It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic King Log House gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Cedar Park, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Always Best Care was there for me when I needed them. I was providing”
“I am so happy with Mr. Steven Coleman services. He has been very professional and”
“We had an excellent experience with Always Best Care Senior Services in Austin. They provided”
“Highly recommend using Always Best Care for all your senior service needs! Super helpful and”
“Kyle and his team are great.”
“I am a past client of this provider My siblings and I engaged Always Best Care”
“Kyle and his team rock ,really good communicators. I would refer them to people who”
“Always best care is ALWAYS the BEST care. No pun intended. Means a lot to”
“Always Best Care provided the perfect service we needed for our mom. Their caregivers”
“Lori and Kyle were great to work with and are super people. They matched my”
“Lori and Kyle were great to work with and are super people. They matched my”
“I work for this team and it's a wonderful team , great communication and support”
“Ken and Bonnie are wonderful people to help care for your loved ones. their staff”
“Ken and Bonnie were wonderful to work with. They were able to provide my mother”
“Owners Lori and Kyle are genuine, salt-of-the-earth folks who are super-dedicated to their clients. ”
“Lori & Kyle were very attentive and responded very quickly to our needs. They visited”
“Always Best came to the rescue when my mother needed immediate caregiver services while in”
“I’ve known Lori for years and have high confidence in her ability to provide care.”
“I had the pleasure of working with Lori Schrayer in a professional setting where she”
“I am a current client of this provider Lori and staff - What a sanity saver”
“Always Best Care of Austin, TX is the only place I trust to care for”
“Always Best Care was there for me when I needed them. I was providing hospice care for my mother in my home. I could not have done it without them. The caregivers are kind and dependable. The company was supportive in every aspect of my mother's care. I cannot thank them enough for their support during this difficult time.”
“I am so happy with Mr. Steven Coleman services. He has been very professional and helpful.”
“We had an excellent experience with Always Best Care Senior Services in Austin. They provided in home care when my mom got out of the hospital and, in parallel, helped us find an assisted living facility. I was calling them from the hospital and we didn't know when my mom would be discharged or what kind of care she would need and Always Best Care was responsive, flexible and provided guidance when we needed it most. This was a stressful time and they gave us peace of mind while providing the best care for my mom. The caregivers were on time, thoughtful and kind. I'd recommend Always Best Care to anyone trying to navigate the complexities of eldercare.”
“Highly recommend using Always Best Care for all your senior service needs! Super helpful and really takes care of patients to make them feel comfortable and safe!”
“Kyle and his team are great.”
“I am a past client of this provider My siblings and I engaged Always Best Care to help care for our mother, initially when she was still able to do a significant amount on her own. Over time she declined and needed different levels of care. At each stage, Lori, Kyle, and each member of the ABC team listened to our needs, and was warm, caring, attentive, patient, punctual, and flexible in accommodating Mom‘s abilities, needs, and wants. Caregivers often went above and beyond, and the teams’ communication with my siblings and me was terrific – – especially helpful since none of us lived in the area. I feel fortunate to have been connected with Lori and Kyle, and I highly recommend the ABC team.”
“Kyle and his team rock ,really good communicators. I would refer them to people who would need this service”
“Always best care is ALWAYS the BEST care. No pun intended. Means a lot to know my loved ones are in good hands ????”
“Always Best Care provided the perfect service we needed for our mom. Their caregivers were on time, professional, and did what mom/we asked of them and more. The owners, Lori & Kyle, listened to our needs and went above and beyond in their help and care. A few times when we had to take mom to the ER, Lori and/ or Kyle came to the house to be sure all of mom's needs were met. At the end of mom's life, their caregivers could not have been more attentive, kind, caring and professional. I would highly recommend ABC Care for your loved one.”
“Lori and Kyle were great to work with and are super people. They matched my husband up with very competent companions who were kind and dependable.”
“Lori and Kyle were great to work with and are super people. They matched my husband up with very competent companions who were kind and dependable.”
“I work for this team and it's a wonderful team , great communication and support for our clients, their family members and our caring team of staff .”
“Ken and Bonnie are wonderful people to help care for your loved ones. their staff was so caring to my mother and so nice to my family I highly recommend them to take care of your loved ones. I think there ought to be more than just five stars to give them”
“Ken and Bonnie were wonderful to work with. They were able to provide my mother with care and a very short notice. Their staff was some of the most caring people that I've ever met. Not only were they wonderful to my mother but also to my family. I would highly recommend using them.”
