Bastrop is moving ahead with a Blakey Lane extension intended to connect the Sendero and Burleson Crossing shopping areas with businesses to the east, such as H-E-B and downtown shops.

What they're saying: The plan has drawn opposition from Riverside Grove residents over opening a subdivision street called Jessica Place to through traffic; however, officials said more input will be considered during design.

The update: City Council voted 4-1 on Sept. 1 to advance the preferred concept. Place 2 council member Cynthia Meyer cast the dissenting vote, questioning whether proposed improvements could change residents’ minds.

By the Sept. 8 council meeting, residents said nearly 150 signatures had been collected opposing the opening of Jessica Place.

The city’s transportation consultant said the extension could still work without the Jessica Place connection, although opening it would improve projected traffic flow near Bastrop Middle School.

What’s next: City officials said residents will have additional opportunities for input as the project moves through design.

From vintage fashion and spa services to dermatology care and more, Bastrop and Cedar Creek businesses have seen plenty of changes lately.

Stay in the know: Use Community Impact’s interactive map to explore all five locations, then dig in for a closer look at each.

1. EcoPress: The dry cleaner opened in late June in Bastrop’s former Comet Cleaners location.

2. Germer Insurance: The independent insurance agency plans to relocate to downtown Bastrop this fall.

3. Good Old Habit: The downtown Bastrop shop offers vintage and secondhand clothing, jewelry, home goods and more.

4. Over the Rainbow Spa Bus: The Cedar Creek salon bus offers manicures and pedicures with acrylics, gels, dips and other options.

5. Westlake Dermatology: The medical and cosmetic dermatology practice opened its Bastrop location Aug. 31.

Check out some trending stories from the Austin area Sept. 7-10.

1. Pflugerville's Springhill Restaurant to close in October

2. $82M Hwy. 79 widening prepares for next step in Round Rock

3. Scheels, sandwiches and soccer: 13 Cedar Park-area business updates to know this September

4. Snarf's Sandwiches planned for Georgetown

5. Sandy’s Southern Spice closes in Bastrop after owner’s death

6. Austin reports on new homeless encampment management program's early results

Four candidates are running for Texas lieutenant governor—the second-in-command to the governor—in the Nov. 3 election.

What's happening: Libertarian Anthony Cristo, Democrat Vikki Goodwin and Green Party candidate Kevin McCormick are challenging Republican incumbent Dan Patrick, who is seeking a fourth term.

The lieutenant governor leads the Texas Senate and can exercise the powers of the governor if the governor dies, resigns, is removed from office or is absent from the state, according to the Texas State Historical Association.

How we got here: Patrick won his Republican primary race in March, while Goodwin advanced to the general election after beating another Democrat in a May primary runoff, Community Impact reported. Cristo and McCormick were selected as their parties' respective candidates during nominating conventions in April.

Looking ahead: Early voting in the midterm election runs from Oct. 19-30, and Election Day is Nov. 3.