ATX PULSE 7/16/24: Housing Supply Surges // Watson, Kelly Post Strongest FR Reports // Mellow Johnny's Probes Bike Thefts // 5 Charged in Kidnapping

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Tuesday, July 16, 2024

By Matt Mackowiak

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Today’s Weather: H: 99° / L: 77°. Latest forecast from Fox 7 Austin’s Zack Shields here.

TOP NEWS

~ “Housing supply surges in Austin region at midyear as sales, median price tumble,” Austin American-Statesman’s Shonda Novak — “A surge in housing supply marked the first half of 2024, a midyear check of the Central Texas market shows.

Slower home sales and a decline in median closing prices reflected the ongoing cooling trend in the housing sector since mortgage rates began climbing in 2022, halting the post-pandemic market frenzy characterized by bidding wars, often well above sellers' asking prices.

In June, the number of homes for sale in the Austin area shot up almost 26%, to 13,227 active listings, according to the latest report from the Austin Board of Realtors. The report, released Friday, covers both the month of June and the first half of the year in the Austin region, a five-county area that extends from Georgetown to San Marcos.

From January through June, the number of active listings jumped 15.5% in the region as a whole compared with the same period last year, the board said.

June's monthly increase in listings, coupled with the rise in mortgage rates in late April and early May to 7.2%, spurred a 6.3% decline in the region's median home-sales price, the board said. The median was $450,000, meaning half of the homes that changed hands went for more than that amount and half sold for less.

The jump in listings provided buyers with a five months' supply of homes from which to choose, the highest level of inventory since 2011, the board said. Five months would be the time it would take to exhaust the available inventory at the current sales pace. Experts consider a supply of six months to 6½ months a balanced market, in which neither buyers nor sellers have the upper hand.

Sales, median price decline

“In June, and the first half of the year, we’ve seen sellers remain resolute in their price point," Clare Knapp, housing economist for the Austin Board of Realtors, said in a statement. And that resolve by sellers was a key factor behind June's 13.4% year-over-year decline in sales in the Austin-Round Rock region, where 2,732 homes change hands.

Across the region, 15,189 sales closed in the first six months of this year, down 1.8% from the same period last year, the board said.

Within Austin's city limits, buyers closed on 5,172 sales through the first half of this year, down about 3% from the first half of 2023. The median sold price was flat, at $574,995.

For the month of June, 868 homes sold in the city limits, 21% fewer than in June 2023. Half of those homes sold for more than $600,000 and half for less, for a 1.6% decline in the median closing price.

The city of Austin had 5,632 homes for sale in June, 43.4% more listings than the prior June.

"For buyers, the recent surge in active listings, plus affordability constraints for moderate-income buyers, means that they are choosing to be more selective when purchasing a home," Knapp said. "The market will continue to find its footing in the latter half of the year, proving that both buyers and sellers will need to remain nimble and work closely with their (real estate agent) to find and negotiate their best option.”” AAS ($)

~ “Downtown Austin business hires private security investigator after several burglaries,” Fox 7 Austin’s Meredith Aldis — “A local business has hired a private investigator after several burglaries. Lance Armstrong’s bike shop in downtown Austin has been hit seven times in 10 months and a couple of suspected burglars are still on the loose.

"There's a very active stolen bike community in Austin," StriderPI private investigator Dave Amis said.

Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop reported seven burglaries since September, five at the retail store and two at the store’s storage unit. Trick Hat Workway, the space next door, reported at least one burglary.

"What people don't realize is that there's far more criminal activity out there than almost anybody realizes," Amis said.

Video shows the window of Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop being shattered and a man coming through the broken glass and walking around the store. He’s identified as 41-year-old Brian Darelle Theodore Richardson. Amis said he stole Lance Armstrong’s electric bicycle valued at $20,000. They were ultimately able to recover it. Richardson is charged with burglary of a building.

Other videos showed a man walking inside Trick Hat Workway, looking around, and talking to the manager on the way out while trying to steal the manager’s bike as if it’s his. He is kicked out, then comes back about 10 minutes later, convinces the worker the bike is his, and steals it.

