DRIPPING SPRINGS – A fatal accident closed down Fitzhugh Road near Crossroads Drive in Dripping Springs over the weekend.

At approximately 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 3, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers responded to the crash on West Fitzhugh Road. A 2009 Honda Civic was traveling eastbound (at 45 miles per hour) when it traveled off the road to the right onto the grassy shoulder and then back onto the road into the westbound lane of traffic.

The Honda collided with a 2016 Toyota 4 Runner, which was traveling westbound around a curve at the time.

The driver of the Honda, identified as Michael Faraj, 25, from Dripping Springs, was pronounced dead at the scene by JP John Burns. A copy of the crash record can be obtained once the investigation is complete at https://cris.dot.state.tx.us/public/Purchase/app/home/welcome.

No other information is available at this time, as the investigation is still ongoing.

BUDA — The development agreement for a hotly-debated mixed-use development was denied  – but that does not necessarily stop it from being built.  

During the Planning and Zoning meeting on July 26, the commission voted 5-0 to deny the MileStone Community Builders development agreement for the proposed Persimmon development, which would be located off FM 967 on the Bailey and Armbruster tracts of land. Chair Jeffrey Cottrill and commissioner Matthew Wright were not present at the meeting. 

The decision to deny the agreement received cheers and applause from the audience, as the development has been met with criticism from the community: Increased traffic in already congested areas, removal of trees and wildlife, and potential impacts to the Edwards Aquifer transition zone the land sits on top of, name a few. Many feel it will threaten the livelihood of Buda’s residents and environment.

Persimmon totals 775 acres, with 349 acres being in the Bailey tract and 426 acres being in the Armbruster tract. There are 471 acres within the City of Buda ETJ (extraterritorial jurisdiction) and 302 acres within the City of Austin ETJ.

Along with 2,800 single family homes, the development boasts an extensive connective trail network and other outdoor amenities, plus a minimum of 10 acres for retail. MileStone CEO Garrett Martin estimates that home prices will range from the $400s to the low millions, and maintains that 75% of signature trees and 85% of heritage trees would be preserved. 

Persimmon has been in the works for around five years, since MileStone bought the land through a private acquisition, but was delayed due to transportation-related issues, which they were asked to find solutions. Martin said that the backbone of the proposed $41 million transportation solution is a connection from 967 to 1626, something they have worked on over the last two years. 

“We expanded dramatically [with] the land ownership,” Martin said. “We bought the Armbruster tract and added that into the development in order to facilitate and enable a transportation solution for the region.” 

Martin said that because phases 1 and 2 of the project would help fund the initial parts of phase 3, which includes the connector, completing phase 3 before 1 and 2 is not possible. Upwards of 325 homes could be built before the connector is completed, marking one of the biggest concerns for residents. 

The July 26 meeting saw over a dozen residents speak during the public hearing portion on the item. This sort of public response isn’t new: many have come forward during both planning and zoning and city council meetings to express their disapproval of the project. 

“In looking at the presentation, it’s evident that they have addressed greatly the quality of life for the people who will be living in there,” resident Robert Hesselbrock said. “My question is, at what cost to the quality of life of the adjacent communities?” 

P&Z Vice Chairman Emily Jones, who has 25 years of experience in the construction development industry, said that this is one of the largest residential developments that Buda has seen and must be approached with “great care and attention.” 

Jones said that this version of the agreement was submitted on July 20, giving development services staff about four to five working days to review the agreement before the meeting if they spent “every hour working on it.” 

“My personal and professional opinion…is to put together a package that minimizes questions and objections as much as humanly possible,” Jones said. “A complete package should be hard to poke holes in, should be easy for everyone to follow the bouncing ball, and creates a sense of confidence in everybody that’s looking at it. This is not that scenario…There are parts that are incomplete, and it feels very pushed.”

Jones also noted that staff’s feedback said some parts of the agreement were not clear or incomplete, and that many were left with questions that required more time to review and be answered. 

Martin, however, said that this project brings “unequivocally more benefits than any other subdivision could be required to bring,” saying that it is a result of great give and take that's taken place over the years. MileStone says they are proactively going “much further than they are required” to ensure a project that benefits both the broader community and future residents. 

“It’s a cornerstone of everything that’s asked for in the code from Buda and beyond,” Martin said. “A lot of the things you’ve heard tonight that are concerns have actually already been addressed, but because of that information flow issue — and there are a lot of moving parts — it’s a living project where we are responding to the requests we’ve been receiving to make the project better. Unfortunately, it’s happened over five years. There’s only a few of us who have seen the movie from start to finish.” 

MileStone has grown restless, asking that commissioners approve the agreement so they can take it to council and present it in its entirety instead of going back and forth and delaying construction. Many in the community have questioned this sense of urgency, but to Martin, it’s a “simple economic equation.”

“We’ve been at it for five years. I think we’ve all become aware of the need for housing supply to try and keep housing prices more reasonable,” Martin said. “We’re doing our very best to bring supply to the marketplace to meet that demand. Five years is not a reasonable time frame. I think the vast majority of people would agree, especially people looking for a house. … If the vote is, ‘we can’t support this project,’ that’s ok. We would prefer that over continually being stuck in this quagmire of information that's hodgepodge-y where we’re not actually dealing with the facts.” 

