Johnson Development planning 1,900-home community in Liberty Hill – Community Impact | News

Project Report: New Master-Planned Community in Liberty Hill, Texas

Executive Summary

Johnson Development has acquired 764 acres in Liberty Hill, Williamson County, for a new master-planned community. The project, located at the former Chapman Ranch, is designed to include over 1,900 homes and integrate key principles of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on community well-being, education, economic growth, and sustainable urban planning.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• The development’s master-planned approach promotes inclusive and sustainable urbanization by creating an integrated human settlement.
• A significant allocation of 70 acres is dedicated to open space, parks, and extensive trails, directly addressing SDG Target 11.7 by providing access to safe, inclusive, and accessible green public spaces for all residents.
• The mixed-use design, incorporating residential, commercial, and educational facilities, fosters a self-sustaining community infrastructure.

SDG 4: Quality Education

• The project directly supports access to quality education by allocating 15 acres for the development of an on-site school.
• This provision ensures that residents have convenient access to educational facilities, reducing travel time and integrating learning into the community fabric.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• The community design actively promotes healthy lifestyles through the inclusion of extensive trails and parks, encouraging physical activity.
• The 70 acres of open space and a 5-acre amenity center provide residents with opportunities for recreation and social interaction, contributing to both physical and mental well-being.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• The allocation of 5 acres for commercial use is projected to stimulate local economic growth by creating business opportunities and local employment.
• The project contributes to the economic development of Williamson County, cited as the state’s eighth fastest-growing county, by attracting investment and residents.

Development Specifications and Timeline

1. Total Acreage: 764 acres at 680 E. CR 202.
2. Residential Units: Over 1,900 homes with lots ranging from 45 to 70 feet wide.
3. Land Allocation:
   • Commercial Use: 5 acres
   • On-site School: 15 acres
   • Open Space & Parks: 70 acres
   • Amenity Center: 5 acres
4. Projected Timeline: Home sales are scheduled to commence in the fall of 2027.

Market Context

• The developer, Johnson Development, recently completed the Bryson master-planned community in nearby Leander, indicating a strong track record in the region.
• According to Tommy Tucker, Vice President of Business Development, the company is “bullish on the Liberty Hill and Williamson County market” due to its proximity to Austin and its “authentic Hill Country vibe.”

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article’s core subject is the development of a new 1,900-home master-planned community. This directly relates to urban planning, housing, and the creation of community infrastructure, which are central themes of SDG 11.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The plan explicitly includes “15 acres for an on-site school,” connecting the development directly to the provision of educational infrastructure.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The allocation of “5 acres for commercial use” points to the creation of local business opportunities and jobs, contributing to local economic growth. The construction project itself also represents significant economic activity.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The project involves converting 764 acres of former ranch land into a developed community. The plan to incorporate “70 acres of open space” and “extensive trails and parks” shows an integration of green spaces into land-use planning, which is relevant to SDG 15.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Under SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities):
   • Target 11.1: “By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services…” The construction of “more than 1,900 homes” in a fast-growing county directly addresses the need for new housing stock.
   • Target 11.3: “By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for… integrated and sustainable human settlement planning…” The project is described as a “master-planned community,” which implies an integrated approach to planning housing, commerce, education, and recreation.
   • Target 11.7: “By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces…” The plan to include “70 acres of open space,” “extensive trails and parks,” and a “5 acres for an amenity center” directly aligns with this target.
2. Under SDG 4 (Quality Education):
   • Target 4.a: “Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all.” The allocation of “15 acres for an on-site school” is a direct contribution to building new education facilities to serve the community.
3. Under SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth):
   • Target 8.2: “Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation…” The designation of “5 acres for commercial use” aims to diversify the local economy by providing space for businesses within the residential community.
4. Under SDG 15 (Life on Land):
   • Target 15.9: “By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes…” The master plan’s inclusion of “70 acres of open space” and “extensive trails and parks” demonstrates the integration of environmental and green space values into the local development process.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. For SDG 11:
   • Indicator for Target 11.1: The number of new housing units planned, which is “more than 1,900 homes.” This is a direct measure of increasing the housing supply.
   • Indicator for Target 11.7: The proportion of land dedicated to public and green space. The article provides specific figures: “70 acres of open space” and “5 acres for an amenity center” out of a total of 764 acres.
2. For SDG 4:
   • Indicator for Target 4.a: The number of new educational facilities being built. The article specifies the plan for “an on-site school” on a dedicated “15 acres.”
3. For SDG 8:
   • Indicator for Target 8.2: The amount of land zoned for economic activity. The article mentions “5 acres for commercial use,” which can be used as a proxy indicator for planned economic diversification and job creation.
4. For SDG 15:
   • Indicator for Target 15.9: The total area of green space integrated into the development plan. The “70 acres of open space” and the plan for “extensive trails and parks” serve as a quantifiable measure of this integration.

4. Summary Table of Findings

Source: communityimpact.com