This agreement allows Lennar Homes to pay nearly $2.7 million to take 230 acres of the Guajolote Ranch property where endangered species live.
SAN ANTONIO — Lennar Homes is still pushing its limits on what it can do to make Guajolote Ranch a reality on San Antonio’s northwest side.
In an agreement obtained by KENS 5, the company is paying nearly $3 million for “incidentally taking” a property with federally endangered species.
Lennar’s agreement to do the demolition went into effect on February 3, just two days before council made its vote.
This agreement allows Lennar Homes to pay nearly $2.7 million to take 230 acres of the Guajolote Ranch property where endangered species live.
The federally protected golden-cheek warbler lives in this area and this demolition comes on the eve of breeding season for the endangered species.
Work for the agreement started last year in July with Lennar’s engineers hiring biologists to survey the land and present a mitigation determination plan to the southern Edwards Plateau Habitat Conservation Plan coordinating committee.
The agreement was approved in December as a joint effort between the city of San Antonio and Bexar County to balance the conservation needs with the demand of growth and development.
On the other hand, the scenic loop Helotes Creek Alliance says agreements like this create a disconnect between all parties.
Long-standing heritage oak trees are also under threat with this demolition as Lennar plans to follow up with San Antonio city leaders for a pathway for a municipal utility district for Guajolote Ranch.