Two homes set for demolition for Marble Falls parks expansion
Connie Swinney/The Highlander
Two houses on property owned by the Marble Falls Economic Development Corporation, along Backbone Creek, are set for demolition to make way for more green space.
By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer
Marble Falls Economic Development Board members approved a contractor to demolish two Backbone Creek-side homes and ultimately transfer the cleared property to the city of Marble Falls for park space, officials said.
The municipal park space plans are pending approval by the Marble Falls City Council.
The two properties, located at 108 and 112 Buena Vista, suffered severe erosion on the backside on the creek, following the October flood event.
On Feb. 6, EDC board members unanimously approved contracting with San Antonio-based Hansco Demolition and Excavation for $37,250 to tear down the unoccupied structures, which were purchased from the property owners by the EDC.
“There will be some demo along the creek front too to get out what was washed away,” EDC Business Development Coordinator Midge Dockery said. “(The properties) will become green space.”
One house is located, just off the Main Street intersection, while the other is the third structure on the block.
“We don't have a start date from the contractor to start yet,” Dockery said. “It is our intent for it to start as soon as possible.”
The creek and Lake Marble Falls are currently several feet lower than normal operating water levels due to a scheduled drawdown by the Lower Colorado River Authority, for city and residential flood repair, maintenance and dredging (See related story on Page 1).
Officials believe the work could be done prior to the re-fill start date of March 18 for the lake, which feeds into the creek.
“(The demolition) will be coordinated through the (city of Marble Falls) parks department so the proper precautions are taken to secure the area,” Dockery said.
The council is expected to take action on the EDC's intent to “convey” the land to the municipality at an upcoming meeting.
“It's a beautiful natural area that will be expanded into additional park space for our community residents and visitors alike,” she said.
Find this story and more in The Highlander, the newspaper of record for the Highland Lakes. To offer a news tip, email connie@highlandernews.com.
