Commissioners approve start of Harvest Lakes development process, plans for 625 lots and a municipal utility district

Developers seeking to build the Harvest Lakes community in Tarkington (Precinct 2) presented the project to the Commissioners Court and asked the county to approve the beginning steps for creation of the related municipal utility district and preliminary project work.

Project representatives said the site covers about 83.2 acres along Highway 105 and the full proposal envisions up to 625 single-family lots overall; the initial section shown to the court would include roughly 52 lots. The development team said it has an approved TxDOT drainage study, a wastewater discharge permit for an on-site treatment plant and that it is pursuing creation of a Liberty County municipal utility district (MUD number 11) to manage utilities and drainage.

Leslie Reelwood, an engineer on the project, said the team plans urban-style lots and amenities including a clubhouse, pool and recreation area. The developer estimated average home sizes in the neighborhood around 2,224 square feet, with list-price targets in the $275,000–$350,000 range and lot sizes generally near 50-by-120 feet.

Commissioners asked technical questions about street widths, emergency-service access and fire protection; staff and the developer said collector roads will meet county standards, hydrant spacing and fire protection would be provided and final engineering would be submitted to the county for review. County staff noted prior coordination with LJA engineering and TxDOT on drainage and access permits.

Commissioner Bruce made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Greg, to approve beginning the creation of the Harvest Lakes project and the court carried the motion. The court’s action was a preliminary approval to proceed with MUD formation and design; final plats, MUD approvals, utility agreements and permits will return to the county for separate approvals.