The Planning and Zoning Commission voted to postpone consideration of a request to remove a 29‑inch pecan identified as heritage tree 5019 in the Manor Downs Industrial Project. The item was continued to the November meeting to allow the applicant more time to show due diligence, explore alternatives and provide additional information about tree relocation and redesign options.

What was requested: The applicant (Bowman Consulting Group on behalf of DG Manor Downs Property Owner, LP) asked to remove a 29‑inch pecan tree that, staff said, lies in the footprint of a required stormwater detention facility. Staff summarized that the removal request met one removal criterion in the code: installation of necessary drainage or utility facilities that cannot feasibly be redesigned to avoid the tree.

Applicant response and mitigation proposed: Tim Craftson, representing the owner, said the 146‑acre site contains mostly low‑quality invasive vegetation and that the project proposes substantial new landscaping. The developer reported it will plant at least 1,110 new trees at a minimum 3‑inch caliper and estimated the total caliper inches to be far greater than existing onsite caliper inches. The applicant said moving a mature 29‑inch tree would be technically possible but costly and may not be feasible in this site’s constrained utility and easement conditions.

Staff and commission discussion: Staff noted the detention pond location follows natural drainage patterns and that redesigning the pond would require regrading large portions of the site and likely conflict with utility easements (including a high‑pressure pipeline in the area). Commissioners asked about alternatives including relocation, extending the pond footprint, or planting additional large trees elsewhere on the site.

Decision: The commission voted 3‑1 to postpone the item to the next meeting in November so the applicant can document due diligence (including arborist evaluation, attempts to redesign or relocate the pond, and cost estimates for relocation versus removal). Commissioners asked the applicant to provide evidence that alternatives were explored and to quantify replacement plantings.