Environmental groups, neighbors rally against proposed concert venue

A coalition of environmental groups last week announced its opposition to a proposed 5,000-seat concert venue at 14820 Fitzhugh Road, near Dripping Springs.

The coalition, Stop Fitzhugh Concert Venue, says it’s concerned about negative impacts the venue might bring to Barton Creek, as well as increased traffic on narrow country roads, drunk driving, and noise and light pollution members say would disrupt neighbors and harm wildlife.

Bob Ayres, co-owner of neighboring Shield Ranch, said in a press release that while Austin’s growth has brought many good things to the region, the concert venue would not be one of them. 

“No one is asking for this proposed venue,” Ayres said. “It’s unnecessary, poorly devised and threatens to significantly impact Barton Creek and the natural and human communities in the region.”

Coalition members include Shield Ranch, Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance, Save Barton Creek Association, and Save Our Springs Alliance.

The concert venue is planned on a 22-acre property in Hays County, with California developer Blizexas LLC spearheading the proposal. According to reporting by KVUE, the developer plans to follow all state environmental guidelines and has a traffic management plan. Bill LeClerc with Blizexas said the venue could help create 200 jobs in the area.

Before any construction can begin, the venue needs a wastewater permit from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. On Nov. 29, TCEQ held a public hearing, at which around two dozen residents spoke against the project. 

Neighbors aired a variety of concerns, among them impacts to Barton Creek. Stop Fitzhugh Concert Venue claims that the buildings and activity associated with the venue, including parking for 2,000 cars, will significantly impact the water quality in the creek and ultimately Barton Springs. 

“The amount of proposed impervious cover will increase wastewater and stormwater runoff, causing erosion and delivery of sediment and pollutants to Barton Creek. These impacts will degrade water quality and be harmful to the environment and people recreating downstream,” the release stated. 

An analysis by the group also shows that noise and light pollution could affect neighbors for miles around. 

TCEQ is expected to issue a decision on the wastewater permit next year. Blizexas has not revealed detailed plans for the venue or when it might begin construction and open for concerts.

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