[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6532238,"mediaKeyId","3413693-1bf06a0f4cf38a18d4dc42ab39976b0e","parentId",3413693,"title","Fulshear council narrowly approves rezoning of 45-acre McKinnon site and companion development agreement after heated public hearing","audioSeconds",4132,"startMs",1628000,"endMs",5760000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3413693-1bf06a0f4cf38a18d4dc42ab39976b0e&start=1628&end=5760","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3413693-1bf06a0f4cf38a18d4dc42ab39976b0e/thumbnail_1628000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6532238/Fulshear/Fort-Bend-County/Texas/Fulshear-council-narrowly-approves-rezoning-of-45-acre-McKinnon-site-and-companion-development-agreement-after-heated-public-hearing","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6532238-91c9fd896941f29ee5834cac9834266a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152616&Signature=PK52j8wCo5SIqqu-nKQE3Y42qRjR8mcYiV62PnJZVhHF11e4UaygcCPLFJKJkV3b8ni9-GIMp6Id8bTQc1kR-PgbUG7Nl2DjcXnLBQr57p5AgFzjJx1PCJIUsyZvGWLdEnoFFNF8JHoFkJKF6bvEECOiaOZxb-djlM6be8KOrbwluKkPo-4jsRuzmW2w5yyL4A-F-jgRxpJMlqjEWnvFGHnIIfvmhwKPWPX6Dg4Qf2ZfD4I~FuMaG3POns6Q21V-32mbvp-rRpCleYwKmHJKTGJxk74zxOtOuyzHC9SY5NzSNGTbIYUjY6MGtwdONj~fOJapCZbDcU4IgSOdwqR8wg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Fulshear","date","2025-05-20T00:00:00Z","article","Fulshear — The Fulshear City Council voted 4–3 on May 20 to rezone a 45.112-acre tract on McKinnon Road from Estate Residential (ER) to General Commercial (GC) and to approve a companion development agreement that narrows some allowable uses, requires a 50-foot landscape buffer with berm and trees, and offers a 4.8-acre restricted reserve to the city as part of the project.

Residents who live near the site urged the council to deny the rezoning, citing the city’s comprehensive plan, traffic impacts on BoD'Arc and FM 1093, and possible loss of property value. Developer representatives and city staff said the plan had been revised to remove industrial uses, add an assisted-living facility and recreational uses, and include stronger buffering and traffic study requirements.

The rezoning application covers a 45.112-acre parcel on McKinnon Road (described in public materials as the East Latham Tract 10 and 15, Fort Bend County). The developer’s revised site plan removes prior industrial uses, adds an assisted-senior-living center, indoor/outdoor recreational uses (tennis/pickleball), and a 50-foot landscaped buffer along residential edges. The applicant also offered a 4.8-acre restricted reserve that the city may acquire by separate agreement for a public use such as a public works yard or park.

Why it matters: The property lies near existing commercial and industrial uses and is adjacent to public storage and other commercial parcels to the north, but it also borders longtime residential properties on BoD'Arc and private lots that residents say were purchased based on an expectation of estate-residential zoning. The council’s decision changes development potential for that corridor and is part of a broader city debate about how to expand the tax base without eroding small-town character.

What residents said: Dozens of neighbors and community members spoke during the public hearing. Common concerns included increased traffic at the Bodark/McKinnon intersection, the adequacy of McKinnon Road to handle added trips, the potential for commercial lighting and noise, and loss of property enjoyment and value. John Dowdall (resident, former Planning & Zoning member) and others argued the developer purchased the land knowing its zoning and that changing it would violate the spirit of city ordinances and the comprehensive plan.

What the developer and staff said: Chris Nichols, attorney for McKinnon Interests, told the council the applicant substantially revised its original plan after feedback: industrial uses were removed, buffers increased to 50 feet with berms and planted, and the plan now includes uses (assisted living, recreation, retail) the developer said would be compatible and would generate sales tax revenue. City planning staff said a traffic-impact analysis (TIA) will be required at plat/plan stage and noted the developer had talked with neighboring landowners and county/Hines representatives about extending McKinnon to connect with the Texas Heritage Parkway (a connection the staff said would reduce pressure on BoD'Arc).

Council debate and vote: Council discussion ranged from concern about setting rezoning precedents to fiscal arguments about the city’s reliance on residential valuation for much of its tax base. Avi Powers, who moved the motion to approve, described the need to diversify the tax base; opponents warned of a ‘‘slippery slope’’ if estate-residential land is rezoned. The motion to rezone carried on a 4–3 vote. The companion development agreement — which contains specific limits on some uses, binding landscape and buffering commitments, and a three-year “build/entitlement” window for the developer — was approved in a separate vote.