While MileStone sought the commission’s approval of the agreement during the meeting, the commissioners ultimately were not ready to do so, and unanimously made the recommendation to deny it. This recommendation will next go to Buda City Council, which acts as the final authority. 

Buda Planning Director Melissa McCollum said that the council has a variety of actions it could take, such as recommending to approve the agreement as is or with conditions, recommend to deny or table the agreement or recommend to send it back to P&Z. 

But those against the development shouldn’t celebrate just yet. MileStone representatives have made it clear that regardless of where the city stands, Persimmon is going to get built. If the development agreement is denied by the Buda City Council, MileStone representatives have stated they will start to operate under Hays County rules and regulations, which differ greatly from the city of Buda. 

In Texas, property owners have the right to develop their property under county standards without required consent from the city. Counties are required to approve projects under very broad standards. 

Martin said that if the agreement is denied, all of the commitments MileStone made in the original agreement would go away. As such, a 1626 connector is “not likely,” and more connections through the Coves of Cimarron are possible instead; only the Garlic Creek Parkway connection up to the future SH 45 will be required. Apartments are also plausible, and the minimum amount of commercial space would look different. 

Regarding the 75% signature tree and 85% heritage tree preservation and the over 100-year-old dairy barn that is set to be repurposed, Martin said these will ultimately be up to their [MileStone’s] discretion, since these commitments would also go away. 

Many Buda residents have voiced that they are not anti-development. Though Hays County is exploding with growth, there is still a sense of small-town camaraderie among the community, as residents think about the city’s future, looking at a development like Persimmon as something that will change the fabric of their home quickly and drastically. 

“I’m not anti-development, but I am against development that’s short-sighted, poorly planned and leaves current residents to deal with the mess left behind long after the developers are gone,” resident Robin Perry said. 

Council is expected to discuss the development agreement at its Sept. 6 meeting. MileStone will also hold an information session on Aug. 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Garlic Creek Community Center in Buda.

HAYS COUNTY - At the last state of Kyle address, Mayor Travis Mitchell revealed a plethora of new restaurants coming to Kyle. 

One notable eatery coming to the Buda area is Big’s Meat Market. Relocating from Austin, the newcomer to Buda is offering a meat market alongside brisket sandwiches, sausage, and other quick meals. The new location will also provide a unique drive-thru for those wishing to pick up meat without ever leaving the car.

“The difference between Austin and Buda is 100%,” said Scott Fiebig, owner of Big’s Meat Market. “Everybody has been extremely friendly and the folks down here have been great customers. Overall, it’s a breath of fresh air compared to being in Austin.”

Another offering will be Dutch Bros. Coffee. The new drive-thru coffee shop will offer variations of coffee, blended beverages, smoothies and more at its new location. 

Numerous restaurants are also opening in the Dry River District, next to EVO Entertainment and the up-and-coming Costco off Interstate 35 in Kyle. The most recent announcement was the addition of Willie’s Grill and Icehouse – which was approved by the planning and zoning commission July 26.

Residents will have several options including Tiff’s Treats, Torchy’s Tacos, Pizza Patrón, Z’Tejas, Denny’s, Pollo Campero and P. Terry’s. 

Over 5 million visitors at national parks in Texas spent $370,500,000 last year – this resulted in 5,412 jobs which had a cumulative benefit to the state economy of $578,500,000. 

The peer-reviewed visitor spending analysis was conducted by economists at the National Park Service (NPS) and the U.S. Geological Survey. The report shows $20.5 billion of direct spending by more than 297 million park visitors in communities within 60 miles of a national park. This spending supported 322,600 jobs nationally; 269,900 of those jobs are found in these gateway communities. The cumulative benefit to the U.S. economy was $42.5 billion. 

As for the economics of visitor spending, the lodging sector had the highest direct effects, with $7 billion in economic output nationally. The restaurants sector had the second greatest effects, with $4.2 billion in economic output nationally. 

The national parks in Texas are:  

• Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument 


• Amistad National Recreation Area 


• Big Bend National Park 


• Big Thicket National Preserve 


• Chamizal National Memorial 


• El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail 


• El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail 


• Fort Davis National Historic Site 


• Guadalupe Mountains National Park 


• Lake Meredith National Recreation Area 


• Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park 


• Padre Island National Seashore 


• Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park 


• Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River 


• San Antonio Missions National Historical Park  


• Waco Mammoth National Monument 

KYLE — The Kyle Police Department (KPD) is investigating two deaths inside a residence in the 300 block of Tower Drive. 

On Thursday, June 23 at approximately 9:20 p.m., dispatch received a call indicating that one person was shot and possibly deceased while another adult and child were in the home.  

The adult caller was armed with a firearm and was not cooperative with dispatch as they tried to get him to follow instructions and provide information.  

Police, fire and EMS were immediately dispatched, and a SWAT response was initiated. Officers arriving on scene assessed the situation, considered the immediate danger to the child, and made forced entry into the residence.

