The purpose of this public hearing is to present information to the City Council regarding the advisability of establishing a Public Improvement District (PID) pursuant to Chapter 372 of the Texas Local Government Code, and to provide an opportunity for property owners in the proposed public improvement district to speak in favor of, or in opposition to, the creation of a PID. The proposed PID is for the purposes of financing improvements and services related to:
(i) acquisition, construction, or drainage facilities or improvements, (a) the design, construction, and maintenance of parks and green spaces, together with any ancillary structures, features or amenities such as playgrounds, splash pads, pool(s), athletic facilities, pavilions, community facilities, irrigation, walkways, lighting, benches, trash receptacles, and any similar items located therein along with all necessary grading, drainage, and similar infrastructure involved in the construction of such parks and greens; landscaping, hardscaping, and irrigation; and
(ii) payment of costs associated with developing and financing the public improvements listed in the subdivision (i) including costs of establishing, administering, and operating the District.
The District is to supplement and enhance services within the District, but not replace or supplant existing City services provided within the District. The Willow Bend Villas PID will be a defined assessment area providing specific types of services for a given area. The City Council approved the calling of a Public Hearing at the September 28, 2021 City Council Meeting. A notice of Public Hearing was published in the Lubbock Avalanche Journal, and notices were mailed to the property owners on October 10, 2021, as required by the statute. As a reminder, the City of Lubbock received a petition from property owners requesting that the City of Lubbock establish a PID for the proposed Willow Bend Villas development area. The area covers approximately 63.1982 acres. PID establishment can only be initiated by a petition of property owners meeting two tests outline in the statute. The petition must be signed by: (a) Owners representing more than 50% of the appraised value of the taxable real property liable for assessment; and (b) Record owners of property liable for assessment under the PID petition who:
- Constitute more than 50% of all the record owners of property liable for assessment and
- Own taxable real property that constitutes more than 50% of the area liable for assessment within the PID.
The petition received by the City of Lubbock was signed by authorized agents of Betenbough Homes, LLC, owners of 100% of the total appraised value for the area and 100% of the total land area contained in the proposed PID. The petition was examined, verified, and found to meet the requirements of Section 372.005(b) of the Texas Local Government Code and to be sufficient for consideration by the City of Lubbock. The owner of the property submitting the petition paid the application fee of $5,000, which should cover the cost of creating the PID, with any remaining money reimbursed to the developer. If the cost of creating the PID exceeds $5,000, the developer will reimburse the City for the remaining cost. |