Georgetown city officials are currently considering a proposal to develop a new active adult community at the northwest intersection of Ronald Reagan Boulevard and Hwy. 195. The project, a partnership with Pulte Homes, aims to integrate the land into the existing Woodside Municipal Utility District (MUD) or create a separate MUD. The development plan includes 520 single-family units and proposes transitioning an adjacent 140 units from traditional housing to active adult housing.
Community and Council Reactions
The proposal has sparked debate among city council members due to its potential to exceed the city’s MUD policy, which limits age-restricted housing to 10%. District 6 council member Jake French expressed concerns, stating that the proposal might not align with the city’s goals of providing diverse housing options for all age groups. French noted, “It’s saying people younger than a certain age can’t buy within their community, which is inherently discriminatory.”
Despite these concerns, Amy Payne, a senior project manager with Blake Magee, argued that the housing market indicates a demand for age-restricted communities. She also mentioned that traditional homes in the Woodside development are selling slowly.
Tax Rate and Infrastructure Considerations
Another point of contention is the proposed 55-cent MUD tax rate, which District 3 council member Ben Butler opposed. Payne explained that this rate is necessary to finance essential infrastructure, such as roads and waterlines, and is expected to decrease after seven to ten years. Butler emphasized the importance of minimizing the tax rate and ensuring that it only covers necessary expenses.
Future Steps and Modifications
To align with the city’s standards for MUD developments, city staff have requested design modifications. These include the installation of an 8-foot masonry sound wall to reduce highway noise and the construction of a roundabout instead of a four-way stop at the main road. Developers have agreed to consider feedback on commercial zoning and development terms before proceeding further.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Austin — read the source article.
