Council narrows accessory-dwelling rules and tightens parking and impervious-cover standards after public outcry over Pecan Street infill

The Bastrop City Council on Monday advanced a suite of changes to the city27s B3 land-development code aimed at restricting high-density infill in older neighborhoods and reducing street parking overflow.

Councilmembers spent significant time discussing parking ratios, lot standards, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) after a string of public comments urging protection of historic homes — most notably a campaign of residents opposing demolition and proposed duplex/townhome development at 1005 Pecan Street.

Members of the public and preservation professionals told the council that Pecan Street and the adjacent Con Street hold high historic integrity. Susan Long, who identified herself as a Bastrop native, urged the council to watch for demolition activity and protect “historic neighborhoods. They don’t have to be embellished with anything, they just have to be old,” she said. Sahila Casper, a licensed historic preservationist, called the stretch “one of the most beautiful historic streets in all of downtown” and warned that a proposed two-story multiunit infill would “disturb that charming feel.” Pablo Serna, deputy…