“Owners Lori and Kyle are genuine, salt-of-the-earth folks who are super-dedicated to their clients. I know I can trust them to make sure our Mom gets the care and help she needs. And caregiver Leah is so very kind -- she's the best!”
“Lori & Kyle were very attentive and responded very quickly to our needs. They visited us in person to introduce the new aide, to make sure instructions were done smoothy. ABC came thru in a very critical time for us. Forever grateful for their compassion & thoughtfulness to our health needs.”
“Always Best came to the rescue when my mother needed immediate caregiver services while in a skilled nursing facility and it continues to provide steady, reliable and helpful care now that she is at home. The owners are very kind and authentic and seem to really care about the people they are helping! My mother adores her caregiver. Would highly recommend.”
“I’ve known Lori for years and have high confidence in her ability to provide care. She’s caring, intelligent, dependable and friendly. She would be an excellent service provider!”
“I had the pleasure of working with Lori Schrayer in a professional setting where she was in a leadership role. I worked with her and her team on multiple projects as a liaison to the County Manager or head of the municipal organization. Lori is consistent in her treatment of peers, communication style, and commitment to her staff. I would be fortunate to work with Lori in the future and would provide her business if given the opportunity as I know they’d be in great hands.”
“I am a current client of this provider Lori and staff - What a sanity saver and great team. From day one we have felt that Mom’s well being is their first priority. We were extremely hesitant to turn over care to someone else. But those concerns vanished immediately— thanks to the team’s communication and compassion. It’s a great comfort knowing the entire staff are there for us and responsive to our need and requests.”
“Always Best Care of Austin, TX is the only place I trust to care for my elder loved ones. It's locally owned by a the kindest couple who treat every patient and employee like part of their family. Their caregivers are compassionate and give me a sense of comfort knowing my loved ones are in good hands when I cannot be with them.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Brushy Creek Lake Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Soto Japanese and Sushi Restaurant or visit Wilson-Leonard Brushy Creek Burial Site, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Cedar Park, TX, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Cedar Park, TX understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Cedar Park, TX 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Teams competing in the UIL boys soccer playoffs completed the area round on Wednesday, setting the stage for more intrigue as they make their way toward next month’s state championships in Georgetown.Here are a few players from across the state who stood out and helped their teams advance.5A Division IIAlex Gallimore – Midfielder/Defense - Cedar ParkGallimore was named Soccer Player of t...
Teams competing in the UIL boys soccer playoffs completed the area round on Wednesday, setting the stage for more intrigue as they make their way toward next month’s state championships in Georgetown.
Here are a few players from across the state who stood out and helped their teams advance.
5A Division II
Alex Gallimore – Midfielder/Defense - Cedar Park
Gallimore was named Soccer Player of the Match by the Cedar Park coaching staff after a 6-1 win over Harlandale in the Area round. He scored two goals in the win after not scoring all season.
Cedar Park faces Juarez-Lincoln at 8 p.m. on Friday in the regional semifinals.
Runyambo Muco – Striker – Terry
The sophomore, known to those within the program as “Mucho,” finished the regular season with a team-high 34 goals despite dealing with an early injury scare. He’s followed that with three goals and an assist in both playoff games, helping lead the Rangers in a 4-1 area round win over Georgetown.
“Mucho played like we know he can game in and game out,” head coach Drew Brenk said. “When Mucho is healthy and on his game, he can score at will. It has shown the previous two playoff games. He has scored six goals in two games. We had an injury scare early in the season with Mucho, but he is 100% now, and it is perfect timing for us.”
Terry plays Kingwood Park in the regional semifinals at 7 p.m. on Thursday.
4A Division II
Faizi Shaib – Forward – Fort Worth Diamond Hill-Jarvis
Although he has played sparingly, Shaib is another sophomore having an outstanding season. He has scored five goals in nine games during his first season on varsity and is second on the Eagles in assists per game at 0.8.
He added two goals and two assists (six points) in a 6-0 win over Gatesville as Diamond Hill-Jarvis advanced to the regional semifinals.
“In the past month, Faizi has taken his raw talent and turned it into production,” coach Kyle Reopelle said. “Last night, he showed how devastating he is in [one-on-one] situations as he was constantly creating goal-scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. His relentless effort is paying off in the most important time of the season.”
