[{"_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",6551945,"mediaKeyId","5322190-e83271d099d450c33e0e78326e365171","parentId",5322190,"title","Council approves specimen-tree removal for Overlook Ridge home; mitigation required","audioSeconds",120,"startMs",7288000,"endMs",7408000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5322190-e83271d099d450c33e0e78326e365171&start=7288&end=7408","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5322190-e83271d099d450c33e0e78326e365171/thumbnail_7288000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6551945/Flower-Mound/Denton-County/Texas/Council-approves-specimen-tree-removal-for-Overlook-Ridge-home-mitigation-required","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6551945-21ea610e3a40f766f307c968da213f11/orig.mp4?Expires=1770721923&Signature=Sl9XLfrlPdmHFakKXsrZZZ98GfB2F-2xFMFBanoWEY3oyQZnKwHAtpmJOjHwSG0D3uIVGR2n-BLqhk1dG3XDO-s8BSwuRGQRE2DqJVIgHIO1fTGxy6yl18MvtX8m917aZdb-IBOCOgNd6sU17fy700Q0ZcDeDxUE8aNrQkZhR4HIImwPHB5MPVhI2YUcpuPH-m6I0vqvKErjnPuB8FNDHEK38wBHOiluRnyk4ouXWHxLnA9gQS5Cwr6aQdamQcIIzKeimLmFqMpBpw~YBnm231Cmaw9gupHrpDu8F2synyhNnOSEsRU6HadV9NlYqRGaNPDxs2sQ3hxFLGW-pImwgA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Flower Mound","date","2025-07-07T00:00:00Z","article","The Flower Mound Town Council voted unanimously July 7 to approve a tree-removal permit for a specimen post oak at 4408 Overlook Ridge so a single-family dwelling can be built.

Staff said the lot is roughly 0.76 acres in Pepper Creek, is heavily wooded and contains a 23-inch post oak located within the proposed building footprint. Jake Sreckles of the planning department said the tree was rated in fair condition and that, because of the pad grade and drainage needs, the house could not be sited without removing the tree.

The applicant’s representative, Kurt DeBour, told the council that moving the building location would create drainage and grading complications and that the lot drains to a conservation area at the rear of the property. The applicant will owe mitigation to the town for removing the specimen tree; staff calculated mitigation at $8,625 based on the town’s mitigation formula.

The Environmental Conservation Commission recommended approval of the removal on June 3. The council approved the permit by unanimous vote.

What happens next: The applicant will proceed with permitting for the single-family residence; construction plans, grading and drainage calculations will be reviewed by town engineering staff during the permit process to ensure compliance with town standards.

Speakers for this item were town staff and the applicant’s representative.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Flower Mound - Town Council Archive - Jul 07, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The council granted a tree-removal permit for a 23-inch post oak at 4408 Overlook Ridge to allow construction of a single-family home; mitigation was calculated at $8,625.","taxTitle","Flower Mound, Denton County, Texas","taxId",2790,"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},6551951,"Town council approves Flower Mound Hindu temple site plan and tree removal permits after public hearing",4341,2844000,7185000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5322190-e83271d099d450c33e0e78326e365171&start=2844&end=7185","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5322190-e83271d099d450c33e0e78326e365171/thumbnail_2844000.jpg","/articles/6551951/Flower-Mound/Denton-County/Texas/Town-council-approves-Flower-Mound-Hindu-temple-site-plan-and-tree-removal-permits-after-public-hearing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6551951-39ee7b6c75c932deee6cdbfafade1fa8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770721923&Signature=b7LzthnoU9PnjFlcn~pHMHVBtD4F8iZac~Lx-mAg7CHB4UCb0ZixWP1xxy4pFTqavA76Fa0WiylA8PQY7MhmIuy0VP8IfFJWiQOHae~PfuV5EPYe2zb7hWA6ZBECH-yVIqo~EAnreoo-pXuoiluP9hXd6FBHOHAdjQw6Xm0rOBci~aK9BkT~ImXOwy4ZOK~hRalBtu58Cb9pW2pUJYO431rCePRT82TBsXKKKQ0YzaW22rySQr0z4IIfIOnvVKd0iDVpkHpT0ftvii9wcAx5d3VriDdZSEsFu20zM4U3UArSEwqjZk-PiDTwNP3fqL6aURRcSv4ycTwMfDfbvIqs6A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Flower Mound Town Council on July 7 unanimously approved a site plan with associated exceptions and a tree-removal permit for a proposed Hindu temple on a flag-shaped lot south of Flower Mound High School.

Planning staff presented the project as a roughly 9,000-square-foot single-story building with 87 parking spaces, site landscaping that meets town standards for most of the property and three specimen trees the applicant asked to remove. Lehi Murphy, planning staff, told the council the site sits on a narrow 28-foot access easement and that strict application of a 25-foot compatibility buffer would prevent access to the property.

