Developers, residents weigh environmental concerns for projects From the cover
What they’re saying
Two-minute impact
Spicewood residents from neighboring areas have voiced numerous concerns about the incom- ing developments. Pollock said the Siesta Shores neighborhood relies on wells for their water, and at least three residents had their wells dry up in early summer due to the drought. “All of us out here have experienced troubles with water capacity and having to redrill our wells,” Pollock said. Kamila Radford, an Angel Bay neighborhood resident, said the increased traffic from the Travis Club development on the curvy, two-lane roads with no shoulders could make evacuation or emergency response difficult.
The Travis Club and Thomas Ranch developments are currently the largest planned for the Spicewood area. Longtime residents voiced concerns to the county prior to approval, fearing that a large influx of residents would create more traffic congestion, strain the dwindling water supply and put the endangered golden-cheeked warbler species at risk of habitat loss. Despite these concerns, developers said they will preserve resources by using reclaimed water for watering golf courses and planting native species. “Protecting the local environment and infrastructure is paramount for us with any project,” Travis Club CEO Leisha Ehlert said in a statement. Joe Rentfro, the managing director for Thomas Ranch, echoed the sentiment, saying, “We are trying to develop a community ... for the enjoyment of future generations by protecting, preserving and conserving the landscape in which people live.”
“It takes a split second for all of these woods around here to catch on re. Things can get really out of hand really quick.” KAMILA RADFORD, SPICEWOOD RESIDENT
"We can't keep wiping out parts of the ecosystem and not expect to have adverse e ects to our own well-being." LAURA MORDECAI, BRIARCLIFF RESIDENT
Put in perspective
a 2019 “shot clock” statute, HB 3167, places strict limits on the amount of time the county has to deliver a decision on a new development. Despite these limitations, Howard said she remains optimistic about the ongoing collabo- ration between the county and developers to mitigate resident concerns, which include plans to widen roads and address crowded intersections.
“We are handcuffed,” Travis County Commis- sioner Brigid Shea said during the July 18 meeting to approve Travis Club’s Phase 1 plans. “We hear your concerns; we are just legally limited in what we can do.” Travis County Commissioner Ann Howard said recent legislation, House Bill 3699, prohibits local governments from requiring a traffic impact anal- ysis from a proposed development. Additionally,
Development plans
Green space, golf courses Lots, facilities, utilities and roads
Travis Club 38.2%
61.8%
Location: between Briarcliff and Thurman Bend Estates Average housing density: 2.09 acres per lot Homes: 497 total, including 274 single- family and 223 multifamily units Lake Travis frontage: 10,000 feet Amenities planned: 18-hole golf course, lakefront clubhouse, 30 miles of nature trails, private marina, pool and racket center
Traffic mitigation plans Travis County has plans to mitigate traffic issues that may be caused by the Travis Club development, including adding turning lanes and dedicating roads for right-of-ways.
1 Right-turn lane for westbound Bee Creek Road at Thurman Bend Road intersection: $201,525 • Right-of-way dedication on Bee Creek Road along the property frontage 2 Right-turn lane for northbound Thurman Bend Road at Vizcaya Boulevard intersection: $184,675 • Right-of-way dedication on Thurman Bend Road to accommodate above right-turn lane No stoplights planned yet
THURMAN BEND DR.
Thomas Ranch
2
TRAVIS CLUB DEVELOPMENT
54%
46%
Location: from Hwy. 71 to the Pedernales River Average housing density: 2.89 acres per lot Homes: 450 to 480 for Loraloma; 3,500 total Lake Travis frontage: 2-plus miles Amenities planned: 18-hole golf course, 40 miles of trails, clubhouse, pool, fitness center and equestrian area
VIZCAYA BLVD.
1
BEE CREEK RD.
SIESTA SHORES DR.
SOURCES: TRAVIS CLUB, ANN HOWARD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCES: TRAVIS CLUB, THOMAS RANCH/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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