Buda may modify portions of three park properties, totaling about 3.89 acres, to provide right-of-way and public utility easements for the Old Black Colony Road Project, according to the city. The land includes 0.42 acres of Whispering Hollow HOA Parkland, 2.40 acres of Whispering Hollow Park and 1.07 acres of Summer Pointe Park.
Buda City Council held a public hearing on the proposed change in parkland use on Oct. 20. The city issued four public notices before the hearing, according to agenda documents. Marc Calderaro, vice president of the Whispering Hollow HOA, said his organization was not notified before the hearing. Council then voted to postpone the vote and hear a second reading of the item at its Dec. 1 meeting.
The project would reconstruct and improve Old Black Colony Road from FM 1626 to Cole Springs Road. Voters approved it in 2021. Plans include widening the two-lane road, adding sidewalks and cycling accommodations, and improving drainage. The city's bond allocated $24 million for roadway improvements. According to agenda documents, shifting the alignment into the parkland reduces or avoids right-of-way acquisition for 12 property owners south of the parkland and adds curves to slow traffic. Staff analysis concludes the project will cost less because it requires less land acquisition.
Council member LaVonia Horne-Williams said she understands residents are concerned about the parkland being used, but said the alternative is private property where people already live. City officials hope to break ground in late 2027, and the project is expected to take about one year to complete.