The Eagles will face El Paso Bowie at 10 a.m. on Friday.
A vast majority of Cedar Park businesses have been expanding their operations, according to new data from the city of Cedar Park.The city launched a tracking software to further its business retention and expansion efforts in July, said Daniel Sousa, the city's community affairs assistant director.The overviewThe city held business retention meetings with 75 companies during fiscal year 2024. From July to September, the city began collecting data from 24 of these companies using a new reporting platform....
A vast majority of Cedar Park businesses have been expanding their operations, according to new data from the city of Cedar Park.
The city launched a tracking software to further its business retention and expansion efforts in July, said Daniel Sousa, the city's community affairs assistant director.
The overview
The city held business retention meetings with 75 companies during fiscal year 2024. From July to September, the city began collecting data from 24 of these companies using a new reporting platform.
The system found that 95% of these businesses were expanding while 5% were contracting.
Despite signs of slowed growth in the economy, the city’s largest business expansions are continuing to progress, said Chief Economic Development Officer Arthur Jackson at a Feb. 27 Cedar Park City Council meeting.
Cedar Park's economic development team may help businesses hire more employees or acquire additional square footage by securing state grants and funding, he said.
Diving deeper
The survey showed Cedar Park having a wide diversity of businesses, with the largest industry being IT businesses at 23%, followed by construction and advanced manufacturing companies, each at 17%.
Of the surveyed companies, 74% were small businesses with 1-49 employees. The city has several large companies employing well over 100 workers, including Firefly Aerospace and Hyliion, Jackson said.
Something to note
More Cedar Park companies were returning to in-person work as 71% of businesses said 0-25% of their workforce was working remotely, according to city data.
With office developments slated to come to Cedar Park, the city felt it was important to monitor how many companies were working remotely, Jackson said. Financing office developments has been more difficult amid high vacancy rates in Downtown Austin, he said.
“Having this data has really helped our team to show and build confidence with developers that office products here in Cedar Park can thrive and be successful,” Jackson said.
Education Reporter
Chloe is an education reporter covering Leander, Liberty Hill and Lake Travis ISDs. She joined Community Impact as reporter in May 2023 after graduating with a degree in journalism from The University of Texas. Chloe previously served as the Austin metro intern for CI in summer 2022 and has interned for KXAN-TV, KUT and Austin Woman. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time in nature, thrift shopping, reading and listening to live music. Her passion is engaging communities around hyperlocal coverage.
Thanks for reading!
Daily news about your community is free, and your support is invaluable.
Give $10 now towards CI's journalistic mission across Texas.
Cedar Park City Council is considering making zoning changes that could bring a Trader Joe’s grocery store to the city.Council held its first reading and public hearing related to the rezoning of a 7.79-acre lot at the southwest corner of East Whitestone Boulevard and Arrow Point Drive at a ...
Cedar Park City Council is considering making zoning changes that could bring a Trader Joe’s grocery store to the city.
Council held its first reading and public hearing related to the rezoning of a 7.79-acre lot at the southwest corner of East Whitestone Boulevard and Arrow Point Drive at a Feb. 27 meeting. The developer has made multiple modifications to the project amid hearing concerns from nearby residents, said Austin McWilliams, a representative of CSW Development and executive vice president with Jones Lang LaSalle.
The big picture
Waeltz & Prete Inc. is seeking to open a 64,000-square-foot commercial development, including a 13,500-square-foot Trader Joe’s alongside three office, showroom or warehouse buildings, according to city documents. The development would cater to small businesses, including retailers, coffee shops or showrooms, as well as professional offices, McWilliams said.
The developer’s request would amend the site’s future land use plan from local office/retail/commercial to regional office/retail/commercial to allow for a mixed-use retail and business center. Additionally, council is expected to vote on rezoning the area from professional office to general business-conditional overlay.
After meeting with community stakeholders, including nearby residents, the developer has reduced the project’s total square footage by around 10,000 square feet as well as proposed a larger landscape bufferyard and setback from properties south of the development.
The city’s Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approving the zoning changes with additional conditions. If approved, the development’s max building height could be 35 feet instead of 100 feet within 200 feet of the southern properties. The conditions would also prohibit an alcoholic beverage establishment or outdoor commercial amusement project from being built near the area.
