Former CS Councilman Dick Birdwell Has Died

Two people were arrested after failing to scan items at the self-checkout at the West Bryan Walmart. Bryan Police Department responded to the store on North Harvey Mitchell Parkway on Saturday after employees reported a theft involving the self-checkout registers. 45-year-old Jessica Michele Hernandez and 31-year-old Alex Hernandez failed to scan 15 items, worth $132.02: OxiClean $11.93 Tampax $11.44 Lip VV $6.97 Mist VC $6.97 Venus Razors $6.97 Shout Refill $5.98 Deodorant $12.47 Suave $8.97 Pantene $7.97 Female carts $8.98 Ariel Powder $14.97 Gain $13.97 Shout $3.48 Axe Body Spray $5.98 Excedrin Migraine $4.97 Both were charged with Theft between $100 and $750, and are free on $3,000 bond each. This was Alex Hernandez’s 19th booking into the Brazos County Jail. Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or message us on Facebook or Twitter/X.

Silverfin unveils plans for approximately 2,688 single-family homesites, more than 285 acres of parkland and open space, nearly 20 miles of trails and a 162-acre mixed-use district Media release 10/23/2026: (COLLEGE STATION, TX) — Silverfin Land Development LLC today announced Savannah Oaks, a 1,266-acre master-planned community in south College Station and the largest planned development in the city’s history. The current master plan includes approximately 2,688 single-family homesites, two planned townhouse sites, potential multifamily opportunities, more than 285 acres of parkland and open space, and a 162-acre mixed-use district along Highway 6. The announcement follows the College Station City Council’s unanimous approval of a comprehensive zoning framework for the project on Oct. 22. Located off Highway 6 between the established neighborhoods of Pebble Creek and Southern Pointe, Savannah Oaks is planned to connect by trail to the 562-acre Lick Creek Park and sits minutes from Texas A&M University. The community brings together residential neighborhoods, recreation, natural areas and commercial opportunities within a coordinated master plan. The zoning framework provides flexibility for a variety of housing types and neighborhood designs. In applicable areas, the Planned Development District permits single-family densities of up to eight lots per acre, subject to district standards. That allowance is not the proposed homesite count or a project-wide unit cap: Silverfin’s current plan anticipates approximately 2,688 single-family homesites, with final lot yield subject to subsequent planning, infrastructure and subdivision approvals. “Savannah Oaks represents one of College Station’s few remaining opportunities to thoughtfully plan a community of this scale,” said Brantley Gwin, President of Silverfin Land Development LLC. “Our vision is to create neighborhoods that feel connected to the land, with parks, trails, gathering places and everyday conveniences woven together. We want Savannah Oaks to become a lasting part of College Station.” Shaped by the Land: Savannah Oaks draws its name and character from the Post Oak Savannah ecoregion in which it is located. Silverfin’s current master plan envisions more than a quarter of the 1,104-acre Planned Development District dedicated to parkland and open space, much of it centered around the property’s natural creek corridors, including Alum Creek. The community’s streets and trails are thoughtfully designed to follow the natural contours of the land, while strategically located creek crossings help preserve larger, uninterrupted areas of open space. Community at a Glance: • Size: 1,266 acres off Highway 6, comprising a 1,104-acre Planned Development District and a 162-acre Planned Mixed-Use District • Homes (current plan): Approximately 2,688 single-family homesites and two townhouse sites totaling about 25 acres, with homes anticipated in Texas traditional, modern farmhouse and classic Southern styles • Parks and open space (current plan): More than 285 acres of public and private parkland and open space, with improved parks featuring playgrounds, shade and lighting alongside preserved natural areas • Trails: Nearly 20 miles of trails and shared-use paths, including 10-foot paths connecting to Lick Creek Park and the city trail network • Private amenities (planned): Two amenity centers totaling about 12 acres, including an amenity village with an event barn, a resort-style pool complex and covered basketball and pickleball courts, plus two lakes with about 18 acres of private waterfront open space • Mixed-use district: The 162-acre district along Highway 6 allows a potential mix of retail, restaurants, offices, hotels, services and eligible residential uses, including multifamily and senior living. The ultimate mix and timing will depend on future planning and approvals. Commercial development value is currently projected at $300 million to $350 million. • School site (planned): Approximately 11.59 acres identified for a potential future school, subject to coordination with College Station ISD • Long-term value (projected): An estimated $1.6 billion to $2.05 billion in new taxable value at full buildout What’s Next: Silverfin anticipates beginning Phase 1 infrastructure in the first quarter of 2027, subject to final engineering, permitting and market conditions. The builder lineup is expected to be announced soon, with model homes and the first residents targeted for early summer 2028. Homebuyers, real estate agents, builders and parties interested in commercial or multifamily opportunities can join the interest list at savannahoaksliving.com. About Silverfin Land Development LLC: Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Corpus Christi, Texas, Silverfin Land Development has developed over 50,000 acres across the state. Its diverse portfolio spans residential neighborhoods, master-planned communities, commercial centers, multifamily developments and ranch properties. Each project begins with a thoughtful evaluation of the land’s character and potential, with a focus on creating well-planned developments that support long-term growth and thriving communities. Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter/X.

A College Station woman was arrested after causing nearly $6,500 in damages to her ex-boyfriend’s car and motorcycle. Police say 36-year-old Erma Leedale Smith damaged the vehicles at an apartment complex on Luther Street after an argument in March. Police say Smith keyed his 2024 Nissan Altima, causing approximately $1,300 in damages, and pushed over his 2001 Suzuki Hayabusa motorcycle, causing roughly $5,200 in damages. Smith was arrested on Wednesday. The estimated the cost of repairs is $6,492.82. She was charged with Criminal Mischief involving property damage valued between $2,500 and $30,000. Smith is free on $5,000 bond. Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or message us on Facebook or Twitter/X.