"Having a Texas PI on your trail is not a pleasant experience," Amis said.

20 bikes stolen from east Austin non-profit

A local non-profit has taken a big hit. Thieves stole the very thing they're known for and provide to the community.

StriderPI located and recovered the bike in two weeks, then worked with APD and identified the man who stole the bike as 23-year-old Juan Pablo Castellanos, who’s currently sitting in the Travis County Jail for other charges.

Private investigators are being hired more by businesses.

APD said it’s difficult to get to every report and investigate. The department’s commercial burglary unit has seven detectives, and they receive on average 30 to 40 burglary reports a week. APD said private investigators provide useful information at times.

"When you don't have enough cops, you have the problem that people get away with things and so then they do it again and each time they do it, they get better and better and better," Amis said.” Fox 7 Austin

THE BLOTTER

~ “Five charged in connection with Williamson County kidnapping, shooting,” KVUE’s Jeff Bell — “Five people were arrested after a teenager was reportedly kidnapped and shot near Leander this month.

According to the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a 911 call on Wednesday, July 3, reporting a 17-year-old had been shot and taken to a local emergency room. The victim had non-life-threatening injuries and has since been released.

The victim told investigators that earlier in the day, he was lured to a residence in the Summerlyn subdivision, located outside the city limits of Leander. Once there, several adults attacked and beat him, the sheriff’s office said.

The victim was then reportedly taken to a secluded area outside Leander’s city limits, where he was shot and abandoned.

Investigators identified 19-year-old Matthew Sabedra of Georgetown as the alleged shooter in the incident. He was taken into custody on July 11 by the U.S. Marshals Office and charged with aggravated kidnapping, a first-degree felony, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony. He is currently in the Williamson County Jail with a combined bond of $1 million.

Over the weekend, Williamson County detectives took two other suspects into custody – 19-year-old Tobias Rogers of Liberty Hill and 19-year-old Logan Humphries of Leander. Both have been charged with aggravated kidnapping and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. They are currently in the Williamson County Jail with a combined bond of $500,000 each.

On Monday, July 15, detectives also arrested 36-year-old Danyelle Marsh of Round Rock and 17-year-old Nathaniel Walker of Round Rock in connection with the case. Marsh was charged with aggravated kidnapping and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, while Walker was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. They are currently in the Williamson County Jail awaiting bond determination.

"Our division has been actively investigating this crime since the night of the kidnapping," said Cmdr. John Foster. "Our detectives have diligently pursued leads, executed search warrants, and conducted numerous interviews since the kidnapping occurred. Their unwavering dedication, reinforced by invaluable support from the U.S. Marshals Office, sets a high standard. We are fortunate that this investigation did not result in a homicide and the victim is expected to physically recover."“ KVUE

~ “Austin police say man stabbed his wife, then himself at apartments near Mueller,” KVUE’s Brittny Eubank — “The Austin Police Department (APD) has identified both the victim and the suspect in a homicide near the Mueller neighborhood earlier this month.

APD said at approximately 10:16 a.m. on July 3, officers responded to a call of a stabbing at the Urban Villas Apartment Homes, located at 4411 Airport Blvd. A 911 caller said two people were dead.

When officers and Austin-Travis County EMS medics arrived on the scene, they found the bodies of a woman and a man inside the residence. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

The woman was later identified as 33-year-old Iris Hernandez-Perdomo and the man was identified as 40-year-old Wilfredo Chavez-Chincilla.

After homicide detectives and crime scene specialists responded to the scene, APD said the investigation revealed that Chavez-Chincilla allegedly stabbed his wife, Hernandez-Perdomo, to death before taking his own life with the knife.

Nearby resident Avery Held told KVUE she was shocked to hear about the homicide.

"It's kind of crazy. I mean, I didn't hear anything," Held said. "I don't know when it happened, but I feel like it wasn't that far from where I live. So, that's kind of unnerving."

Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to call the APD Homicide Unit at 512-477-3588 or contact Capital Area Crime Stoppers online or by calling 512-472-8477.

