A new neighborhood will bring an estimated 395 single-family homes to Georgetown following Georgetown City Council’s recommendation to move forward with a municipal utility district for the development at a council work session Dec. 9.

The details: The proposed 146-acre development, currently called Bell Sharkey, will be located on the northwest corner of East University Avenue and SH 130, an area the city has earmarked for mixed-density neighborhood zoning.

Pulte Group is the developer of the proposed Bell Sharkey municipal utility district, and their concept plan includes:

• 395 single-family homes
• Parkland and open space
• A playground, shade pavilion and picnic tables
• A trailhead with parking
• Two trails, including a regional concrete trail and a 1.5-mile private nature trail

The Yard Milkshake Bar recently changed ownership, according to new operator Sachin Arora. Since acquiring the business, Arora has made updates to the interior and operations, including upgraded flooring, furniture, paint and outdoor lighting. 

“We are excited to relaunch with a cleaner, brighter space, an improved menu and a renewed commitment to great service,” Arora said in an email. 

What they offer: The business sells Bluebell Ice Cream, specialty milkshakes, sundaes and cookie dough, according to its website. The Yard Milkshake Bar now also serves a variety of cold brew and a Georgetown Special Milkshake, which is topped with a poppy flower candy. 

December specials include the Mint to be Merry milkshake with mint chocolate chip ice cream and red marshmallow drizzle in a green vanilla iced jar, topped with chocolate brownie, Christmas sprinkles and green whipped cream. 

Learn more: The business closed Dec. 1-2 for remodeling, and held a soft opening on Dec. 3.

• 940 W. University Ave., Ste. 120, Georgetown

City and airport leaders on Dec. 10 marked the completion of a new outbound baggage handling system at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, a key milestone in the multibillion-dollar expansion now underway, airport officials said. The upgraded system can process roughly 4,000 bags a day and roughly 37 million passengers a year, helping the airport keep pace with Central Texas’ rapid growth.

Some context: ABIA continues to break traffic records. October saw more than 2 million passengers, an increase of nearly 9% from last year, while the Monday after the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix set a new single-day record with more than 45,000 departing travelers screened by TSA.

Officials said the project supports hundreds of local jobs and is part of a broader effort to expand long-term capacity. The airport’s $4 billion program will add a new concourse by 2030, but staff anticipate further upgrades soon after. Current planning for Concourse B targets capacity for 32 million passengers annually as projections show Austin reaching 30 million yearly travelers sooner than previously expected.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick unveiled a plan Dec. 9 to further raise property tax exemptions for Texas homeowners and lower the age at which Texans qualify for additional tax relief during the 2027 state legislative session.

The details: Deemed “Operation Double Nickel,” Patrick’s three-part plan asks state lawmakers to:

• Raise the property tax exemption on a Texas homeowner’s main residence, known as a homestead exemption, by $40,000
• Allow homeowners who are at least 55 years old to qualify for a larger exemption reserved for seniors and people with disabilities
• Pass legislation to drive down property taxes charged by local governments