ATX-ETA: Impact 7/30/2026

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East Austin's Bolm Road site moves closer to redevelopment as affordable housing after environmental cleanup

The city is moving closer to bringing a housing development for lower-income residents to a formerly contaminated site in East Austin following its environmental remediation.

The details: The 6-acre 4800 Bolm Road property was condemned by Austin leaders in the late 1990s and officially acquired by the city in 2002. It's sat vacant since then, eventually leading to a call for the development of deeply affordable housing there. Council members authorized the property's transfer to the Austin Housing Finance Corp., the city's affordable housing nonprofit overseen by elected officials, in July to advance the development process.

The new project is coming together after extensive environmental cleanup was required at the property due to past groundwater contamination. City-funded remediation was completed in 2024, and the city is now cleared for new residential construction.

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Tiny Grocer announced the closure of its South Congress Flagship

Tiny Grocer owner Steph Steele announced that Tiny Grocer on South Congress will be closing, and moving operations to a new location off East Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in fall 2026, replacing the former Longhorn Meat Market, according to previous Community Impact reporting.

Learn more: Steele announced the upcoming closure in an Instagram post in July. The store’s official closing date is Aug. 23, Tiny Grocer employee Daniel Mendoza said.

To prepare for the store’s closing, Tiny Grocer is hosting a 10% off sale on retail items at its South Congress and Hyde Park locations. The sale began on July 15 and will run until the end of the month, according to Steele.

In their own words: “I want to tell you, Bouldin Creek and Travis Heights, you have my heart,” Steele said. “I’m working as hard as I can to come back as fast as I can to continue to serve you.”

1718 S. Congress Ave., Austin

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Music, auctions to support medically fragile children at COTA gala

Music, auctions and a mission to support medically fragile children will come together when Abbey Lights Up COTA returns for its eighth year.

What’s happening: The fundraising gala will feature auctions, drinks, food, music, raffles and more.

“The Daytripper” creator and host Chet Garner will serve as emcee.

Where funds go: Proceeds will support the Abigail E. Keller Foundation’s financial assistance, hospice care baskets, birthday celebrations and more.

Funds will also advance plans for Abbey House—a proposed pediatric respite and hospice facility in Central Texas.

Why it matters: Abbey House would provide temporary overnight care outside a hospital, giving caregivers time to rest or tend to other family needs.

What they’re saying: “The vision for Abbey House is rooted in the belief that no family should have to face those challenges alone,” foundation President and CEO Melissa Keller said.