Home Builders Fight College Station Proposals

Save

Posted: 10:37 PM Oct 31, 2008
Last Updated: 12:38 PM Nov 1, 2008
Reporter: Ashlea Sigman
Email Address: sigman@kbtx.com

23 comments

A | A | A

In Wellborn, the city meets country in the Meadow Creek subdivision, and city planners in College Station aren't happy about it.

"We have places in the city for that type of development," said Lance Simms, Assistant Director of Planning and Development Services for the city of College Station.

Meadow Creek is in the three-and-a half mile area outside College Station that the city will eventually annex, known as the ETJ, or extra territorial jurisdiction.

"Up until now there is a way to develop an urban type subdivision in the ETJ and what we're saying is that really not appropriate," said Simms.

If city staffers have anything to say about it, future ETJ neighborhoods would be built on at least two acre lots. At a meeting this Wednesday, they'll propose that ordinance to the College Station City Council.

BCS home builders want lots of people at that meeting. They've produced a commercial against the ordinance saying the council wants a five acre minimum.

While the council can adopt whatever size members like, city staffers say the number they're proposing is much lower.

"The ordinance clearly states a minimum of two acres," said Simms.

Homebuilders say a change to the minimum lot size would be anti-growth.

"Trying to force people back in the city so they're paying city taxes," said Randy French, of the Bryan College Station Home Builders Association.

"Lot prices that you can get now in the $40,000-60,000 range for a minimum, will now go to the $100,000-150,000 range. Its gonna knock so many people out of the market," said French.

City planners don't dispute prices will go up, but say long term, they have the best interests of the tax payers in mind.

"We're not doing the prudent thing by allowing uncontrolled unchecked growth in our ETJ, and that's simply what we want to do," said Simms.

Among other reasons, the city says the changes are necessary because of the amount of traffic county roads receive from ETJ developments.

Also included in the proposal is the of master plans as a requirement or option from ETJ home builders. As well as establishing a minimum lot width of 400 ft along thoroughfares and 100 ft along subdivision roads in the ETJ, and removing urban street design as an option in the ETJ.

The meeting is set for 7pm Wednesday November 5th in the College Station City Council chambers.

More Stories
Its A Wrap On July 4th!

Tea Party on July 4th

Navasota Celebrates Independence Day with Parade, Celebration

Avoiding Disaster When Enjoying Fireworks

Critters Invading Area Homes

Keeping Your Best Friend Safe And Found

Officers Will Be Out Patrolling This Weekend

Greenhouse Bakery First "Green" Business in Brazos Valley

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: A NEW BEGINNING Location: Peach Creek on Nov 5, 2008 at 04:21 PM
I own a one acre lot in Peach Creek it now has a mobile home on it. The city council ( Who I can't even vote for or against )is saying if I was to to move this home off to build a house on the one acre, I could not because it's to small it needs to be two acres, now think about this.. if anybody owns less than two acres in the ETJ that land will be useless, after working hard and paying for a piece of property to build your dream home on, the City Council says it's to small but come in to the City where you can spit on your neighbors yard from your yard and we welcome you, Oh by the way please pay your CITY TAXES ON TIME!! We need a new builing!!! Wecome to the NEW AMERICA! Is this the begining of NEW HOPE AND CHANGE!

Posted by: a concerned grandmother Location: Bryan on Nov 4, 2008 at 04:14 PM
I looked at the city council meeting on the cable. It was voted 2 acres, not 5 acres. An examble of the problem can be seen on Capstone. A really serious situation with traffic, student housing and a railroad crossing. This student housing on tiny lots should not be allowed. I realize that the developer will made a lot of money by building the houses so close but this is going to be a traffic nightmare.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Brazos County on Nov 4, 2008 at 12:03 PM
I work in the on-site sewage facility (septic system) business. A two acre minimum lot size would not be that bad. However, a five acre minimum is absurd. There are currently many new neighborhoods that have one acre wooded lots with very large homes (greater than 4,500 square feet) being built on them with swimming pools and elaborate patios that simply don't have enough room for an adequate septic system. A minimum of two acres would help to allow for the proper design and installation of an adequate system. On a one acre lot, when the system is working OK, no one cares much about it. But when that system fails or is not being properly maintained, all the neighbors know and it can become quite a nuisance. As far as septic systems go, there is absolutely no need for a five acre minimum lot size. But two acres wouldn't be so terrible. Five acre minimum lots would definitely prevent people from building out in the county which would have a negative effect on many businesses.

