[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6652334,"mediaKeyId","2494155-66e9981f2f302602a8c36e420c071925","parentId",2494155,"title","Little Elm council tables vote on rezoning of 10-acre parcel after residents press concerns about trees, traffic and lot sizes","audioSeconds",3000,"startMs",1452000,"endMs",4452000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2494155-66e9981f2f302602a8c36e420c071925&start=1452&end=4452","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2494155-66e9981f2f302602a8c36e420c071925/thumbnail_1452000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6652334/Little-Elm/Denton-County/Texas/Little-Elm-council-tables-vote-on-rezoning-of-10-acre-parcel-after-residents-press-concerns-about-trees-traffic-and-lot-sizes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6652334-eaba08dcf37fa29402b77f579614adfc/orig.mp4?Expires=1775703481&Signature=ktt6fU5XWLc4oDeodT8T94pb0Rm300c6NXTNotTRH3k7y47Egt26k6~kQQU90Ma-hvq7z3IsFHlTnaDR8APYtRrKkeq~n8-cU9~IvGfd6Zn3ueBrAez~qHAlXnT1wKDX2aUPngSNCcDKQcrW04dgd9gn995Z1DYEOVpfTJgEHhAYq~gxtHkpBlNjfc88~ho1946hgMI1lmlSAOVWJeKZgLnkjo0fnUQ9z99ai3VlmHnFPVqB2izfkE9IXPKi0GWRJb9sMCJB196GWfkDlzcctTm6blow1w8uZyUVes3T0YE9dGFaN8i4L0ihqI9mOQthpNjF~8ntdHNTDIF8pHQDKA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Little Elm","date","2025-03-04T00:00:00Z","article","The Little Elm Town Council on March 4 tabled consideration of Ordinance 18‑02, a proposal to rezone about 10 acres north of U.S. 380 and Oak Grove Parkway for a 50‑lot single‑family planned development, after a public hearing that drew more than a dozen residents who said the project would remove trees, worsen traffic and reduce privacy.

The applicant is proposing a planned development based on SF‑4 standards to allow 50 single‑family homes and about 1.17 acres of open space on roughly 10 acres. Town planner Miss Oka told the council the project proposes reduced setbacks and lot widths, preservation of some trees and a capped tree‑mitigation payment; post‑Planning & Zoning revisions also limited height along the east side to a single story and 25 feet.

Why it matters: residents said the project would eliminate a significant tree stand that buffers existing homes in Hillstone Point, increase congestion on narrow two‑lane neighborhood roads and put two‑story homes close to existing back yards. Planning & Zoning recommended denial 5‑1; the council moved to table the item so staff, the developer and residents could negotiate potential changes.

Several homeowners urged the council to preserve the eastern tree stand and to require single‑story houses along the property line nearest existing homes. John DeWerde, a resident of Rosaline Drive, said the neighborhood already suffers heavy traffic and that removing the trees would further degrade the area. \"We have an opportunity to prioritize smart, sustainable growth, versus just maximizing the number of houses on a map,\" DeWerde said.

Other speakers made similar points: Steven Kilfoyle said the area lacks nearby parks and suggested converting the site to open space rather than adding housing; Phil Hemmer asked the council to remove six lots adjacent to the eastern tree line and require single‑story homes behind existing back yards; several residents described long commute times and safety concerns related to cut‑through traffic and construction vehicles.

Town staff summarized the development proposal: the applicant proposes 50 lots (about 5 dwelling units per acre), with lot widths of 40 and 50 feet (21 of the lots are 50‑foot wide), minimum lot areas around 4,400 square feet with 21 lots meeting 6,000 square feet, and a park area with amenities including pickleball courts, a playground, a small trail and a wet retention pond. The applicant originally proposed an $75,000 tree‑mitigation payment; after Planning & Zoning and public comment, the applicant offered to cap mitigation at $150,000 rather than the roughly $536,000 that full calculations would produce. Staff reported the value of preserved trees at about $300,000 and said surveys show 199 trees proposed for removal and 82 trees to be preserved.

Planning & Zoning deliberations and protest status: Miss Oka said the Planning & Zoning Commission voted 5‑1 to deny the rezoning request, citing concerns about the number of 40‑foot lots, tree preservation, and the proposed wooden perimeter fence along the northern boundary. Staff also reported that 31 property owners filed formal protest notices representing roughly 4.056 acres — about 16% of the area required for a protest supermajority under the Texas Local Government Code (20% required). Because the protest threshold was below 20%, the supermajority rule would not automatically block a zoning change.

