In the heart of Leander, Texas, the city council meeting buzzed with anticipation as Mark Berman, vice president of Traviso Limited, stepped up to present an ambitious proposal for the Travis County MUD Municipal Utility District number 19. The evening air was filled with the promise of growth as Berman detailed plans for the Western portion of the Traviso Development, a project that has steadily transformed the landscape since its inception in 2012.
Berman shared that the development has already seen the sale of 2,000 homes, with nearly 1,900 closed, and aims to reach a total of 3,000 homes. The project, which began with a vision of community and connectivity, has grown to encompass 2,141 acres, contributing significantly to the local economy with property values soaring to approximately $1.7 billion—about 10% of the city’s total residential and commercial real estate values.
The proposal included plans to acquire an additional 100 acres west of Traviso, which would allow for the construction of around 180 new homes. Berman also highlighted a recent annexation of 8 acres, adding 20 homes from the former Cedar Park extraterritorial jurisdiction. This expansion reflects the ongoing commitment to meet the housing demands of a growing population.
A key point of discussion was the bond capacity established when the Municipal Utility District was first approved. Initially capped at $220 million due to uncertainties surrounding the project's viability, Berman confidently asserted that the successful track record of Traviso has demonstrated its ability to deliver quality housing and community amenities, paving the way for potential adjustments to this cap.
As the meeting progressed, council members listened intently, weighing the implications of this development not just for the immediate community but for the broader region. The proposal signifies a pivotal moment for Leander, as it seeks to balance growth with the needs of its residents, ensuring that the city continues to thrive in the years to come. The discussions set the stage for future decisions that will shape the landscape of Leander, inviting both excitement and careful consideration from all involved.