Known as the Bailey and Armbruster tracts of land, the development sits along RM 967, which has been a contested location for new developments due to traffic and congestion.
(Courtesy city of Buda)In total, approximately 40%-45% of the land is in Austin's ETJ with the remainder in Buda, which will house around 2,200 houses and 300 multifamily units.
Developer MileStone Community Builders began working on the project in 2018. It has been an ongoing process with a traffic impact analysis approved by the Texas Department of Transportation; planning and zoning work sessions; and staff work sessions to determine points of emergency access throughout the development, transportation, park plans and more.
Prior workshops consisted solely of the Bailey tract of land as the Armbruster tract was a later addition to the development, which was a cause for concern during a planning and zoning meeting Jan. 11.
The Bailey tract itself drew criticism by the commissioners due to its size and the effects it would have on traffic and quality of life, according to commission chair Colin Strother.
In a press release from the city of Buda, it was noted that since some of the land in question is outside of the city limits, “some of the proposed uses may occur without the city of Buda’s consent.”
“You’ve made it very clear that you don’t need us and that you can do everything you want to do without following any of our rules or any consideration for what’s good for this community without our participation. Why are you asking for our participation if you don’t need us?” Strother said, speaking directly to Jeff Howard, the MileStone representative for the development.
Howard said this project will ultimately be a mutually beneficial agreement.
For the development to move forward, MileStone will need to bring the item before the planning and zoning commission and City Council for discussion and approval.
If approved, construction on the development would begin in March with the first residential move-in around 2023, though construction would continue through the year. Road work would be completed in seven phases, phases A-G, to address RM 967 intersection needs, an FM 1625 connector and more to the tune of $41 million.
The Feb. 1 Buda City Council meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. at 405 E. Loop St., Buda.
