Development
Development
BY ANNA MANESS
BY ANNA MANESS
Southwestern University plans to develop 560 acres of land near its campus in Georgetown. Called Southwestern University 560, the project is in early planning stages for its rst phase. Given zoning and permitting approvals, the rst buildings could open as early as 2027, according to its website. Features include: • A concert hall University plans 560-acre project
City o cials skeptical of 475-acre Pinnacle MUD proposal
What’s next
Given Georgetown’s growing population in recent years, SU o cials are determined to grow alongside the city while staying true to the university’s values, per SU 560’s website. SU o cials are actively gathering community feedback to strengthen the development’s land use plan, and more information will likely be shared this fall, a spokesperson for the university said in an email.
Adhering to Georgetown's MUD policy A Pinnacle representative said city fees pose a challenge to the development. Georgetown MUD policy Pinnacle proposal
During a July 22 workshop, Georgetown City Council members voiced concerns with Pinnacle—a proposed 475-acre neighborhood in Georgetown and Weir’s extraterritorial jurisdiction. While the project would bring 340 acres of single-family housing and an 11-acre school site, o cials expressed unease with the proposal’s devia- tion from standard city policies and lack of details. What’s happening? Pinnacle o cials are requesting to be classi ed as a municipal utility district, or a type of special district used to o set development costs, but the project’s proposal did not comply with some of the city’s MUD requirements. Gray Civil CEO Seth Mearig said some of the city’s MUD requirements and the rising cost of wastewater impact fees would be nancially challenging and “out of the realm” of what it will actually cost to serve the development given its proximity to a future wastewater plant.
Require donation of land to city or ESD for re station or public safety facility
Land donation possible, but no commitment
Southwestern University 560 o Hwy. 29 in Georgetown will develop 67 acres in Phase 1A.
Maximum tax rate of $0.95 per $100 valuation
Tax rate TBD
RENDERING COURTESY SOUTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
June 25 town hall meeting. The rst phase includes plans for about 35 acres of public open space and 45,000 square feet of retail space. The development will incorporate a research and innovation hub, promoting internships and experiential learning, adding housing options, and hosting artistic and cultural performances. Due to oodplains, not all 560 acres will be developed, a university o cial said in an email.
Willing to pay master development fee if wastewater impact fee is kept at current rate
Phase 1A
SU 560
Pay a master development fee
• An artscape • Green space • Mixed-use residential housing • A boutique hotel • Retail, of ice and research space
SOURCE: CITY OF GEORGETOWN COMMUNITY IMPACT
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Going forward A Pinnacle representative said if council members don’t consent to the MUD, there are other ways to form the special district. “If nancially, it makes more sense for you guys to go o on your own, we’ll wish you well,” Mayor Josh Schroeder said.
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Pinnacle site
SU o cials shared plans for the 67-acre Phase 1A of the project with nearly 100 community members in surrounding neighborhoods at a
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GEORGETOWN 1013 W University Ave (512) 868-6696 CEDAR PARK 13530 Ronald Reagan Blvd (512) 986-7681
ROUND ROCK 201 University Oaks Blvd (512) 341-9066
PFLUGERVILLE 19000 Limestone Commercial Dr (512) 953-4070
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