General Manager's Note — March 2009

General Manager's Note — March 2009

By Laura Wickett Friday, 20 March 2009

Not long ago, I found myself stopped at the railroad crossing on New Hope Drive. I prepared myself for a long delay spent counting the train cars as they passed. To my surprise, it was the MetroRail — not a freight train — crossing in front of me. It went by so quickly that I was on my way again in just two minutes.

The opening day of the rail will mark the beginning of a new era in Central Texas transportation. With the number of people who continue to move into the Austin area, the increase in transportation options is of growing importance.

The Cedar Park and Leander housing market must seem like a haven to new residents moving from areas where the housing market is in complete chaos. There’s been some transition in the market here in the last year. We’ve seen a sprinkling of new neighborhoods getting underway, and we’ve also seen construction in several neighborhoods dry up midway through a project as builders deal with the effects of the credit crisis. Nevertheless, population growth continues to trend upward, and a housing shortage is predicted in the next couple years.

You probably noticed this month’s paper is a little thicker than usual. Our second annual Connected publication is included with this issue. This useful tool offers information for long-time residents and newcomers alike. Inside, you’ll find city and private development project updates, parks and trails maps, volunteer opportunities and a dining guide.

Laura Wickett

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