Lakeway City Council voted to approve a preliminary plan for the Lakeway Estates residential development during its Dec. 16 meeting. The proposed plan consists of 23 single-family lots ranging from 1-3 acres, a 0.25 acre park and a water quality pond, according to a city document.
Lakeway Building and Development Services Director Charlotte Hodges said three variances were requested in concert with the preliminary plan approval, including a reduction in the required 50-foot right of way that is part of the development.
Lakeway’s code of ordinances requires developers to donate public parkland to the city at the ratio of 1 acre for every 100 new dwelling units. Perales Engineering LLC, the agent for the landowner, has identified 0.25 acres of land in the top northern corner of the development for donation, but City Council has an option to request money in lieu of land dedication, according to the city code, which in this case amounts to an initial estimate of $103,500 prior to appraisal. Hodges added improvements to the park land are still needed at a cost of $11,500.
Council Member Louis Mastrangelo said a 0.25-acre park is probably not big enough to warrant the city investing its resources into, and Council Member Sanjeev Kumar agreed, stating that unless it substantially improves the Canyonlands Park that it abuts, it is probably not an option the city should pursue.
Because of those factors, council voted to approve the preliminary plan and accept the money in lieu of the land dedication and authorized interim City Manager Julie Oakley to negotiate the final dollar amount.
