Austin established a new public review process when city parks are targeted for eminent domain proceedings by other entities, including local school districts like Austin ISD that have moved to condemn areas like playgrounds on city-owned parkland.

The details: Under longstanding city policy, the condemnation of public parkland could take place without City Council sign-off or public review. New rules adopted Aug. 27 add more protections to manage any future condemnation proceedings, and offset potential impacts on public parks access.

What else: Separately, the city is also working to improve coordination between Austin and local school districts that may be shutting down campuses. The move came as Austin ISD school closure plans advanced earlier this year, and city staff are continuing to evaluate how those sites are being used and whether Austin could partner future redevelopments.

Koncept Garage, an Austin-based brand, builds customized garage transformations to maximize space, organization and prioritize client needs. 

“You know, people think [of a] garage and they're like, ‘Oh, it's where you park your car and you put your Christmas tree,’” owner Jeff Julia said. “That's not the case anymore. It's literally the coolest room in the house.”

The backstory: Growing up, Julia always knew he wanted to be a business owner. He went on to study engineering in college, working on energy efficiency and construction projects. 

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, he worked part time with his friend Rich Wiley on projects at his business, Garages Organized. After the pandemic, Julia took over the idea and created Koncept Garage.

What they offer: The business offers a garage conversion experience, where the team can transform the garage into a guest room, home gym, wellness space or gameroom. 
Koncept Garage also offers organizational services for clients who are seeking a more functional space.

• 2712 Bee Caves Road, Ste. 102, Austin

Republican incumbent August Pfluger will face off against Democratic candidate Claire Reynolds in the Nov. 3 election for U.S. House District 11.

What you need to know: Community Impact reached out to all candidates who filed to run in the U.S. House District 11 race. Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to these guidelines or for style and clarity.

Candidates were informed that "questionnaire not returned by deadline" would be published if Community Impact did not receive the candidate information and answers by the deadline provided.

Several transportation projects across the Austin metro are moving forward, with new construction, funding and schedule updates.

The details: Hays County secured more than $39 million in federal funding for a planned $49 million Centerpoint Road overpass over the Union Pacific Railroad crossing. The project is in the right-of-way acquisition and final design stages.

In Pflugerville, construction on Parkway Drive is expected to begin in mid-September following City Council’s approval of a $3.1 million construction contract. Work is scheduled through July 2027.

The MoPac South expansion in Austin is now estimated to cost $1.3 billion, an increase of more than $400 million. The project would add express lanes and shared-use paths between Cesar Chavez Street and Slaughter Lane.

Meanwhile, Round Rock’s Red Bud Lane North widening remains on schedule despite weather delays. Construction also continues on Cedar Park’s Toro Grande Boulevard improvements. In Buda, final asphalt paving has begun on Middle Creek Drive following substantial completion in August.