LUMBERTON, Texas — In Lumberton $472M is on the line with the utility district holding a bond election, and it's all to reimburse a developer for a 'master planned community'.
Even though there are three precincts that surround the defined construction area with thousands of potential voters, only one person's vote really counts and it's the developers.
"This is the first master planned community in the Golden Triangle," said President of B.E. Development Patrick Hoffman.
With industry and job growth opportunities Hoffman says that Lumberton was an easy choice.
"There's plenty of people and money down here. Let's see how the community will respond to the amenities that come with a master planned community," said Hoffman.
Amenities like water parks and hiking trails. Lumberton's District Utility Manager Robb Starr says typically the developer pays for all the infrastructure expenses related to their project.
"Because we're gonna have 32 hundred acres that'll be master planned for utilities which is not something that normally happens," said Starr. "In doing so the infrastructure is so expensive, especially just starting off. It's not something that you can capture at the sale of a lot. So this one is set up for reimbursement."
This defined area bod election will effect future residents of the master planned community.
"We've been looking since our son moved here a few years back," said Davette Colichia who is considering making a move to Lumberton.
Those residents will pay an additional tax over a 30 year period, but Colichia thinks the extra bucks are worth it.
"Like the sidewalks. The infrastructure they have. The lighting. As opposed to more rural. So yeah. Absolutely we like it when it's clean, and has the sidewalks, and the concrete streets, no ditches. Yeah it's good," said Colichia.
Currently the developer is the only person who lives on the master planned site.
Their vote will ultimately decide whether or not this bond passes.
You can find more on the master planned community amenity details here.