Here is Rocky Creek, photographed on April 27, 2004. See anything wrong with this picture? No? That's because there isn't. It is crystal clear, pristine, perfect. And it runs this way all the way down into Barton Creek.

Now picture it full of algae blooms and maybe even a little trash, emanating from a passel of houses just above it. Rocky creek runs right below 468 homes on the McHargue (Hudson) development and through another 444 on the Formby tract. Run-off from from lawns, cars and effluent is sure to destroy this marvel of nature.

Want to see a bigger picture of this creek in it's pristine state (hopefully not for the last time)? Click here.

This hillside is where the Hudsons are planning to sprout 468 houses, when they "just add water" to this bit of Hill Country paradise. The picture was taken from Linda & Gene Lowenthal's porch.

Many years ago, before the Lowenthals built on their 50 acre homestead (which shares a fence line with the Hudson's proposed development), Linda Lowenthal was assured by Spencer Scott, Rebecca Hudson's grandfather, that his land would never be developed. Linda said Mr. Scott told her "Little lady, we'll never have a subdivision. Go ahead and build your house on the hill." Hmmm...

[NOTE: Since posting the above quote, we have received a letter from Rebecca Hudson, which is exerpted below. The entire letter, along with its threat of legal action is also available on this site. To read it click here.]

This illustration shows the above hillside replaced by a little suburban enclave - houses upon houses jammed together. What happened to our Hill Country paradise?

The development is now called Rocky Creek Ranch. The developers have produced a plan that shows how they propose to comply with U.S. Fish & Wildlife rules.

Rebecca Hudson is claiming that she will be leaving 85% of the land "undeveloped". Here is another map that illustrates the reality of the situation.

On Saturday, June 26th, at the direction of the Travis County Commissioners, Lazy 9-Sweetwater developer Bill Gunn held an information session for neighbors at the Cedars Restaurant on Highway 71. Here is a report on the proceedings.