This case is being investigated as Austin's 31st homicide of 2024.” KVUE

CITY HALL

~ “Council to consider nearly $2B in airport expansion contracts through late September,” Austin Monitor’s Chad Swiatecki — “This week, City Council is expected to consider four items related to the expansion of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, with nearly $2 billion in spending up for approval by the end of September.

The four contracts on Thursday’s agenda total $190 million in potential spending, with the largest being up to $120 million for a contract for a construction manager in support of utility upgrades for the entire airport campus.

A recent memo from Ghizlane Badawi, CEO of the Aviation Department, detailed the nine spending requests headed toward the Council dais in the coming months.

“Thanks to your support, the AEDP has begun in earnest on several enabling projects – those projects that must be completed before larger core projects can follow – that are currently approved and underway. The core work, however, is just beginning and your continued support is more important than ever,” she wrote in part.

“In the weeks ahead, the Department will bring additional items forward, many of which build on the enabling actions already taken, but collectively represent the most consequential next steps” in the airport expansion and development program, she said.

In late August, three more approvals will arrive, including the expenditure of up to $320 million for the reconstruction of several midfield taxiways to make way for the airport’s coming second concourse. The memo notes that the scope and design of the midfield work has changed substantially based on guidance from the Federal Aviation Administration, which is expected to provide substantial funding for the project.

Other items up for consideration in August include approving a rotation of architectural and engineering service providers to conduct ongoing work costing up to $60 million, as well as expanding the baggage handling system at a cost of $14.5 million.

In September, Council will decide on the contract for the $1.1 billion design and construction of the new midfield terminal and gate complex, which will include a 900-foot underground tunnel to connect with the existing Barbara Jordan Terminal. Badawi called the new addition “essential to support the growing passenger and airline demand at AUS. Without this critical addition, the airport will cease to effectively or safely meet the needs of travelers, the airlines, and the workforce that supports each.”

Later in September, Council will also vote on a $665 million contract to construct a new arrivals and departures hall to improve the experience for travelers via larger areas for ticketing, queuing and baggage claim.

The Airport Advisory Commission heard a presentation on some of the July and August items earlier this month, with staff noting that interviews and vetting are still taking place for some of the potential contracts.

Lyn Estabrook, deputy chief officer of planning and development for the airport, detailed the many pieces of the utilities and infrastructure that will be addressed once Council gives its OK.

“This airfield infrastructure project is considered an enabling project for the AEDP, also known as the airport expansion development program, to prepare the development of concourse B and preserve the airfield connectivity,” she said, noting it would include demolition of existing infrastructure and construction of new airfield, taxiway pavement, airfield-rated bridge structures, service roads and utilities, plus reconstruction of south campus drainage, security improvements and updates to the airfield lighting and signage program.

Regarding the midfield reconstruction, she said the change in scope was made in part to lessen the security requirements needed for contractors to be eligible to perform their duties. That reduced security clearance is expected to increase the pool of eligible firms, which will improve the timeline and budget from what was originally planned.

Estabrook said the FAA is already paying for 80 percent of the design for that project, with applications submitted to potentially receive up to $200 million in additional funding.” Austin Monitor

~ 2024 CITY RACE FUNDRAISING REPORTS: (1/1/24-6/30/24):

Mayor

> Kirk Watson $710,000 raised / $512,000 cash on hand

> Doug Greco $88k raised / $52k cash on hand

> Kathie Tovo $57k raised / $44k cash on hand

> Carmen Llanes Pulido $77k raised / $9k cash on hand

D4

> Chito Vela $24k raised / $79k cash on hand

> Louis Herrin III $0 raised / $3k cash on hand

> Monica Guzmán no report filed

> Jade Lovera no report filed

D6

> Ashika Ganguly $77,000 raised / $47k cash on hand

> Marc Duchen $36,000 raised / $40k cash on hand

D7

> Mike Siegel $44k raised / $66k cash on hand

> Adam Powell $32k raised / $16k cash on hand

> Todd Shaw $15k raised / $13k cash on hand

> Edwin Bautista $320 raised / $82 cash on hand

> Pierre Nguyen no report filed

> Gary Bledsoe no report due (entered after June 30)

D10

> Mackenzie Kelly $163k raised / $155k cash on hand

> Krista Laine $66k raised / $62k cash on hand

Full details here.