Officers located the child physically unharmed and removed him to safety. They then cleared the residence and located two deceased adults in an upstairs bedroom. The adults have been identified as Shayne Robert Loupe, 43, and Lauren Rachel Kelley, 36, both of Kyle.  

Hays County Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 Beth Smith pronounced both deaths at the scene and ordered autopsies.  

The Kyle Police Department is conducting an investigation into the deaths. This is an isolated incident and police believe there is no danger to residents. 

BUDA — From one tight-knit community to another, Hays County residents have found themselves asking how they can help Uvalde in the wake of the tragedy at Robb Elementary School last month. 

Although words will never be enough to heal their residents, many in Hays County have felt called to support them in any way they can. 

Johnny G’s Barbershop in Buda held a fundraiser on June 5 in downtown Buda in support of Uvalde, with 100% of the funds raised going directly to the victims and their families. Capitol City Barbershop and Skinny’s Barbershop, both located in Austin, were also there to support. 

“I saw the craziness on TV — we all have kids and family, and it touched us,” owner Johnny Garza said. “Me and my barbers talked and said we’re going to make it happen … We all felt it. My heart was hurting, I wasn’t the only one feeling like that. We talk to mothers and fathers on the daily. We felt like something had to be done.” 

Garza said the event came together in a matter of days, during which barbers from the three shops cut hair for donations. There was also a bounce house, dunk tank and snacks like cotton candy, popcorn and slushes provided by Party Animals in Buda. 

There were also a variety of raffles, plus the ability to make donations through Venmo. Riding club Grim Guardians were also matching donations. So far, over $8,000 has been raised, and donations are still coming in. 

Garza said that support from the community, including from members like Freddy Erdman, Buda Police Department’s Community Affairs Officer, helped provide resources and pull the event together in such a short time. 

“There’s a lot of ‘what ifs’ running through our minds and hearts. What if it was my kid? What if it was this?” Garza said. “At the end of the day, this is what it’s all about: helping families that went through all of this madness.”  

Just a few miles away, a Kyle resident has also felt compelled to help the Uvalde community by providing items to help them get through their day-to-day life. 

Sandy Fleming has helped collect donations for Uvalde and made the two-and-a-half hour drive to deliver items that, in her view, will help residents not feel so overwhelmed. 

Fleming has collected items such as toilet paper, paper towels, pastries, packaged snacks, water, ice chests and entertainment for surviving kids to play with in between counseling sessions such as coloring books, crayons, word puzzle books, balls and Frisbees. 

Although Fleming has already made one supply run to Uvalde, she is planning on going as often as she can, saying that making the trip is “meaningful in its own way” and said she has seen first-hand the toll the tragedy has taken on its residents. 

So far, she has delivered items to Bluebonnet Children’s Advocacy Center/Tri-County CASA and Hillcrest Memorial Funeral Home, working closely with representatives from both. 

Fleming said that it isn’t just about her or her contribution, it’s the city of Kyle as a whole, saying that Kyle is behind Uvalde. 

“My mission is to make sure they know that God is still with them,” Fleming said during a vigil held in Kyle for Uvalde on May 29. “Even though there has been a tragedy, there is purpose. Do not give up on God … I prayed and asked God where I need to be. And this is where I needed to be.” 

The Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch will provide an update on these efforts and other efforts in the community, as well as more information on how to donate to Uvalde or volunteer. 

KYLE –  Local Greg Miller continues to give support and medical training to others in Ukraine, even as he moves closer to the front lines. However, as the conflict continues, the need for supplies and aid has not decreased as Russia and Ukraine enter a war of attrition. 

Miller, a retired special forces operative, will soon be entering the ‘yellow-zone’, which is between a safe area such as Kyiv and the front lines, where active engagements are taking place. Most of his time spent in Ukraine has been dedicated to helping train and teach soldiers medical operations or delivering supplies. 

“Due to the nature of the conflict, it’s all a guessing game. It’s becoming a war of attrition,” Miller said. “They’re just trying to see who can out last the other.” 

However, as the war continues and media attention moves elsewhere, the need for supplies continues to grow. While Miller has been given an area to sleep and rest, as well as transportation, he is using his own finances to purchase food and supplies for himself and others. 

“Go to your local hospitals, talk to your med supply stores, anything to get people to donate these items,” Miller said. “I’ve spent over $1,000 in tourniquets.”

He also helped manufacture tourniquets within Ukraine itself to supply soldiers on the front line, even while numerous rockets and missile strikes have targeted Kyiv. He states that while the Ukrainian people will not settle until they’ve reclaimed all their land, Miller says it is unlikely due to global politics.

“One of my friends runs refugees through his house, and he has helped over 103 already. They can stay as long as they like, so long as they can help run the house. If they don’t wind up here, they wind up on an air mattress in a church for three [to] four months [until]  they find a suitable place to live,” Miller said. “They lived in a modern city with modern conveniences, went to work every day, [rode] the bus or [drove] a car. . It’s exactly the same. Then they’re displaced. So, just imagine you have a good job and then the next day, you're on the street with no chance of getting back, because your house is no longer there.” 

