Council approves use of parkland for underground water line to serve new school in Stewart Crossing

The Leander City Council conducted a public hearing and approved an ordinance permitting the installation of an underground public water line on parkland in Stewart Crossing Phase 1 to provide water service to a new school development.

Robin Griffin, Development Services director, explained staff’s review concluded the underground installation would not negatively affect parkland improvements and that the work will be restored after construction. Jared Bowers, the project architect with Grace Design Studios, said the bore and underground method were the only practical way to deliver water to the site and that disturbed areas will be returned to existing conditions.

Council asked questions about schedule and traffic impacts; staff said the city’s 16‑inch waterline project on FM 2243 is in early design and the new bore will not substantially disrupt traffic and is anticipated to open in the fall. The council moved and carried the ordinance.