Keene Planning Commission approves Kittle Property Group's Covington Acres multifamily development

The Planning and Zoning Commission of Keene, Texas, convened on May 12, 2025, to discuss significant zoning changes and development approvals for the Kittle Property Group's Covington Acres project. The meeting focused on two main agenda items: a zoning change request and the approval of preliminary and final plats for the development.

The first item addressed was a request to change the zoning from C-2 General Commercial District to a Planned Development (PD) based on multifamily zoning. This request included variances related to the property located at 2632 East U.S. Highway 67. The commission reviewed updated planning applications, noting an increase in acreage from 21 to 24 due to right-of-way dedication. All civil and construction plans had already received approval, and the project was described as ready to proceed pending the zoning change.

Commission members engaged in a brief discussion, clarifying the language of the motion to acknowledge the variances rather than granting them. A motion was made by Commissioner Gilbert Perez and seconded by Edgardo Perez Senior to approve the zoning change request, which passed unanimously.

The second agenda item involved the approval of the preliminary plat for the Covington Acres development. The commission reviewed the submitted plat, which had undergone necessary engineering and inspection approvals. A concern was raised regarding drainage issues in the area, particularly with the potential for flooding due to increased concrete surfaces. The commission was assured that a retention pond would be constructed to manage drainage effectively, preventing additional water runoff.

Following this discussion, a motion was made by Caleb Bull to approve the preliminary plat, which was seconded by Edgardo Perez Senior and also passed without opposition. The final plat was then presented for approval, following the same procedural steps as the preliminary plat. A motion to approve the final plat was made by Edgardo Perez Senior and seconded by Gilbert Perez, concluding the meeting with another unanimous vote in favor.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the commission's commitment to facilitating the development while addressing community concerns about infrastructure and drainage. The next steps will involve submitting the approved plats to the city council for final approval and implementation.