BY KAMERYN GRIESSER
What builders are saying
What's next?
Decibel scale
Warehouse truck noise may have a large e ect on residential property value, per research from Community & Environmental Defense Services, an organization that assists individuals with ghting against incoming development.
Wheelock led a response Sept. 13 asking to be removed from the litigation; however, an updated petition submitted by the city of Bee Cave on Sept. 20 still addresses both parties. The updated petitions from Bee Cave and Eppright Homes request a temporary and permanent injunction aimed at modifying and potentially demolishing the distribution center. As of press time Oct. 11, an injunction hearing is set for Nov. 12 for both requests from Eppright Homes and Bee Cave. The hearing is open to the public. In the meantime, the city of Bee Cave claims Velocis is rushing to complete construction. Velocis and Wheelock both declined to comment on the latest case updates. Editor Grace Dickens contributed to this reporting.
Madrone Canyon homebuilder Eppright Homes joined the city’s lawsuit Sept. 27, claiming Velocis provided misrepresentative renderings to the Madrone Canyon Homeowners Association and that the development will cause tra c, noise and odor issues for residents. “Once construction began, Eppright Homes’ customers reached out for help, and sales to new residents in Madrone Canyon immediately came to a full stop,” Eppright states in the lawsuit. Another Madrone Canyon homebuilder, Ames Design Build President Brett Ames, said the com- pany is exploring litigation options. Homebuilder Sendero Homes did not respond to requests for comment as of press time.
Rain
40 dB
Conversation
60 dB
Car
70 dB
Truck
80 dB
Siren
120 dB
Fireworks
140 dB
Threshold of pain
SOURCE: COMMUNITY & ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE SERVICES COMMUNITY IMPACT
2015
What residents are saying
Dec. 8: Bee Cave approves development agreement with Wheelock
Dozens of residents packed into Lakeway and Bee Cave city halls to express support for the ongoing litigation at August and September public meetings. In public hearings, many individuals mentioned the proximity of the facility to several public schools o Hwy. 71. Akbar, who purchased a lot in Madrone Canyon in October 2023, said she thought an o ce building was planned for the area, and only through her independent research did she discover the distribu- tion center project. “[My new home] has been a dream in the making for almost four years now, and so to have it com- pletely destroyed is heartbreaking,” Akbar said.
2023
May 15: Wheelock enters sales negotiations with Velocis Sept. 27: The DRC approves the construction plans Nov. 29:
• Wheelock closes sale with Velocis • Wheelock informs Bee Cave leaders of closing via email December - Velocis begins construction
Residents were joined by Lakeway city o cials in a picketing rally supporting the ongoing litigation Sept. 8.
2024
KAMERYN GRIESSER COMMUNITY IMPACT
Aug. 14: The city of Bee Cave les for a temporary restraining order and injunction Aug. 16: Judge denies request for TRO Aug. 19: Lakeway announces its support for the lawsuit Sept. 27: Eppright Homes joins lawsuit Nov. 12: Hearing set for TRO from Bee Cave, Eppright homes Aug. 27: Hearing is postponed Sept. 11: Bee Cave announces new legal team with Pillsbury Law Firm Sept. 20: Bee Cave les updated petition
The bigger picture
“We need to change Texas law to ensure counties and cities can proactively respond to development to ensure it meets the health and safety needs of the community. Current law does not give the
Travis County approved the project’s con- struction permits, and according to a statement from Judge Andy Brown, the county has limited authority to enforce land use restrictions. Precinct 3 Commissioner Ann Howard echoed this sentiment, stating, “I will continue to work with the community to determine what options might exist to make this better.” State Rep. Ellen Troxclair and Sen. Donna Campbell also issued a statement of support for the lawsuit.
county the authority to stop development. If a developer meets minimal requirements, the county must issue permits.” VIKKI GOODWIN, DISTRICT 47 REPRESENTATIVE
SOURCES: CITY OF BEE CAVE, CITY OF LAKEWAY, TRAVIS COUNTY COMMUNITY IMPACT
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LAKE TRAVIS WESTLAKE EDITION
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