OTHER NEWS

~ “Here’s how the city of Austin is working to curb algae growth in Lady Bird Lake,” KVUE’s Melia Mausmoto — “This week, Austin Watershed Protection will begin spraying clay on areas of Lady Bird Lake to stop the growth of toxic algae. It's the the second time they've done so this year.

This comes as Watershed Protection officials say they’ve observed an increase in potentially toxic algae mats at Red Bud Isle and Auditorium Shores. 

The department started a five-year pilot program applying lanthanum-modified bentonite to the areas afflicted with toxic algae. Dr. West Bishop, the algae scientist and water quality research manager for EutroPHIX, the company contracted for the pilot program, said the goal is to is starve the cyanobacteria.

“We know they crave this nutrient called phosphorus,” Bishop said. “What our treatment does is it grabs the phosphorus first, and we permanently bind up that phosphorus so those cyanobacteria can’t grab it and use it to grow.”

Bishop said the increase in toxic algae blooms on Austin’s lakes could be due to several factors, including the weather.

“Average temperatures are increasing, these really unique dynamic weather events of more extreme rain events, versus longer periods of drought can all promote nutrient flushes that come in,” Bishop said.

Fertilizer and storm water runoff, as well as leaky septic systems, can also lead to an increase in nutrients for the toxic algae.

Over the past few years, some Austinites – like Greg Wright-Crowe, who has lived in the city for almost 30 years – have noticed a change.

“I used to paddleboard up until two years ago because it just got, the shore just got too nasty with too much algae,” Wright-Crowe said.

Easing the concerns of some Austinites about the water quality is something Bishop hopes EutroPHIX is able to help with.

“They’re afraid of using this resource, so my vision is to unite people behind this common goal of being able to use the water without fear,” Bishop said.

On Monday, the Watershed Protection will spray clay in the Red Bud Isle area, the boat ramp on the north shore of the lake just west of Interstate 35 and the north shore of the lake between I-35 and the lagoon behind the Festival Beach Boat Ramp.

The pilot program’s budget is $30,000 for five years, from 2021 through 2025.” KVUE

SPORTS

~ TEXAS FOOTBALL: Video: “Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns football team kick off their first SEC media days” via KVUE.

~ TEXAS BASEBALL: “Lebarron Johnson, Jr. joins Jared Thomas in Rockies’ 2024 draft class,” Austin American-Statesman’s Danny Davis — “Lebarron Johnson Jr. and Jared Thomas may not have played their last game together.

On Monday, the Colorado Rockies used a fifth-round pick in the 2024 MLB draft on Johnson. The right-handed pitcher was the 139th overall pick.

Johnson was drafted one day after Colorado selected Thomas in the second round. Johnson and Thomas were teammates at Texas the past two seasons.

Johnson spent a total of four years with the Longhorns, but his time at Texas was defined by the past two springs. Johnson enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2023 as he went 8-4 with a 2.91 ERA and earned all-conference honors. During that season, Johnson threw five shutout innings against a LSU team that eventually won a national championship and recorded UT's first complete-game pitching performance in the NCAA tournament in nine years.

But as opposing teams adapted to a repertoire of pitches that included a fastball, splitter and slider and Texas switched pitching coaches, the 6-foot-4 Florida native struggled in 2024. Johnson went 3-4 with a 5.60 ERA and was removed from his role as the Friday starter in the Texas rotation. He did end his college career with a solid performance against Texas A&M in a regional game.

Johnson still has a year of eligibility remaining so he'll have until Aug. 1 to decide whether he'll return to Texas or sign with the Rockies. According to MLB.com, the assigned value for the 139th overall pick's signing bonus is $500,000 although that number is negotiable.” AAS ($)

~ TEXAS BASEBALL: “Shortstop Jalin Flores returns to Texas baseball team for ‘One more year at the Disch’,” Austin American-Statesman’s Danny Davis — “Texas shortstop Jalin Flores won't need to wait until the MLB draft is over to find out where he's playing next season.

