Dear Editor, On Nov. 29, I sat at the comprehensive plan meeting. I was appalled and stunned at the demands of the audience. Most of the overflow audience were ETJ property owners in the areas identified as no growth areas, due to the absence of utilities, especially sewage systems.
From some of the cheers to their comments, it was obvious that many of these owners don’t even live on the property. The city explained the plan, which had several basic guidelines. Two of these were retaining our community atmosphere and maintaining a sustainable fiscal policy. This plan was developed in with extensive community input.
It was presented in multiple meetings, social media, community workshops, newspaper coverage, for several years. Last November, council unanimously voted in favor and the plan was adopted. With the Samsung agreement
was obtained for the Samsung modifications.
One attendee stated she lived outside Taylor, didn’t read our newspaper, and didn’t look at the city’s website or social media. It is hard to imagine that she cares for our town. What stunned me was that there were some cheers to that statement.
While it’s great for owners to capitalize on their properties, however, it appeared that developers are urging owners to push for immediate MUDs. Some MUDs have great track records, but many are failures after a relatively short period.
It maybe that most of the owners want to handle growth in a responsible manner, but if so, they weren’t the ones speaking out. It sounded as though the majority of the speakers just want to take the dough and run.
I am concerned that a few hundred ETJ property owners seem willing to hold those of us in the city limit hostage. Because if developers pressure the city for fast expansion in the concerned areas, the chance of MUD failure is high. (Many MUDs seem to be their preferred solution). The owners won’t be around to pay the piper. We’ll have to do it.
Frances Sorrow Taylor resident.
