The following is an archived video story. The text content of that video story is available below for reference. The original video has been deleted and is no longer available.

San Marcos River Development Proposal Causes Anger


Some San Marcos residents are trying to publicly shame the city council for what they call "a lack of leadership."

The controversy centers on a prime piece of property located along the San Marcos River just east of I-35.

Jaimy Breihan is on a mission.  He's asking San Marcos residents for the where-a-bouts of the San Marcos City Council. "We just got to say something before they destroy it all," he says.

Breihan made a "wanted" flyer (pictured) as a joke -- sort of.  The longtime San Marcos resident is upset with the council's decision to approve the rezoning of the riverfront property, paving the way for 306 student apartments.

"We're dissatisfied with the decision our elected officials are making," Breihan says.

And he's not alone. Dozens of residents believe council is making a mistake by allowing the three-story apartment complex to be built along River Road.

San Marcos Mayor Daniel Guerrero is one of five people who voted in favor of the zoning change. "For me this was a very difficult decision," he says.

Guerrero believes the developer offered the city, and its residents, some good perks.

As part of the deal, Dovetail Developer will donate some 20 acres of riverfront property to the city to be turned into a public park and $75,000 per year for upkeep.  The deal also includes parking and hiking trails.

But residents like Melissa Derrick say that's not good enough. "We'd like to see council vote for the citizens instead of with the developers," she says.

Talks about the ordinance are on Tuesday's non-consent agenda for the council meeting scheduled to start at 6 p.m.

By Alex Boyer