What residents are saying
At the Feb. 27 meeting, three residents shared their concerns about a Trader Joe’s opening near their property, including Andy and Jill McGuire, who filed a petition to oppose the developer’s rezoning request. Andy McGuire requested that the developer keep 25% of the property designated for professional office spaces.
“Right now, tonight, if you go to the Arboretum where the Trader Joe's is, it's a zoo,” Andy McGuire said. “There isn't a professional office parking lot or building in the city right now that has more than three cars sitting in and the lights are all dead. It's fundamentally different.”
Nearby resident Tristan Chizick said the development would bring increased traffic to the area and asked that the city conduct a traffic study before approving the rezoning.
The city received 25 emails or letters from residents, about half of which were in support of a Trader Joe’s and half of which were against, according to city documents.
Around 1,800 people currently follow a Facebook page called “Bring Trader Joe’s to Cedar Park, TX,” which was started by Cedar Park resident Christina Legrand in 2015.
The other side
McWilliams said the developer wanted to address neighbors' concerns but noted they had already reduced the project’s square footage and made other enhancements that presented a challenge.
“We have tried to be mindful of the concerns of those closest to our proposed project by pushing this building as truly as far as you can and still have a viable project,” McWilliams said.
Some council members said they understood neighbors’ apprehension but were concerned about placing too many restrictions on the developer.
“I feel that the applicant is really going out of their way to try to meet you in the middle,” council member Eric Boyce said. “It feels like ... we're really trying to put so many brackets on this thing that it makes that project really nonviable for the applicant.”
Stay tuned
Council may have its second reading and take action on the zoning changes at its next meeting in March.
Education Reporter
Chloe is an education reporter covering Leander, Liberty Hill and Lake Travis ISDs. She joined Community Impact as reporter in May 2023 after graduating with a degree in journalism from The University of Texas. Chloe previously served as the Austin metro intern for CI in summer 2022 and has interned for KXAN-TV, KUT and Austin Woman. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time in nature, thrift shopping, reading and listening to live music. Her passion is engaging communities around hyperlocal coverage.
Thanks for reading!
Daily news about your community is free, and your support is invaluable.
Give $10 now towards CI's journalistic mission across Texas.
The Firefly Aerospace "Blue Ghost" safely arrived on the moon's surface on Sunday.CEDAR PARK, Texas — Over the weekend, a private Central Texas company landed on the moon. Firefly Aerospace, based in Cedar Park, landed its first spacecraft early Sunday morning.Teams watched ...
The Firefly Aerospace "Blue Ghost" safely arrived on the moon's surface on Sunday.
CEDAR PARK, Texas — Over the weekend, a private Central Texas company landed on the moon. Firefly Aerospace, based in Cedar Park, landed its first spacecraft early Sunday morning.
Teams watched from the mission operations center in Cedar Park as the spacecraft went down onto the lunar surface and landed in a basin on the near side of the moon.
The lander will perform experiments that include drilling, dust mitigation and X-ray imaging of Earth's magnetic field.
Kevin Schulte, a Firefly future systems architect, spoke with KVUE about the landing.
"It's tremendous," Schulte said. "It's a privilege. It's incredible to be trusted by NASA to take on a mission of this nature. The Firefly team, of course, is just giddy like children, you know, getting to engage with the universe in a completely new way, for a whole new generation. It's hard to describe."
He explained what the lunar lander will be doing for the next few weeks.
"We touched down, really, at the beginning of the lunar day. And because, you know, the moon takes a month to go around the Earth, a lunar day is about two weeks long. So we get two weeks of daylight. And that's how long our mission will last on the surface," Schulte said.
"So we will get, you know, 14 days of operations with payloads, doing experiments on the surface regular, even looking back at the Earth with an X-ray telescope, looking at the Earth's magnetosphere and how it interacts with the sun," Schulte added.
He said the spacecraft is a solar-powered autonomous vehicle, which creates some extra challenges.
"You know, it's hard to take enough batteries with you to survive two weeks of total darkness, especially in abyssal cryogenic darkness. You know, it's -250 in the shade, so that's a hard thing to survive."
This is just the beginning for the company. Schulte said the landing is part of a NASA program highlighting commercial lunar payload services, which is part of a larger effort to implement the commercial industry and the exploration of space. It's also meant to help foster "a lunar economy."
