The Bastrop Planning & Zoning Commission held a special meeting on October 30, 2024, focusing on community enrichment and tree protection initiatives. The meeting began with a proposal for a community enrichment fund, which would require developers to contribute a fee of $250 per unit for new subdivisions. This fund aims to enhance local parks, trails, and public art. For instance, a proposed 1,700-unit subdivision could contribute $425,000 to this fund. The proposal sparked debate, particularly regarding its potential impact on affordable housing costs and the responsibilities of developers who have already invested in park facilities within their projects.

The commission discussed two options regarding the proposed fee: maintaining the current code or implementing the new fee structure at the time of plat approval. The latter was favored to ensure timely contributions to the community fund, especially as subdivisions may be developed in phases.

The meeting then shifted to tree protection measures. A proposal was made to amend the existing code to lower the threshold for protecting trees from 13 caliper inches to 10 inches, aligning with Texas local government standards. This change aims to enhance tree preservation efforts in Bastrop. The commission considered feedback from local arborists and acknowledged concerns about property rights and the perceived burden on developers.

Further discussions included the introduction of a tree survey requirement, which would mandate that surveys be conducted within two years prior to development, ensuring accurate assessments of tree populations. The proposed amendments also included penalties for non-compliance and options for developers to either adhere to strict or moderate replacement tree requirements based on the number of trees removed.

The commission plans to vet these proposals further at the upcoming park development board meeting on November 7, 2024. The discussions highlighted the balance between development needs and environmental stewardship, with a focus on enhancing community quality of life through thoughtful planning and regulation.