Miller still plans to return on or before July 4, but is now actively seeking employment within Ukraine, as he also plans to return a month later. Meanwhile, he claims that the Ukrainian people still need more artillery alongside specialty medical equipment such as nasopharyngeal airways and chest seals. He says he is looking forward to seeing his family again, but does not miss the news. 

“The news I see in the U.S. [is] sickening. You’ve got shootings in the schools and people killing their doctors because of their pain in surgeries,” Miller said. “We’re becoming the most violent country in the world.” 

The Austin Board of Realtors (ABOR) is investigating the Hays Central Appraisal District’s (HCAD) use of unauthorized private real estate data.

On Tuesday, May 24, the ABOR issued a cease-and-desist letter to the HCAD instructing the district to stop using multiple listing service (MLS) data from Austin/Central Texas Realty Information Service (ACTRIS) without proper authorization. 

“We are actively investigating the source(s) of the unauthorized data access and how MLS data may have been inappropriately used in the appraisal of Hays County properties,” said Emily Chenevert, Chief Executive Officer of ABOR. “The action we’ve asked them to take is to stop using unauthorized access to MLS data, which is covered under the cease and desist letter. If we are to find that individual subscribers of ACTRIS are misusing data that they are accessing for the purpose of using it at a governmental entity, then we will take action on an individual basis as well.”

ABOR explained that the MLS database has comprehensive housing information transmitted through several portals and websites that allows consumers to search on a variety of criteria for housing. It blends public tax records and information/photos specific to each home across Central Texas.

It is still unknown how the HCAD gained access to the information as the appraisal district did not disclose where or how it received the MLS data.

“In its annual effort to satisfy both its constitutional and statutory mandates to determine market values for properties within Hays County for tax assessment purposes, Hays CAD has utilized MLS sales data when provided to us and relevant,” said Laura Raven, Chief Appraiser. “Under generally accepted appraisal guidelines, groups of sales occurring within a region of the county and within appropriate time frames are widely considered to be the most useful information in establishing market values. The district routinely inquires of property owners, brokers and tax agents, reviews marketing materials, accesses public records and researches internet sources in its ongoing search for the most accurate information relating to property values.”

ABOR has not received any kind of response from the appraisal district. 

“What we want everyone to understand is that ACTRIS MLS and the Austin Board of Realtors are incredibly proactive in addressing any concern as it relates to the unauthorized access of the MLS system,” Chenevert said. “The MLS system still remains the best and most complete marketplace and is the place to find the listings that you need if you are a buyer, it’s the place to gain the greatest exposure if you are a seller looking to make top dollar on a sale of your home and anytime we perceive that there is a concern around the confidentiality or privacy of the system, we take immediate action. We do that to help protect consumers and ensure that their expectations around the system are being met.”

The Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch is continuing to follow this issue. If new information becomes available, we will provide an update to the public. Also, if any property owners are affected by this situation and would like to share their story, please reach out to us by emailing news@haysfreepress.com.

A Dripping Springs man died April 15 following a single-vehicle collision in San Marcos. 

Bryson Waggle, 21, was reportedly traveling outbound on Old Ranch Road 12 near Blanco Street when his vehicle crossed the centerline, leaving the roadway and striking a tree. Waggle was the only person in the car and there were no other vehicles involved. 

Emergency crews responded to the area and found a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta with the driver, later identified as Waggle, not breathing and unconscious, and was later pronounced deceased at the scene.

Waggle was a 2019 graduate of Dripping Springs High School and studied at Texas State University. 

The San Marcos Police Department is continuing to investigate the collision.

DRIPPING SPRINGS – As the city of Dripping Springs continues to see more homes popping up on every block, the city is updating its Comprehensive Plan. 

The Comprehensive Plan, Reimagine Dripping Springs Initiative, is a visioning process that will establish a guiding framework for development in Dripping Springs. Through this initiative and the updated Comprehensive Plan, the city hopes to establish priorities for the area’s future land use and major development projects. 

It will help guide real estate, infrastructure investments, economic development and zoning. The Comprehensive Plan will also incorporate the recently adopted Transportation Master Plan and the Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan. 

To help with the process, the City has hired DTJ Design, a firm with an extensive background in urban planning. DTJ will work with the City to create a plan that will

1. Provide overall guidance to help direct future land use and resource decisions


2. Address a broad scope of topics, including land use, housing, mobility, public services, recreation and natural and cultural resources 


3. Provide long-range guidance on how the City’s Vision for Dripping Springs can be reached.

City Planning Director Howard Koontz says the process is needed with all the growth,

 “The city is at a crucial moment in development,” said Howard Koontz, planning director. “This is our opportunity to look at previous and current development while looking to 

the future of the community when it comes to density, roads, business and more. Now is the time to reimagine Dripping Springs, keeping the heritage of what makes our city so great, while also having a clear vision of future development and how we can best serve the community in its rapid growth.”

An important component of the comprehensive plan is gathering input and feedback from citizens and business owners. The city established a Comprehensive Planning Committee to work with DTJ to provide guidance during the process. 

