Local residents will have an opportunity to shape the future of their community through participation in a Karnes County Housing Survey.

Kevin Brown and Stuart Falkin of FPB Land Company are working together to explore ways to bring a new residential development to Kenedy, adjacent to the Industrial Park which is home to the new Wal-Mart Supercenter.

The master planned development may include a combination of apartments, single-family homes and commercial space for light industrial businesses such as contractors, plumbers, electricians, etc.

Brown and Falkin have recently begun a five-month feasibility period to try to find out if they can make the project a reality. They are working closely with Karnes County economic development staff and other community leaders to assess what the community needs for local housing.

Part of that assessment includes a survey which is printed on page A7 of this newspaper. The survey can be filled out, clipped and mailed to The Countywide. Local residents can also complete the survey online by visiting www.thecountywide.com and clicking on "Karnes County Housing Survey."

Brown and Falkin are hoping to answer questions such as, "How many local people rent or own their own homes? What size homes are people looking for? What are the qualities local people are looking for in a home? Would they consider buying a new home and at what price range?

Terry Trevino, executive director of the Karnes County Economic Development Corporation, said it was very important that as many people as possible fill out the survey.

"The developers have put together a detailed survey that will allow them to make decisions as to the development of the property in terms of price and type (multifamily, single family, town homes, and/or condos)," Trevino said. "We are currently in the feasibility study of the recruitment process and all the help and substance the community can give in response to the survey will be very important in the decision the developers will make in locating in Karnes County.  We have captured their interest in Karnes County, now we need the community’s input, which is a priority in consideration for this development.  There is a demand for housing and Karnes County EDC is working very aggressively to meet the needs of the community."    

FPB Land Company is not a newcomer when it comes to building master planned developments. The company recently completed the Abrego Lake development which is located six miles north of Floresville. Abrego Lake is a 450-acre master planned community of site-built single-family homes.

"What do we have to think about as we are envisioning a new live, work and play community in Karnes County?" Brown asked. "One of the key factors for driving new home creation is new jobs. Overall economic development will make all real estate concepts viable, especially new housing that has an existing pent up demand."

Brown said that with magnets such as Wal-Mart, a new limited service hotel, restaurants and retail, he knows there is demand, but the key question is, "how much?"

"What comes first: the jobs or the housing?" Brown asked.

"FPB Land Company endeavors to create and sustain a master plan of the 163 acres adjacent to the new Wal-Mart fitted to the needs and wishes of Kenedy and Karnes County," Brown said. "We hope to develop and foster a community, a sense of place for residents and workers in this niche, under served market. How is this accomplished? With good solid long term planning.

FPB’s concepts consist of multi family apartments and town houses, single family homes, daycare, garden offices, light industrial and open space with recreational amenities.

"This is by no means a quick hit," Brown explained. "Extensive market research will be conducted to include the neighboring region within a 30-mile area. Each concept will be phased. Each will be adjusted in size and scope as the market dictates."

Brown said creating a "sense of place" is a challenge.

"It begins with a simple vision gleaned from the very places people view as important in their daily experience," Brown said. "This vision can be implemented to evoke unique identity, character and most important, a feeling of home. The end result is a "people-oriented" neighborhood that achieves a balance of livability, beauty and functionality. The vision drives the planning efforts from design to construction and becomes the canopy for the development and provides a theme and perspective that is apparent throughout the plan."