Construction is underway on a new Liberty Hill subdivision that will include upward of 1,850 homes.

The gist: Johnson Development broke ground on the 762-acre neighborhood, to be known as Freely, according to a Nov. 9 news release. Located along the North Fork of the San Gabriel River, the development is expected to have a grand opening in spring 2028.

A closer look: The planned lots will range from 45 to 70 square feet, and the new neighborhood will feature trails, access to the river, and more than 250 acres of green space. The development will emphasize the river and surrounding landscape, with plans for boat rentals, fly fishing and other outdoor recreational activities, a representative of the company said.

While Freely is currently zoned for Bill Burden Elementary School, development plans include 15 acres for an elementary school within the neighborhood. Older children are zoned for Liberty Hill Middle School and Liberty Hill High School.

A new location of furniture retailer Rooms To Go is planned for Leander’s Northline development, according to project information filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

What the store offers: The new Rooms To Go location will take up roughly 49,182 square feet along the 183A Toll frontage road. The store will feature a retail showroom, according to project filings. 

Rooms To Go offers furniture and decor for living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms and patios, according to the company's website. The store also offers mattresses and rugs. Construction on the store is slated to begin in January, according to project filings.

• 10021 183A Toll frontage road, Leander

State Rep. Senfronia Thompson, the longest-serving woman and Black legislator in Texas history, said she has the votes to become Texas House speaker when the legislature convenes in January.

What to know: Thompson released a list Nov. 6 of 90 House members whom she said pledged to support her speaker candidacy.

The 87-year-old was first elected to the legislature in 1972 and took office the following year. She would become the first woman and the first Black lawmaker to serve as Texas House speaker.

The context: Thompson's candidacy comes after Democrats swept Texas' statewide seats in the Nov. 3 election, ending 24 years of Republican dominance. Rep. Eddie Morales, D-Eagle Pass, threw his hat in the ring for speaker on Nov. 5 before endorsing Thompson less than a day later.

Quote of note: "I know that with the colleagues that are being sent to the legislature, both Democrats and Republicans working together, we can make a difference in the state of Texas and the lives of the people that we represent," Thompson said.