Judge allows construction to continue at controversial industrial park in Bee Cave
BEE CAVE, Texas (KXAN) --- Construction can continue at an industrial park in Bee Cave, according to a ruling issued by a Travis County judge this week.
This decision came months after the city of Bee Cave filed a lawsuit against the developer of the project, Velocis, to stop the project.
The nearly 270,000-square-foot business park sits next to a residential area in Bee Cave's extra-territorial jurisdiction. The facility under construction is near the intersection of State Highway 71 and Serene Hills Drive.
Online plans showed the property would have three buildings with 80 docking bays that could hold big rigs, warehouse space and offices.
The lawsuit
The city and others want to stop the project as well. In August, the city council voted to file a lawsuit blocking the development.
“We are seeking to not only stop construction, but to tear down what has already been built,” said city of Bee Cave Communications Director Crystal Cotti at the time.
The lawsuit alleged the developer violated a development agreement it signed with the city back in 2015. The city also claimed noise and light pollution disrupts residents' ability to get good sleep.
Last October, a judge approved a temporary restraining order to pause construction at the industrial park. This latest ruling now allows construction to continue, however Velocis can not violate city noise ordinances.
The Court enjoined Defendants from any conduct that would violate the noise ordinance that Defendants agreed to follow in the Development Agreement. The Court’s findings confirm the harm this development has caused to residents and supports the city’s claim that Defendants breached the Development Agreement. The Court’s ruling also clears the path for the case to proceed to trial on August 18, 2025."
Crystal Cotti, City of Bee Cave Communications Director
Nicole Cox lives in a subdivision near the industrial ark. Cox said she felt disappointed with the ruling. Ultimately, she hoped for more.
"We know it limits some of the conduct, but it's not quite enough. It's bigger than just the noise, in addition to the traffic," Cox said. "Condition of the road will be impacted, the air quality."
Paul Smith, a partner at Velocis, said in a statement that, "As our history shows, we take pride in being a responsible and valuable partner within the communities where we operate. Our team is committed to finding a quick resolution to any outstanding concerns which will avoid a long and costly trial for the City of Bee Cave and its taxpayers.”