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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By RICH KEITH, Four Points News

Early-morning thieves have stolen lumber, appliances and doors from new-home construction sites located at The Preserve at Four Points community. Austin Police are actively looking for suspects as the robberies continue to occur.

At 10701 Twisted Elm Dr. an entire “truss pack” of lumber was stolen in the middle of the night. Sources on site valued the lumber loss at between $10,000 and $15,000. The theft slows the construction process and creates scheduling problems for framing crews, according to the builder, Standard Pacific Homes.

Just after the first theft, four empty “spec” homes on Senger Place had their front doors taken, along with all the microwaves, dishwashers and gas cooktops in the homes.

Other homes have had stacks of new doors and windows removed from their garages.

These four spec homes had their front doors and all appliances stolen at The Preserve at Four Points recently.
Photo by Rich Keith

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By LYNETTE HAALAND, Four Points News

Construction is expected to start in mid May on Tacara Steiner Ranch, a 246-unit apartment complex at 4306 Quinlan Park Road North owned and developed by Casey Development.

After already three years in the works, the project is expected to offer its first units in a year and to be fully complete by mid to late 2016.

“We are excited to be in the neighborhood and look forward to getting started next month. We love the market,” said Darren Casey, founder and CEO of Casey Development Ltd.

Tyler Sibley, development analyst with Casey Development, agrees.

“Market demand is strong as seen by the performance of the competing assets. We are building in Steiner Ranch because we believe in our site and know it will be a great addition to the community,” Sibley said. Continue reading →

By CASSIE MCKEE, Four Points News

A $650,000 feasibility study launched by the Texas Department of Transportation earlier this year will be taking a closer look at each section of RM 620 and discussing all possible improvement options with the community members who live and work along the congested roadway.

The study will focus on the 18.8-mile segment from SH 71W to US 183N by breaking the roadway into six sections and evaluating each section individually.

“Each area requires a different response,” said Bruce Byron, TxDOT project manager. “We’re trying to customize the options based on what’s most feasible for that area.” Continue reading →