Why is Project Connect taking so long?

• National Environmental Policy Act Review Process: this process is required to ensure projects do not have a “significant” impact on the environment, and takes years on average to complete.
• Securing funding from the Federal Transit Administration: applications require a competitive, well-rounded plan worthy of funding.
• Gathering feedback: this involves talking to and gathering data from real Austinites.

Which other cities and transit systems does ATP look to when designing Project Connect?

How can I provide feedback during the process?

• Attend one of ATP many feedback sessions. There will be seven events in December.
• Take ATP’s Designing the Transit Environment Survey, which is open until January 2024.

• Peppermint Parkway | Now-Saturday, Dec. 30 | 6-9 p.m. | Circuit of the Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Austin | $40-$99 | The holiday light display returns with a plethora of drive-thru installations, plus a petting zoo, holiday photo ops, rides, and a market at Peppermint Plaza.

• “A Christmas Carol” | Thursday, Nov. 30 | 7:30-10 p.m. | ZACH Theatre, 202 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin | $25-$120 | The annual rendition of the Dickens classic returns for weeks of family-friendly fun.

• Naughty or Nice | Friday, Dec. 1-Sunday, Dec. 31 | Times vary | Upstairs at Caroline, 109 E. 7th St., Austin | Cost of purchase | Enjoy this festive pop-up throughout the month.
• Birmingham Squadron vs. Austin Spurs | Friday, Dec. 1 | 7 p.m. | H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, 2100 Ave. of the Stars, Cedar Park | $10-$140 | Cheer on the Spurs as they face down the Alabama team — this themed game offers $3 drinks and free admission for dogs.
• “Murder on the Links” | Friday, Dec. 1-Saturday, Dec. 30 | Times vary | Austin Playhouse West Campus, 405 W. 22nd St., Austin | $44 | Solve a mystery on a private golf course alongside Hercule Poirot at this play.

• The demolition process has begun at the Frank Erwin Center, almost two years after its replacement, the Moody Center, was completed. Crews are clearing the lot for construction of the UT’s Dell Medical School expansion and a new hospital. (Austin American-Statesman)

• Austin Engery is trying out a new overhead power line — which uses carbon fiber instead of steel — at the north Austin McNeil Substation. The new lines can carry 50% more power and could be more resilient against harsh weather conditions. (KXAN)

• Storms could be in store for tomorrow. While the risk of severe weather is minor, forecasts predict at least a 60% chance of thunderstorms from morning until the afternoon. (KVUE)

• Hyde Park cheese shop Antonelli’s plans to open a new tasting room in south Austin, located at 1100 S. Lamar Blvd., sometime in February or March. The new spot will not offer cheese for sale, but will offer classes, pop-up events, pickup for certain preorders, and private bookings. (Eater Austin)

• Irie Bean Coffee Bar, a Zilker neighborhood coffee shop that opened in 2006, permanently closed this month. Owner Leslie Stovall said the shop was not able to make a comeback after the pandemic. (Eater Austin)

• Is the holiday season not scary enough for you? The House of Torment has you covered. Krampus: The Fright Before Christmas, a holiday-themed haunted house, will come to Austin Friday, Dec. 8-Sunday, Dec. 10. Get tickets.

• Is your dog named Bella or Luna? Those are the two most popular dog names in Texas, according to this study by US News & World Report. Max, Coco, and Daisy were next in the rankings.

• We aren’t given many 21-month grace periods. Oil checks, doctor appointments, Tax Day... time speeds by between them. But The Ascent found a credit card offering 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months — among the longest we’ve seen to avoid interest charges. Learn more.*

• Which ugly Christmas sweater would you choose? We’re liking: the Santa hat-topped wine glass or the “Home Alone” print featuring Catherine O’Hara.*

Chefs

• Kareem El-Ghayesh | KG BBQ
• Geoff Ellis | Mum Foods Smokehouse and Delicatessen
• Rich Reimbolt | Better Half Coffee & Cocktails
• Keith Rzepecki | Hestia
• Amanda Turner | Olamaie

Game Changers

• Arjav Ezekiel and Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel | Birdie’s

Community

• Edgar Rico | Nixta Taqueria

Concept

• Brian Batch and Ryan McElroy | Bird Bird Biscuit

Pastry Chefs

• Derrick Flynn | Este and Suerte
• Casandra Perez-Martinez | Comedor

Bartender

• Erin Ashford | Holiday

Sommeliers

• Alex Wheatley Bell | Aviary Wine & Kitchen
• Rania Zayyat | Bufalina

Artisans

• Ben and Phoebe Hollander | Casper Fermentables
• Will Jaquiss | Meanwhile Brewing Co.