9 SWOTs

The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOTs) of the area can inform the ways in which the Wells Branch site develops in the future. We see a significant opportunity to utilize the area’s strengths in future development plans that appropriately consider the nature of the site. Further, there are several weaknesses that limit the ability of development to occur seamlessly. Considering these strengths and weaknesses will allow plans for development to be inclusive of the realities of our site. Opportunities and threats reveal the ways in which the site can best incorporate strengths and perform amidst the weaknesses.

9.1 STRENGTHS

The site is relatively free of development with lots of open space. There is room to grow! There are recreational park spaces near the site and creeks that can serve as green infrastructure that runs through the site. Slopes and creeks in the region can provide water runoff to prevent flooding. Parcels are relatively large in size, allowing for flexibility of development within them. Tech Ridge is 8 miles away from the site. The site is strategically location between Pflugerville and Austin.

9.2 WEAKNESSES

The land is currently suited for agricultural purposes, and existing communities have gathered around this resource. There are a reasonable amount of houses within the huge parcels. This may cause difficulties when it comes to negotiations with local land owners if they have bargaining power over large tracts of land. Transportation costs might be significant to residents who work in downtown Austin or South Austin. It will be costly to add significant infrastructure to the site area, such as sewer lines, water pipes, roads, traffic lights, etc.).

9.3 OPPORTUNITIES

Future development can be dense, incorporating Imagine Austin’s future land use goals. If the Green Line is built, there are ample opportunities for transport oriented development (Green Line). Development can provide ample low-income housing. The region can provide ecological services with native trees and vegetation in parks Development can consider walkability and serve as a successful example of complete streets and smart growth. Developing the Wells Branch neighborhood center can make the visions of Imagine Austin a reality!

9.4 THREATS

• Existing patterns of growth in the regions have resulted in sprawl. Developers could continue this pattern of low density development in the site. • Development could limit the connectivity to natural resources identified in the strengths section. • Growing into the ETJ on the edge of Austin may limit the capacity of the city to focus on urban infill and redevelopment in lowdensity areas of central Austin. • As a primarily agricultural area, development may infiltrate the existing rural way of life, and may not be able to accurately build for improving the lives of people within the region. • Because of the limited physical infrastructure like roads, and the cost required to build them, future development that centers may have limited connectivity. The above strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats create ample opportunity for the Wells Branch site. The future of the region hinges on the ability of developers to carefully consider the impacts that development will have on the region. This report serves as a basis for considerations that will not only improve the local area, but build a legacy for future development in Austin.