By Karen Gleason
The 830 Times
A group of landowners in the Lowe Estates say they don’t want their properties in the city limits anymore.
Joe Skelton, president of the Lowe Estates Homeowners Association, spoke to the Del Rio City Council about the issue during the council’s regular meeting on April 23 and said he was speaking to them on behalf of several landowners in the area.
“In late 2023, we met with the former city manager and some of the (city) council members regarding a water well issue and where it was going to be placed. The issue I’m here about tonight is the de-annexation of the Lowe Estates land. Last contact (with city administration) was on Nov. 15, 2023, but despite emails and calls, there has been no communication to this day,” Skelton told the council.
“Our request is to de-annex the Braddie Lowe Estates. We have been discussing this issue prior to today with the administration and council members. There have been no services provided to our area, nor has the city helped protect the San Felipe Creek that runs through our lands,” Skelton said.
He added, “The landowners (in the Lowe Estates) have, in fact, picked up lots of trash and hazardous waste. We are also working with state agencies in the eradication of invasive trees and brush, some of which can consume up to 21 gallons of water per day. Per tree.
“We’re also doing our part in limiting the use of our water from the wells underneath our lands, and unfortunately, we’re victims, too, of very little water. There are some wells that are going dry in our area. I mean, it’s affecting everybody. So, we’re doing our part on that.
“My question to you is, do you want to damage the area? As per the city ordinance, or do you want to spend the taxpayers’ money fighting us? You know what we want, and there’s good reason for it. As a public servant for over 25 years myself, I can tell you that if I did not communicate with everyone that I was in front of, I wouldn’t be a public servant today,” Skelton said.
“Each and every one of you all is a public servant. At least communicate with your citizens. I think that’s very, very important, and it’s much appreciated. It’s time to get to work. No more excuses. Look at the water situation. I know you all have known for a good while that we’re going to have this issue. We even discussed it back in 2023, and luckily, you all decided to go to the archery range.
“I think with the public works director and Mr. Velazquez, they made the right choice. They’re good people. They made the right choice. Listen to those guys. I appreciate the time you all have given us and God bless you,” Skelton finished.
As with all citizen comments, the council did not speak about Skelton’s presentation during the meeting.
Councilman Jim DeReus, in whose council district the Lowe Estates are located, said after the meeting he has been aware of landowners there seeking to dis-annex from the city and noted he has been in email communication with Skelton, but said he does not believe any formal action has been taken.
Interim City Manager Manuel Chavez told The 830 Times after the meeting that he, too, is aware of the landowners’ request, but also not the city has received no formal petition or other action toward that end.
The writer can be reached at delriomagnoliafan@gmail.com