Developer response and constraints: Kevin Patel, engineer of record for Triangle Engineering representing the developer, said grading and drainage needs require removing many of the trees along the eastern property line to allow runoff to the proposed southwest retention pond. He said the developer is prepared to require one‑story homes along the eastern line and to maintain existing wooden fences to the west, south and east through HOA covenants; he also said the developer is open to replacing the northern fence with masonry and could accept an 8‑foot masonry wall there if the project is approved. Patel said the builder intends to market the houses for sale rather than build-to-rent.

Council direction and next steps: after public comment and discussion the council moved to table the ordinance to the March 18 meeting to allow staff and the applicant to work through resident requests. Council members signaled interest in directions including single‑story homes adjacent to existing properties on the east (and at least consideration for single‑story on the south), an 8‑foot masonry wall along the northern perimeter, clarification of tree mitigation numbers and whether underground detention is feasible. Town staff will continue coordination with the developer and residents and return with revisions on March 18.

No formal rezoning ordinance was adopted; the council action on March 4 was to table the item and request additional information and potential revisions.

Provenance: The rezoning discussion and public hearing opened when Miss Oka described the site as \"approximately 2,000 feet north of, US 380 and Oak Grove Parkway\" and ran through the council's action to table the ordinance; the council announced \"This item has been tabled until the March 18.\"","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Little Elm - Town Council - Mar 04, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Little Elm Town Council on March 4 tabled consideration of Ordinance 18‑02, a proposal to rezone about 10 acres north of U.S. 380 and Oak Grove Parkway for a 50‑lot single‑family planned development, after a public hearing that drew more than a dozen residents who said the project would remove trees, worsen traffic and reduce privacy.","taxTitle","Little Elm, Denton County, Texas","taxId",52812,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6652315,"Residents urge Little Elm council to oppose school voucher proposals and press state for full school funding",166,1023000,1189000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2494155-66e9981f2f302602a8c36e420c071925&start=1023&end=1189","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2494155-66e9981f2f302602a8c36e420c071925/thumbnail_1023000.jpg","/articles/6652315/Little-Elm/Denton-County/Texas/Residents-urge-Little-Elm-council-to-oppose-school-voucher-proposals-and-press-state-for-full-school-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6652315-b6c79a1ea3521c8a31160ad63a888eb6/orig.mp4?Expires=1775703481&Signature=beJQD5C41F7V0kZ8-HpDweJUnLXQjoq8CxnHYSmVTzVo8Bj8hw6bP6I7Gvy4Aq0KCTMbu5J9kxbUlJbOEPatLToMNOHtsJOBB1kiUxusZEF50L7H~QpQgvWM-Au8lKqJ4W1ZI9XuM~G7bsc74~UAvMsRAb1jI7AP1NfCUnAMbw8jN7FR1u1DyBdAA0tFQL62kJJcGNPuVZMMKWF6V158FS3uFIBH~9tHrRkLYy68VyaeZ16obJuppelHaeVVzNu42CKQLVDWY~ow0vlvMWxWEllv0kIYSMSc5~fCa9ByPPduKWyqIA1fIr7v2SUlIOorWq88FfAijfcCrQNjNAKkng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During the public‑comment period on March 4, two residents asked the Little Elm Town Council to press state lawmakers to increase public school funding and to oppose school voucher proposals that they said would divert dollars from public schools.

Chris Waddell, who identified himself as a Little Elm resident, said \"our public schools are under attack\" and urged the council to oppose voucher programs and to support full funding for public education. Waddell asked the council to consider public statements or social‑media posts making the town's position clear.

Dale Frey, who also addressed the council as a resident, said local independent school districts are suffering from \"unfunded money coming to our ISDs from the legislature\" and urged council members to advocate to the town's legislative delegation in Austin. \"Please understand that this does affect our community,\" Frey said, asking the council to consider statements to push for increased base funding.

The council received the comments during the public‑comment period; no formal council action or motion was taken during the meeting on school funding.

