A controversial Texas law meant to loosen city regulations is now at the heart of an unusual pivot as MileStone Community Builders pushes for stricter oversight in Austin.

The shift in approach comes after the Austin-based developer employed a new Texas law to de-annex 498 acres from the tiny city of Hays for its proposed Hays Commons development, at the corner of FM-1626 and SH-45, the Austin Business Journal reported. Now the developer wants the property to be annexed to the city of Austin in an effort to navigate environmental opposition.

The $500 million Hays Commons project would include 700 homes, 75,000 square feet of commercial space and a 160-acre conservation area. 

Under Texas’ de-annexation law, MileStone, led by president and CEO Garrett Martin, was able to remove the development site from Hays’ extraterritorial jurisdiction and proceed with the development under less restrictive county regulations. 

However, after months of discussions and mounting pressure from residents and environmental stakeholders, the developer is pursuing annexation into Austin, citing the city’s more robust regulatory framework as a better means of addressing environmental concerns, especially those related to the Edwards Aquifer.

The key to annexation is a municipal utility district consent agreement, which would give Austin control over water and wastewater services and regulatory oversight of the project.

“On our side, we get utility service, a water and wastewater agreement out of the arrangement, and on the city side, they get all of the land use regulations, all the environmental protections,” Martin said.

However, environmental advocates are wary. Mike Clifford, technical director for the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance, criticized the project’s density and its potential impact on water quality in the aquifer. 

“Extending services to Hays Commons would create an unprecedented high-density development over the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, encourage development that follows the installation of water and sewer lines, and put residents’ water quality at risk with non-point source pollution,” Clifford said.

While environmental concerns loom large, the development’s annexation proposal will soon be considered by Austin’s Planning Commission, with the City Council poised to make a final decision. If annexation is rejected, MileStone could proceed with the project under county standards, which could be less protective of the environment.

— Andrew Terrell

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‘Tis the season to aimlessly look at glistening Christmas light displays.

While the Trail of Lights at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas, offers residents and visitors the chance to partake in a 60-year-old tradition starting Dec. 10, the crowds and snail-like pace of fellow attendees often kill the holiday spirit — leaving one feeling more like Ebenezer Scrooge than Buddy the Elf.

Checking out holiday lights shouldn’t be stressful. Not only that, but some would argue it shouldn’t cost a dime to do (aside from a small donation).

Luckily, there are plenty of lights to see for free in Austin this holiday season.

4 free Christmas light displays in Austin, Texas

Those looking to beat the crowds while taking in a sea of glistening lights can check out these four Christmas displays in the greater Austin area:

37th Street Lights

When: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. from Dec. 13 to Jan. 1, 2025.
Where: 507 W. 37th St., Austin.
What: A longstanding park-and-walk excursion on 37th Street (between Guadalupe and Home Lane) featuring houses decked out in eclectic lights and holiday decor that screams, “Keep Austin weird.”

Maywald Christmas Display

When: Dec. 11-Dec. 27. Visiting hours are 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Where: 10505 Twilight Vista, Austin.
What: A dazzling display featuring more than 350,000 lights, Texas-sized Santas and larger-than-life displays spanning 4.5 acres. Donations to Make-A-Wish are accepted upon arrival.

Christmas Lights at Chinati Court

When: Nightly through Dec. 31 starting around sunset until roughly 11 p.m.
Where: Chinati Court, Cedar Park.
What: A brightly decorated cul-de-sac with various photo ops. You can drive by most nights or take in the magic on foot. Santa visits the street every Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. until at least 9 p.m. (except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day).

Photos with Santa are free. There will also be a Brown Santa drop-off at this display, and those visiting are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate.

The Domain’s Holiday Tree Light Show

When: Nightly through Dec. 25. The free light show occurs every hour during the following times: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Friday; Noon to 9 p.m. Saturday; Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Hours for Dec. 24-25 will be noon to 6 p.m.
Where: 11821 Rock Rose Ave., Austin.
What: A dazzling holiday tree light show that occurs every hour on the hour (weather permitting). The tree is located across the street from the Apple Store.