Residents to host development discussion
A group of residents concerned about the direction of development in Lakeway are hosting their own town hall meeting that is not city-sanctioned to discuss what they’d like to see happen with plots of precious raw land left within the city, particularly the acreage behind the Oaks at Lakeway shopping center.
The event will take place Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Lakeway Activity Center, according to a statement from the group.
“The organizers believe that an open forum is needed to understand residents’ questions, concerns and goals for any use of the raw land, as development of the land and the related zoning will significantly transform the Lakeway community,” the statement reads. “They further believe that the residents need to have time to consider the various alternatives before plans are too far set in stone to be changed, since both private and public interests are at stake.”
The group statement said invitations were extended to the City Council and City Manager Steve Jones. Jones said in a statement in response that “some city officials may attend, but their attendance will be at their own discretion and at risk of violating state law.”
The Texas Open Meetings Act prohibits members of a governmental body from meeting in a quorum to discuss official business without posting notice of the meeting.
Undeveloped land centrally within the city has been the focus of several City Council discussions in recent months. Developer Haythem Dawlett presented a concept for a mixed-use project on roughly 80 acres off of Lohmans Crossing Road to the City Council on Aug. 21, which would include retail, office, residential and a possible hotel and conference center or potential arts district. Alongside this land is the new police station, which city staff estimate will begin construction this year.
Additionally, Stratus Properties has approval to build 200 or more garden patio homes on 35 acres of land behind the Oaks at Lakeway shopping center. Stratus representatives have offered the city 25 acres of donated parkland in exchange for being allowed to build a dense apartment development on the site, but the City Council has made no decisions and is also considering purchasing some of the acreage for parkland instead.
Jones also pointed out in his statement that “information on all prospective developments in Lakeway” is discussed in public forum before the Zoning and Planning Commission and the City Council. “The city of Lakeway encourages participation by the public at all of its official meetings,” Jones said via email.
Greg Holloway, one of the organizers of the group of concerned residents, said that, whatever the feedback from anyone attending the meeting, he’ll be glad to bring the feedback to the City Council for its consideration.
“The citizen participation (during city meetings) is set up so citizens can make their concerns known, but there’s no give and take,” Holloway said. “You get three minutes to talk, and that’s fine. But there’s no ability to engage the council with questions . ... It really doesn’t foster open discussion.”