Lakeway City Council shows concern over plans in last remaining undeveloped land 

By a 6-1 vote, Ordinance No. 2023-09-18-05 was approved by Lakeway City Council Sep. 18, directing 33.9 acres of private land to be zoned from R-1 (single-family temp) to PUD (planned unit development) in the heart of hill country. 

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The developer, Cascade Homes, intends to build a community named Balcones Point; which will consist of 130, two-story condominium units, with 12,000 square feet of commercial space near RM 620 and Flint Rock Road.  

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Lakeway City Councilmembers and residents addressed concerns around the impact of this development on the city. Concerns included height of structures, flow of traffic, safety, privacy to surrounding neighborhoods and type of potential commercial retailers.  

During a public comment on this issue, residents were divided. Jennifer Ellerman, current homeowner near the future development shared her perspective on the matter. 

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“We moved here with the knowledge, hoping, that something great could be built there. It’s got a great hill country view, it’s the last grand vista of undeveloped land in Lakeway,” Ellerman said.  

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She explained how as a Lakeway resident, she has to drive outside of Lakeway due to limited dining and shopping options within city limits.  

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“Wouldn’t it be great if we could use this magnificent land to bring in people from other cities, counties and districts and keep the money in Lakeway,” Ellerman said.  

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Chris Ellerman, Jennifer’s husband spoke on the matter. 

“I agree with everything my wife just said. But the balconies being put 35 feet away from my home with a base of 10 feet up... ‘Sorry we’re going to spoil it for you’ was literally what I was told,” Ellerman said. 

  

With a voice beginning to crack, Ellerman added, “I wasn’t going to speak. I’m getting emotional about it. This is not the best Lakeway can do. This shouldn’t go forward.” 

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On the opposite side of the argument, Greg Winborn, former owner of the 33.9 acres shared his position on the matter. 

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“(In 50 years) We had development. That development was below me and around me and the Winborn family never said anything about all the rooftops. We used to have some great views,” Winborn said. “This isn’t about who has what. This is about progress. And progress keeps going on no matter how we look at it. There are some great things coming to Lakeway. We’d like to give them (Cascade Homes) our support in what they will do (with the land),” Winborn concluded.  

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Councilmember Christopher Forton addressed the council and residents on the issue. 

 “I can understand the homeowners who are adjacent to be passionate about wanting something different,” Forton said. “I think a four or five story apartment complex at the top or bottom (of the hill) sounds horrendous for them or anyone passing along on 620. However, this is the lowest density plan we’ve seen, and I’d hate to say no to this and then something else comes along much taller and more dense. This is the best proposal we’ve seen,” Forton said. 

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At Monday’s meeting, the council also discussed Ordinance No. 2023-09-1806, addressing a PUD amendment, and request for HOT funding to TexArts.