Officials rollout potential dates for review, public comment
(Seguin) — Guadalupe County leaders are not only refining the timeline for the county’s proposed master thoroughfare plan — they are also already making adjustments in response to resident concerns.
Even though the previous dates reported earlier have changed, county officials say the effort to keep the public informed and involved remains the same.
During Tuesday’s meeting and after discussion with the court, Guadalupe County Judge Kyle Kutscher updated a more detailed timeline for when residents could expect to review the latest version of the thoroughfare plan as well as opportunities to participate in upcoming meetings.
“I know it’s very detailed in this timeline, but if it does work out like this, the public would have access to the updated maps. Again, this is all draft form. Some things could potentially change, but the public would have access to the updated final draft plans for their review by May 5. And the plan would be to have it out for about two weeks. with us then having a first workshop May 19th in the afternoon, which is corresponding existing commissioners court day. If it was May 19th, the first one here, and then June 2nd on that court date, but in the evening, you know, late afternoon, evening, then we could still potentially come back and formally approve or consider adoption and approval of the finalized plan July 7th,” said Kutscher.
This aim for transparency has already reportedly begun to take shape as residents voiced concerns with issues they have with Kothmann Road — one of several areas highlighted on earlier draft maps.
Three residents, Clayton Kennedy, James Henderson and William Franks, all addressed the court, sharing concerns about how a proposed roadway at or near Kothmann could impact their properties and future plans.
Commissioner Pct. 1 Jackie Ott, who has already been working directly with residents and staff was able to extend some good news to the property owners following their words to the court.
“Kothmann Lane residents and neighbors. One of your neighbors contacted me. We talked a little bit back and forth and I’ve written emails back and forth with several folks that are near or on Kothmann Lane. So, I wanted to let you know that we did meet about that and we did remove that road from the proposed thoroughfare plan. in the version that we most recently submitted to engineering. Mr. Black and I did work on that together, and then he submitted that version digitally to Pape Dawson. We discussed the removal of that new proposed road. He did indicate that digitally on the map. So, I wanted to let you know that I have met with several of you and heard your concerns. I think the concerns are legitimate, which is why I requested that proposed road to be removed. as long as there are no other pieces of feedback from Pape Dawson or anything like that comes back, that should stay removed,” said Ott.
Ott also took the moment on Tuesday to emphasize how feedback from residents plays a critical role in shaping not only the throughfare plan but all projects decided by the county.
“We wanted to let you know that we have heard your concerns. Thank you for sharing them. Thank you for reaching out and coming to speak and sending messages. And we really appreciate that because that really helps us to focus on things sometimes that when, you know, a company or contractor gives us back a product that maybe they don’t see that, you know, you as the landowners see, you know, just certain details that if they’re looking on paper. They don’t see if they don’t drive it every day. So again, the feedback from all of you is very valuable. And I appreciate all of you taking your time to advocate for yourselves and for your neighbors. And I’m glad to have heard you,” said Ott.
Among those who spoke was Franks, who told the court he moved to Guadalupe County from the Universal City area in part for the larger property and space it provides. He expressed concern that a proposed roadway could cut into his land and limit plans for a future side business that would require additional room.
After hearing Ott’s update, Franks returned to the podium to express his appreciation to the court. Franks, shared with the court how he moved to Guadalupe County from the Universal City area for the larger and quieter property. His concern was that the proposed roadway could cut into his land and limit plans for a future side business that would require additional room.
“Thank you two for hearing us and it means a lot. You know, because it, like I said, we’ve put a lot of heart and time and everything into our land and our community just coming out here. So, it definitely means a lot that you guys hear us and take into consideration our feelings as well. So, thank you very much,” said Franks.
County officials say the thoroughfare plan is designed to look ahead at long-term transportation needs as Guadalupe County continues to grow. Officials say that “forward-looking approach can sometimes include conceptual roadways in undeveloped areas” – “a reality that has prompted concern from property owners seeing those possibilities mapped out.”
Officials say once the date and location for the June public meeting can be confirmed, then they’ll be sure to get the word out so that folks will have plenty of time to plan for a review of those maps.