Residents of Wimberley voiced concerns and suggestions during a recent city council meeting, focusing on local zoning issues and infrastructure needs.

One resident, who lives outside city limits, expressed confusion regarding the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) and its implications for local governance. They highlighted issues with sewage management, claiming that leach fields are dry and not functioning properly, raising concerns about the effectiveness of city services in the area. The resident also pointed out overgrown sidewalks that hinder pedestrian access, emphasizing a desire for improvements rather than complaints.

Gary Welborn, representing the Wagon Wheel Property Owners Association, addressed the council about the dire state of local roads, estimating that $16 million is needed for repairs, while the association only has a few hundred thousand available. He suggested exploring bond options to fund these repairs, noting the importance of maintaining infrastructure in a city that relies heavily on tourism.

The council then moved to a public hearing regarding a zoning amendment for a property located at 300 Sunrise Drive. The proposal seeks to change the zoning from residential acreage to single-family residential, which would allow for smaller lot sizes and potentially increase housing density. The property currently consists of two structures on approximately 11.5 acres.

The planning and zoning committee had previously recommended approval of the amendment, contingent upon limiting future subdivision to three lots. However, concerns were raised about the potential for increased density and the impact on the neighborhood, particularly regarding the topography of the land, which may complicate development.

Public comments included support for the zoning change, with residents noting that the proposed lots would still be larger than many in the surrounding area. However, opposition was voiced by a neighbor who expressed concerns about the developers not being local residents and the potential for future rezoning.

The council discussed the implications of the zoning change, clarifying that any further subdivision would require additional approval. The meeting concluded with a commitment to consider the proposed deed restrictions, which would limit the number of lots and ensure that future development aligns with community standards.

As Wimberley navigates these discussions, the focus remains on balancing growth with the preservation of community character and infrastructure integrity.