P&Z considers Primrose Estates

During its regular Feb. 06, 2020 meeting, the Forney Planning & Zoning Commission met to consider Criswell Elementary site plan, rezoning for Primrose Estates, day-care requirements. (watch official video)

• Approved a revised site plan for Criswell Elementary School, located southwest of the intersection of Ridgecrest Road and Pinson Road.
      Mr. Morgan said they will be adding a very long pickup lane, in what is vacant land.   This is a location with traffic problem.   The interior section will still be used by students for recreation.
      Ms. Holler asked about the entrance/exit, which will only allow right turns on exit; Mr. Morgan said it hadn't been discussed with applicant.   Mr. Chambers asked if buses would be on this; Mr. Dixon said no, just for cars.   City Engineer Mr. Zook said during drop-off times really need right-turn only, they would encourage FISD to stage timing for parents; he doesn't know where buses will go.
      Mr. Shimkus asked if would be fenced to keep vehicles out during the day; yes, and gated.   Mr. Traylor asked if they were moving any playground equipment - Mr. Dixon said no, but baseball field will be impacted.
  
• Held Public Hearings -
  • Failed (2-5) motion to approve, with all staff recommendations, a request to rezone 117.865 acres of land from Agricultural district to Planned Development district. The property is identified as Kaufman County Appraisal District property id 7877, located adjacent to the west side of F.M. 1641. The proposed use is single-family residential.
        Mr. Morgan said Tony Shaw requests the change, S. of Presbyterian.   Base is SF6, 347 lots, homes 1800 min but 50% must be 2400, minimum rear setback (back yard) 10ft, side is 5 ft.   Amenity center required before phase 2, suggest fees in lieu of parkland.   Comprehensive plan provides no recommendation for this area.   Suggest increasing min. home size to 2000, paying park fees at time of platting and increasing side setback to 6 ft.   No response to public notices.  
        Applicant rep. Helmberger from Spiars Eng. presented some slides about the site, amenity center will have small pool for residents.   Mr. Traylor asked about the 'potential' amenity center; she said they will be required to have amenity center, but Mr. Morgan said the plans do not show a pool, just a shade structure.   Rep said they will have to balance HOA fees vs. quality, but not required to have a pool, but that is the current direction.   Mr. Bingham asked if First Texas was the only builder - yes.  
        Mr. Traylor requested a review of staff recommendations; Mr. Morgan said have abundance of 1600-1800 home, so recommend 2000.   Only one development has been allowed to pay park fees with permits.   They hear a lot of complaints about 5 ft side set-back.   Mr. Bingham asked if builder would go up to 2000 minimum.   Tony Shaw said they're offering 2400 which is larger than typical, some buyers will prefer smaller house, they make more on larger homes.   Mr. Shimkus asked why paying park fees out - Mr. Shaw said city didn't want land, they would be willing to provide it, other cities allow it that way.   Mr. Bingham asked how many 1800 sq. ft. homes - Mr. Shaw can't say, depends on buyers.   They do many 3-car garage designs.   They have been building homes here for years, pricing about 450k, well above local average.   But if interest rates go up to 6%, people may want smaller homes.
        There was no public input.
    
  • Approved 6-1 (Chambers nay) an amendment to the City of Forney Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. The purpose of the amendment is to amend parking, loading, and unloading requirements for a childcare use.
        Mr. Morgan said council suggested reviewing this - currently requires circular lanes, recent applicants prefer standard parking.   Propose exception if applicant can show sufficient traffic flow.
        There was no public input.

• Mr. Morgan said council recently approved appointing P&Z and Capital Improvement Committee, takes little time, usually done before normal meeting.
  
• Adjourned at 1859