Friday, March 29, 2024

RV park proposed near ball park

Posted

A local resident is hoping to build an upscale RV resort on land he owns on the east side of the Gatesville ball park, and is seeking city water service for the development. 

Lynn Massingill spoke to the Gatesville City Council on April 12 and again on April 26 and said he hopes to build a quality facility that will bring in visitors to the community.

Massingill said he met with city staff before approaching the Council and was told there is no capacity to add sewer services at the property, although water could be made available. 

He said he hoped to proceed with the development by utilizing a septic system, and said he believes the RV park will benefit the community by giving people a place to stay when nearby baseball tournaments, riding club and rodeo events take place. 

Massingill and his son, Chase, both addressed the Council on April 26. 

Chase expressed disappointment that the proposed RV park was removed from the Council agenda because two Council members were not present at the meeting. 

He said the item has been "unjustly removed from the agenda" and that the Council routinely conducts business without all members being present. He added that his family has owned the property since the 1980s.

"City ordinance includes a path for beneficial development, and the city has the right to sell water outside the city limits," Chase said.

He asked for the proposal to be included in that evening's agenda, "or if that's not possible, the next meeting.

"This action does not require a vote – several months ago it could have been handled with a phone call," Chase said.

Massingill said he is unsure why his request for city services for the property has stalled.

"I'm wondering how we got to this point," he said. "I'm trying to get water to an RV park that will be nice, beneficial to the city and bring in more money for the city. This business will bring outside money to the city.

"A 6-inch water line there is what we need, and this will be a good development, it won't be a shabby campground. I don't know how we got to a point where this can't be resolved. It's just a matter of calling the water department."

Councilman Claude Williams said he is in favor of putting the item on the agenda as soon as possible so the Council can consider the request.