Latest news with #RedOak
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Red Oak Development Group Announces Launch of Moxie, an Artful, Walkable Complete Community Taking Root in Lockhart, Texas
With phase one construction on the 589-acre development underway, Red Oak is creating a bold model of authentic, people-centric design where quality of life is the driver of success AUSTIN, TX / ACCESS Newswire / June 19, 2025 / Red Oak Development Group, a land and real estate developer crafting complete, people-centered communities in the Texas Triangle, has announced the launch of its new 589-acre interconnected community, Moxie. Located just south of Austin in Lockhart, Texas, Moxie is envisioned as a playful and creative mixed-use community that is anticipated to include 2,500 homes upon completion along with an estimated 20% of the land dedicated to parks and open space. In phase one, Moxie will span 89 acres including approximately 413 single-family residences, along with parks, trails, and gathering spaces designed to foster connection and creativity. Construction on phase one of the infrastructure is currently underway, with model home construction to begin Fall 2025 and a grand opening slated for Spring 2026. Courtesy of TBG Partners 'More than a name, Moxie is a mindset,' said Tom Staub, founder and CEO of Red Oak. 'We set out to design a community that looks and lives differently. We believe choosing how you live is as special as where you live, and Moxie will be a place that reflects this philosophy with a bold heart, purposeful design, and a sense of belonging built in from the start, infused with an energy and liveliness that drives everything we do and build there.' Courtesy of TBG Partners As Red Oak's flagship community and first major public launch, Moxie represents a new take on the master-planned community model, with a commitment to more than just a collection of homes, and new ways of measuring success. The design emphasizes walkability, social wellness, and everyday joy with homes, parks, and public spaces woven together to support a vibrant, multigenerational neighborhood. Among the first of these spaces is an activated park and social space - part neighborhood green, part creative hub - featuring a stage for outdoor music and movies, colorful murals, coffee and Wi-Fi, and everyday gathering spots that make it easy to meet a neighbor or work outside while the kids play. Setting the tone for future growth, Phase One will welcome residents who seek more than housing, but also a fully integrated lifestyle rooted in rhythm, character, and connection. Courtesy of TBG Partners Longer-term plans for Moxie include a dynamic town center called The Crossing, an eclectic array of housing typologies, and cultural programming that reflects the authentic spirit of Lockhart. Among Moxie's early community initiatives is TEACH (Teacher's Economic Advancement through Community Homeownership), a social impact program co-founded by Staub aimed at helping 500 educators become homeowners by 2040 through innovative partnerships and attainable housing models. Courtesy of TBG Partners While Moxie is grounded in Lockhart, it's also a statement about what the future of development can become. Red Oak was founded on the belief that real estate success should be measured by quality of life, not just margins. The company integrates residential, retail, civic, and green space from the start, building complete communities that elevate human experience over yield. 'We're rethinking the metrics of success,' Staub said. 'If we want to build better communities, we first have to redefine what success looks like. For us, it's about life per square foot, not just price per square foot. It's about how people feel, how they interact, and how our built and natural environments help them thrive. Moxie is our first step toward proving that new measurements of success not only exist but can also be scaled.' Courtesy of TBG Partners Rooted in one of Texas' most unique and culturally rich cities, Moxie is shaped by and for Lockhart. Known for its BBQ, music, and historic charm, Lockhart has long drawn creatives, families, and old souls seeking something real. Moxie seeks to enhance that character and deepen what already makes Lockhart special, rather than replicating something that exists elsewhere. Additional details about Phase One, including the builders' home collections, architectural styles, and amenity offerings, will be announced in the coming months. Future phases will build upon Moxie's layered, intentional design approach to create a truly complete community experience that evolves with the residents. To learn more about Moxie, visit About Moxie Moxie is a new walkable community taking root in Lockhart, Texas, just south of Austin. Developed by Red Oak Development Group, Moxie is grounded in the belief that how you live matters just as much as where. The 89-acre first phase includes approximately 413 single-family homes along with parks, trails, and gathering spaces designed to foster everyday connection, creativity, and joy. Inspired by Lockhart's unique rhythm and character, Moxie blends bold vision with local soul. The community is an eclectic, artful neighborhood for people who want to be part of something more than a traditional suburban master plan. Long-term, Moxie anticipates including a vibrant town center, expanded housing options, and community-driven initiatives. For more information, visit About Red Oak Development Group Red Oak Development Group is a Texas-based real estate development firm creating complete, people-centered communities in the Texas Triangle. Founded by a team with decades of experience building award-winning neighborhoods across the country, Red Oak was formed with a mission to challenge outdated development norms and reshape how success is measured in the built environment. The company believes in belonging over branding, long-term impact over short-term margins, and measuring value not in rooftops or return on investment, but in time and connection. Red Oak's flagship project, Moxie, reflects this ethos by reimagining what it means to build a community for interaction, character, and human emotion. For more information, visit CONTACT: Ryan Marquardt 309.531.7464 | [email protected] SOURCE: Red Oak Development Group press release
