Elroy is a small community located in Southeast Travis County and situated in the Del Valle zip code and DVISD. I am a 30 year resident, who moved here by choice and raised a family here. My home will be within about a half mile of F1. I also understand that growth is inevitable. I have had a couple of people tell me I shouldn’t be so critical of Formula One Racing coming to Elroy. I would like take this opportunity to say: I am not against Formula One locating here. They will probably be more beneficial than another landfill, gravel pit or addition to the county correctional facility. As a resident I would like to know more. My concerns are how the developments are to be handled. Local residents have little say in the matter because we are outside the city limits but the City of Austin has a large amount of control because we are in the ETJ. What I don’t want to see is growth that is haphazard and unplanned. The racetrack will be just the beginning. There are plenty of concerns with Formula One developing 900 acres just as there were concerns with Wandering Creek developing 600 acres. Traffic, roads, utilities, emergency services, law enforcement and how they plan to handle the environmental aspect of this and other developments that will eventually locate here. Just because this is not the ‘Hill Country” does not mean that developers should be allowed to come out and strip and pave over the land. This is one of my main concerns. Not just with Formula 1 but the other developments that will follow. Environmental development, managed responsibly should be a number one concern for the City of Austin and the State of Texas. Will they be allowed to flatten and pave over or required to leave green space and recycle waste from site clearing, and building? Do they have plans to use reclaimed or recycled products for construction. What about recycling at venues?  Will venders use recycled products? How will the waste from events be managed? Will it also be recycled or sent to landfills. What about parking areas? Will it be a solid mass or will they use products that are ECO-friendly? There are products available allow water to pass through. It is easier to be environmentally responsible when you start with design and development and insist that everyone involved do the same. The days of stripping the land with no thought to the natural surroundings should be over. A project of this magnitude, with the people and investment involved should be able to be a LEADER in environmentally responsible development and not just a little “green washing”. What plans do Formula One, the City of Austin, Travis County and The State of Texas have in mind for this small undeveloped community called Elroy. As a resident I will continue to question their plans and I may be a little critical until I am satisfied.

Tags: Austin, Del Valle, Elroy, Formula 1, Travis County