The city is officially kicking off the plan at the annual Founders Day Festival on Saturday, April 23 and Sunday, April 24. Residents can meet the team involved, learn more about what the process entails, share feedback and more. 

The process is expected to go through the end of this year into 2023 and there will be numerous opportunities for residents and businesses to give added input.

For more information, please contact the Planning Department at planning@cityofdrippingsprings.com or call the city at 512-858-4725.

HAYS COUNTY– It's about to get a little brighter on FM 1626 north of FM 967.

Hays County officials confirmed that new traffic lights are being installed on the roadway. FM 1626 is owned by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).

According to Hays County Commissioner Mark Jones, Pct. 2, the lights will be at the following locations: Jerry’s Lane @ FM 1626 and Leisurewoods Drive @ FM 1626.

“Heavier vehicle traffic along that roadway has made it more challenging for residents in some of the neighborhoods that feed onto FM 1626 to get onto the highway; they felt it wasn’t a safe situation,” Jones said. “I’ve received numerous comments about the road and why it’s time for lights at those intersections.”

Jones said safety is a top priority.

“Following traffic warrant studies, the TxDOT agreed the lights were needed and they will install them,” Jones said. “FM 1626 is a TxDOT road so it was up to that agency to determine whether lights would be placed at those locations.”

He added that installation at the Leisurewoods Drive entrance has already begun and lights at Jerry’s Lane will begin in the coming weeks.

Hays Commons, a large development being proposed by MileStone Community Builders in the small city of Hays, continues to raise infrastructure and environmental concerns for residents. 

During the council meeting on April 4, attorney Jeff Howard and engineering consultant Dan Ryan, both working with MileStone, were present to discuss and provide updates on the development. MileStone CEO Garrett Martin was not present despite being expected, according to Mayor Pro Tem Lydia Bryan-Valdez. 

MileStone has also proposed a large development in Buda off FM 967 — the Bailey and Armbruster tracts — that would be nearly adjacent to Hays Commons, and has raised traffic, safety and similar environmental and infrastructure concerns for its residents. 

The original development agreement for Hays Commons was signed in September 2013 with Walters Southwest. MileStone has been looking to take over the development for around a year and a half. 

The original, and current, development calls for hundreds of homes and a one million square foot retail center. 

MileStone’s new agreement proposes 271 residential units — 206 being within Hays ETJ (extraterritorial jurisdiction) and the remaining 65 within Austin’s ETJ — that will include a mixture of quarter-acre, third-acre and one-acre lots. Additionally, there is approximately 12 acres of commercial space planned. 

Howard explained that their proposed plan is in keeping with some of the objectives that have been expressed by the community. 

“The decision the city is at is, do you want that larger retail space in the current development agreement that will generate sales tax revenue, or have something more in-line with lower-density residential on the other side of the creek that is not connected to you?” Howard said.

But Hays residents and some council members have not been easily swooned by presentation maps — during the meeting, they again brought up concerns regarding lot sizes, wastewater infrastructure and the effects of putting a development of this size over the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone. 

Regarding a wastewater treatment facility, Howard said that although they aren’t “shutting the door” on the possibility, they are operating under the assumption that the city of Austin will not serve Hays Commons. 

As such, MileStone will seek to enact a MUD (municipal utility district) that would levy a tax on homeowners within the development to pay for the infrastructure and water, sewage and drainage services that would be provided. 

Bryan-Valdez pointed out that a MUD would require long-term maintenance and voiced concerns not only about potential odor and airborne particles leading to health issues, but that the upkeep responsibility would fall to Hays residents. Howard, however, said Hays would not be in the MUD and would not be affected.

Despite council voting 3-1 during their March 14 meeting to hold a workshop session to better look at the development agreement before voting on the item, which would transfer the assignment from Walters Southwest to MileStone, a session has not been initiated yet. Meanwhile, residents and council members still have many questions left unanswered. 

Council went into executive session during the April 4 meeting to receive further legal counsel regarding the development but no action was taken. 

This is a developing story. 

Residents in the city of Hays are concerned that a large development being proposed, Hays Commons, will threaten various aspects of the city’s environment, infrastructure and overall way of life.

Things turned contentious during the city of Hays council meeting on March 14 when multiple residents spoke out against MileStone Community Builders, the developers of Hays Commons, and voiced their concerns with both MileStone and the development agreement.

MileStone is the same developer as the Bailey and Armbruster tracts along FM 967 in Buda, a controversial residential and commercial project that has been met with intense scrutiny from Buda residents and city officials. If built, these tracts would be nearly adjacent to Hays Commons. 

Hays Commons is expected to feature commercial and residential space along with a trail system across several hundred acres of land. The development agreement was first signed in September 2013, then with developers Walters Southwest. MileStone has since taken over, and while the agreement is being re-negotiated, it is set to expire in September 2023. 

During the March 14 meeting, Mayor Larry Odom said that part of the requirement to change developers is to do an ‘assignment’ of the development. The item on the council agenda included documentation and a resolution for council to vote for or against the assignment. 

Mayor Pro Tem Lydia Bryan-Valdez said that it is her “firm belief” that the current agreement is not favorable to the city, and that council received the assignment after business hours on Wednesday, March 9, giving them only two business days and a weekend to look it over before being asked to vote during the council meeting. 

