In its second time considering the matter, the Midlothian City Council Tuesday night approved a zoning change to allow for a residential development north of Tower Road and west of FM 663.
After a discussion that lasted for more than an hour, the council approved a zoning change for an 81.5-acre property from Agricultural to a planned development for single-family residential uses.
The vote was 5-1, with Mayor Pro Tem Clark Wickliffe voting against. Wickliffe objected to what he called the “encroachment” of higher-density developments into the outer edges of the city, where the future land-use plan calls for lower density.
Councilmember Ross Weaver noted that the city has no intermediate classification in its comprehensive plan between “low-density residential” and “country module.” Weaver said this development’s density is lower than other developments on three sides. Assistant city manager Clyde Melick agreed, and said the city has the planned development process to cover the gap in transitional areas.
Mayor Justin Coffman left the meeting early to attend his daughter’s high school senior awards presentation. Wickliffe presided over the discussion.
Melick told councilmembers that Thomas Trail Phase 2 will consist of 184 single-family homes with about 10 acres of HOA-maintained open spaces. Melick said staff recommended denial of the change because of a long straight stretch that exceeds city standards, as well as a density that exceeds the city’s future land use plan.
A proposal for the same property was rejected by the City Council last October because of traffic concerns. But since then, a traffic signal has been slated for installation at the intersection of Tower Road and FM 663 within 12 to 18 months. Also, the Texas Department of Transportation has revealed plans for improvements to FM 663.
Representatives from Bloomfield Homes gave a presentation on the Thomas Trail phase. Since October, lot sizes have been increased and density reduced. Of the 184 planned lots, 29 would be a half-acre or greater. With the installment of infrastructure — water, sewer, streets, etc. — beforehand, it could take five to seven years for full build-out of the subdivision, the representatives said.
Several lots would face Tower Road, but these homes would have driveways that would allow residents to drive forward onto the road without backing out. Detention areas would be located in three corners of the property that, when dry, would serve as open play areas.
Councilmember Anna Hammonds wanted assurance that promised amenities, such as a dog park, were installed, saying that other developers in the city have delayed some amenity features. Melick replied that this development is a single phase and that amenities can be stipulated in the ordinance. That stipulation was added to the final approval.
In other matters, Wickliffe and Hammonds were sworn in to new 3-year terms on the City Council — the third for Wickliffe and the second for Hammonds.
