The Bastrop Planning & Zoning Commission held a special meeting on October 30, 2024, to discuss significant amendments to the city’s development code, known as the B code. The meeting, which welcomed new members Christopher Toth and Nancy Radianceburg, aimed to address community concerns regarding the proposed changes and ensure public engagement.

During the meeting, the chair emphasized the importance of resident involvement, noting that the commission had been discussing these amendments for nearly a year. The agenda included a consolidation of previously planned workshops and action items to streamline the process, which had raised concerns among residents about adequate public participation. The chair reassured attendees that further workshops and public hearings would be scheduled to allow for ongoing community input.

Citizen comments were a focal point of the meeting, with several residents expressing their views on the proposed amendments. Judith Hoover, a long-time resident and developer, highlighted issues with the current parking regulations and the impact of tree removal in new developments. She advocated for revisions to the code that would better accommodate businesses and preserve the city’s natural landscape.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the commission to continue engaging with the community as the amendment process moves forward, ensuring that residents have multiple opportunities to voice their opinions and concerns. The next steps will involve additional workshops and public hearings to refine the proposed changes based on community feedback.