Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Williamson County approves preliminary plat for 758‑home Florence Meadows amid residents' concerns
Summary
After hours of public comment, the county approved the preliminary plat for the Florence Meadows subdivision — 758 single‑family lots on 161 acres — while staff noted state permitting (TCEQ) and additional county approvals remain before any construction.
The Williamson County Commissioners Court on June 9 ratified the preliminary plat for the Florence Meadows subdivision, a proposal for 758 single‑family lots on 161 acres, after several residents urged the court to delay action and seek more information on water, wastewater and school impacts.
Residents pressed the court to slow the project. "According to the preliminary plat, this development proposes 758 homes on a 161 acres," said Melissa Rosenbusch Speicher, a Florence resident and retired teacher, who added the subdivision would far exceed the city's current housing stock and could nearly double Florence's population. Nearby property owners raised concerns about an on‑site wastewater treatment plant, odors, pest issues, discharge to Salado Creek and whether Georgetown Water has committed service to the site.
County Engineer Adam Boatwright told the court the preliminary plat is an initial approval step and does not authorize construction; it lays out roads, utilities, drainage and other infrastructure for later review. Boatwright said the developer is seeking a Texas Commission on Environmental Quality discharge permit and that, as of the morning of the hearing, TCEQ had issued a draft permit and scheduled a public hearing in the fall. He also said the subdivision will be required to extend a 12‑inch water line to connect to Georgetown Water and must meet turn‑lane and TxDOT requirements on FM 970.
Commissioner Covey acknowledged residents' frustration and emphasized the county's limited land‑use authority, noting recent state law changes that impose time limits on county action (the so‑called "shot clock" for plats). She asked staff to continue dialogue with neighbors and to provide information about TCEQ intervenor deadlines and other procedural avenues residents can use.
After the presentation and questions from the bench, Commissioner Cook moved to approve the preliminary plat; Commissioner Boles seconded. The motion carried on a 5‑0 vote.
The approval on June 9 ratified the preliminary plat only; Boatwright and other staff said further county and state approvals — including final plat, utility permits and TCEQ permits — remain necessary before any construction or occupancy. Neighbors who opposed the plat were advised to monitor the TCEQ public‑comment process and the county's subsequent review steps.
Next steps: the developer must obtain the listed state permits and satisfy remaining county technical reviews and conditions before any building permits can be issued.
