Poll: Respondents tilt slightly against current plan to develop Lindsey Hill

The Record’s online poll from July 27- Aug. 10 asked readers whether they think the Lindsey Hill development will be a beneficial development.

Passions flared during a neighborhood presentation meeting on the proposed Lindsey Hill development’s preferred scenario map amendment request on July 23 at the Price Center.

Developers David Lerman and Mark Berins of Guadalupe RE are requesting a preferred scenario map amendment for the property, located at 500 W. Hutchison Street, from an Area of Stability-Redevelopment Infill to High Intensity-Redevelopment Infill. The development is expected to have a maximum of 184 apartments that would be a mixture of one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans, along with a parking garage, retail space and public gathering spaces.

The development has encountered support from residents who feel the property should be redeveloped into something new. However, some residents oppose the development, citing the property’s historical significance as the site of the Coronal Institute and later as one of the first high schools in the state to desegregate after the Brown vs. Board of Education ruling.

The developers said they intend to have a marker with a QR code on it in front of the site to allow people to scan it with their phones and learn about the historical importance of the schools that once stood there and the auditorium and gymnasium buildings are remaining on the site; though the classroom building will be demolished.

The poll asking, “Do you think the Lindsey Hill development will be a beneficial development?” received a total of 167 votes, with the majority of votes – 54 percent or 90 votes – going to option “No, more needs to be done to preserve the historic significance.” Forty-six percent, or 77 votes, chose, “Yes, the developers seem to be taking the community’s needs into consideration.”

A slight majority of poll voters think that the Lindsey Hill development is not doing enough to preserve the historic significance of the site. Every week, the Record gives its readers the opportunity to voice their opinions on different topics. This poll does not, and does not purport to, accurately depict public opinion. It is only intended to inspire thought-provoking discussion within the community.

SMDR’s new poll is available online now, and asks for readers’ opinions on whether they think the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter should move towards “no kill.” It can be voted on now.