The City of Georgetown has weighed in about possible construction of a concrete plant just north of Sun City — and while officials are “raising concerns,” the city “has no significant ability to regulate its siting or permitting,” said communications manager Keith Hutchinson.

According to the public hearing notice for the plant on the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality website, the Five Star Concrete plant would be located about one mile from homes in the Sun City neighborhood.

Because the site of the proposed plant — on Ronald Reagan Boulevard, just south of State Highway 195 — is in the city’s extra-territorial jurisdiction, or ETJ, the city “has no significant ability to regulate its siting or permitting.”

In a press statement issued Thursday, Mr. Hutchinson said city officials are encouraging residents to voice their concerns about the proposed concrete plant at the TCEQ public hearing at 6 p.m., Monday, May 10. 

Residents may submit written comments to TCEQ at or before the public hearing.

For details about the air quality permit hearing for the plant, information on how to submit comments and how to participate in the online hearing visit the TCEQ site.

Over the past several sessions of the Texas Legislature, Mr. Hutchinson said there have been significant changes to annexation and development authority in the ETJ, which have limited the ability of cities to regulate development. This proposed concrete plant is one of many examples of the challenges that cities will continue to face, leading to inconsistent development standards and uncoordinated growth.

“The concrete plant near a residential development demonstrates the need for cities to have some regulatory control over development in the ETJ. City officials look forward to having more dialogue with elected legislative officials about this issue,” Mr. Hutchinson said.

May 6 | 5:20 pm

Georgetown celebrates!

The Soirée took place under an expansive tent overlooking the grounds at The Vineyard at Florence.    See more photos in the May 5 Sun.

Delay doesn’t rain on Soirée

By Kate thurmond

At nearly the last minute, organizers of the fifth annual Soirée had to reschedule the big event due to predictions of heavy storms and lightning during the planned May Day benefit for children — but it still attracted plenty of celebrants a day later, a gorgeous, sun-dappled Sunday evening at The Vineyard at Florence.

It was the first time in more than a year for a gala benefit because of the pandemic — and Georgetown stepped out.

The benefit raised money for four Georgetown-area non-profit organizations committed to doing whatever needs doing for children: CASA of Williamson County, The Georgetown Project, Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center, and the Boys & Girls Club of Georgetown.

The original May 1 date had sold out at 430 seats; but an estimated 350 joyous party-goers turned out in their gussied-up best with a fresh breeze blowing through the picturesque outdoor venue, where one can get married, enjoy a family reunion, or explore wine-tastings.

The Soirée was held under a huge white tent overlooking the Hill Country landscape, and the sun was setting on clear blue skies streaked with coral and magenta as Chet Garner of Daytripper TV fame opened the evening. A silent auction of locally donated items and a raffle for a necklace donated by Georgetown jeweler Quenan’s brought in a whopping $230,000 and counting for the four non-profit organizations that benefitted from Soirée.

May 4 | 3:00 pm

Community immunity

What is it? How do we get there?

By CHRISTOPHER DE LOS SANTOS

The Texas Department of State Health Services reported, on Friday, April 30, that 40 percent of the eligible residents 16 and older in Williamson County — about one-third of the entire population, including children and younger teens –– have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

This statistic includes the 64 percent of fully vaccinated residents 65 and older.

“As of right now, experts believe we would need to have approximately 80 percent of the population vaccinated or recovered to reach community immunity. Effectively, we still have a long way to go,” said Dr. Rob Watson, chief medical officer of Baylor Scott & White Austin and Hill Country Regions.

Read more

May 4 | 3:00 pm

Upcoming Music:

BEACH BOYS FUN
Put on your Hawaiian shirts, flip flops and sunglasses, and join the Palace Theatre for a night of surfing safari fun with the hits of the Beach Boys. Featuring songs that made the Beach Boys beloved, the show will take place outdoors in the Palace Theatre’s Courtyard. 7:30 p.m., May 14.

BROADWAY HITS
This is an encore performance of the sold-out show celebrating African-American musicals and characters of Broadway. The talented performers will be paying tribute to both classic and contemporary productions with musical hits from Dreamgirls, Hairspray, Porgy and Bess and Hamilton, to name a few. Co-sponsored by Shades of Talent. 7:30 p.m., May 15.

SOUNDS OF FLEETWOOD MAC
The Palace Theatre is hosting a night of music from one of the greatest bands of the 1970s and 1980s and featuring Yesenia McNett. The band will perform the hits that made Fleetwood Mac a household name. Outdoors in the Palace Courtyard. 7:30 p.m., May 16.

CORY MORROW AT REUNION RANCH
Reunion Ranch, 850 County Road 255, is hosting a live outdoor event featuring Cory Morrow, food trucks and two cash bars. Proceeds benefit Faith in Action Georgetown, a nonprofit providing free transportation and support services to seniors in need. Blankets and low-slung beach chairs welcome. No outside food or drink allowed. Masks encouraged. Space is limited. Presale only. Tickets are $65 and can be purchased at faithinactiongt.org/events. May 21.

OUTDOOR CONCERTS
The Williamson County Symphony Orchestra will perform two free outdoor concerts. The first concert is Friday, May 21, at Elizabeth Milburn Park in Cedar Park. The second concert is Saturday, May 22, at Old Settlers Park Lake Pavilion in Round Rock. Concerts are open to the whole family. May 21–22.