A proposed housing subdivision could bring new units near the edge of Dripping Springs’ western city limits.
According to a presentation given at the April 24 Dripping Springs Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, the Big Sky Ranch subdivision would be built on the roughly 200 acres of land immediately east of Founders Park and in Dripping Springs’ extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). The homes would range in size from 1,650 square feet to 3,500 square feet and cost from $250,000 to $450,000.
Besides single-family homes, the proposed development agreement also details the development of parks, sports and playground facilities, amenity centers, water management infrastructure, trails and the possibility of land being subdivided into lots or into condominium units.
Of the 200 acres of land, about a fourth would be dedicated as public parkland, according to the development agreement.
The property backs up to Founders Park, where the Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead is located.
Miles Matthews, president of the Friends of the Pound House Foundation’s board, said the organization is aware of Meritage Homes’ proposal for Big Sky Ranch and has been involved in talks with the city regarding the growth in the area surrounding Founders Park.
“In general, we know the development is happening,” Matthews said. “I think we have to embrace the fact (the park) is not going to look like it does now in five or 10 years, and not like it did 25 years ago.”
The development agreement also proposes developing walking trails to improve the area’s walkability and new signage and parking spots for the Pound House. An entrance road for Big Sky Ranch would be carved out through the south edge of the park.
Pound House leaders collaborated with the city of Dripping Springs and other community members on the Founders Memorial Park Advisory Committee. The group has met for several months and will continue to meet to work on a recommendation, Matthews said.
“We’re hoping everyone keeps an open mind, but also respects the integrity of Founders Park,” he said.
The Planning and Zoning Commission took no action on the proposed development agreement for Big Sky Ranch. The item could return at a future meeting for a vote before it could move to the Dripping Springs City Council.
