By Joni Simon
Contributing Writer

Residents of Leon Springs got their first chance to speak out Sept. 23 on major restrictions on construction and development proposed to protect the missions at Camp Bullis from light pollution, traffic congestion, and loss of training facilities due to encroachment from endangered species.

“The Camp Bullis Joint Land Use Study considers compatibility issues, to make sure encroachment doesn't affect military missions,” said San Antonio City Councilwoman Diane Cibrian, who has taken the lead in writing the new rules designed to protect the base. “The City Council and Bexar County have put forth seven specific strategies to protect the base. We are going to make sure we protect the facility.”

Some of the proposals under consideration include a “dark sky” plan that restricts the use of lighting around the base, a regional habitat conservation plan to protect the golden-cheeked warbler and other endangered species that live in the region, and a transportation plan, which will make sure that traffic around the post does not become more congested as additional military personnel begin training at Camp Bullis in 2011.

Many of those attending the first of several public sessions on the proposals, like Ron Olson, were concerned about one specific issue.

“I just want to see what impact this is going to have on our property values,” said Olson, who owns property which is adjacent to Camp Bullis. “I want to find out what kind of rules they're going to come up with to prevent property owners from building or selling or whatever.”

Olson says he supports the efforts to protect the base. He says Camp Bullis is an important part of the local economy and he understands the need to take steps to make sure the facility can continue to provide training.

Elizabeth Robbins, who lives north of Camp Bullis, says she supports efforts to protect the Edwards Aquifer. She attended the hearing wearing a T-shirt reading “Tree Amigos.”

“We are trying to re-introduce trees back into the environment, because the developers find it easier to pay a fee than protect the trees around Camp Bullis,” she said.

She said everyone should be concerned about the golden-cheeked warbler for reasons other than its position on the Endangered Species List.

“This bird is an indicator of what is to come,” Robbins said. ”When that bird starts disappearing, that means that the environment is unhealthy.”

Cibrian said the issues facing Camp Bullis are concerns the entire region needs to face, including light pollution and protection of endangered species. However, she added that none of the proposals that have been floated should damage the property values of nearby residents.

“I believe that a healthy Camp Bullis helps raise our property values. It is more than 25,000 acres within our community, and it helps to make sure that is protected,” Cibrian said. “We are facing a scenario where much of the area is facing development, and we are committed to protecting that vital resource.”

Cibrian said the proposals have received overwhelming support from all areas of the region.

“I don't think there is anybody who would be mad about protecting Camp Bullis,” she said. “In fact, I think you will see a unanimous agreement in this community that Camp Bullis is vital to our national security, vital to the region. We will have to make some tough decisions and work closely with the development community, but I think that we can do that.”

Meetings on the subject are scheduled through the rest of this year and into 2009.