🌱 DT East Project Moves To Phase 2 + New PCDC And REE Contract

Good day, neighbors! It's me again, Gabriela Couvillion, your host of the North Austin-Pflugerville Daily.

First, today's weather:

Nice with plenty of sunshine. High: 71 Low: 43.

Here are the top stories in North Austin-Pflugerville today:

1. On Tuesday, March 22, Pflugerville City Council received an update from City staff that the Downtown East project is moving to Phase 2. "The project is part of the city's plan to develop the Pfluger Tract, 29 acres at the northwest corner of FM 685 and E. Pecan Street. The project could potentially include a municipal complex and a recreation center, according to city records." According to Deputy City Manager Trey Fletcher, project goals "focus on optimizing taxpayer investment, minimizing development risk, balancing long-term land ownerships, generating land value, engaging community members, offering high-quality retail and dining options, creating family friendly spaces and a vibrant neighborhood, delivering a multi-generational recreation center and being environmentally sustainable." For more details visit:(Austin American-Statesman)
2. On Tuesday, March 22, Pflugerville City Council officials approved an eight-year "economic development performance agreement between the Pflugerville Community Development Corp. '(PCDC)' and REE Automotive" that "will provide up to $1 million in grants to REE, provided REE invests $24.75 million and creates 125 full-time jobs over the eight-year period." The Israel-based Ree Automotive vehicle technology company will be opening "its first North American headquarters and integration center in Pflugerville" and "plans to begin production in 2023." Amy Madison, PCDC executive director, said, “REE’s North American headquarters and integration center is an excellent fit for our diverse and talented workforce, expands autonomous and electric car technology in the Austin region, and provides growth opportunities for the state of Texas electric vehicle industry as a whole.” She added, “REE’s research and development capabilities will further define the Austin region as an EV high-tech manufacturing hub.” For more information visit: (Community Impact Newspaper)
3. On Monday, March 14, "a pedestrian died after a vehicle struck him on Interstate 35 in north Austin." According to the Austin Police Department, the man was trying to run across the freeway. The victim, identified as Javier Eduardo Canchola, 37, "was taken to Round Rock Medical Center" where he died on Wednesday, March 16. The driver who remained on the scene is cooperating with police on the investigation, APD said. If you have information regarding the crash, please call the Highway Investigation Tip Line at 512-974-8111 or the Crime Stoppers tip line at 512-472-8477 (TIPS), and you can also submit tips through the Crime Stoppers app or APD mobile app. For more details visit: (KXAN.com)

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Today in North Austin-Pflugerville:

• Business Pfirst — Toast of the Town at Typhoon Texas Austin in Pflugerville. (7:15 a.m.)
• Pflugerville Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting at Whole Life Priorities. (Noon)
• Pflugerville ISD (PfISD) Math and Science Job Fair at PfISD Rock Gym on 702 W. Pecan St. Information on PfISD benefits at www.pfisd.net/career. PfISD Job fair applicants should apply in advance at www.pfisd.net/jobs. RSVP at bit.ly/PfJobPfair. (4:30 p.m.)
• Spring Book Buzz at Pflugerville Public Library. (5:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• "Come by the Utility Billing office at 100 E Main St., Ste. 100, and pick up a free Water Bank Kit so you can save money and water this season. These kits include faucet aerators, a shower head, toilet displacement bag, leak detection tablets and more! There are a limited number of kits so come down today to start saving!" (Facebook)
• "This month at Pflugerville ISD, we honor the many achievements of women throughout history, as well as those in the days and years ahead." (Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update!

— Gabriela Couvillion

About me: I'm an active mom of two grown sons and lifelong San Antonio resident. I received a BA in Spanish from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and in my free time I immerse myself in creative writing. Thanks for reading Patch, and feel free to reach out if you have any news and happenings you think may appeal to our readers!