The Midlothian Planning and Zoning Commission Tuesday night approved a 448-acre mostly-residential planned development north of the junction of U.S. Highways 67 and 287.

The development, known as Bluebonnet Hills, will allow for single-family housing, as well as community retail and multifamily housing. The new neighborhood is projected to have 1,071 single-family homes and 450 multifamily units at buildout, with seven different lot sizes.

Assistant City Manager Clyde Melick told commissioners that the development would be built in three phases, from east to west. Phase 1 would be served by a northern extension of Overlook Drive, which would be an 80-foot-wide major collector.

The density of the development is planned at 3.4 dwelling units per acre, which is consistent with the city’s future land use plan for that area, Melick said. Also included are open spaces, walking trails, workout stations, pavilions, benches, tables, playgrounds and sports courts. A gas line crosses the property with a 200-foot easement that will be green space.

Melick said a municipal management district for the development is in the works at the Texas Legislature. The MMD is a taxing district within the city that would fund the construction of thoroughfares and amenities. An MMD is different than a municipal utility district, or MUD, which is outside of city control. A homeowners association would maintain the amenities.

John Arnold, a development partner for the Skorburg Company in Dallas, presented examples of projects undertaken by his firm in other cities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Arnold also went over changes to the concept plan that were made since discussions with city began last year.

Parts of the development lie within a flood plain and will be kept “in the wild,” with maintained walking trails.

Arnold said if the development is approved, ground would be broken for Phase 1 before the end of 2025, with new homes coming available between 18 and 24 months after that. The entire project will take 12 to 15 years to complete, Arnold added.

Other items

• The commission voted unanimously to deny a specific use permit for a 7-Eleven convenience store at the southeast corner of FM 1387 and Onward Road. The main objection was because of heavy traffic at that intersection and the present undeveloped status of the state highway. Several public speakers also opposed the store.
• An SUP for a helipad for a medical clinic at the northwest corner of South 14th Street and Hawkins Run Road was continued to the next meeting.
• A special exception to paving standards was granted at Revelation Church on the east side of FM 663 for temporary gravel parking for a three-year timeframe, with renewal possible.