Hays Commons: Still a threat to the Edwards Aquifer

by Brian Zabcik

Aug 16, 2026

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The Hays County Commissioners Court voted 3-1 last month to reject a development agreement for Hays Commons, a planned subdivision that would be built over the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone on the Hays-Travis county line. Does this mean that the proposal is dead? Unfortunately, no. Milestone Community Builders, the Austin-based developer behind Hays Commons, has been working multiple angles since 2022 to get its project going, and it hasn't given up yet. Save Texas Streams has been actively involved in the debates over Hays Commons along with our partners at Save Our Springs Alliance (SOS), Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance (GEAA), and Hays Residents for Land & Water Protection.

Milestone’s plans have constantly fluctuated, but it’s talked about building around 700 single-family homes and 12 acres of commercial space in Hays Commons. The subdivision would be located on a 498-acre property located west of Manchaca and north of Buda at the intersection of SH 45 and FM 1626. Most of the tract lies over the EdwardsAquifer Recharge Zone, which is the drinking water source for many nearby wells. Milestone’s subdivision would also straddle Little Bear Creek, which flows into Onion Creek, one of the last pristine streams in the state. You can read more in this Hays Commons explainer on our website.

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Hays Commons: Still a threat to the Edwards Aquifer

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