Developer seeks rezoning for roughly 274-acre Hamlet on Rico Road; council requests traffic study

City staff presented a first reading for a rezoning application by R Investments LLC covering roughly 273.5 acres near the intersection of Rico Road and Vernon Grove Road. The concept plan shows about 274 residential units clustered in four main areas and indicates 71% of the property would be preserved as permanent open space.

Staff said a traffic study is required because of the proposals size and that, until the study is received, staff intends to recommend deferral. The applicants representative, Chris West, told council that sewer capacity would be extended from the north and that easements from related entities under the principals ownership would enable infrastructure connections. Council asked about pedestrian connectivity, emergency-only access to unpaved roads, phasing, and the possibility of adding conditions limiting certain vehicular connections; staff said those details would be addressed in platting and the traffic study would inform required improvements. A public hearing before the Planning Commission will be scheduled; council anticipates continuing the rezoning matter until the study is available.