Screenshots of a video made by Keith Preston, of his father Robert Preston’s home. Bandera City Council identified the property as a potential site for the new wastewater treatment facility, and included the homestead in a resolution for eminent domain.
December 20, 2024
City narrows down properties of interest for new wastewater treatment facility
By Jessica Nohealapa’ahiThe Bandera Prophet
Christmas came early for Robert Preston this year. Months of worry that he may have to sell his home have been alleviated, and the City of Bandera is no longer considering his property as the site for the new wastewater treatment facility.“He brought me a letter yesterday,” Preston said of City Administrator Stan Farmer. “As far as I know, it’s a done deal. It’s over with.”In September, Preston received an offer from the city to purchase his 2.38-acre homestead on Old Hondo Hwy. for $200,000. The Bandera native declined, and the next month he was informed the city had approved Resolution 2024-038, authorizing the power of eminent domain for the acquisition of property for the construction of a wastewater treatment plant. Preston’s was one of eight properties identified as potential sites.“Intially, the engineers had us look at eight properties,” Farmer said, adding as they continued their evaluation, six properties – including Preston’s, were eliminated, leaving two unoccupied properties as possibilities. “Council agreed to just focus on those two.”Farmer said he was unable to publicly state which properties are being considered. He said the city is in the process of negotiating with both property owners, and no hard deadline to close has been defined.In the meantime, Preston said he has formally requested the city amend the resolution and remove his property from the document.“I have sent an email to the new mayor,” Preston said, who expressed gratitude for all who shared their concerns and encouragement. “I’m just overwhelmed by how many people supported and prayed for me. I feel all the love.”