Actions taken: The council approved the zoning map amendment (ER → GC) for the 45.112-acre McKinnon tract and approved a development agreement with the applicant. The rezoning motion was moved by Council Member Avi Powers and seconded by Council Member Barron; the council recorded a 4–3 outcome. The development agreement was presented and approved in a separate action immediately after the rezoning vote.

Follow-up and implementation notes: Staff and the developer said the site will require a TIA and other engineering (drainage, Atlas 14 compliance) before any construction permits are issued. The developer’s offer of a restricted reserve (4.8 acres) would require a separate purchase or credit agreement if the city elects to acquire it. City staff emphasized code-enforcement and the development agreement as mechanisms to hold the project to the commitments listed in the developer’s exhibits.

Legal and planning context: The discussion centered on the City of Fulshear’s Comprehensive Plan and the City’s Coordinated Development Ordinance (CDO). Staff and the developer repeatedly referenced the CDO and the council’s authority to amend zoning, and staff noted that—under the CDO—specific use limitations could be implemented via a development agreement if the council approves.

Where decisions were documented in the meeting: The rezoning was introduced during the public hearing on the McKinnon parcel and concluded with the council’s vote at the end of the meeting. Staff and the applicant will return with platting, engineering, and a traffic-impact analysis as the project moves toward permitting.

Ending: Council members who opposed the rezoning said they remain concerned about traffic and the cumulative effect of commercial rezonings along BoD'Arc; supporters said the deal balances new tax base opportunities with required buffers and development commitments. The developer and staff said work on engineering, TIA and utility extensions will follow the council’s decisions.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Fulshear - City Council Meetings - May 20, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Fulshear — The Fulshear City Council voted 4–3 on May 20 to rezone a 45.112-acre tract on McKinnon Road from Estate Residential to General Commercial and to approve a companion development agreement that narrows some allowable uses, requires a 50-foot landscape buffer with berm and trees, and offers a 4.8-acre restricted reserve to the city.","taxTitle","Fulshear, Fort Bend County, Texas","taxId",69473,"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},6532226,"Fulshear presents preliminary five‑year capital improvement plan: parks, water and downtown streets highlighted",593,11853000,12446000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3413693-1bf06a0f4cf38a18d4dc42ab39976b0e&start=11853&end=12446","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3413693-1bf06a0f4cf38a18d4dc42ab39976b0e/thumbnail_11853000.jpg","/articles/6532226/Fulshear/Fort-Bend-County/Texas/Fulshear-presents-preliminary-fiveyear-capital-improvement-plan-parks-water-and-downtown-streets-highlighted","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6532226-5ed627cce7df07fa674d75238744a3d4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152616&Signature=Vv5t7c1xSxRd1lWI~ELC5VWnBuDTUIoPnpYhOPxSp92HdOQ2YUbCLfEtswbYhKWl3gIamM8xlZqGR8ihjxp0GOi4hloETbbrQBYZHbHta753~F5qI0FNoDSHVdS82DclclgDa-XJvluXhXVxE9rktBz2snX-ZREfq9ZK9HL1rVa9Ch905iTNUrC9bMC1negmPwUrhF~~NvvKXLEQ8tOOSZlu7IM9X21CXpZPXFauJhx4iykWLtPQzeg7umYBdlPNdU6zxnkrxSfA3NppagqGkz-x1Rl3lyLZDlOpXOYn9NYUknZQLHpf5zgNV8pdSsk~Z18qrPv0lEMKlAXvJQTUpQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Fulshear — City staff presented the preliminary five‑year capital improvement program (CIP) for FY2026 at the May 20 council meeting as required by the city charter. Staff described projects already under way and listed priority projects the city may pursue as funding and timing become clearer.

Key FY2026 proposals:
- Primrose Park Phase 3 — Construction contingency and completion funding request of $10.5 million, proposed to be paid with general obligation bonds.
- McKinnon Water Plant (design and construction contingency) — An item currently proposed for bond funding (design/const. line items shown in staff materials; planning and bonding details to be finalized in the FY26 budget process).
- SCADA master plan and implementation (water/wastewater automation study and phased implementation) — proposed funded by capital recovery and impact fees.
- Citywide flashing-beacon installation (year 2) and sidewalk gap program — near-term transportation/safety items proposed to carry budget lines in the general fund for next year.

