Ord 2012-033 - Laserfiche WebLink

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designs to accommodate all homebuyer preferences and recreational opportunities will include common areas, an elaborate trail system, a community center with junior Olympic swimming pool, children's splash pool, playgrounds, and pedestrian access to the adjacent Dudley Connaly Johnson, Randall Wade Vetter and Five -Mile Dam Parks. The trail system will offer neighborhood connectivity as well as access to daily activities that are within walking distance, such as school and neighborhood - serving commercial, reducing dependency on personal motorized vehicles for travel. The Blanco Vista Community has invested approximately $2 million dollars in recreation facilities including $200,000 donation for improvements to the Dudley Johnson /Randall Vetter public parks and $1.8 million in private amenities for use by the community residents. As a result of all of these actions, and those discussed onward in this PDD document, Blanco Vista will possess a broad market base capable of attracting a variety of demographics as it matures. Section 2: Site History Nestled between the beautiful Blanco River and a fabulous Texas Hill Country setting, the property is rich with history and beauty. The area was originally settled by the French in 1685. The French were eventually driven out by Spanish settlers in 1715 and then by 1824 the original Spanish settlements were declared independent of Spain and the Mexican Government was established as a separate Republic. Settlers from the United States eventually established a foot -hold in the region as Texans and, alongside Texians, drove out the Mexican armies with fierce battles throughout settled Texas. After defeating the Mexican armies the United States recognized Texas as an independent republic in 1837. On July 4th 1845 Texas was annexed to the United States. During the most difficult time in American history, Texas secession from the United States in 1861 was driven by the Civil War. After defeat of the confederate states Texas was again granted representation in the United States Congress in 1870. During the latter half of the 19th century another great American phenomenon occurred. Cattlemen rounded up millions of longhorn cattle and drove them north across Indian lands into Kansas and the great legend of the American cowboy was born. The Chisholm Trail emerged as another American legend and this trail ran through what we now know as Blanco Vista. Prior to 1685 and during this entire period of time described, the Tonkawa Indian Tribe survived and even became an integral part of the Texas Rangers helping settle the area. Also prior to 1685, another important component of the Blanco Vista Community was started and still remains today. In the very early 1600's a sprout started within the community and today still stands as a mighty oak tree at the entrance of the community at Blanco Vista Boulevard. This spectacular tree is a monument for a great period of time that is rich in history for Texas. The name Blanco Vista is indicative of the area's Spanish influence and the community is overlooking the magnificent Blanco River. Cattle ranching and farming feed for livestock represent the historic uses of the property. No historic dwellings remain on -site. Historic and archaeological surveys completed for the property 4