The applicant requested two primary exceptions: a compatibility-buffer exception for the narrow access area adjacent to residences, and an architectural exception to permit a flat roof for a building under 15,000 square feet. Jason Kilpatrick, representing the applicant, and Sandeep Sharma, a temple representative, said the temple’s traditional design — including a flat roof with a central Vimana (tower) — is important to religious practice and that phase 2 of the project would add ornate architectural elements. Sharma said his congregation has used a smaller leased building since 2009 without traffic or noise complaints and outlined hours and typical attendance patterns.

The council heard about 150 support emails (the mayor said none in opposition were received by email) and received vocal public comment both for and against the project. Supporters emphasized the temple’s community services, youth programs and interfaith outreach. Opponents, including neighbors who live on Walnut Grove Place, said the lot’s tight, flag-lot access and proximity to a high school and multiple neighborhood driveways would create traffic, drainage and safety problems; one neighbor offered to buy the property as an alternative location.

Planning staff said the proposed layout meets the town’s parking and landscaping requirements for the majority of the site, and the town’s Environmental Conservation Commission recommended approval of the requested tree removals. The council voted unanimously to approve the site plan with exceptions (agenda item K-2) and to approve the tree-removal permit (K-3). Council members noted the property’s unusual configuration — a narrow access easement created when the lot was platted — makes any development challenging.

Details: The application requested removal of three specimen trees, including a post oak the project arborist rated in “fair” condition with a partly dead trunk. Staff said removing or shifting the driveway to save the largest tree would eliminate roughly 16 parking spaces and constrain future expansion on the site. The applicant proposed providing additional evergreen screening in phase 2. The temple’s representatives estimate permits and site work in late 2025 and expect phase 1 occupancy by Q3 2026, with phase 2 design elements to follow.

Why it matters: The approvals allow a congregation that has operated in leased space since 2009 to build a permanent facility in Flower Mound. Neighbors cited safety and drainage concerns tied to driveway placement and tree removal; the council’s unanimous vote resolves the land-use questions presented but leaves engineering-level drainage and construction details to staff reviews during the permitting process.

Speakers quoted in this article are identified by role; references are drawn from the July 7 public hearing and staff presentation.","After a public hearing that drew neighbors for and against the project, the council unanimously approved a site plan with exceptions and a tree-removal permit for the Flower Mound Hindu Temple; the applicant requested exceptions for a compatibility buffer and a flat roof and plans phased architecture.",{"_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},6551956,"Flower Mound council approves tree-rebate program, adds homestead restriction and clarifies rebate tiers",942,1734000,2676000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5322190-e83271d099d450c33e0e78326e365171&start=1734&end=2676","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5322190-e83271d099d450c33e0e78326e365171/thumbnail_1734000.jpg","/articles/6551956/Flower-Mound/Denton-County/Texas/Flower-Mound-council-approves-tree-rebate-program-adds-homestead-restriction-and-clarifies-rebate-tiers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6551956-d875f54d673d4e046ad0198359218a36/orig.mp4?Expires=1770721923&Signature=kOTx46ayQ9OY23nHwQ~zAvwPmBRBA~JnlbvFRCrlro180zZUI8DTnXaqGNXl0l5yq0CjR6y-UC77wTmSmmfqULuyd9RcXbeEkRZkGnX~jCvUr73d8-YY3ST1SiL-6Vb8sBM2tkpyNRxcE245m92dW8DafPjAFdFKtIUa3p6FeHI1dZ9eYlIQxtLJZuvKatjWgWbzxacXmMzTkUvdn5nJpGUUdab34IdO3VV4I7K-XXbDPuGK-2CRdApZ0pgw6FPLQysasGWupZe5XblUyMuzNvfg6Bk0FsbhrTvM6Eh5Wppm8bz5xNevD-McyJ-qlSwHEd87Q2j9~c2L2oswxDToAg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Flower Mound Town Council on July 7 approved a tree-rebate program designed to encourage residents to plant trees on private property and expand the town’s canopy.

The program, presented by Sarah Luxton, senior management analyst, offers tiered, dollar-for-dollar rebates for trees purchased and planted on Flower Mound property. Luxton said the program was modeled on similar efforts in Denton and Argyle and aims to “encourage residents to plant trees on their own property and to provide a rebate for those trees that they purchase and plant during a specified time.”

Council members discussed several changes before voting. The council struck the phrase “property owner” in favor of a requirement that qualifying applicants be the homesteaded property owner, and it asked staff to remove the ordinance’s minimum purchase-price column and instead present “maximum rebate per tree” tiers. The council also set a per-property maximum rebate of $500. The motion as approved eliminated the minimum-purchase column and clarified maximum rebates of $50 for 5-gallon trees, $100 for 15-gallon trees and $250 for 30-gallon trees; applicants may claim up to five small trees or a maximum rebate total not to exceed $500 per property.

The program will operate on a seasonal schedule: purchases must occur between Oct. 1 and May 1, with the overall planting window running Oct. 1 through May 30; applicants are allowed 30 days from purchase to plant. Participants must have a town utility account and must plant on property in Flower Mound; they do not have to be the property owner but staff clarified the council’s approved change narrows eligibility to homesteaded property owners. Participants must submit proof of purchase and a photo with GIS location to document planting. Funding will come from the town’s tree-preservation fund, which holds mitigation money developers pay when tree loss occurs; staff noted the fund balance is subject to change as operational costs draw down on the account.

