City Council moves forward on various projects

By Anthony Collins, LPR Editor                  

    The Lockhart City Council met last week facing a broad agenda covering land development, public services, transportation, and community preservation.

Mental Health Awareness recognized

     Mayor Lew White presented a proclamation to Samuel Marquez of Bluebonnet Trails Community Services, officially recognizing May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Lockhart. The proclamation honors ongoing efforts to increase awareness and reduce stigma around mental health challenges in the community.

85 Acres annexed for new housing development

     The Council approved Ordinance 2025-03, annexing 85 acres at 2500 FM 1322, east of FM 1322 and CenterPoint Road.    

     The land, previously zoned for agricultural use, was rezoned to a Residential Medium Density District. Developer Blackjack Block, LLC plans to construct approximately 360 homes at the site under DR Horton.

Lease renewed for food pantry and garden

    Caldwell County Christian Ministries received unanimous support from Council for a five-year lease renewal at the 901 Bois D’Arc Street location, which includes the Food Pantry, and the land used for the Community Garden. 

    Executive Director, Meredith Jakovich says “CCFB is grateful for the continued support from the City of Lockhart in providing part of the old hospital building to us as we continue to provide solutions for food insecurity in Caldwell County.  Demand for assistance continues to rise.  She went on to say, April 2025 was a historical record in service totals for the food bank as they distributed 2250 grocery baskets to 7555 individuals.  In comparison to April 2024, totals were 1967 baskets and 6591 individuals.  The CCFB distributed over 1.4 million pounds of food in 2024 to those in need through their six programs.  

Agreement approved for 966-Acre master plan development

Council approved a professional services reimbursement agreement with Hillwood Enterprises, paving the way for a proposed residential and mixed-use development on 966 acres near U.S. 183 and SH 130. 

Hillwood will cover the costs of City-incurred engineering, legal, and financial reviews.

Senior housing project gets tax incentive

    Resolution 2025-13 was approved to grant a partial property tax abatement and a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) to JES Dev Co and Maple Park Manor, LP for the development of a 30-unit senior housing complex on 2.2 acres near City Line Road and Clearfork Street. As part of the agreement, the developer will construct Lincoln Lane between Clearfork and Maple Street.

New Gateway signs coming to Lockhart

     A purchase agreement with Mello Signs was approved for the creation and installation of three gateway monument signs. These will be installed at prominent entrances to Lockhart:

• Highway 183/SH-130 from the north

• Highway 142 from the west

• SH-130 from the south

Recreation center renovation moves forward

    City Council authorized the release of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for architectural services to remodel the recently acquired recreation center, marking the first step toward revitalizing the facility.

Special workshop scheduled on Visitor Center and Tourism

        In the April 15 council meeting, H.O.T. funds were distributed to area groups to fund various projects. One project that didn’t receive full funding was a new visitors center. The proposal prepared by the Lockhart Chamber of Commerce was given a portion of the request, $50,000 but fell short to receive the full $130,000 they asked for. Mayor Lew White called for a special workshop meeting to discuss how the need could be met to fund the project by the City. A special Council workshop will be held on Thursday, May 22 at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers (217 S. Main St., 3rd Floor) to discuss the future of the City’s visitor center and tourism strategy.

Progress on utility easement acquisitions

    Following an executive session, Council authorized final offers to acquire utility easements between S. Main Street and S. Commerce Street. A resolution for public convenience and necessity and authorization of eminent domain will be considered at the May 20 meeting, if needed.

     Steve Lewis, City Manager gave his report on various projects in the area. 

TxDOT safety data highlights road risks

    TxDOT presented new data showing impaired driving, speeding, intersection-related incidents, and motorcycle crashes as the top causes of roadway accidents in Caldwell County. 

    In response, TxDOT’s Austin District and local law enforcement are using STEP Grant funding to enforce DWI laws, seatbelt use, and speed limits. Lockhart Police Chief Gary Williamson says, “The Lockhart Police Department remains committed to keeping our roads safe. Officers strategically patrol city streets to combat impaired driving and other forms of reckless behavior. Driving under the influence is a dangerous and irresponsible decision that endangers lives, contributing to thousands of injuries and fatalities each year across the country.”

     Crash data indicates that U.S. Highway 183 and State Highway 142 are the most common locations for traffic collisions in Lockhart. As a result, patrol officers prioritize these high-risk areas whenever possible.

   Drivers are urged to make responsible choices. Driving under the influence is not only illegal—it’s potentially deadly. If you’ve been drinking, please choose a safe alternative: call a friend, use a rideshare service, or find another way home.

Voter-Approved road bond projects underway

     City staff shared updates on the $150 million Caldwell County Road Bond package approved in November 2024. Funds are expected in mid-June, with Requests for Proposals to be released within 100 days. Lockhart-area projects include:

• SH 142 corridor study (SH 130 to US 183)

• FM 20/US 183 intersection realignment

• Widening SH 142 from SH 130 to Borchert Lane

• Construction of a three-lane City Line Road (top priority)

Preservation of Historic Rosenwald-Carver School under discussion

     Community members gathered on April 26 for the first town hall on restoring the historic Rosenwald-Carver School—the last two-story building of its kind in Texas. A report by Carter Design Association cited the need for major upgrades, including ADA-compliant elevators and new infrastructure systems. 

    The $3 million grant from the Texas Historical Commission may not fully cover expenses, prompting a discussion about income-generating uses, tourism potential, and community partnerships.

Household hazardous waste event announced

     Residents can safely dispose of hazardous household waste during the City’s annual collection event on Saturday, June 7, from 9 a.m. to noon at City Park, 504 E. City Park Rd. 

     Note that used electronics will not be accepted. A full list of accepted items is available at Lockhart-TX.org.