SAN MARCOS, Texas — After a long discussion during their meeting Tuesday night, members of the San Marcos City Council decided to table the reconsideration of a recently-approved tax break agreement for a massive film studio.
In early June, the city council approved an incentives agreement for Hill Country Studios. The $267 million project, set to be located on West Centerpoint Road, will feature 12 sound stages, backlots, production officers and more.
But a local environmental group recently raised concerns that the project would jeopardize the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, which serves as the primary source of water for about two million people. In response to those concerns, the council had a discussion to potentially reconsider the tax break for the studio, but ultimately decided to move forward with the plans.
City council members said Tuesday that they wanted to clear up any confusion. The council said it does not own the land where the studio facility will be build, and there are plans in place to protect the aquifer. Right now, the studio development is planned to be built within the parameters to protect the aquifer, so the water should should not be compromised, according to the council.
However, after hearing concerns from residents, some City leaders said they do want to do more to protect local water resources.
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