Editor
Deciphering fact from fiction or truth from misinformation can often be a difficult and vexing task. It is much easier to accept information from a friend or an acquaintance.
There were multiple falsehoods from the Commissioners Court meeting concerning the La Cima North PID request that came before the County Commissioners Court on Tuesday, Aug. 30.
Creating a Public Improvement District (PID) creates an additional layer of regulations, providing more oversight for the county to protect our natural resources and is paid for by the residents who live in that development. Commissioner Walt Smith said it best “Growth should pay for growth.”
If the PID is not created, the development will still occur. Moreover, without the PID, there is less supervision by the county. The county judge used the PID as a scare tactic for crowdsourcing during election time.
San Marcos River Foundation’s Director Virginia Parker has known about this project and admitted to as much during the meeting. In addition, she stated, “I agree the PID does pay for the development paying for itself, which is important to all of the residents of Hays County.”
The La Cima North land was added to the La Cima Development Agreement in the spring of this year. The City of San Marcos (on May 17) and Hays County (on May 24) approved this specific amendment.
Some speakers attempted to cast doubt on La Cima due to the multiple changes in the Development Agreement that have occurred over time.
Most of the amendments to this agreement have been requested by the city, wanting stricter environmental standards on La Cima.
And every time La Cima has amended their Development Agreement, they have decreased density per acre, increased the amount of land not developed, and limited impervious cover.
The current development agreement has vastly improved ecological preservation with a total of 3,848 acres, with a density per acre of 1.09 dwellings. There will be 4,200 dwellings, and impervious cover will be 19%. Furthermore, the open/green space will be 2,028 acres, which is more than the stated entire total for the City of San Marcos.
During the meeting, the court was steeped in favoritism and anarchy.
In the Judge’s opening statement concerning public comments, he states citizens cannot speak twice on the same item, yet he facilitated breaking his own rules during the meeting.
Furthermore, the Judge stated, “I drive by Spring Lake every day, and it’s a blessing to me, and I’m happy to have it.” However, history has shown he hasn’t attended any of the Hays Trinity or Edwards Aquifer meetings. Commissioner Walt Smith summed it up nicely, “You’re finally picking up the shovel and not leaning on it.”
The Judge’s self-promotion was immensely obvious, and it should be illegal for any elected politician to campaign from the dais as the Hays County Judge did during this meeting.
You can certainly tell it is election season.
Melissa Jewett Hays County
