Development
BY ELLE BENT
A 1,400-acre development planned near Dripping Springs and the Pedernales River will bring homes, a hotel, restaurants and a research site for students at The University of Texas—but is facing opposition over water. Mirasol Springs is a development by Steve Winn, founder of RealPage and CEO of Mirasol Capital, companies focused on the real estate industry. The project was announced in April 2021 and is envisioned “to serve as a model for stewardship, eco-sensitive design and development, restoration, and education,” spokesperson Scott Dunaway said. However, residents are worried that the development as proposed would not uphold said vision. Development raises concerns
The takeaway
Clifford said water usage may prove to be a long-term issue as the nearby Pedernales River—where Austin gets some of its drinking water—is very low. Dunaway said the development will obtain the majority of its water demand from the Lower Colorado River Authority. Groundwater from the property—water under the Earth’s surface— “will serve as a secondary source,” and is expected to be used 20%-25% of the time, Dunaway said. Private wells and septic tanks will be prohibited on the property, including for the home sites, Dunaway said. Construction is expected to begin in summer 2025, with an anticipated opening in 2027. Total completion is anticipated for 2032.
3238
STAGECOACH RANCH RD.
MIRASOL SPRINGS DEVELOPMENT
OVERLAND STAGE RD.
N
Neighbors who spoke at a Feb. 12 meeting held by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality opposed the development’s wastewater permit citing issues with treatment and location. Mike Clifford from the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance said the two main issues are the raw sewage that will run across Roy Creek; and second is that the developers have not proposed extensive enough wastewater treatment that would remove phosphorus. Clifford said that changes could be made to address these problems.
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LAKE TRAVIS - WESTLAKE EDITION
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