Fair Oaks Ranch City Council considers Future Land Use Map update for Post Oak
The Post Oak development in Fair Oaks Ranch continues to move forward following public hearings and the first approval of a Future Land Use Map designation from City Council on Aug. 21.
During the meeting, no resident spoke, but four residents submitted comment forms. Of the four residents, one was in favor of the FLUM update, while three were opposed.
The overview: According to agenda documents, the applicant is requesting to amend the FLUM classification to align with the development agreement approved by City Council in May. The current FLUM classification is Rural Residential, requiring lots to be a minimum of 5 acres. Per the development agreement, the appropriate FLUM classification is Neighborhood Residential, mandating lots to be a minimum of 1 acre.
Fair Oaks Ranch Willow Wind Drive water main project begins
Work is underway for the first of two water main projects in Fair Oaks Ranch. Construction on the line on Willow Wind Drive began Aug. 25, and the lines at Redbud Hill and Rolling Acres Trail are planned for construction later this year.
The details: According to fact sheets released by city staff, both lines have a history of main breaks. The Willow Wind Drive line has broken approximately eight to 12 times since 2016, while the rolling acres trail main has broken four times since 2016.
Replacing the lines will reduce operational and maintenance costs for the city and help minimize disruptions to residents who use water from those mains. The projects have a cost of around $1.24 million, paid for through certificate of obligation bond funds, according to the city website.
Communities in Texas’ Flash Flood Alley may soon have to install flood warning sirens
Some communities in Flash Flood Alley, which stretches through Central Texas and includes the Colorado and Guadalupe River basins, would be required to install flood warning sirens under a bill advanced by state House lawmakers Aug. 26.
The details: Under Senate Bill 3:
The Texas Water Development Board would identify areas impacted by the deadly July 4-5 floods that have “a history of consistent or severe flooding.”
Local governments in the identified areas would be required to install flood warning sirens if they are not already present.
The state would distribute up to $50,000 in grants to help cities and counties install warning systems.
Lawmakers have said they were concerned that some Hill Country residents and visitors missed or did not receive emergency alerts related to the July 4 floods, which began before sunrise.
Next steps: House lawmakers passed SB 3 unanimously Aug. 26, returning it to the Senate with a minor amendment. If senators sign off on the amendment, the warning siren bill will head to the governor’s desk.
