MileStone has been working with the city of Austin to enter the Hays Commons project under the city’s limited purpose jurisdiction for the past two years, according to a June 9 news release.
The details
The new application includes concessions primarily targeting environmental impact concerns, including but not limited to:
- Putting the full 498-acre site under city of Austin limited purpose annexation and zoning
- Adhere to the 15% impervious cover cap over the Recharge Zone, down from the 25% previously requested
- Compliance with city environmental regulations such as creek setbacks, water quality standards and tree protection
- Extension of centralized water and wastewater service from the city with Austin Water
- City acquisition of 215 acres of conservation land, which would increase the 157 acres of protected area originally proposed
- Elimination of groundwater wells and decentralized wastewater infrastructure, removing reliance on a Texas Land Application Permit and on-site water treatment systems
“MileStone remains committed to working with the city of Austin to achieve our shared goal of providing much needed housing in Southwest Austin,” he said in a news release. “This application achieves that goal while following the strict guidelines of the city’s environmental and planning priorities.”
City officials and local organizations previously voiced concern regarding the potential environmental impact of the development.
The bigger picture
MileStone communications officials said, "MileStone's intent has always been to bring Hays Commons under the city of Austin's expanded jurisdiction and regulatory oversight."
However, if the city does not accept the development’s annexation into Austin jurisdiction, “MileStone will pursue full [extraterritorial jurisdiction] removal and develop the property under county and state regulations.”
Officials said an application for removal of the Hays County portion of the development from Austin’s ETJ is now effective, and an application for a municipal utility district is in progress.
Under county and state regulations, the Hays Commons development would not have to adhere to city of Austin development code, which includes more environmental protections.
About Hays Commons
Hays Commons is a proposed 498-acre mixed-use development in Southwest Austin. The development would include over 550 homesites for an estimated 1,750 residents. In addition to 215 acres of conservation land, there would be 315 acres of parks and open spaces, according to the Hays Commons website.
The project covers both Travis and Hays counties, with a portion currently residing in Austin’s ETJ as follows, according to a MileStone communications representative:
- Travis County: 145.2 acres
- Hays County: 352.5 acres
- City of Austin ETJ: about 300 acres
