Over the past month, several development projects in the Lake Travis - Westlake area have been underway. From new developments to ongoing projects, check three recent development stories from the area.
1. Travis County commissioners oppose permit for White Rocks development
The Travis County Commissioners Court approved a resolution opposing a Texas Land Permit Application submitted by White Rocks Entertainment LLC to the Texas Commission on Environment Quality on July 14.
The permit application states the company would discharge 120,000 gallons of wastewater per day via a new activated sludge treatment plant, referred to as the White Rocks Treatment Facility.
However, calculations from the Travis County Transportation and Natural Resources Department have found that the amount of daily wastewater may be larger due to the size of the proposed development, according to a press release from Travis County.
Beyond the wastewater, the resolution also includes concerns citing the strain on water sources, pollutants, land clearing, grading and alteration of the natural landscape.
The TCEQ approved hearings requested by the Save Our Springs Alliance, The Nature Conservancy and local homeowners.
The hearings will allow both the permit applicant and the hearing requesters to present evidence and expert testimony to a judge. The judge will then make a recommendation of approval or denial to the TCEQ.
2. Funding secured for new 254-acre mixed use development in Marble Falls
Construction on a new 254-acre mixed use development called "The Highlands" near Marble Falls is expected to begin in September after securing a $28.2 million construction grant, according to a news release from Rockspring, a Texas-based real estate firm spearheading the development.
The 254-acre project along Manzano Mile at FM 1431 is planned to have 467 single-family homes in addition to apartments, townhomes, estate lots and commercial pads.
The location puts the development five minutes from downtown Marble Falls and directly across from Colt Elementary and Marble Falls High School.
In addition to the $28.2 million construction grant, Rockspring is finalizing a Public Infrastructure Development Bond with the city of Marble Falls.
The project is expected to cost over $70 million, according to the news release.
3. Bee Cave issues cease and desist to developers near Sweetwater community
The city of Bee Cave issued cease and desist letters on July 24 to two developers of three properties along Hwy. 71 near the Sweetwater community after construction processes began without approval from the city, according to a Facebook post from the city of Bee Cave.
Bee Cave previously determined that the existing stormwater and water quality ponds for the properties maintained by Lazy Nine MUD have not been proven sufficient to protect landowners, roadways and watersheds from flooding and pollution, per a statement from Bee Cave Mayor Kara King.
According to the cease and desist letter, the city did not receive sufficient documentation and information from the developers regarding how the development would meet the city’s drainage and pollution standards without further action.
“Until adequate measures are installed, or the Lazy Nine MUD updates its deficient ponds, these developments will pose a public safety risk that is sadly all too well known to Central Texans,” King said.
