AUSTIN, Texas — Developers are building homes in Dripping Springs, but now the city is putting a pause on new construction.
The city of Dripping Springs issued a Temporary Development Moratorium that began on Nov. 18.
It will be in effect until Nov. 27, 2021, unless it is extended by the City Council.
“Everyone saw us growing, but we just never envisioned it being at this rapid pace,” Dripping Springs Mayor Bill Foulds said.
Dripping Springs Mayor Bill Foulds says the temporary moratorium addresses issues with density, transportation and the provision of wastewater.
“There's some real weaknesses in the comprehensive plan and the wastewater capacity was just used up very, very quickly,” Mayor Foulds said.
The last comprehensive plan was created in 2016. Since then, the city’s population has more than doubled.
Mayor Foulds says the pause will give Drippings Spring enough time to re-evaluate the plan in light of the population boom.
“The moratorium is basically a Band-Aid,” Chris Hill, a resident living in the Caliterra neighborhood in Dripping Springs, said. “The city of Dripping Springs is building more than what it can support.”
Chris along with other residents living in Dripping Springs are concerned with a highway proposal that would run near their backyards. He started a group with other citizens concerned about the proposed FM150 Highway expansion.
Hays county has been studying the RM 150 alignment project since 2014.
“Certainly, it's a worry not just for me, but for all of us,” said Yolanda Jones, who also lives in the Caliterra neighborhood.
Even in their own neighborhoods, they’re seeing changes everyday.
“Seven, oh sorry eight, nine,” Yolanda said, counting the new homes under construction in her neighborhood.
Just like Yolanda, Chris and his wife are hoping the changes don’t come with a new view.