With this in mind, Schulte said, "The hope here, the great experiment that we're embarking on, is building up the network of vendors like ourselves who can then go and create a sustainable lunar economy for NASA payloads, for commercial payloads, for sustained permanent presence on the lunar surface."
The lander won't take a return flight home.
"The spacecraft is actually going to stay on the surface of the moon," Schulte said. "Once it's there, it's going to be there for the rest of time, you know. Oh, we expect it'll survive."
Schulte believes the lander could last roughly 40,000 years or so in space before deteriorating.
He said Firefly has a data link that should be strong enough for an HD live stream. After the sun goes down, he expects the lander to survive for roughly five hours. That time will then be used to collect as much data as possible.
"So, you know, every hour that the lander stays alive will be, we'll be blasting power through our radios to get all the data back to the Earth. And, you know, who knows? Maybe we'll be fortunate enough and be able to start up the next lunar day [two weeks after sunset.]," he said. "But right now, the plan is that once the sun goes down and our batteries run out, that'll be the end of the mission."
But this mission is just the beginning.
Schulte said Firefly is on contract with NASA for two additional missions, with one set for next year on the far side of the moon.
"We'll be delivering a mission there along with the relay to communicate that data back. And then we've got a third mission taking a rover to the surface in 2028," he said.
While the future of spacecrafts on the moon remains uncertain, Schulte said he believes Firefly will be a leader in whatever is to come.
Firefly Aerospace employees gathered at a watch party in Cedar Park overnight Saturday, anxiously watching a livestream as Firefly's Blue Ghost lunar lander slowly inched toward the moon's surface."It's such an intense feeling. ... You have to surrender control," Kevin Scholtes, a future systems architect who's spent ...
Firefly Aerospace employees gathered at a watch party in Cedar Park overnight Saturday, anxiously watching a livestream as Firefly's Blue Ghost lunar lander slowly inched toward the moon's surface.
"It's such an intense feeling. ... You have to surrender control," Kevin Scholtes, a future systems architect who's spent the past four years working on the project, said. "You have no control over what happens – but you can't tell your body that."
Then came confirmation of the lander's touchdown: "You all stuck the landing. We're on the moon," Will Coogan, chief engineer for the lander, said over the livestream.
Cheers erupted. Scholtes pumped his fist in the air before turning to hug his wife.
"You feel just about every emotion imaginable all at once," he said. "If anything comes through, with clarity in the end, it's the immense pride and gratitude."
The Blue Ghost was carrying 10 science and technology instruments to collect data for NASA. It landed softly in an "upright, stable configuration" within the Mare Crisium, a more than 300-mile-wide basin located on the moon’s near side (the side you can see from Earth), around 2:34 a.m., according a press release.
The achievement makes Firefly only the second commercial company to successfully land a spacecraft on the moon — and the first to ever do so without a hitch. Last year, Houston-based Intuitive Machines sent a spacecraft to the moon, but it stopped working after landing on its side.
Firefly was contracted by NASA to deliver 10 science and technology instruments to the lunar service. Nicola Fox, associate administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, compared the mission to a "delivery service" of sorts.
"We give a challenge, and we want you to land in [a] place and take all these instruments, because ... they are perfectly chosen for the region," she said. "You pick the place you want the package to go, and that's just what we did with Firefly."
Firefly is under contract for two more lunar missions with NASA, with the next projected to launch sometime next year.
"I just wanted to thank the White House administration and NASA for entrusting in Firefly for these lunar lander missions and the Blue Ghost mission today," Jason Kim, the company's CEO, said. "This initiative [has] really helped Firefly evolve from a rocket company to an end-to-end, responsive space company that does launch, land, and orbit, and we're going to continue doing those missions."
The Blue Ghost mission also lays some of the groundwork for NASA's Artemis program, which aims to send astronauts back to the moon by mid-2027.
"We wanna be able to prepare for our future astronauts to go and keep them safe, and so we chose these science instruments perfectly to go to this incredible place on the moon," Fox said.
The Blue Ghost will spend the next lunar day (about 14 Earth days) using these instruments to collect data.
"Our goal is going to be to capture as much data as possible," Ray Allensworth, Firefly's spacecraft program director, said. "We're going to continue to operate the lander as long as our batteries have a state of charge. ... There's a lot of really interesting phenomena that will happen, particularly at sunset, that we really want to make sure and capture."
You can keep up with the lunar lander's journey on Firefly's website.
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