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Red Oak, Prairie View A&M football player dies
The Brief Former Red Oak football player Jackson Bailey, 22, has died, Prairie View A&M confirmed. Prairie View A&M praised Bailey's "presence and energy," stating he became an "unforgettable part of our campus family." His cause of death was not released. RED OAK, Texas - Former Red Oak football player Jackson Bailey has died at the age of 22, according to Prairie View A&M. Jackson "Jacks" Bailey attended Red Oak High School, where he only lost three games in his career. Bailey attended the University of Arizona as a three-star recruit. He then transferred to University of Louisiana Monroe before joining Prairie View A&M for the 2023-2024 season. Bailey did not play in any games, but the school said "his presence and energy were felt deeply." His cause of death was not released. What they're saying "He chose Prairie View A&M to be closer to home, and in doing so, became an unforgettable part of our campus family. Though his time at PVAMU was brief, the impact he made will resonate for years to come," wrote Prairie View A&M in a post. "We honor and remember Jackson 'Jacks' Bailey not only for his potential and promise but for the way he lived—with purpose, humor, humility, and heart." The Source Information in this article comes from Prairie View A&M.
Hamilton Spectator
12-06-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Bruce Trail Conservancy buys this 18-acre Burlington property
A purchase of land in north Burlington by the Bruce Trail Conservancy permanently protects 475-metres of the trail, while creating an 18-acre nature sanctuary. Ali Schofield, communications manager for Bruce Trail Conservancy (BTC), said the Hollow Oak Nature Reserve on the west side of Guelph Line, between Millar Crescent and Dundas Street, features a hollow Red Oak tree — after which the site is named. Schofield said the section of Bruce Trail crossing the property has been there a while — but access previously relied on a handshake agreement with the property's former owner. 'When the property went up for sale, we knew that trail continuity and the protection of the surrounding environment could be in jeopardy, which motivated us to secure the property,' Schofield said. 'We purchased the property and now it is permanently protected as part of our conservation corridor.' She said the handshake agreement started in 1967, then lapsed from 1993 to 1999. It resumed for about 25 years, until BTC bought the property in October 2024. 'So, there was a six-year period when the trail wasn't on the land, but apart from that it's been there since the Bruce Trail first officially opened,' Schofield said. 'Had we not been able to secure the property when it went up for sale last year, the trail could have been rerouted onto 3.5-km of busy roads. 'Now the trail in this location is protected forever.' Schofield said BTC received $280,000 from Greenlands Conservation Partnership — a grant program funded by the Ontario government and administered by Ontario Land Trusts Alliance (OLTA). 'As part of the funding agreement, (the $280,000 grant) was matched by the committed community of Bruce Trail Conservancy donors who wanted to ensure this critical land remained natural and accessible,' she said. The property includes almost five acres of farmland. 'We see great value in maintaining the hay fields on the property because they support Bobolink, a grass-nesting bird species that is currently listed as threatened in the province,' Schofield said. BTC is in discussions with the current farmer to determine if they are interested in continuing to work the agricultural land. 'We have to ensure that they are willing to delay their hay times until late July as per our policies, to protect vital nesting habitat during the breeding bird season,' Schofield said. If the agricultural fields aren't maintained, BTC may look at other restoration options, such as native tall grass or meadow. Samantha Mills, communications manager of OLTA, said the program's goals are conservation of ecologically significant lands, and increasing access to greenspaces. 'Both of which are achieved through the Hollow Oak project,' Mills said. Mills said the site is rich in biodiversity and of ecological significance, as part of the Niagara Escarpment. 'Now both the forest and trail are conserved by the Bruce Trail Conservancy forever,' Mills said. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Chicago Tribune
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Frustrations mount as Red Oak dual language consolidation moves ahead; ‘A lot of mistrust going forward'