Provenance: Comments began when Chris Waddell said, \"I'm here tonight, regarding our public schools\" and continued through Dale Frey's remarks and the council's acknowledgement.","Two public commenters asked the council to support fully funded public schools and to oppose school voucher programs that they said divert resources from public education. They asked council members to make statements or use social media to pressure state lawmakers.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6652320,"Council approves cancellation of portions of May election after two candidates ran unopposed",48,1251000,1299000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2494155-66e9981f2f302602a8c36e420c071925&start=1251&end=1299","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2494155-66e9981f2f302602a8c36e420c071925/thumbnail_1251000.jpg","/articles/6652320/Little-Elm/Denton-County/Texas/Council-approves-cancellation-of-portions-of-May-election-after-two-candidates-ran-unopposed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6652320-99d9a98fe2be224f91e0a52b80c26eea/orig.mp4?Expires=1775703481&Signature=Mb~Bj12EOtnKZeyGUP56hGoxHfJo65FjEMD6QaSb6BgU3c2yiKu2EJE2rVCL1Pfqe4Zla7IgY-r47~qngML59NYLV2yRdcdJRiJFA~ynUvfAV9R21Ar1O71JpZ~Lbyy4Bpx1H4ubDQEX6oTkXChmrzi-DTE3COhbbqTqtP5SHGSwgOcZLgcMGY8nwo6sFqP3FK91zVAWyFHSs3LrAQG-GMUevDhYjImQTb9uLc-zS8aEi5B17~FWhpbpBUHoggO23g~71Wjj53U-FaKL4D4R3Audhr0bac0x-924PFMBVG~xj6VXrkvTMuoMhMeT1qftoYXbmZT8twvt0JljSBlZkw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Little Elm Town Council on March 4 approved Ordinance 18‑01 canceling portions of the May municipal election after staff reported that two of three council places up for election were unopposed.

Caitlin (staff) told the council that \"of the 3 places that we had up for election this year, 2 of them are running unopposed\" and that state election law changes now require mandatory cancellation of portions of an election when there is no at‑large contested race on the ballot. The council voted to adopt Ordinance 18‑01 and then approved an order of cancellation to post notices at polling locations; Place 4 will remain on the May ballot. Council also noted the street sales tax reauthorization would be on the ballot.

The council motion to approve the ordinance was moved and seconded; the clerk recorded the vote as four ayes and the ordinance passed. No opposition was recorded.

Provenance: Staff opened the item noting the filing period results and the council concluded with \"Ordinance 18 oh 1 passes.\"","The council adopted Ordinance 18‑01 and an accompanying order canceling portions of the May election after staff reported two of three seats drew no challengers. Place 4 will remain on the May ballot; street sales tax reauthorization will also appear on the ballot.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6652326,"Texas Music Office certifies Little Elm as Music Friendly Texas community",132,751000,883000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2494155-66e9981f2f302602a8c36e420c071925&start=751&end=883","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2494155-66e9981f2f302602a8c36e420c071925/thumbnail_751000.jpg","/articles/6652326/Little-Elm/Denton-County/Texas/Texas-Music-Office-certifies-Little-Elm-as-Music-Friendly-Texas-community","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6652326-148a491e39297585ff7b4b76eec39de4/orig.mp4?Expires=1775703481&Signature=R~PioPW2waqGvIySgE~IgaC7AyQ8JLbD4UTSjjh1PMzCar2rnQg-DQtJt8rVbmYEjD11lMieepmkLeHBsQBnerDDs7QTkeE3Uj9QWTZKflHcLtAgNFf7XFM9Jnjo7lkulyO5y5lZ0KpCHGrkAXPl4he90qhXv6LokswMyzoOy6MunWaHJ3Ip692jtucuWD~vCgjTZu10LXSImr4AszOq3RWum2N1~pLzNE1VFySPUNzrroqDVxF9YCeIy9fyuR1Pd45EWvwAu8zot7jQhAZ2oYLQWyS0VmZY7P6DG0Y2hRQ4xZnxIl3eb-YQHT4f05MR3QwZBIJ2O45qY5oTqRnF7A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jeanne Muscoro of the Texas Music Office presented Little Elm with Music Friendly Texas community certification during the March 4 Town Council meeting, recognizing the town's investment in music‑related activities and industry opportunities.

At the podium, Muscoro introduced herself as a representative of the Texas Music Office in Austin and said the office partners with localities to encourage music business and education. \"On behalf of the Texas Music Office, I would like to say congratulations to Little Elm. You're now officially a music friendly Texas community,\" Muscoro told the council.

Staff and council members thanked Drew Bailey, the town's director of Tourism and Communications, Mayor Cornelius and Town Manager Matt Mueller for their roles in pursuing the certification. Muscoro described statewide 2024 economic impact figures for music‑related activity, noting the sector's jobs, earnings and broader economic footprint and said music friendly communities help the statewide economic ecosystem.

