Pflugerville looks for private partnership on Downtown East project
The Pflugerville City Council on Tuesday night voted to solicit a master developer for a public-private partnership for its mixed-use Downtown East project.
The council also voted to use multiple fundingsources, including certificates of obligation and a tax increment reinvestment zone, to reduce the taxpayer burden.
"We are trying to do right by each and every one of you," said Council Member Rudy Metayer.
The project is part of the city's plan to develop the Pfluger Tract, 29 acres at the northwest corner of FM 685 and E. Pecan Street. The project is being shaped by feedback from the city's Downtown Action Plan, surveys and the city's Aspire 2040 Comprehensive Plan, according to city records.
Based on expert assessment and community feedback, the project will include a City Hall, a recreation center, infrastructure, parking and a mixed-use development. A hotel and multifamily housing could be included, depending on the developer, officials said.
The city will use a public-private partnership, or a P3 model, to reduce the cost of the project by accelerating the development timeline and sharing the infrastructure within the site, city officials said in a news release.
City staff estimate the project will cost approximately $148.9 million, with $71.8 million funded through tax-supported debt. Preliminary assessments show the maximum increase to residents' property tax bill to be $3.88 per $100,000 in taxable home value, city officials said.
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It is expected that the project will generate $33 million in revenue from property, sales and hotel occupancy taxes over the next 20 years, according to city records.
During public comment,several residents from the nearby Willow Creek neighborhood expressed concerned about increased traffic and the amount of buildings in the area.
"Residents do not want a hotel and apartmentson this land," Lisa Ely said. "This area simply cannot support this level of density."
Residents alsosaid the planned office space would ruin the beauty of the city.
"One of the greatest thing about Pflugerville is the connectivity of citizens through ... our bike and hike trail," Betty Moore said. "I hoped to have seen more use of keeping more of open green areas. By having a more open space it really adds to the flavor of Pflugerville."
Assistant City Manager Emily Barron said the city plans to maintain the hike and bike trails and create connections to Downtown East.
The city will host public engagement opportunities regarding the recreation center in August and September,with details to be announced at a later date.
This article has been updated to correct the maximum property tax impact on residents and the title for Emily Barron.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Pflugerville looks for private partnership on Downtown East project
