Major rezoning proposal transforms Castle Hills community

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed a proposed amendment to the concept plan for the Realm South subdistrict, which encompasses approximately 54 acres. The applicant is seeking to rezone ten acres from a multifamily base district to a townhouse base district, aiming to introduce a mix of townhomes and multifamily units in the area.

The current concept plan includes eight garden offices or small retail pad sites, while the proposed changes would allow for ground-floor retail with residential units above, potentially reaching up to five stories. The plan also includes the addition of 87 townhomes north of Lady Tasala, which may lead to a reduction in multifamily units in that immediate area. However, the overall cap for multifamily units within the Realm remains unchanged, with a total limit of 5,000 units established in the Castle Hills plan development.

Additionally, the proposal includes dedicating half an acre for a public park at the northeast corner of Lady Tasala and Essex, although there will be a reduction in non-regulated open space due to the reconfiguration of the multifamily and townhome areas.

City staff recommended approval of both the zoning change and the concept plan amendment, emphasizing that the overall multifamily cap is being monitored, with 2,368 units already built and 2,632 remaining under the cap. The applicant, represented by land planner Patricia McAdams, presented the proposal, which aims to enhance the community's residential and commercial landscape while adhering to existing development regulations.