Council approves rezoning for 19.56‑acre Atkinson Homes townhouse development near Clear Creek Road

The Killeen City Council on Sept. 2 approved a rezoning requested by Atkinson Homes LLC to convert about 19.56 acres at 7610 Clear Creek Road from agricultural to a planned unit development (PUD) with RT‑1 townhouse uses. Planning staff said the concept plan identifies up to 185 attached single‑family units (32 four‑unit buildings and 19 three‑unit buildings) on private streets with two points of ingress and egress to Pauline Drive. The proposal limits density to no more than 10 units per acre and requires all units to include fire‑suppression systems to meet fire code.

Planner Mescher told council the concept includes open‑space amenities: two gazebos, a playscape, a dog park, a half basketball court, two pickleball courts and picnic facilities. A property owners association will be established to operate and maintain common amenities; staff said amenities must be complete before final inspection of the 130th unit (75% completion). Planning staff reported notifying 50 surrounding property owners and receiving one written opposition letter from an adjacent property owner who cited privacy concerns. Planning and Zoning recommended approval by a 5–0 vote.

During the public hearing a commenter urged the council to consider the cumulative infrastructure impacts of new development, including drainage, sewer and solid waste demands. Planning staff noted park impact fees will total $222,000 based on the proposed unit count. Council approved the rezoning (case Z2525) by a recorded vote.