Public Input Sought in Proposed Transfer of Sebastopol House

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AUSTIN — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will accept input into the proposed transfer of Sebastopol House State Historic Site to the City of Seguin at a public meeting to be held at 6 p.m., Thursday, July 28. The meeting will be held at the historic site, 704 Zorn St.

TPWD invites all interested parties to attend the public input meeting that will include a brief overview of the proposal, a question-and-answer period and opportunity for public comment. Public comment may be submitted in advance to Kevin Good in the State Parks Division of TPWD, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744, or by e-mail at kevin.good@tpwd.texas.gov.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission will consider the proposed transfer at its regular meeting on Aug. 25 at the TPWD Headquarters in Austin.

Sebastopol House was one of seven TPWD state parks that the Legislative Budget Board suggested the agency consider transferring to local operation to address a reduction in state funding for FY2012-2013. The state budget bill passed assumed those transfers would be accepted by local government entities, reducing the state parks operating budget by $2.7 million over the next biennium.

Seguin was the only community to approach TPWD with an offer to take ownership of a state park. TPWD officials have held several meetings with city officials over the past few months to discuss the city’s possible takeover of the 2.2-acre site, which includes the historic landmark home built of limecrete in the 1850s.

Sebastopol House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to its unusual construction and architectural significance. The small urban park in the heart of Seguin features antique roses and 300-year-old live oaks. It is open for day use from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday through Sunday, and by special appointment.