BASTROP COUNTY, Texas — Bastrop City Council postponed a decision to annex over 500 acres of land for possible development until June 22. The decision will either green light or stop plans for a Southern California-based film and television company to set up shop near a residential area.

Dozens of residents in the River Meadow neighborhood say this plan has the potential to disrupt their way of life.

“First, we were concerned about them coming into our road. Our children play out here after school,” says Philip Lawhon, a 15-year resident of the neighborhood.

If approved, the Hollywood studio would engulf the western and parts of the southern areas of River Meadow. Lawhon and other neighbors fear the development could result in redirected traffic through their streets. There are also concerns about the noise level and bright lights that residents say could disrupt the quiet profile of the area especially if filming goes on late at night or early in the morning. 

For his part, Alton Butler—the owner of the studio—who is actively trying to get land he bought annexed into the Bastrop city limits says he’s more than willing to comply with the noise and light restrictions that are already part of city ordinance. Butler also says the studio could be an economic engine that pays its taxes and brings over 1,000 jobs to the region.

In a statement from his company, Line 204, Butler said,

"The community has expressed a deep desire to develop and strengthen the film industry here in Central Texas, and we believe this unique and environmentally friendly project will drive economic growth and contribute to Bastrop's future success."

Lawhon says he’s not sold on those promises and that’s why he and countless other residents are committed to fighting the annexation at city hall before the June 22 deadline.

“You know we're asking the city council to just be aware of everything they're making decisions on and make the right decisions for us,” he said.