Sit with Sylvia Carrillo: A Community Conversation
The evening began casually, with refreshments on the table and neighbors easing into conversation. Sylvia Carrillo, Bastrop’s City Manager, welcomed everyone warmly: “The floor is yours—please let me know whatever you want answers to, and we will work through it together.”
Infrastructure & Road Projects
Carrillo provided an update on the Agnes construction project, reassuring residents that it remains “on time and on budget” with completion expected by the end of November. She noted that recent rain revealed curb adjustments that would be made to ensure proper drainage into inlets.
Traffic safety concerns quickly surfaced. Residents raised issues about short light timing at 304/306 intersections, noting the risk even to cyclists. Carrillo explained that these signals fall under TxDOT but promised to bring the timing concerns to their attention. She also shared that sidewalk additions along Agnes extended the timeline, but those were necessary for pedestrian safety.
Neighborhood Concerns
Several residents brought up crosswalks, stop lines, and safe walkways—particularly in older neighborhoods such as Childers at Pecan Park. Carrillo acknowledged these concerns and explained which intersections had been updated, committing to review areas that may have been overlooked.
Parking issues near schools also drew frustration. Construction workers and contractors often left vehicles along residential streets, blocking hydrants and driveways. Carrillo discussed the possibility of partnering with the district or identifying vacant city-owned property for designated parking.
Vendor Permits & Special Events
A highlight of the discussion came when Lueella Shelton introduced plans for the Season of Skills: Holiday Market for Trades, a scholarship fundraiser through the Shelton Legacy Foundation for Trades. Carrillo clarified the city’s vendor requirements:
The event organizer holds the master permit.
Food vendors must be registered with Bastrop County (not the city).
The organizer is responsible for ensuring vendors have food permits and sales tax certificates.
The county inspects for food safety and fire compliance.
She connected the organizers to the county and to the city’s special events coordinator to simplify the process. “We streamlined this vendor process about a year and a half ago,” she explained. “We want to make sure nobody’s running around like a chicken with their head cut off the day of your event.”
Carrillo acknowledged the deep need:
“The votes are in this room, and I hear you loud and clear.”
Development & Housing
Residents pressed on the ongoing challenges of affordable senior housing. Carrillo acknowledged the deep need: “The votes are in this room, and I hear you loud and clear.” She described negotiations with developers, including efforts to reduce density, restrict uses (e.g., no pawn shops or bars), and balance growth with neighborhood character.
She also addressed drainage issues in newer subdivisions, admitting city responsibility where approval processes fell short. “We will own our mistake, and we will own our part,” Carrillo said, noting that engineers and developers are working toward solutions.
Parks, Trails & Recreation
The conversation shifted toward community amenities. Carrillo revealed potential plans for:
Disc golf courses in areas affected by erosion.
Exploring a par-3 golf course near the convention center after flood maps limited housing development there.
Revitalizing trails once drainage and safety issues are resolved.
“It gives residents something to do, and if done right, it can also attract tournaments and bring in visitors,” Carrillo noted.
Safety & Solicitation
Concerns about late-night door-to-door solicitors—particularly AT&T representatives—sparked a lively exchange. Carrillo confirmed that the city prohibits solicitation without a peddler’s permit and that violators can be cited. Permitted vendors must wear clear identification and operate only during approved hours, typically 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Community Spirit & Closing Notes
Carrillo highlighted Bastrop’s growing visibility: the Austin Business Journal recently spotlighted the city, and developers are showing increasing interest. She reminded residents that while growth brings challenges, Bastrop remains committed to “maintaining our historic roots while allowing for smart, sustainable development.”
She closed on a celebratory note:
“Your tax rate went down. No increase. Good news all around.”
As neighbors lingered over food and casual conversation, the evening’s tone reflected exactly what Carrillo promised at the start—an open floor, honest answers, and a community finding its way forward together.
