Discussions are getting heated about whether or not Formula One is a good choice for development in this area of Southeast Travis County. (Elroy) I have been criticized by some for being too critical of F1 and it has been suggested by others that I don’t understand what the ramifications are if Formula One is allowed to build here. Also, because my profession is real estate and this blog is on my Del Valle website it has been suggested that I am sly and greedy because I have an opinion that may differ from theirs. My concern is for the Del Valle area.  It was my concern 15 years ago when I and others tried to stop more additions to the jail. It was my concern when I was temporarily with the Elroy Preservation Association trying to halt Wandering Creek’s plans to build homes in an area with flooding issues, pipelines and hazardous roads and Del Valle is still my concern. It doesn’t matter to me if it is F1, Wandering Creek Subdivision or a moon station that plans to develop. I want to know what plans are in place with the developers, the City of Austin, Travis County and The State of Texas on how the development of this 900 acres and the potential growth around it, mostly in Del Valle is to be handled. Will it benefit the area and be an asset both commercially and environmentally or will it be just another added piece of garbage that we have to live with. Will there be decent home developments, stores, hotels, restaurants, offices with doctors, dentist and other viable businesses? Or can we expect more salvage yards, massive storage unit facilities and warehousing? Right now, no one seems to know anything. Really? From what I understand this particular project has been in discussions for at least two years, the same goes for plans made for Wandering Creek and NO ONE has discussed potential development in and around the Del Valle area? Really? Are you telling me that a developer bought 900 acres of land, almost in the middle of nowhere with no plan in mind other than where to put his racetrack? And convinced the State Comptroller’s office to help?  The State has no plans? Travis County? Austin? With Formula One planning to start bulldozing in 3-4 months everyone might want to get started thinking about this. Rather than choosing sides about who is coming in I want information on what the plans are if and when they get here.

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