Posted by: Old Timer Location: Bryan on Nov 4, 2008 at 09:40 AM
They say "you can't fight city hall". If I resided in CS, I would give it my best shot on this issue. Ban together and vote the communist out of office. Put honest and decent folks in their places. They can then get rid of the radicals in city hall. Most of us are getting sick and tired of government shoving unpopular and self serving interest down our throats!

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 3, 2008 at 08:13 PM
This is just another fine example of the socialist radicals at city hall interfering with the free market. What? You don't like the free market? Move to Cuba.

Posted by: Get a real job Lance Location: Not in Brazos County on Nov 3, 2008 at 05:30 PM
Be very leery when a government official tells you he "has your best interest in mind". I believe that you know what is in your best interest, I know what is in my best interest and the city officials are out for their own personal interest. Just who the heck does this Lance Sims character think he is to state "We have places in the city for THAT type of development"? Talk about blatant arrogance. Well Lance, apparently there are places in the country for THAT type of development as well. Did it ever occur to you and the other pea brains that mooch off the tax payers that perhaps if College Station was a bit more accommodating the builders would build here? The builders do not build homes in areas where people do not want to live. If they did, they would be out of business in no time. Obviously it is time for some personnel changes at College Station city hall. It is also time to elect a new council and mayor if they are going to continue this nonsense.

Posted by: Jody Location: Wellborn on Nov 3, 2008 at 03:20 PM
Curious: For the last 2 months I have visited with residents in ETJ subdivions to learn their point of view on a minimum lot size. These include people from Willow Run, Indian Lakes, River Run, Duck Haven, Bentwood, Royder Ridge, and Wellborn residents. There were over 40 people at the Willow Run meeting alone. I have also visited with Bob Cowell, a city P&Z representative. Everyone I talked to supported this proposal. Also, when attending the CS P&Z meeting discussing this issue a couple of weeks ago, all of the people who asked to speak were in favor of the 2 acre minimum lot size, including me. They were from various parts of the ETJ and had a variety of reasons for their support. Those reasons I remember include water well quality, possible septic system issues, traffic problems, adequate fire/police protection and neighborhood integrity. I rephrase my original statement: "Please believe that many people who live in the ETJ truly support this measure..." and this is how I know.

Posted by: Jim Bob Location: County on Nov 2, 2008 at 09:56 PM
Now that the Villa Maria underpass is complete, watch the west side of Bryan take off---new schools, new devo. Some of CS growth/expansion will lessen with their current ridiculous stance on progress. Let the socialist profs have their bike trails, parks and artwork somewhere else.

Posted by: To Janet Ahmad on Nov 2, 2008 at 08:52 PM
First of all the homebuilder only builds the home either as a spec or custom home. The realtor sells the home and mortgage industry is the one who put people in a larger mortgage than people could afford, not the homebuilder. You also had appraisers who fudged on values. Secondly, who held a gun to the home owners when they were signing the papers on their mortgage. It wasn't the homebuilder.

Posted by: Curious Location: Bryan on Nov 2, 2008 at 07:43 PM
Jody said... "Please believe that most people who live in the ETJ truly support this measure that will allow for planned growth in College Station."...You know this how? That's a lot of people for such insight.

Posted by: josh Location: bryan on Nov 1, 2008 at 09:26 PM
The lots in Meadow Creek are allowed to be less than an acre because they share a common sewer system. If you are on a septic system, the current requirement seems to be an acre. Although, somehow, builders are able to do less in some areas. I think the COCS leaders are getting a little big for their britches in my opinion and want to push their inane ideas on everyone else. They want the extra tax dollars to pay for all of their projects, (ie city hall, convention center, arts center). In my opinion, they are going to drive the consumers and the providers of goods and services to other areas in the long run. I will be happy to see Bryan take advantage of their folly like CS did when Bryan refused a mall all those years ago.

Posted by: Randy Location: College Station on Nov 1, 2008 at 06:51 PM
VW-This is builder "F" and I am interested in the substandard work in your attic. Please email me at rfrench@stylecraft-builders.com and we'll check out the problem. You must not know me very well becaiuse I do dearly care about other things than making money. I learned a long time ago you treat customers fairly and the money follows. I look forward to hearing form you.

