oakhillgazette.com
December 5, 2013 Volume 18, No. 24 Southwest Austin’s Community Newspaper Since 1995
It’s hoops season!
Experts say ‘Taco Bell’ oak is cleared to move
— Sports starts on p. 12
by Bobbie Jean Sawyer OAK HILL - The 130 year-old heritage oak tree at the intersection of William Cannon and 290, known among Oak Hill residents as the “Taco Bell Tree” is able to be transplanted, according to a feasibility study conducted by a team of certified experts, including the city arborist. The 32-inch diameter tree stands in the way of TxDOT’s renovations at the intersection, where a Taco Bell used to be located. TxDOT has given the community until Dec. 31 to raise the funds necessary to transplant the tree. Michael Fossum, executive director
of the Austin Heritage Tree Foundation, said residents have raised $4,700 so far. After the cost of the feasibility study, $3,000 is left in the transplanting fund to go toward the total $41,000 goal. (The cost of transplanting the tree went up from the original See ‘TACO BELL’ on page 26
Oak Hill Park & Ride will move to ACC lot by Ann Fowler OAK HILL - After months of rider speculation, Capital Metro announced Tuesday that the Park & Ride facility at William Cannon and U.S. Highway 290 West would be moved temporarily to the ACC Pinnacle campus during construction of the continuous flow intersection. The change is effective as of Monday, December 9, and will likely last until the summer. The current location, owned by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) but contracted to Capital Metro, has seen a steady decrease of parking spaces as more room has been taken for construction equipment. Melissa Ayala, communications Austin High Maroons point guard Matt Jones (#14) drives inside for a basket.
Gazette: Sarah Weeks
See PARK & RIDE on page 22
Roberto Gonzalez, of Capital Metro Planning, met with disembarking riders on Tuesday.