Council declines historic-landmark designation on first reading for Running Rope Ranch; motion fails

A proposed historic-landmark (H) zoning for part of the Running Rope Ranch property—sought to protect archaeological resources including reported Native American middens and springs—failed on first reading (Item 40).

Callen Contreras of the Planning Department explained the site history and staff recommendation. The property was identified in a 1969 University of Texas survey as containing archaeological resources; the Texas Historical Commission confirmed artifacts and features remain within the broader area. Contreras and staff recommended a delineated H area that excluded a planned drainage/detention location at the property.

Noah Elias, a community speaker, urged council to support the designation, noting the cultural and spiritual importance of springs to indigenous communities and urging that artifacts found be returned to descendant communities. Leah Bojo, representing the property owner/applicant, said the owner supports several conservation steps—shovel tests, restoring the springs and relocating two historic outbuildings into the protected area—but opposed applying an H zone because of conflicts the applicant sees between environmental regulations and the H overlay.

Council Member Mike Siegel moved to approve the H zoning (first reading) and Council Member Mark Duchin seconded. After discussion, the vote on first reading was: in favor — Council Members Velásquez, Vanessa Fuentes (mayor pro tem), Mayor Kirk Watson, Mark Duchin and Mike Siegel (5); opposed — Ryan Alter, Crystal Lane and Paige Ellis (3); abstentions — Chito Vela, Kadri and Natasha Harper Madison (3). Because the motion lacked the necessary support on first reading it failed.

Staff had emphasized the H zone would impose a certificate-of-appropriateness requirement for major grading, excavation (excluding drainage changes), retention of permanent landscape features that define the property character (springs, middens), and other protections. The Planning Department and the Historic Landmark Commission differed in recommendation: HLC recommended initiation; the Zoning & Platting Commission had a no-recommendation record.

Because the motion did not pass on first reading, the property will not be H zoned at this time. Councilmembers who supported the designation cited its archaeological rarity and cultural importance; other members raised property-rights concerns and noted existing environmental protections already affecting the area. The council may revisit the item on a future agenda if there is a renewed motion or additional information.