The consolidation of Red Oak Elementary School's K-5 dual language program seems all but certain, but it is moving forward in an atmosphere of mistrust and frustration as some parents continue to voice their opposition. According to North Shore School District 112 leaders, the school board is expected to vote on an upcoming proposal for consolidation during a special board meeting on June 26. During a previous special meeting, District Superintendent Michael Lubelfeld was clear that he supports consolidation. The Highland Park-area district has pointed to falling enrollment numbers, especially among primarily Spanish-speaking students, as the primary driver for the move. The program would be consolidated to just Oak Terrace Elementary School. Red Oak parents opposed to the consolidation question the need for what they consider a drastic move, raising concerns about a process they feel has been 'backwards' and left out vulnerable families, and criticizing the district for breaking promises. It's not the first time the school's Spanish and English education program has faced consolidation. In 2022, Red Oak was in a similar situation, with the district concerned about declining enrollment. Various promotional efforts, including those by parents themselves, managed to increase enrollment in the program. Lubelfeld had said in previous communications, including a 2023 video answering parents' questions, that if enrollment remained up, the dual language program would continue at two sites — Red Oak and Oak Terrace elementary schools. Late last year, when consolidation was again raised, strong backlash from families was followed by the district assuring parents that no decisions would be made at that time, and that the district was bringing on consultants to conduct 'a thorough review' of their educational programming. But that review was a source of disappointment for parents when its findings were presented last month during a special board meeting. While many praised the credentials of DePaul University professor Sonia Soltero, who ran the review, they felt she had been purposefully constrained by the district. 'We were told that the consultant would be performing a comprehensive review of the dual language program,' said Red Oak parent David Etlinger. But that didn't happen. 'In fact … the consultant's scope was basically narrowly limited to a yes-no answer on the consolidation question.' During the presentation, Soltero noted her contracted scope of work 'did not include an evaluation or needs assessment' of the program. She provided four sets of recommendations, including reprioritizing English learners, redesigning the dual language programs, a 'culture reset' to revamp the community's negative perception of Oak Terrace and finally a consolidation plan. While parents generally voiced support for the first three recommendations given, and many said they wanted to address those before considering consolidation, Lubelfeld argued it must be decided first. 'Consolidation is the foundational decision that will allow for meaningful progress on those areas,' he said in a statement. Stolero's analysis 'confirmed that consolidation is a sound step, but her report is just one part of the overall recommendation,' Lubelfeld said. 'The core issue remains the ongoing decline in enrollment of Spanish-dominant students, which impacts the sustainability of the current two-site model.' For parents, it feels like 'they've started from the outcome that they want,' and 'worked backward to construct a narrative to support it,' Etlinger said. Soltero's review also raised concerns around busing that took some parents by surprise. Primarily Spanish-speaking students are facing 'long and inconsistent bus rides,' and general 'transportation challenges,' Lubelfeld said. According to Soltero's presentation, 67% of English learners at Red Oak are being bused from Oak Terrace's attendance radius. Lubelfeld also said several Spanish-speaking families have requested placement at Oak Terrace instead of Red Oak for next year, 'due in part to transportation challenges, and the administration is listening to these concerns and needs at a deeper level.' According to Red Oak parent Maria Barraza, she and other parents hadn't heard about busing issues until the district brought it up, even after talking with Spanish-speaking families. 'I feel like (the reason) changes with the board and Lubelfeld depending on what makes sense for them,' Barraza said. According to data presented by Soltero, both Oak Terrace and Red Oak have seen a considerable decline in enrollment in a five-year period, although Oak Terrace has seen more than double that of Red Oak; about 31% compared to Red Oak's 13%. But closing Red Oak is too big a step without looking at other avenues to address declining enrollment, Barraza said. 'Up to this point, we as a parent community wanted to look at the dual language program as a whole,' Barraza said. 'How can we make such a big decision of closing a school when, truly, I think there are other factors of the dual language program that need to be looked at before considering closing a school altogether.' Barraza echoed a sentiment Cathy Curran, head of the Red Oak PTO, has shared several times throughout the controversy. Barraza said she's not fundamentally opposed to consolidation, if it's the necessary step that will best benefit the community's families. But she's not convinced yet that there's been enough planning by the district. There's also confusion around what a consolidation would look like, and how Oak Terrace will be able to absorb the additional student population, Barraza said. How does the district plan to address class sizes, and support students, teachers and families? Etlinger shared Barraza's concerns. Parents don't know 'what the high-level goals of the program are, who the key stakeholders are,' he said. 