After a lengthy discussion, the Midlothian Planning and Zoning Commission Tuesday night approved a zoning change for a 48.59-acre single-family residential planned development called Ashford Estates.
The final vote was 4-1 in favor, with chairman Maurice Osborn in opposition. A previous motion to deny failed by a 3-2 vote and a vote to approve passed 3-2, but neither vote achieved the four votes required for passage.
The final approved ordinance amends the rear lot setbacks to comply with city regulations, and adds an emergency gate at the junction of Ashford Estates and Rolling Wood Estates in order to restrict through traffic while allowing access to first responders.
The ordinance will go before the Midlothian City Council for final approval.
The development had previously come before the commission and had been denied. The new design calls for a meandering drive with half cul-de-sacs in order to discourage through traffic. However, staff once again recommended denial based on lot size and rear yard setbacks. The development consists of 36 lots, many of which are one acre in size. That does not meet the two-acre minimum called for in the city’s land use plan.
Residents of nearby Whitehead Road spoke about the senior citizens who reside in the area and the disruption the development would cause for them. Residents of the adjacent Rolling Wood Estates noted the road serving their neighborhood, which was planned to connect with Ashford Estates, is in no condition to handle an increase in traffic. Other residents sent letters of opposition.
In other matters, the commission approved a change to a zoning ordinance for a 33.339-acre community retail development bounded by South Main Street, U.S. Highway 67 and U.S. Highway 287.
Some of the uses include a home improvement store, a convenience store, a large format store and lodging, city planning director Mary Elliott told commissioners.
The buildings will be constructed in an Old Town style. The three retention ponds on the property will be preserved, and an amenity center will be added with walking trails and added landscaping. Sam Satterwhite, an engineer overseeing the project, said the amenity plan is intended to make the development a centerpiece of the community.
The entire development is surrounded by Texas Department of Transportation roadways, Elliott noted. An agreement has been reached for shared access in front of Fire Station No. 1. The traffic flow will be constructed in phases.
Commissioner Jackie McDonald expressed concern about the high volume of truck traffic in that area of the city, with a Love’s truck stop nearby. At present, traffic leaving 67 to enter 287 and vice versa is being forced through that area. Long-range plans call for direct connecting ramps between the two highways, but that is many years in the future.
McDonald cast the lone vote against the development, which passed by a 5-1 vote.
At the suggestion of City Attorney Kevin Laughlin, a requirement was added requiring TxDOT approval of a traffic signal before a certificate of occupancy can be issued.