Posted by: Janet Ahmad Location: San Antonio, Texas on Nov 1, 2008 at 05:01 PM
The homebuilding industry's spin to run things their way in city or state government starts with; “Its gonna knock so many people out of the market,” if you restrict industry. Warning, warning…its time to raise the red flag. What’s good for builders is not necessarily good for homebuyers or taxpayers. You don’t have to look very far to see massive financial damage the building industry inflicted on this country when they ran the economy into the ground for the sake of enormous profits. Remember it was the homebuilding industry that deliberately knocked millions of families in and out of homeownership with their mortgage fraud and greed. You can be sure if builders want things done their way prices will increase builder profits, not a cost savings to new homebuyers. Builders and communities should address enforcement of the quality of homes to restore credibility and pride in the building industry. Janet Ahmad, President HomeOwners for Better Building HOBB.org

Posted by: citizen Location: c s on Nov 1, 2008 at 01:58 PM
everybody you talk to hates this town the way it has become, yet no one does anything. to many payoffs at city hall, ask some of the labor workers. it`s a dying city. the university is trying to price its self out of business. no loan money left.

Posted by: Jody Location: Wellborn on Nov 1, 2008 at 10:43 AM
The homebuilders and the reporter are misrepresenting the facts in this story. None of them were even present at the recent planning and zoning meeting where this plan was voted on; I know this because I WAS there. The minimum lot size approved by the city's planning and zoning board is 2 acres, not 5! This will only apply to property currently in the 3 mile ETJ surrounding CS city limits. If and when this property is ever annexed by the city, the lot size could then be changed to meet what ever the city's current minimum standards are. Right now, the minimum lot size is 50 x 100 feet, similar to what was shown on KBTX as 1 acre in Meadow Creek! This proposal has been made to help keep rural neighborhoods from dealing with the fallout of college student developments approved by previous city councils that add a huge burden to county roads and services. Please believe that most people who live in the ETJ truly support this measure that will allow for planned growth in College Station.

Posted by: Samuel Location: Wellborn area on Nov 1, 2008 at 09:57 AM
Perhaps the city should tend to it's own business like city streets and leave the count residents alone. The city enabled a builder in the Wellborn area between Greens Praire and Greens Praire trail by giving them sewer access and then had the gaul to point out that development as an example of poor planning. Check it out for yourself!

Posted by: propertyowner Location: C.S. on Nov 1, 2008 at 09:51 AM
The article said staff is recommending 2 acres, and that is correct, but at the last Council workshop meeting several Council members said they wanted 5 acres. Once the public hearing is closed, Council can put in whatever number they want to and nobody will be able to say a word - as the public hearing will most likely not be re-opened. They just did that with another issue at the last Council meeting. What about farmers/ranchers? They will now have to have their homes on larger lots and will lose their ag exempt. on several acres. Property Rights People! College Station wants to annex as much undeveloped as possible so when they do annex they can have control of your property. Many people will no longer be able to afford the "country lifestyle". C.S. Council is all about CONTROL. Wait 5 years - Bryan will be one booming rich community and College Station will still be depending on sales tax from all the stores that are currently going out of business.

Posted by: propertyowner Location: College Station on Nov 1, 2008 at 09:43 AM
in

Posted by: Jim Location: Bryan on Nov 1, 2008 at 09:35 AM
The houses I saw on KBTX sure as heck aren't on one acre lots. Maybe the cameraman was lost?

Posted by: no more c s on Nov 1, 2008 at 09:33 AM
College station has a real problem. Leadership, not the councilmen they dont have a clue of what`going on. They dont need a new commode{city hall}, just flush the one you have. Get rid of the fancy titled drones like Simms and twenty others.

Posted by: VW Location: B/CS on Nov 1, 2008 at 08:10 AM
Oh, don't you believe these home-builders, either! They are NOT out to make sure no one gets "knocked out" or has to pay extra taxes. They're all about THEMSELVES! We found all kinds of sub-standard work in our attic that our builder "F" refused to acknowledge or make right or even look into. They couldn't care less about anything except making money.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 1, 2008 at 07:50 AM
This is ridiculous.. all it is is the city trying to get more money...as usual

Posted by: Sean Location: Wellborn on Oct 31, 2008 at 11:46 PM
Homes in Meadow Creek are not on one acre lots. The county appraisal shows them as being 6,000 square feet, which is about a seventh of an acre. You might want to check your facts on this story. Those postage stamp lots with cookie-cutter houses are nowhere close to an acre.