Bullpen (high-priority projects under consideration): Staff also listed projects that are priorities but not yet funded/timed: public works and parks operations facility (preliminary engineering and land, $3.1M), parkland acquisition ($2.5M proposed by ballot), drainage master plan update, Bodark reconstruction, McKinnon Road improvements and other targeted roadway and drainage improvements.

Budget framing and process: Staff noted proposed CIP dollars are shown in 2025 dollars and that final funding and timing will be updated in the FY26 budget process. The city’s capital program operates in two budgeting funds: Fund 300 (general government projects: streets, parks, facilities) and Fund 501 (utility projects: water/wastewater). Staff said additional details and refined cost estimates will be presented to council during the budget workshops later this summer.

Why it matters: The CIP sets the city’s planned investments in parks, streets and utilities. Council members emphasized competing priorities: maintaining small-town character while paying for the infrastructure needed to support growth. One council member framed the issue as needing to diversify the tax base to avoid future tax or service shocks as the city grows.

Next steps: Staff will incorporate council feedback into the budget workshops and return with detailed funding recommendations, proposed bond or debt issuance plans, and project schedules.

Ending: Council accepted the preliminary presentation; more detailed CIP and budget decisions are expected in the coming months as staff refines costs and funding sources.","City staff presented a preliminary FY2026 five‑year capital improvement program on May 20 emphasizing Primrose Park Phase 3, continued water and wastewater capacity work, and a bullpen of prioritized future projects including a public works/parks operations facility and McKinnon water plant elements.",{"_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},6532230,"Fulshear reports Pecan Dole water plant progress; elevated storage tank online while plant construction continues",259,1425000,1684000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3413693-1bf06a0f4cf38a18d4dc42ab39976b0e&start=1425&end=1684","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3413693-1bf06a0f4cf38a18d4dc42ab39976b0e/thumbnail_1425000.jpg","/articles/6532230/Fulshear/Fort-Bend-County/Texas/Fulshear-reports-Pecan-Dole-water-plant-progress-elevated-storage-tank-online-while-plant-construction-continues","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6532230-1cf6d4b48b0a55e5fec6e23992fcc508/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152616&Signature=WnlbLovfghlpvYJCHOSCKZ9mQ1uOzA0R9NP1PwENXWHPMSOUpbYiAMQ473u0vs1dAmlgtrAjf2S~~7mkGooD2mcqTg~YgJCK~gihWvHivV1rzgqlhyG5uJithAYAGpz2kwNgLpGd6OtN5x3craaZG9bnwsQ3D7uanxcRrU1hC1fzK9GO8F4u0GKTMEznw0lOZMn5N6ygmDvNxXNnlleK3tJIvxnOCxXTzNaqa~9BMotlHDKzFvGTL-hfTvYXqRg~Q678pjUOWMcQcaI73-bIz4RlcKkVX57WQwSH9pruw1H5CoU9Jczm4nhbxJKTxAx3T~jJY~mt8ssU3EL3piqwpw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Fulshear — City staff reported significant progress on the Pecan Dole (Water Plant No. 2) project at the May 20 council meeting and said the adjacent elevated storage tank (water tower) has been filled, tested and put into service using an interim booster pump while remaining plant work continues.

Construction status: Staff said the water plant project is approximately 76 percent complete based on days of work and about 72 percent complete based on dollars spent for the plant itself. For the separate elevated storage tank component, staff reported the tower could be filled and put on the system and noted an interim booster pump is currently used for day-time fills while the remaining plant infrastructure is finished.

Costs and budgets: The presentation noted an invoice for roughly $10,300,000 on the larger water-plant contract, against a total project budget of about $14,400,000 (figures given by staff during the city manager's report). Staff said a portion of project payments to date were approximately $4,100,000 (reported during discussion of the tower’s costs), and that final completion of regulatory sign-off with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) remains a final step.

Operational detail: Because the full plant and its dedicated wells are not yet online, the tank is being filled by an interim booster pump and water is discharged into the system when demand is low (overnight irrigation hours). Staff said once the plant’s wells and booster pumping are complete, the system will be able to fill the tank without impacting distribution and will provide more stable pressure and capacity for nearby neighborhoods.

Why it matters: The new plant and the elevated storage tank are intended to increase water capacity, improve pressure and provide redundancy as Fulshear grows. Staff framed the work as preparation for adding additional well capacity and aligning the site for future growth and safety requirements.

Next steps and regulatory items: Final TCEQ sign-offs, completion of remaining well tie-ins and commissioning are outstanding. Staff said they expect to continue testing and will complete remaining work in the coming months as construction moves from completion to operational handover.

