with TDHCA staff, and arrived at the conclusion that the scoring process is rigged in favor of approving these tax credits” Zimmerman said.

Under current state law, only members of the Texas House of Representatives have the ability to impact—either positively or negatively—the scoring process for such projects.

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By KIM ESTES, Four Points News

Thirteen-year-old boys are busy, but one Steiner Ranch teen is especially occupied. He is a student, active in athletics, and – most recently – a social advocate.

Timothy Barney, an 8th grader at Canyon Ridge Middle School, assembles and delivers bags of toiletries and accessory items to homeless men and women. He calls his project, Swag A Bag, and he is requesting the community’s help.

Barney came up with Swag A Bag after helping his mother and her friends prepare and deliver

food once a month to the homeless. “I saw the need that these less fortunate people have for small items that we, especially kids, take for granted – items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes and shampoo as well as socks,” Barney said.

Timothy Barney, 13-year-old Steiner Ranch resident, at a delivery run in January handing out food and bags he fills with toiletries and accessories for those in need. He handed out 75 bags that trip. He helps prepare the sandwiches and loads the food truck as well.

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By VAL OLIVAS, Four Points News

Mommapreneurs of Austin is a newly formed professional networking group in Four Points made up of women building their careers while working to maintain the balance of family life.

The group boasts some 50 members, each representing her profession with nominal overlap of expertise within the group. (Directory listed below.)

Businesses vary in goods and services from health and wellness, kids’ haircuts, financial consulting, children’s toys and activities, cosmetics, to medical practices.

MOA founders are Brandy Harrison, Debbie Swanston, Carrie Harper and Alina Sholar. The group was born on the grounds of Bella Mar Park in Steiner Ranch. With one child in the pool and more on the swings, the moms began talking about how to ease back into the professional workforce while maintaining their desire to be available to their families.

This photo is from the first official meeting of Mommapreneurs of Austin, which was held on Feb. 4 at Sage & Sweetgrass Wellness Spa.

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