Resident: contested hearing on Guadalupe Ranch concluded; judges— recommendation to TCEQ expected in coming months

Stuart Birnbaum, a Helotes resident, told the council on March 13 that the contested‑case hearing over the Guadalupe Ranch project before the State Office of Administrative Hearings had concluded two days earlier and that judges— recommendations will go to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality board in several weeks.

"The hearing was, the contested hearing was completed before the state office of administrative hearing two days ago," Birnbaum told the council. He said attorneys for both sides and attorneys for the Office of Public Interest Counsel (OPIC) and the TCEQ executive director had submitted final statements. "We our attorneys now have about two weeks to respond and then, towards the May, the ... two judges will come out with their recommendation," he said.

Birnbaum reported that the TCEQ executive director had recommended the project go forward while the Office of Public Interest Counsel recommended denial; he said the judges— recommendation will be advisory to the TCEQ board, which makes the final decision. He estimated additional clarity "in about a couple months." The council noted it does not have standing in the matter but said it stands in support of community efforts and outreach related to the project.

Why it matters: The judges— recommendation to the TCEQ board is a key procedural step in contested environmental permitting. The board may accept or reject the recommendation; either outcome will influence whether the Guadalupe Ranch project proceeds, is modified, or is denied. Birnbaum asked for continued attention while legal filings proceed.

No formal council action was recorded on this item; the remarks came during the Citizens to Be Heard portion of the meeting.