Cowman said the Lakeline Boulevard extension will happen in 2012, and an undisclosed grocery store chain is researching the feasibility of expanding to that area.
“I can’t mention something, they’ve asked me not to, so I’m going to codify it,” he said. “It may work out or it may not, but I believe it will. And it’s remarkable.”
Cowman said the city and chamber welcome any new businesses that open in Leander.
“In Leander, even the littlest ribbon cutting or a big company coming in, we get excited about it,” Cowman said.
The city is recovering from a nationwide recession, he said. City documents indicate foreclosures hit a record high in 2011, but Cowman said families are still building and buying homes in Leander.
“Commercial and industrial values and permits issued have not rebounded yet, but residential is leading the way,” he said.
Leander Economic Development Director Kirk Clennan confirmed commercial, industrial and residential investments totaled $80.5 million in 2011 and $1.3 billion since 2000. Sales tax receipts in 2011 exceeded $2 million, a record for the city.
“What? Bad economy? No way. Our annual sales tax receipts doubled from 2006 to now,” Cowman said. “So, thank you Lowes and Kohl’s and H-E-B. I think in tough times, Leander shops. We are on our way up, our city.”
Cowman said he believes mass transit puts Leander ahead of the game, adding that progress on Toll 183A will continue.
Cowman recapped notable accomplishments in 2011, including the hiring of new city manager Kent Cagle, purchasing the Sandy Creek Water Treatment Plant for $37.6 million, the completion of San Gabriel Parkway and Sonny Drive, overcoming the loss of 25 homes to wildfire, and more than 414,000 library visits.
He noted the opening of several large business in Leander, including Scott & White Hospital on Jan. 23.
“We love our city and everything staff has done, we do it because we want to be on the winning team,” Cowman said. “Leander is that winning team.”
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