Can citizens stop apartments in Pilot Point?

A proposed apartment complex on U.S. 377 in Pilot Point received an icy response from several people who attended Monday’s city council meeting.

Many attendees didn’t like the idea of a new, 200- plus unit apartment complex proposed for a location at Debbie Lane and U.S. 377

Around 50 people packed the city council chambers for the meeting, with the crowd overflow extending into the lobby. Many speakers cited the development size, crime, traffic problems and influx of new residents as their concerns with the community, which would be developed by Bonner Carrington, based in Austin. Some of the speakers did not live in Pilot Point or its city limits.

The council tabled the proposal for further study. The development will come up again at the Feb. 26 council meeting. Bonner Carrington has a grant application deadline of March 1. The agenda item asked the council to consider a resolution of support to participate in a special funding program through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs as requested by Bonner Carrington.

Residents heard a presentation from Emily Protine, community outreach liaison with Bonner Carrington. The development in Pilot Point would feature 220 units, and affordable and market rates would be available. Bonner Carrington has built apartment properties in other Texas cities, including Joshua, Royse City, Burleson and Saginaw.

The company’s first property was built in Cedar Park in 2004.

The first speaker, Kevin Richardson, who works for a fire department in another city, raised concerns about growth coming with the complex, claiming a 15 percent population increase would occur.

“Whether you’re a big city or small town, 15 percent population growth will have an impact,” he said. “What’s the plan to maintain city services while increasing population by 15 percent?”

Travis Irick, the next speaker, said he appreciates growth but requested the council study the development to ensure it fits the long-term vision and strategic planning for the city.

Buff’s Grill owner J.D. Tadlock told the council he was not opposed to apartments coming to town, but he was against the complex being built on 377. “I think there’s a lot of other people here that don’t think they need to be right on 377 because that’s the main thoroughfare through our city,” he said, adding that the growth is coming and that it needs to be managed well. He thought there were other places around town where the complex could be built.

Another speaker, Trent Trubenbach, worried about what happen to the school district and roads because of the population growth.

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Article Sponsored by: Irick Real Estate