Council members accepted the certificate and posed for recognition with the presenter; there was no council action required other than the recognition.

Provenance: The certification presentation began when Jeanne Muscoro introduced herself and the Texas Music Office and ended when she announced Little Elm's official certification.","The Texas Music Office presented certification recognizing Little Elm as the 75th Music Friendly Texas community; the designation highlights the town's efforts to promote musical businesses and opportunities and was presented to town officials during the March 4 meeting.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6652330,"Little Elm says Big Easy festival was cost‑recovered, drew about 5,166 attendees and will help fund Eggtastic",575,139000,714000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2494155-66e9981f2f302602a8c36e420c071925&start=139&end=714","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2494155-66e9981f2f302602a8c36e420c071925/thumbnail_139000.jpg","/articles/6652330/Little-Elm/Denton-County/Texas/Little-Elm-says-Big-Easy-festival-was-costrecovered-drew-about-5166-attendees-and-will-help-fund-Eggtastic","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6652330-82155781a2105f19a3e2cabc6b374b6a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775703481&Signature=LGb8QW0AiPyKrhd6pernnz5CNw3a56F6dF7F8cM-LYdNGUSwHY4D72FQjRFc7RSdXEKx1-Kw3hzlAa6oikbpCBbZ29kMwNJhNlIjqmVUbYYhfa-jPtD2mUFMOq2gfstxumAvhQsjG5C6ZLXrBrudol2TzikRz2G~TOCAqCyQLJwIM4AaeCFc4Dw9LGd-VY~NRrOjjA8yNnbG6e~KVB9sHvAecLN~EprjbZcHU7jSApWosgljWGntGRhNgG7xy5HtoCgMKKfrQWjRppB613ysrpaqRXQuH780QAETj3cvNwmBrx7SITY-LmLbwlit06VtpEaFkN-tPG7aV9y7A-RKfg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Town staff told the Little Elm Town Council on March 4 that the town's 11th annual Big Easy festival drew about 5,166 attendees and that the event was cost‑recovered, leaving funds to support the town's upcoming Eggtastic celebration.

Drew Bailey, director of Tourism and Communications, said the town operated the event itself for the first time this year and called the production \"super successful,\" noting entertainment that included a band, hot air balloons tethered to the ground, a drone show, a second line, a king cake eating contest and a small parade.

Bailey said 731 racers participated in running events (up from the prior year), and the town engaged 39 staff and three volunteer groups to staff the festival. Volunteers reduced paid staff hours and wage costs. \"The event did end up being cost recovered,\" Bailey told the council, reporting total event expenditures of about $56,000 and revenue that made back that amount. He said the net surplus would support Eggtastic, the town's free community Easter event.

On operations, Bailey said the town learned it needs additional crawfish vendor capacity after long lines developed and that packet pickup at the Elm and better volunteer coordination were successful changes. Council members praised staff and volunteers for improved logistics, with one council member calling it \"the best I've experienced in the last four years.\" Bailey said the town switched from cupped water at the race finish to bottled water and Gatorade and added a 1K kids' race this year.

The director said the town saved roughly $9,390 by using volunteers in lieu of paid staff during portions of the event; with staff included the remaining surplus was about $4,000, depending on how accounting is viewed. Bailey said the event was the town's first time operating the race from start to finish rather than receiving revenue share from a third‑party organizer; that change accounted for higher race sales revenue in the 2025 column.

Bailey told the council that organizers will continue to refine vendor arrangements and staffing models and that the town plans to use the surplus to fund Eggtastic. Council members congratulated staff on the event and volunteers for their work.

Provenance: The Big Easy recap presentation began when the presenter said, \"this past Saturday, we kicked off our first large event of the year,\" and staff concluded \"that's all we have for you this evening.\"","Town staff reported that the 11th annual Big Easy event attracted roughly 5,166 attendees, recovered its $56,000 cost and produced surplus funds earmarked for the Easter Eggtastic event. Staff highlighted volunteer support, race participation gains and operational lessons.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Little Elm council tables vote on rezoning of 10-acre parcel after residents press concerns about trees, traffic and lot sizes

Residents urge Little Elm council to oppose school voucher proposals and press state for full school funding

Council approves cancellation of portions of May election after two candidates ran unopposed

Texas Music Office certifies Little Elm as Music Friendly Texas community

Little Elm says Big Easy festival was cost‑recovered, drew about 5,166 attendees and will help fund Eggtastic