*****New Affordable Housing*****
In case you missed it, some think the solution to the issue for local workers is to build affordable housing. So here it comes. The project is funded through a statewide tax credit program and the developer commits compliance with the program for 30 years. The developer says there won't be a traffic impact because these folks will work in Lakeway. Really?
One question is, do people really want to move to work in Lakeway? What exactly are the benefits of working here? So, an experiment at our expense - the city doesn't control it so we'll have to see how it turns out. I expect more traffic and we still have a problem finding help. What do you think?
*****Land Use Options*****
Response to Article in Impact
The conversation continues on the land use options that the Comprehensive Plan Committee (and Consultant$$) have been working on. The city continues down the path that the moderation of new housing starts (over the next 10 years) will put the city into a budget issue because of the loss of new tax from new housing. I believe that is kind of a fallacy. The new tax from the housing stays with the city, it doesn't stop. All those new houses continue to pay taxes. There will be a moderation in income from building permits, but that just means the staffing levels can go down in BDS since they won't be issuing permits. The increased tax income will continue unless property values decrease - what could cause that? One thing could be a national issue, the last downturn that affected us actually just slowed down growth and building slowed, we were affected much less than other area and national cities because we were still desirable. Another thing is to change the way our city is perceived by others by making changes that make us less desirable, that is a concern.
The other thing I find interesting is the changes to the "FLUM". This is the Future Land Use Map. It's dated May 2019 and is the current plan. If you will look closely, the most disputed area is along Lohmans (MUD Property) and is designated commercial and mixed use. Some of this was recently changed to "Residential". Here is the FLUM used at the presentation to council. If you look close, it looks a lot like the old map except more multi use and some recreational area that is currently privately owned and not for sale (or at least it wasn't previously). I know because the city tried to purchase it a few years back. The multi use is to allow business on ground floor and residences above - interesting, isn't that what ZAPCO turned down as too dense? They were sent back to rethink some of the suggestions - maybe the old plan was pretty good? Of course, much of this is prefaced on the "budget crisis" because construction will slow down (in 5 to 10 years). It's a plan, we'll have to see where it goes.
*****Sing Along Christmas Show*****
It's that time of year again, get ready to kick off Christmas with the Sing Along's on December 8. Take the kids! Santa (the real one) will be there!
*****Meetings*****
The Public Engagement Advisory Committee will meet on December 4th at 4 p.m. at the City Hall. Here is their agenda.
The Parks and Rec meeting that was scheduled for December 3rd was cancelled.
City Council will meet in Special Session on December 9th from 2-5 p.m. This is advertised as a Work Session and no agenda has been posted yet.
ZAPCO will meet on December 4th from 9:15 a.m. until noon. Here is that agenda / packet.
6-7) Plan revision and plat amendment for RH of Lakeway. Nothing significant there.
8-9) Lakeway Estates apparently wants variances that were previously turned down - new owners. They also want to increase the number of homes on the Preliminary Plan.
10) Home Business Permit - Operate a therapeutic massage business, 100 Lido Circle, Unit A-2.
11-12) Signs.
That's about all for now - I think I'm almost caught up from the Holiday. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday and now I have to go on a diet....
The Lakeway Church construction is continuing, there's a little framing being done for a retaining wall. Hopefully this will really take off in the next few weeks. Here's a link to a 360 panorama I did from 200' above the church. Enjoy!
As always, if you need aerial pictures, please consider Sky Pictures - we aim to please!
Thanks for taking the time to read the blog. I'm passionate about Lakeway and want to be sure residents are informed about what is going on in the community. Please feel free to email me with questions or comments. If you want to be added (or removed) from my email list, send a note to lakeway@bain.us and I'll get it done!
Joe Bain
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