Flores announced on Monday that he will return to Texas for the 2025 baseball season. On his Instagram profile, the shortstop wrote "One more year at the Disch."

A draft-eligible sophomore, Flores was regarded as a top-125 prospect in this class. He was not taken in the first two rounds of the MLB's draft on Sunday. The 20-round draft will wrap up on Tuesday.

This past spring, Flores broke out during his first season as a full-time starter. His 18 homers were tied for the team lead at Texas, and he earned all-conference honors during UT's last spring in the Big 12. Two of Flores' Texas-best 56 RBIs plated the walkoff runs in back-to-back games against Kansas.

Flores also recorded a .953 fielding percentage and created a few defensive highlights. But his steady performance at the shortstop position was undermined by two key errors in a regional loss to Texas A&M on June 1.

In a scouting report published on MLB.com, it was assessed that Flores "has the bat speed, strength and leverage to produce 20 or more homers per season, though he probably won't hit for a high average or draw many walks. ...With below-average speed but fluid actions at shortstop, Flores creates mixed opinions about whether he'll be able to stay at the position. His quick hands and plus arm strength help his cause and would make him a solid or better third baseman if he has to move."

Flores will return to be a stabilizing force in a new-look infield at Texas that has lost third baseman Peyton Powell to graduation and second baseman Dee Kennedy to the transfer portal. First baseman Jared Thomas was selected by Colorado in the second round of the MLB draft.” AAS ($)

CULTURE

~ “The Michelin Guide is coming to Texas for the first time,” Austin Eater’s Nadia Chaudhary — “The Michelin Guide — the international restaurant star rating system run by the French tire company — is coming to Texas for the first time ever in 2024. Michelin’s Texas dining guide will include five cities in the state: Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, and Fort Worth. The final list of Texas restaurants garnering one, two, or three star-ratings will be announced later this year.

“The Texas Restaurant Association is pleased to welcome the Michelin Guide to Texas — a culinary destination that’s already earned a worldwide reputation for delicious, diverse cuisine and warm hospitality,” says the Texas Restaurant Association’s CEO Emily Williams in the press release. “We look forward to working with the Michelin Guide to drive new visitors and acclaim to Texas, creating new and repeat customers that will benefit the entire industry and the State of Texas as a whole.”

Also in the press release, the international director of the Michelin Guides, Gwendal Poullennec, explained the appeal of Texas: “The Texas culinary scene has proven to be an exhilarating one, with multicultural influences, homegrown ingredients and talent that is rich in ambition. Foodies and travel enthusiasts alike will find something to enjoy, with such a broad dining scene spanning farm-to-table dishes, fusion cuisine, upscale dining and the famous Texas-style barbecue. Texas is a perfect fit for the Michelin Guide, based on the experiences of our anonymous inspectors.”

Michelin will also expand its hotel guide to Texas, highlighting places it rates as being noteworthy.

Eater Austin reported earlier this year that Texas chefs, including Austin couple Lorin Peters of bakery Cookie Rich and food truck Goldy’s and Mathew Peters of high-end cocktail lounge Prélude and forthcoming tasting menu restaurant Maven, have been rallying for a Michelin Guide to come to Texas for a bit. Knight even said at the time that the Texas Restaurant Association would “always advocate for third-party endorsements that raise the food scene and profiles in cities across Texas.”

Generally, Michelin’s span covers countries and cities in Europe, Asia, South America, and North America. In recent years, the guide has been expanding its American footprint. In the past three years, there have been first-time guides in Florida (since 2022), Atlanta (2023), and Colorado (2023). And, outside of the U.S., the guide published its first Mexico edition in May 2024. The addition of a new Michelin region typically happens because local tourism boards pay Michelin to come, whether it’s through paying to promote the guides or help pay for the inspectors. It’s for that reason that Boston doesn’t have a Michelin Guide.” Austin Eater

WHAT TO DO TONIGHT

~ LIVE MUSIC: Two Tons of Steel. Gruene Hall (Gruene, TX). 8:30pm. $12 at the door. More info here.

COOL JOB ALERT

~PRESIDENT: Dell Children’s Hospital of Austin. Apply here.