October 9, 2013

The Future of San Antonio: Water and Energy Needs Meet Land Use Planning

In her recent contribution to the Rivard Report, Amy Hardberger explains, “The success of the city depends on a plan that includes all aspects of planning including water and energy needs within a land use context. A city cannot predict demand of resources before first determining who it will service, which is dependent on land use decisions.” This is true over the entire Hill Country region, especially beyond the city limits where counties don’t have any land use planning tools at all. Read Amy’s article here.

July 3, 2013

Environmental groups want SAWS to deny service to subdivision

San Antonio is hiring experts to study whether the 600-acre buffer around the Bracken Bat Cave is large enough, in light of a developer’s plan to build on the neighboring 1,500 acres, City Manager Sheryl Sculley said Tuesday. If built, the subdivision would be directly under the main flight path of the 10 million to 20 million bats that emerge from the cave in southern Comal County to feed every summer night. Details

June 24, 2013

Hays County Neighbors are outraged over sports complex lighting

“Remember that Hays County has very limited authorities on private property in unincorporated areas,” County Commissioner Ray Whisenant said. “Henly’s night sky is usually a pitch black canvas, with only the moon and stars exposed. Neighbors like Cindy Cassidy say the sports complex has taken that from them.” Read the full story from YNN. More about protecting the Hill Country Night Sky here.

June 19, 2013

Public Meeting set regarding Cement Plant, June 27th

Citizens in Comal County have valid concerns regarding a proposed cement plant in Spring Branch. Because Counties have little oversight in unincorporated areas, landowners must make their case before TCEQ. A public meeting has been set for June 27th at 7 pm in New Braunfels. Read morefrom the local neighbors and landowners who are encouraging participation.

February 14, 2013

Bee Cave seeks control over development

“The Bee Cave City Council, concerned about a lack of control over new development near the city, hopes to hold an election in May that would give the council authority to annex nearby land and better regulate what is built there.” Pay attention though a little further down the road, development could be pushed where the County currently has no land-use authority and needs it. Read more from Austin American Statesman.