Bastrop City Council approves West Bastrop Village final plat amid tree ordinance concerns

In the heart of Bastrop, Texas, the Planning and Zoning Commission convened on March 13, 2025, to address pressing issues that resonate deeply with the community, particularly concerning tree preservation and urban development. As the meeting unfolded, the atmosphere was charged with a sense of responsibility towards the environment and the future of the city.

One of the key discussions centered around the approval of the West Bastrop Village Phase 1 final plat, which encompasses 22.036 acres and will feature 60 single-family lots. This development, while promising to enhance the community, also raised questions about its environmental impact, particularly regarding tree removal. The commission emphasized that the utilities and roads for this project would be managed by the Municipal Utility District (MUD), highlighting the collaborative effort between city officials and developers.

However, the meeting took a more serious turn as concerns about tree removals were brought to the forefront. A resident from Tahitian Village, Ron Whipple, voiced his alarm over recent clear-cutting activities that had stripped several lots of their trees. He urged the commission to enforce existing regulations more strictly, noting that while rules are in place, violations often occur without consequence. Whipple's plea underscored a growing frustration among residents who value Bastrop's natural landscape, particularly its trees, which are integral to the community's identity as a "bird city."

The commission acknowledged the recent changes to the tree ordinance, which now requires a tree survey for new developments and lowers the threshold for protected trees from 13 inches to 10 inches in diameter. This adjustment aims to prevent clear-cutting and ensure that developers are held accountable for their environmental impact. The officials expressed their commitment to enforcing these new standards, recognizing that the health of Bastrop's ecosystem is vital for both current and future generations.

As the meeting concluded, the commission reiterated its dedication to balancing development with environmental stewardship. The discussions highlighted a community grappling with growth while striving to preserve its natural beauty. With the new regulations in place, there is hope that Bastrop can navigate its development challenges without sacrificing the very trees that define its character. The path forward remains uncertain, but the commitment to protecting the environment is clear, leaving residents with a sense of cautious optimism for the future.