Public commenter raises concerns about TxDOT condemnation of Edward Rendon Senior Parkland and potential removal of historic pecan trees

A member of the public raised concerns about proposed I‑35 construction impacts on Edward Rendon Senior Park (City of Austin parkland), saying Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) used condemnation proceedings and placed $1,160,000 in escrow for roughly 0.6 acres of parkland without apparent compliance with Land and Water Conservation Fund protections under Section 6(f).

The commenter, who identified himself as Santiago, told the commission he had reviewed probate court records indicating condemnation through Travis County in February, and said the parkland in question is protected by the Land and Water Conservation Fund (administered by the National Park Service) and by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department grant rules. He said those agencies’ grant managers had confirmed the protections he described, and that the City Attorney’s office had told him the land remained in public use.

Santiago said six historic pecan trees in a pecan grove—marked by a granite memorial placed in 1965—are slated for removal under a proposed temporary construction easement of six months or less. He said plans also show a proposed pedestrian bridge through the area and voiced concern the bridge and other permanent work may follow. He asked for updates from staff about feasibility of alternatives such as a boardwalk along the north shore and about coordination with TxDOT, and requested visibility into the 21‑foot diameter stormwater tunnel work beneath Cesar Chavez and related tunneling operations already underway near the airport and I‑35.

Commission staff did not provide a substantive staff response during the public comment period; commissioners acknowledged the request and the speaker asked the commission to pursue staff collaboration with TxDOT and updates to the public. No formal action was taken at the meeting on this issue.