Why it matters: The program redirects mitigation funds into resident incentives to expand canopy cover, which officials said improves health, provides shade and can increase property values. Staff gave examples: Argyle budgets roughly $10,000 for its program and Denton about $31,000; Flower Mound’s program budget will be set by the council in a separate step before launch.

Vote and implementation: The motion to approve the program with the council’s edits passed by unanimous roll call. Staff said the rebates will operate on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted and that program details — including a web page listing approved species and recommended local nurseries — will appear on the town website when the program launches.

Speakers for this item included Luxton and multiple council members who asked for changes; the council directed staff to update ordinance language to match the adopted motion before final publication.","Council approved a town-funded tree rebate program to encourage residential tree planting, capping rebates at $500 per property and requiring recipients be homesteaded owners; the program will be first-come, first-served and run seasonally.",{"_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},6551960,"Flower Mound residents describe violent dog attacks; council schedules review of dangerous-dog rules",389,921000,1310000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5322190-e83271d099d450c33e0e78326e365171&start=921&end=1310","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5322190-e83271d099d450c33e0e78326e365171/thumbnail_921000.jpg","/articles/6551960/Flower-Mound/Denton-County/Texas/Flower-Mound-residents-describe-violent-dog-attacks-council-schedules-review-of-dangerous-dog-rules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6551960-608aee0b7e7edea3027ab4d671317bfe/orig.mp4?Expires=1770721923&Signature=MoSLaO~PsYXEjbqM5IqU9m9PEmYneUMSrlr8eAqMqQ9fMFHhsAsHsaeYfGhX2kI13DztCfrqDbDTkOi7CASTx4njXXiG~EPdVnvh1HCR9ebihHQ95OA107goTGS~lBCm0mn0bK1SkmCdIN7qyTpVf9eVY3aatDj37pyLWfwLybfmaJWX2jSVo76GfJAcmOhPtyNK1TQOoETtMK4c2PcC8SVyoefRm8GCWU0EWBdiUyoYh4rY7ZPgMK1mSo9U-EC7EuiHct84PSTIUzv1OWA3CZJlZcH6qz51i6Cu2RxA3ZtStGKbFdCTyJ5DkLXpLdT8rHoTWoMieIz7HXCcl-vPDw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Flower Mound residents told the Town Council on July 7 that repeated attacks by dogs kept at a nearby property have left people and animals injured and that existing enforcement tools have not stopped the pattern.

The complaints came during the public-comment period. Gavin Anderson, a resident of Arabian Circle, told the council his neighborhood “is no longer safe” and said neighbors have seen dogs trained to fight attack people, pets and livestock. “We need to immediately reform Flower Mounds, dangerous dog laws, real penalty for repeat offenders, stricter enforcement, and protection for our families,” Anderson said.

Another neighbor, Carolyn Auburn, described a June 15 attack in which two dogs severely injured a miniature horse at her property and said she had received “nothing but lip service” from animal-control and police. “This wasn’t 2 dogs that just got out and wanted to wander around. They looked like they knew what they were doing as they were trained to fight,” Auburn said, adding that a subsequent court hearing allowed the owners to reclaim the dogs.

Mayor Cheryl Moore and town staff listened as residents asked for a comprehensive review of the town’s dangerous-dog ordinance and follow-up practices by police and animal control. Town staff indicated the review would explain which actions are within the town’s authority and which are governed by state law. A town staff member said the council could be prepared to take the item up at the Aug. 18 meeting and promised to walk through where the town has discretion and where state law applies.

Why it matters: Residents who live next to the property implicated in the complaints described injuries to people and animals, repeated calls to enforcement, and a perception that court results and agency follow-up have not prevented further incidents. A council-directed review could lead to changes in the town’s ordinance language, enforcement protocols, or to clearer guidance about where state law limits local options.

What was directed: Council agreed to place an item on the next feasible meeting schedule to review dangerous-dog procedures and ordinances, with an initial target of the Aug. 18 meeting. The review will compare Flower Mound’s rules to neighboring cities and explain enforcement limits posed by state law.

Context and next steps: Town staff said the town will outline the legal and operational limits — including where state law constrains local authority — and describe how other municipalities handle repeat-offender penalties, proof-of-violation follow-up, and post-hearing monitoring. Residents pressed for answers about follow-up after court-ordered conditions are imposed and whether animal-control officers document compliance.

Speakers quoted in this article spoke during public comment and the agenda discussion; the council did not take additional formal action on the incidents beyond scheduling the ordinance review.","Residents detailed repeated attacks by trained dogs and urged stronger enforcement. Town staff agreed to place a review of the town's dangerous-dog ordinances and enforcement practices on the Aug. 18 meeting agenda.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves specimen-tree removal for Overlook Ridge home; mitigation required

Town council approves Flower Mound Hindu temple site plan and tree removal permits after public hearing

Flower Mound council approves tree-rebate program, adds homestead restriction and clarifies rebate tiers

Flower Mound residents describe violent dog attacks; council schedules review of dangerous-dog rules