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Landowners tell Liberty Hill council water and utilities delays are stalling development
Summary
Two landowners told the council uncertainty over water and utility availability has delayed projects for years; they asked the city for a development agreement, clearer timelines and a developer workshop to explore funding and solutions.
Two landowners and their representative urged the Liberty Hill City Council to address long-standing uncertainty over water and utility availability that they say has stalled development and placed owners under financial strain.
Local developer Harry Rao said he and other landowners have two sizable parcels along Highway 29 and are facing severe financial pressure because promised water and utilities have not been provided. Rao said some landowners have missed tax payments and risk foreclosure, and that an RV park manager and 60 residents could lose housing if the properties are foreclosed.
Shabana Nurani, a local realtor and a member of a landowners group that has reserved capacity, said landowners paid more than $1.1 million for utility capacity reservations under the expectation services would be available within 12 months. "It has now been 4 years since the purchase and over $1,100,000 have been paid to the city for utility capacity reservation in good faith," she told the council and requested an executed development agreement and clear communication about the city's plan and timeline for water and utilities.
Both speakers asked the council to schedule a workshop with developers to explore options, including potential developer contributions, planning steps, and funding mechanisms. Council did not announce a timeline or an immediate directive in the public record; the matter was later listed among executive-session items that include CCN and utility discussions.
