A public hearing was held at the Bastrop City Council meeting Sept. 12 to discuss the proposed zoning concepts regarding the Reed Ranch development. Citizens voiced concerns over the 24-acre development at the northeast corner of Hwy. 71 and Settlement Drive at 615 Hwy. 71, Bastrop.
What they're saying
Many resident concerns surrounded the construction of an apartment building on the property, which residents said would further congest the neighborhood. A further strain on water was highlighted as well.
"My concern is we're being asked daily to conserve water and conserve electricity, and what is being done with all of this development, in particular 600 units or two [thousand] to 4,000 people," resident Jackie Gallagher said. "When we're being asked to conserve ... you continue to build."
Located near Bastrop Intermediate School, concerns were also voiced regarding the risk of increased traffic in the area.
"Putting traffic on Jessica [Place], trying to get out of there when it comes to kids getting out of school, ... we're the ones who have to deal with it," resident Bill Hinkston said.
According to City Manager Sylvia Carrillo, the Bastrop ISD board of trustees is aware of the development and has not shown concern for the school district’s potential to accommodate.
"We do meet with the school district very frequently," Carrillo said. "They are aware of all of the development plans that are going through, and they're very excited for Blakey [Lane] to punch through in order to get transportation through there and did not show any concern about the school not having potential to occupy."
The context
Reed Ranch is a private venture under Hayden Lunsford of Holt Lunsford Commercial, a Dallas-based commercial real estate firm. The suggested zoning would change the plot of land from P2 Rural to the newly outlined planned development district, or PDD.
A public hearing and consideration for a zoning change was held at a zoning and planning commission meeting Aug. 31.
In the meeting, Council Member Cynthia Meyer commended the developers and concerned residents.
“It’s not a lot of time we do have developers come in that are willing to listen, No. 1, and also make the changes that the neighboring neighborhoods want,” Meyer said.
What's next
Due to a segment of land not listed in the plans, the project will go back to a planning and zoning commission meeting where there will be another public hearing Sept. 28. Project details remain fluid as Jessica Place access and the placement of three- and/or four-story units on the property continue to be discussed.
“We understand your concerns, and in this City Council every one of us live within the city limits of Bastrop,” Mayor Lyle Nelson said at the Sept. 12 City Council meeting. “We understand the concerns of our citizens.”