Ending: Council members noted the milestone, thanked project staff and asked for continued updates; the city emphasized that further construction and regulatory steps remain before the full plant reaches final completion.

","City staff told the council the new Pecan Dole water plant is under construction and the adjacent elevated storage tank has been tested and placed on the system using an interim booster pump; the plant was cited as roughly three-quarters complete by days and two-thirds by dollars, and additional wells and TCEQ sign-off remain.",{"_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},6532234,"Votes at a glance: Fulshear council approves sign plan changes, contracts and ordinances during May 20 meeting",4660,2636000,7296000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3413693-1bf06a0f4cf38a18d4dc42ab39976b0e&start=2636&end=7296","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3413693-1bf06a0f4cf38a18d4dc42ab39976b0e/thumbnail_2636000.jpg","/articles/6532234/Fulshear/Fort-Bend-County/Texas/Votes-at-a-glance-Fulshear-council-approves-sign-plan-changes-contracts-and-ordinances-during-May-20-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6532234-17d3807654dcdc879c648c7bdbbcf306/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152616&Signature=FGW3sfJ0U9PNeDEPlgbBTp~Vd~EexnX~ZyKIwUnl0EVR36aoFE1QcYJk5s3Jk~6~Dr39py6EhOmb4UMO7vs8LERl2S3ri--eNl8NSxa-JGksdPaSDEiHOAFigNDD0LjZLkW1V-grD8-2~gLbNBWdq~E0uLZbnnVZdjq0g4JeUOJ9IhyTgz38z7Or-50~dB~HB1rRVyTMIBxKPQBJJp8QiHb727qzBj7XZULjkFryTdRgyzdPQV8IMlbpu0dbXzEuN0ZUkgsK~vEwFChmMqoL67P~JE2pWvwLjOtlUVHmaPsE20jHmh1U28hV-NBEThC11S16U8PDtFvzkmvA~CXGjw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Fulshear — The Fulshear City Council completed multiple formal actions at its May 20 meeting. Below is a concise list of significant votes and outcomes recorded during the session.

Summary of formal actions

- Consent agenda: Council approved consent items A through I in a single motion (motion made and seconded; vote recorded as approved). Items J and K were removed from the consent agenda for separate discussion.

- Item J (chemical/materials contract renewal): Council approved the award/renewal for water/wastewater chemical supply (details in staff packet). Motion to approve was made and seconded; item passed.

- Forster Junction master sign plan (master signage plan for development): Council approved the master sign plan with two exceptions — removal of flag locations 3 and 5 — and directed the primary sign to conform to a 10-foot height limit for the downtown district. Motion by Council Member Johnson, second by Council Member Barron; passed with one recorded nay.

- Election of mayor pro tem: Council nominated and confirmed Sarah Johnson as mayor pro tem. Motion by Council Member Poole, second by Council Member Barron; unanimous approval.

- Contract: Design of West Downtown Street reconstruction (Veil Corps): Council approved a professional services agreement for design work (approx. $680,373.25). Motion by Council Member Powers; second by Council Member Barron; approved.

- Purchase order / materials for East Downtown asphalt overlay: Under an interlocal with Fort Bend County, the city will supply materials for an overlay project; council approved the purchase order for materials and separately approved the interlocal agreement with Fort Bend County (motions passed).

- Youth Advisory Commission ordinance (Ordinance No. 2025-1492): Council adopted an ordinance establishing a youth advisory commission, aligning membership, terms, duties and reporting with existing advisory commission procedures (motion passed with suggested wording change in one clause).

- Executive session: Council voted to table/postpone the executive session until the next meeting.

Notes on process and next steps: Several items approved tonight will require follow-up administrative steps (execution of contracts, issuance of purchase orders, and implementation of sign plan revisions with the applicant). The council also directed staff to rework a few plan elements before final construction or sign fabrication (for example, the Forster Junction sign and flag layout). Several approvals referenced companion documents (development agreements or subsequent plats) that will return to staff/council for final implementation.","At its May 20 meeting the Fulshear City Council approved a set of consent items and several separate motions, including a master sign plan with exceptions for the Fort Stewart Junction development, contracts for street design and materials, and an ordinance establishing a youth advisory commission.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Fulshear council narrowly approves rezoning of 45-acre McKinnon site and companion development agreement after heated public hearing

Fulshear presents preliminary five‑year capital improvement plan: parks, water and downtown streets highlighted

Fulshear reports Pecan Dole water plant progress; elevated storage tank online while plant construction continues

Votes at a glance: Fulshear council approves sign plan changes, contracts and ordinances during May 20 meeting