City planning and zoning commissioners partnered with environmental consultants in an effort to incorporate public opinion into the creation of a new land development code. Small groups gathered around paper maps of San Marcos in the Lions Club Park Recreation Hall. Attendees were given “Muir Bucks”—pretend money named after famed naturalist John Muir—to rank environmental priorities on the maps.
The Muir Bucks ranked priorities such as water quality, temporary erosion control and stream buffers.
“It’s like we’re playing Muir-opoly,” said Zach Halfin, a member of Eyes of the San Marcos River, a local naturalist activism group.
Participants learned the rules of the game with the help of city officials and experts.
“Water quality is uber important,” Halfin said, pointing to an area between Ranch Road 12 and Wonder World Drive on one of the maps. “Plus, that’s where I live.”
At another table, Texas State geography and urban planning majors evaluated the importance of “urban forestry canopies” around San Marcos.
“I would love to see more trees downtown, but how expensive is it going to be?” said Kendall Bell-Enders, Texas State alumna.
The groups presented their findings to the environmental consultants and city planning officials after an hour of activity.
Water conservation was a primary concern among the groups, said Brian Wright, a consultant with Town Planning & Urban Design Collaborative.
Abby Gillfillan, San Marcos Permit Center Manager, said she was pleased with the turnout and thought the night went well.
Wright said he was surprised with the group’s diversity and level of education.
“People were up to the challenge,” Wright said. “A lot of communities we work in, younger people don’t feel empowered. It’s really exciting to see a good mix.”
Jon Wilcox is a reporter for the University Star where this story originally published. It is reprinted here through a news partnership between the University Star and Corridor News.