Gold Sponsors

Austin leaders are moving to adopt new policies for the use of surveillance technologies in response to concerns about such systems, including a proposed $2 million parks security contract.

The details: The new contract to rent 10 mobile surveillance trailers from LiveView Technologies was proposed after a city pilot program that recently placed similar equipment at targeted parks. Those locations generally saw declining criminal activity after cameras were implemented, according to the parks department.

Residents and officials have said improved safety at city parks is critical, but many have also expressed opposition to programs like the LVT cameras given their collection methods and worries about outside parties accessing residents' data. City Council will consider a new contract for parks security trailers Feb. 5 alongside a measure from Mayor Pro Tem Chito Vela seeking to lay out citywide surveillance technology standards, including advance public notice of how those systems will be used.

"We have to minimize any privacy concerns and put safeguards and protections in whenever we do turn to these kinds of technologies," he said.

Austin Gastroenterology is expanding its patient reach by opening a South Austin location in the near future.

The details: The practice will be launching its Barton Ridge location which will consolidate its former James Casey and Southwest clinics into one modern facility. The company hopes to enhance care coordination, streamline services and create a convenient experience for patients by combining the two locations.

Patients will be able to find comprehensive gastroenterology services featuring improved accessibility, expanded space and patient-centered care, as stated in a news release. Community members can begin visiting the center for appointments starting March 2.

4544 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 620, Austin

From new worship spaces to a car wash and more, here are five of the most expensive projects filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation in the Austin metro this week. 

1. St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church
Parishioners can soon worship at a new site, as St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church will build a two-story, 22,000-square-foot space. It will feature a seating area, a sanctuary with an altar, restrooms, a choir loft and sacristies—also called preparation rooms.

• Location: 230 Post Oak Drive, Dripping Springs
• Estimated timeline: July 1-Jan. 31, 2028
• Estimated cost: $17 million 

• Location: 800 Heatherwilde Blvd., Pflugerville 
• Estimated timeline: March 1-June 30, 2027
• Estimated cost: $5.5 million 

• Location: 3375 S. Interstate 35, San Marcos
• Estimated timeline: July 20-Feb. 26, 2027
• Estimated cost: $4 million

Retail options are expanding for Dripping Springs residents as Target officials confirm a new store on West Hwy. 290.

“We’re excited to bring an easy, affordable and convenient shopping experience to new guests in the Dripping Springs community with this new Target store,” a company spokesperson said in an email to Community Impact.

What you need to know: Target is opening a 145,000-square-foot store near the Belterra neighborhood, in between CVS and Dripping Springs Racquet Club.

The store is set to anchor The Village at Dripping Springs, according to Property Commerce documents, the developer of the project. The Houston-based company has developed over 80 shopping centers, more than 43 of which are anchored by a Target.

The Village at Dripping Springs sits on a 26.45-acre lot, with space for additional stores and parking.

• Corner of 13550 W. Hwy. 290, Austin