DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas — A new roundabout and road diversion could shake up a large project that would provide resources for a lot of people in Dripping Springs.
Hays County commissioners have approved a roundabout south of Ranch Road 12 and RM 150. According to the project’s website, this plan was vetted for years and is supposed to reduce speeds and crashes.
But it would mean slicing up landowner Erik Howard’s property to make way for the diversion of 150.
"This land is more than just land for me. This land is for businesses. We've created thousands of jobs here over the course of this project," Howard said.
Howard is not convinced that the plan would reduce accidents.
"I've owned this property for 30 years and I've never seen an accident at that intersection ... You already have more accidents down at the roundabout that they built at the Hays City Store," Howard said.
And for Howard, the potential disruption is personal.
"Property rights have zero consideration, right? This is land that I've worked my entire life for and, as a result, I sit here 30 years later after buying this land – and in Texas, which I figured was probably the safest place in the country to do that," said Howard.
KVUE reached out to Precinct 4 Commissioner Walt Smith. He was not able to speak because he recused himself from this project, as it could affect the value of his property.
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