Southlake Planning Commission approves all-residential development plan along Shady Oaks

The Southlake City Council meeting on April 15, 2025, focused on a proposed residential development plan for a 21-acre site located between Shady Oaks and Highway 114. The plan, which aims to preserve the unique character of the Shady Oaks neighborhood, received a favorable recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission.

The proposed development includes a mix of residential lots, with larger one-acre lots adjacent to Shady Oaks and smaller half-acre lots closer to the highway. The commission's approval was contingent on several conditions, including a 50-foot buffer yard along Shady Oaks to protect existing trees and minimize noise from the highway. The developer also agreed to enhance landscaping plans and provide a detailed tree preservation strategy, aiming to retain at least 30% of the existing trees on the site.

During the meeting, council members raised concerns about traffic management, particularly regarding access from the highway. The developer proposed a gated entrance for residents only, which would help limit through traffic on Shady Oaks. However, some council members expressed the need for a clear plan to ensure adequate stacking space for vehicles at the gate to prevent congestion.

Community feedback was also a significant aspect of the discussion. Greg Krause, head of the Garden Court Homeowners Association, voiced conditional support for the residential plan, emphasizing the importance of preserving the area's residential nature and mitigating noise pollution. He suggested additional sound barriers and a four-way stop at Shady Oaks to improve safety.

The council's discussions highlighted the balance between development and community preservation, with a focus on maintaining the character of Shady Oaks while accommodating new residential growth. The next steps will involve further refinement of the development plan, particularly regarding traffic management and tree preservation, before moving forward with the project.