“I would like to take a slower pace to study this and not be so rushed into or pressured into signing documents that we may not be aware of what we’re signing,” Bryan-Valdez said. “It is my personal opinion that we are constantly pressured into passing documents, as with the last meeting, that we are not well-versed in or are not in the best interest of the city.” 

Per Bryan-Valdez’s suggestion, council decided in a 3-1 vote to hold a workshop session in order to better study the assignment before voting on the item. Council member Richard Gibbens was the dissenting vote; council member Hannah Ballou was not present during the meeting. 

Odom said that there have been multiple iterations of proposed plans throughout the years but none have been agreed upon, as the city of Hays committee is trying to be very diligent about making sure that the development “becomes something that will be positive for the city and everyone in the area.” 

Residents have come forward during city council meetings and contacted council members with their concerns regarding MileStone and the development, which include future taxes and potential wastewater, drainage, flooding and seepage issues.  

Two of their biggest concerns are how the development would affect the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, which all of the proposed homes would be built over, as well as concerns that the development agreement does not follow the minimum one-acre lot size requirement outlined in the city of Hays code. 

One concerned citizen, Jim Camp, said that residents are not necessarily opposed to new growth, but many feel that there is a lack of transparency regarding the development that even council members seem to be unaware of. 

Many residents also feel that this lack of transparency extends past this development agreement, with past council agendas, meeting minutes, financial audits and other city documents like the economic development plans not being easily accessible. 

Darlene Starr of Manchaca, which is within the city of Hays ETJ (extraterritorial jurisdiction), read council an email with unanswered questions that she had sent weeks prior, noting that in addition to residents, many small businesses in the area will be affected by the development and need to be protected. 

“The pressure on Buda by MileStone to fast-track their development plans further is indicative of the type of business they seem to be in, and thankfully the citizens and leaders in that neighborhood are not caving to Milestone's demands, insisting on thorough research, impact studies and community input,” Starr said. “It is our hope Hays City Council will also listen to the people who call your city and ETJ home. Do not be fooled by slick presentations and concept maps … Things don't have to be done the way they were in the past. Many feel things can be done better and more mindfully, and everyone still get what they need.” 

This is a developing story.

A family-owned supermarket chain may soon make its way to east Kyle. 

During the Jan. 4 meeting, Kyle City Council unanimously voted to approve the first reading of an ordinance from JD’s Supermarket to purchase 102 acres of land at SH-21 and E FM 150 in Kyle. 

Representatives with JD’s Supermarket approached the city a year and a half ago to purchase the land to build a shopping center on 17.3 acres of the land. Per the memorandum, the location is a major secondary corridor for vehicular traffic, with IH-35 being the primary corridor. 

JD’s Supermarket has locations throughout the Greater Austin area. President Adam Ahmad said in the memorandum that they strongly feel that with the abundance of existing and proposed residential developments in the area, along with the connectivity of two major roadways, the tract would be a “great opportunity to provide closer, local commercial, retail, grocery and gas for the entire surrounding area.” 

Zoning, subdivision, site development, a conditional use permit and building permits will be followed to develop the site following the land’s annexation. 

A second reading of the ordinance will take place during the Jan. 18 council meeting. 

KYLE — Kyle Economic Development announced Dec. 3 that a state-of-the-art swim center is coming to town.

Nitro Swimming hosts swim lessons and competitive swim teams in an indoor, climate-controlled center. The center will be located in a 40,000 square-foot building on the east side of FM 1626, north of Kohlers Crossing. They are expected to break ground in January 2022, and a grand opening is slated for late 2022.

The center will feature two pools — an instructional pool and Olympic-sized competition pool — as well as indoor deck space and a climate-controlled viewing area. It will also have the capability to host various swim meets with approximately 400-500 athletes and room for spectators.

The instructional pool will be 25 yards long and have five lanes with overflow gutters and two filtration systems, including a UV filter.

The competition pool will have 24 lanes of “short course” (25 yards) and 10 lanes of “long course” (50 meters), with custom starting/racing platforms, an electronic timing system and scoreboard with full read-out of the racing lanes.

Nitro Swimming has become the leading swim lessons provider in the Austin area, as well as a top competitive swim team, since its formation in 2006. They are also a partner of the Special Olympics of Central Texas, and the facilities are often utilized for water rescue training for law enforcement and emergency first responders and by local scout troops for certification needs.

“We are excited to have a business like Nitro Swimming join our growing and thriving business community,” Kyle Economic Development Director Diana Blank-Torres said. “They are bringing a unique industry of destination recreation, as well as a top-tier swim safety center to our region that will further strengthen our local economic diversity.”

For more information, go to www.nitroswim.com.

By Megan Wehring

DRIPPING SPRINGS -- The Dripping Springs City Council is extending the temporary development moratorium for 90 days.

• Planning and Zoning Commission, Monday, Nov. 15, 6 p.m.


• City Council, Tuesday, Nov. 16, 6 p.m.


• City Council, Monday, Nov. 22, 6 p.m. The council will vote on the extension of the  moratorium at this meeting.

