Publisher's Note - February, 2007

Publisher's Note - February, 2007

By John Garrett Wednesday, 07 February 2007

Spending money in Pflugerville gets easier all the time

When I was in high school the population sign in Pflugerville had just changed to 4,444. The sign it replaced showed population 792.

As a student, we had an hour to travel to the Burger King or Hardees in Round Rock to grab a bite to eat during lunchtime since there were few options for fast food nearby. We would sometimes go as far as Hwy. 79 for Long John Silver’s – and still make it back before Principal Bradley noticed.

I learned how to drive a stick shift on what is now the fast-developing Grand Avenue Parkway/A.W. Grimes Boulevard. Back then, however, it was a barely-paved, two-lane road.

Many cities have this kind of history – but few have its potential for growth. It is fun to reminisce, but it is also exciting to envision its future.

The development near SH 45 and SH 130 and the new Wal-Mart is big news in Pflugerville. Those who live here are used to shopping in Austin or Round Rock. Driving down Pfennig Lane or FM 685 to do the shopping will be easy to get used to.

On another related note: I have noticed how easy and quick it is to travel around Central Texas now the toll roads are open. Think about it - people might have been reluctant to travel here in the past because of the congested traffic.

Now it is a simple commute, especially with the upcoming opening of US 183A. Maybe now is the time for our local businesses to begin thinking how to attract other markets. Round Rock businesses have always had a can-do attitude about growing their market share. The toll roads may have just increased our ability to grow our market - something that could help make 2007 a great year.

John P. Garrett