800-HOME RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY PLANNED NEAR CHAPPELL HILL
Washington County officials say they are aware of a large-scale residential development in the works near Chappell Hill.
The county issued a statement today (Thursday) in response to a press release from Foxgate Capital and Amelia Homes, who announced plans to build around 800 single-family homes on 306 acres along Jozwiak Road and Chadwick Hogan Road.
The county says it has taken steps to prepare for this type of development through the adoption of updated subdivision regulations. It says higher-density developments come with associated infrastructure challenges, so it is in contact with the developer and TxDOT regarding a traffic impact analysis to evaluate current conditions and future needs.
The county adds that while it cannot stop development per state law, if said development meets all applicable regulations and standards, it can and will work with the developer to “minimize the impact to current citizens of Washington County.”
According to the developers, the project team is updating the land plan and making key infrastructure and community considerations before it finalizes a development concept for the project, which is intended to be “a neighborhood that becomes part of the area” rather than a gated community. The homes are anticipated to price between the $320,000s and $420,000s.
Project officials say they are beginning outreach with local county and state officials, community and business leaders, nearby property owners, public safety representatives and transportation agencies to ensure careful and responsible review of the plan.
Chappell Hill Volunteer Fire Chief Michael Kmiec and President/Captain Dustin Brown shared a statement on Thursday about the new project. The full statement can be read below:
“The Chappell Hill Volunteer Fire Department became aware this morning of the announced development project involving Foxgate Capital and Amelia Homes.
As with any significant growth within our district, CHVFD is evaluating the potential public safety impacts and service demands that may result from this development. We remain committed to working collaboratively with developers, local officials, and community stakeholders to ensure current and future residents continue to receive the high level of emergency services they expect and deserve.
Our primary concerns center on the long-term operational impacts associated with increased population and development, including higher call volume, increased fuel and apparatus maintenance costs, equipment replacement needs, and the potential future requirement for additional staffing and resources.
CHVFD looks forward to engaging in constructive discussions with the developers to better understand the project’s scope and identify opportunities to address these public safety considerations. We will also continue working with local leadership to ensure the fire department has the resources necessary to meet the evolving needs of our growing community.
Our mission remains unchanged: to provide reliable, professional emergency services and protect the lives and property of everyone within the Chappell Hill Volunteer Fire Department district.”
Precinct 2 Commissioner-elect Jim Chisolm told KWHI that while the project does give the county a step toward attracting more economic development by way of reasonably-priced housing, he has concerns about how to take care of roads, ensure adequate water supply and support first responder agencies. He said there are still many studies to perform and hurdles to clear before this project gets moving, but the county must acknowledge that growth is coming and be ready to guide it responsibly. He also will be reaching out to the developers to schedule a meeting with them to get firsthand knowledge about the project and potential impact on Precinct 2.
Chisolm added the following comments in a written statement:
“The concerns being raised by residents we take seriously. The rural character, open space, and small-town quality of life found throughout Washington County are values our community holds dear, and county leadership shares that appreciation.
At the same time, it's important for residents to understand the legal framework within which the County operates. Texas law gives counties significantly less regulatory authority over development in unincorporated areas than cities have within their limits. A landowner's right to develop property in compliance with applicable law is not something the County has the power to deny based on resident preference alone.
Given these constraints, our focus is on using every tool available afforded to us under state law to ensure that growth, when it happens, is handled thoughtfully. That means working within our authority to address issues like roadway safety, drainage, and emergency, fire and law enforcement, and encouraging developers to engage early and openly with the communities their projects will affect. This includes ensuring the same services to our existing residents are not compromised.
We will continue to keep residents informed as this process moves forward and welcome continued input through the appropriate channels.”
Precinct 2 Commissioner Candice Bullock could not be reached for comment.
The companies say they will share additional information about community engagement opportunities as they further develop the land plan and project timeline.