By Megan Wehring 

DRIPPING SPRINGS — Not all rezoning requests are moving forward in Dripping Springs. 

With six items listed in the Nov. 9 consent agenda, the Dripping Springs Planning & Zoning Commission approved two rezoning requests for housing development projects — but the commission denied four. 

What the commission approved 

The Esperanza Development, Phase 2 

This 57-residential lot development, located at 4900 Bell Springs Road, received the commission’s application approval. The Esperanza Phase 2 final plat was originally approved in April but the updates now reflect changes to the construction plans, which eliminated the access to Yellow Bell Run from Bell Springs Road.

Driftwood Golf and Ranch Club Phase 3

The commission approved the plan for 30 residential lots on a 56-acre tract located on Driftwood Ranch Drive, out of the Freelove Woody Survey, planned for the Driftwood Golf and Ranch Club. 

What the commission denied 

Parten Ranch Phases 6 & 7

The 122-residential lot development at Parten Ranch Parkway near Running Bird Road was denied by the commission. In 2016, a development agreement was approved for this property and preliminary plats for phase one through five have also been approved.

City staff recommended the developer provide documentation confirming approval from Hays County for street names, geological assessment and an engineers summary report.

Big Sky Ranch

Two rezoning requests for the Big Sky Ranch development were denied. 

The first is an 81.7-acre tract at the intersection of Sue Peaks Loop and Diablo Rim Terrace for 215 residential lots — not moving forward for the Big Sky Ranch Phase 3. Several changes were requested by the city including documentation for approval of street names and. removing building setback lines. 

The second denied request for a 25-acre stretch, located at Lone Peak Way and Bartlett Peak Lane, for 134 residential lots was also blocked by the commission.

The final Big Sky Ranch plats will not be approved until construction of public infrastructure is complete or until there are enough funds dedicated for construction, according to city engineer Chad Gilpin.

Caliterra 

A request to rezone 39 acres for 103 residential lots, located at Soaring Hill Road and Fish Trap Road, in the Caliterra development was the final consent agenda item the commission denied. Changes requested by the city include an approval letter from Hays County and materials showing the boundaries of the property.

The city council will still have final approval on any zoning changes.

Following the Planning & Zoning Commission’s development decisions, the city of Dripping Springs approved a temporary development moratorium, effective Nov. 18. This means the city will not accept permit applications for new developments in the city limits and extraterritorial jurisdiction where a waiver has not been approved. This is due to the city reaching its wastewater capacity, according to a Nov. 10 news release.

Voter turnout: 12.18%
Ballots cast: 18,900
Registered voters: 155,158

Buda

City of Buda, Position 3 At-Large

Emily Jones     438 (33.87%)
Virginia Jurika     220 (17.01%)

LaVonia Horne-Williams     635 (49.11%)

City of Buda, Single Member District (SMD) A

Unopposed Candidate Declared Elected: Paul Daugereau

Kyle

City of Kyle, Councilmember, District 5

Donny J. Wills     236 (13.30%)
Leah Kaufman     407 (22.94%)
Rick Koch     642 (36.19%)
Daniela C. Parsley     489 (27.56%)

A runoff election between Rick Koch and Daniela C. Parsley will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 7. Runoff election voting locations and times will be available at CityofKyle.com/Election.

City of Kyle, Councilmember, District 6 (unopposed)

Michael Tobias     302 (100%)

San Marcos

City of San Marcos, City Council, Place 5

Mark Gleason     2,075 (54.15%)

Zach Sambrano     1,757 (45.85%)

City of San Marcos, City Council, Place 6

Jude Prather     1,927 (50.43%)

Mark Rockeymoore     1,894 (49.57%)

Wimberley

Wimberley ISD, Trustee, Place 1

Andrea Justus     2,581 (51.45%)

Lori Olson     2,439 (48.59%)

Wimberley ISD, Trustee, Place 2

Edmond Moreland     2,418 (48.39%)

Nathan Cross     2,579 (51.61%)

Wimberley ISD, Trustee, Place 3

Rob Campbell     2,694 (53.98%)

Gretchen Holtsinger     2,297 (46.02%)

Woodcreek

City of Woodcreek, Mayor

Jeff Rasco     452 (60.03%)

Aurora LeBrun     301 (39.97%)

City of Woodcreek, City Council, at-Large

Nancye Britner     280 (20.83%)

Bob Hambrick     309 (22.99%)

Brent Pulley     396 (29.49%)

Debra Hines     359 (26.71%)

Local Proposition Results

City of Buda Proposition A

The issuance of $73,570,000 bonds for transportation projects for streets, roads, bridges and intersections...and other street and road improvements, and also including related utility relocation, sidewalks, pedestrian and bicycle improvements, traffic safety and operational improvements, the purchase of any necessary rights-of-way, design costs, required equipment, drainage and other related costs. Taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds will be imposed.

For: 1,021 (74.31%) 
Against: 353 (25.69%)

City of Buda Proposition B

The issuance of $16,090,000 bonds for parks and recreation projects...and also including land acquisition, design costs, required equipment and related drainage and other related costs. Taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds will be imposed.