'We don't know what target class sizes are. We don't know what special services are required. We have a lot of information that we don't know.' Lubelfeld said they have 'preliminary plans' in place outlining the next steps if the board approves consolidation. A task force — including administrators, dual language staff and parents — will be created to 'help guide the consolidation process.' And then there's the controversial topic of Oak Terrace's reputation, which was raised during Soltero's review. It's 'generally viewed as less desirable' and 'faces higher scrutiny,' Soltero said in her presentation. Some parents pushed back against what they considered a false narrative of a divide between the two schools, with Eltinger saying the dual language community was 'very strongly united.' Still, other parents seemed to share concerns about its reputation. In a statement, parents of the Oak Terrace PTO said they were 'proud' to be part of a 'deeply committed' school community that fosters an 'inclusive, respectful, and nurturing environment where every child is given the opportunity to succeed.' 'Comments suggesting that Oak Terrace is a 'less desirable' school do not fit with our or our children's experiences,' the statement said. 'Furthermore, they are disheartening to the dedicated teachers, staff, students and families who contribute so much each day.' Lubelfeld, responding to Soltero's recommendations, said that Oak Terrace is 'a strong school with talented staff and a welcoming community. We see any future work related to school climate and culture as building on those existing strengths.' Central to the entire issue are the Spanish-speaking families, but because of various technical and language barriers, some parents worry they've been left out. Barraza, who lives in a bilingual household herself, has been part of outreach efforts by the Red Oak PTO. She said the district has come up short regarding communicating with these families. In several PTO meetings held specifically for Spanish-speaking families, Barraza described a general sense of confusion. She criticized the district for a general lack of engagement with the community, especially with Spanish-speaking families, throughout the process. 'That's where the tension lies between the superintendent, and the school board and the parent community,' she said. The loss of Red Oak's dual language program will mean the end of a community built around it, Barraza warned. She said some Spanish-speaking families have shared they might not continue in the dual language program for various reasons, including some who don't feel Oak Terrace is 'equipped to handle a whole population of children at their school.' That will be devastating for the children moving from a dual language to a monolingual setting, she said. 'Language is so connected to our culture,' Barraza said. 'I think that's going to be such a disadvantage to them, just because the culture piece is not going to be there.' Etlinger also warned it would send a poor message about the broader community. 'It's going to be very hard to tell English learners and members of the Hispanic community that they're welcome in our community if they're being segregated in one school,' Etlinger said. Parents say mistrust towards the district also stems from a $114 million referendum the district passed in 2022. Etlinger said Lubelfeld had indicated Red Oak would likely face consolidation without the money, and Red Oak families pushed for the referendum with the understanding that their school would be receiving funds for renovations. With the referendum passed, Lubelfeld had previously said Red Oak would receive improvements using cash reserves after work on several other schools was completed. 'It's really disheartening to go from, 'yes, your school is going to be one of those schools that's going to be renovated,' to 'your school is closing,'' Barraza said. It was another broken promise, Etlinger argued. Despite the passed referendum and parents' efforts to keep enrollment up at Red Oak, they are still on the 'brink of closure.' Etlinger said parents who speak out against consolidation are, 'directly dismissed as not representing the community.' If consolidation moves ahead without addressing concerns over transparency, he said many parents, teachers, staff and children, 'will feel that they did not have a real voice in this process.' 'There's going to be a lot of mistrust going forward,' Etlinger said. 'It's going to be very difficult to trust future decisions made by the board and our administration.'
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Yahoo
Red Oak man arrested and charged with murder after his mother was fatally shot
The Brief A 58-year-old Red Oak woman, Stephanie Easter, was found dead from a gunshot wound on Sunday. Her 20-year-old son, Dwight Xavier Jones Jr., has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with her death. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Ellis County Sheriff's Office. RED OAK, Texas - Deputies from the Ellis County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to the 100 block of Ridge Oak Drive in Red Oak following a report of a deceased individual on Sunday around 12:05 p.m. What we know When deputies arrived, they found a 58-year-old woman, Stephanie Easter, from Red Oak, Texas, who had sustained an apparent gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead at the scene. An investigation was promptly initiated by the Criminal Investigations Division, where, based on evidence collected from the scene, investigators developed probable cause to charge the victim's biological son, Dwight Xavier Jones Jr., a 20-year-old, with murder in connection with the shooting death. Jones was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Wayne McCollum Detention Center, where he is awaiting arraignment. What's next This case remains open and active. Investigators are continuing to follow up on all aspects of the case, and additional updates will be provided as necessary. What you can do Anyone with information that may assist in this case is strongly encouraged to contact Case Agent Jeremiah Banks with the Ellis County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division at 972.825.4929. The Source Information in this article was provided by Ellis County Sheriff's Office.
