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BASTROP — Residents voiced strong concerns last week over a proposed municipal utility district on the south side of Bastrop, as the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission weighed public reaction to the already-approved development.
The special meeting April 29 focused on Bastrop County MUD No. 5, which will serve an area known as the Ironwood Development near Texas 304 and Red Rock Road. Although the council has approved the MUD, the Planning and Zoning Commission is set to vote on the matter May 27.
Assistant City Manager Andres Rosales and Ryan Harper, an attorney with Allen Boone Humphries Robinson LLP, presented details about the project, which spans both city limits and Bastrop’s extra-territorial jurisdiction. Rosales told commissioners the ETJ portion will be annexed into the city.
Residents from both inside and outside city limits raised concerns about the project’s potential impact on traffic, flooding, water drainage, livestock and wildlife habitats. Several said construction could worsen existing problems in the area.
Commissioner Jeffrey Estes expressed strong opposition, citing inadequate infrastructure and flood risk.
“This project needs to be stopped,” Estes said. “If I lived on 304, I would be very upset. I’m voting no on this, hands down.” His remarks drew applause from attendees.
Other commissioners raised questions about unclear property boundaries. Commissioner Christopher Toth said he would not support the MUD unless planners could confirm the development does not encroach on private land.
Community members also criticized the lack of public outreach. Many said they were unaware of the project until recently. Vice Chairman David Barrow noted that legal notices had been published in the Courier. Rosales responded that the Courier is now the only newspaper serving Bastrop County and that mailed notices were also sent to residents near the development.
Commissioner Patrice Parsons said the unusually high turnout at the meeting indicated the project’s significance.
“I would really encourage you, or mention it to the developer, that he meet with the neighbors to talk about their specific concerns,” Parsons said. “Try to resolve some of these issues.”
Rosales said he would follow up with attendees after the meeting to document concerns. Harper also agreed more outreach was needed.