For: 871 (63.39%)
Against: 503 (36.61%)

Hays County Emergency Services District. No. 4, Proposition A

Authorizing an increase in the maximum ad valorem tax rate that Hays County Emergency Services District No. 4 may impose on property within the District to a rate not to exceed ten cents ($0.10) per one hundred dollars ($100) valuation.

For: 2,596 (54.92%)

Against: 2,131 (45.08%)

State of Texas Proposition Results

Proposition 1

The constitutional amendment authorizing the professional sports team charitable foundations of organizations sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association or the Women's Professional Rodeo Association to conduct charitable raffles at rodeo venues.

For: 15,731 (85.22%)

Against: 2,729 (14.78%)

Proposition 2

The constitutional amendment authorizing a county to finance the development or redevelopment of transportation or infrastructure in unproductive, underdeveloped, or blighted areas in the county.

For: 11,442 (62.41%)

Against: 6,893 (37.59%)

Proposition 3

The constitutional amendment to prohibit this state or a political subdivision of this state from prohibiting or limiting religious services of religious organizations.

For: 10,095 (54.79%)

Against: 8,330 (45.21%)

Proposition 4

The constitutional amendment changing the eligibility requirements for a justice of the supreme court, a judge of the court of criminal appeals, a justice of a court of appeals, and a district judge.

For: 10,027 (56.87%)

Against: 7,605 (43.13%)

Proposition 5

The constitutional amendment providing additional powers to the State Commission on Judicial Conduct with respect to candidates for judicial office.

For: 10,349 (58.82%)

Against: 7,245 (41.18%)

Proposition 6

The constitutional amendment establishing a right for residents of certain facilities to designate an essential caregiver for in-person visitation.

For: 15,778 (86.75%)

Against: 2,409 (13.25%)

Proposition 7

The constitutional amendment to allow the surviving spouse of a person who is disabled to receive a limitation on the school district ad valorem taxes on the spouse's residence homestead if the spouse is 55 years of age or older at the time of the person's death.

For: 16,125 (88.06%)

Against: 2,187 (11.94%)

Proposition 8

The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of all or part of the market value of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a member of the armed services of the United States who is killed or fatally injured in the line of duty.

For: 16,062 (87.98%)

Against: 2,194 (12.02%)

BUDA -- On Nov. 3, the Buda City Council will recognize the city of Buda as a Platinum Scenic City recipient, which is the highest level awarded in the Scenic City Certification Program.

This year, Buda is one of 22 Texas cities to be certified as a Scenic City. The city was awarded a Gold Scenic City Certification in 2011 and improved in rank to a Platinum designation this year for the first time.

“The City has worked relentlessly to earn this platinum designation,” said Melissa McCollum, Buda Planning Director. “It’s an honor for the City to have received this recognition. It’s the product of the City’s high standards for streetscapes and its effort to preserve heritage trees, cultivate greenbelts and limit light pollution.”

DRIPPING SPRINGS — Dripping Springs moved forward with a Transportation Master Plan, but not without hesitancy from residents.

The city is experiencing significant growth, heightening the need for updated transportation infrastructure. Following a public hearing on Oct. 19, the Dripping Springs City Council unanimously approved the proposed Transportation Plan that has been on the drawing board since 2018.

In the Dripping Springs transportation plan, there are proposed alternate routes for US 290 to the north and to the south. These would serve as a local bypass to the US 290 and RR 12 intersection and a regional bypass to central Dripping Springs — allowing more mobility on US 290 altogether.

While residents had opportunities to participate in the planning process, not all community feedback was positive.

Joe Kanetzky, owner of a 50-year family ranch, expressed his concerns about the placement of planned roads and the lack of communication with extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ) residents.

“As far as I know,” Kanetzky said. “No one outside of the city of Dripping Springs has been contacted. Thousands of people whose property is being affected. I have two major highways that you are now dividing my property up with and no one has ever contacted me. I’m probably the most affected by this.”

Others were concerned about how local businesses would be affected by the transportation plan and the environmental impact.

Residents in the ETJ have a voice in city decisions, Mayor Bill Foulds explained. There are more than 100 volunteers on different boards and commissions, each with a large percentage of ETJ residents.

Routes in the Transportation Master Plan are still in the preliminary phase and when they move forward with developers, the public will be involved.

“When any of these projects move forward,” said Leslie Pollack, transportation engineer, “there are preliminary engineer studies that would be done where you would look at environmental impact, multiple alignments of the road and different locations where the road would be constructed to determine the final feasibility of the road. All of those things would be addressed if any of these roads move forward. It’s not done at the ETJ, countywide level. It’s done on an individual basis.”

A transportation master plan is only a map or guide for future development, said Mayor Pro Tem Taline Manassian.

“They are conceptual lines on a map,” Manassian said. “We have no intention of splitting anybody’s property, taking anybody’s property or making their property such that they can’t sell it. That’s not where we are heading with this map. What we are doing is paving the way for the development of roads in the future as properties turn over.”

To view the full Transportation Master Plan, please visit the Dripping Springs website.