Developers sent back to P&Z Commission
Two planned residential developments are heading back to the Planning & Zoning Commission for more finetuning after community members aired gripes about the projects at City Hall Thursday.
During the April 9 City Council session, neighboring property owners argued against high-density housing being inserted into their existing singlefamily housing neighborhoods.
In other developments during the session, the Police Department is getting more money to buy computer components.
Meanwhile, council members listened as critics of the infill developments expressed their concerns.
“If infill development is encouraged to match the character and surrounding development while allowing modest increases in density, then this plan is anything but that,” said Councilwoman Heather Long.
“
It’s not going to work.”
— Councilman Greg Redden One project is Trenton Village at Northwest Carlos G. Parker Boulevard and North Drive. The plan involves building 293 townhomes and 91,170 square feet of commercial and retail space on a 40-acre lot.
Long and some other council members said the vacant lot next to Hunters Run neighborhood would be more appropriate for single-family or duplex use.
The layout of the proposed development shows the townhomes would take up less than half of the 40 acres situated along the busy street frontage.
“It’s not going to work,” said Councilman Greg Redden.
Redden said streets are already congested and parking is an issue in the area.
Mayor Dwayne Ariola, who leaves office in May and spoke solely as a resident, lives near the proposed development and said he opposed the project in its current form.
“I don’t care for this density this close to my home, my neighbors,” Ariola said.
He mentioned that with about 5,000 apartments already in some phase of development, there is no pressing need for the project inside the city’s inner loop.
Representing the developer, Oscar Herrera said the community’s concerns would be addressed in future phases of the development process with the city.
Council denied the request for a special-use permit for the project, then urged the developer to make changes and appear again before the P&Z Commission.
A smaller development, an apartment building proposed for West Third Street, also prompted a strong outcry from neighbors. The developer for that project plans a three-story building with 21 units on a half-acre covering 1019 and 1021 W. Third St.
Neighbors said the building adds nothing to the neighborhood.
“There’s no sand volleyball courts, there’s no basketball courts, there’s no sidewalks. There’s nothing for the kids,” said David Williams. “I say that’s not healthy.”
Williams owns the home across the street from the planned building and came to the council meeting with a petition against the development signed by neighbors living within 200 feet of the project.
Ariola said the advent of high-density developments is one reason revisions are being made to the city’s comprehensive plan.
Officials said the advent of Samsung Austin Semiconductor and other local high-tech enterprises are drawing more workers to Taylor in search of housing.
Officers need more computer equipment Also at the meeting, the council was asked to approve an additional $27,000 to purchase computer servers for the Police Department, almost double the original budgeted amount of $29,170 approved in October.
City documents said additional funds are required due to unexpected cost increases identified by a supplier.
Causes for the cost increases include global parts shortages and greater demand for servers, storage and networking equipment worldwide.
