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Commission staff opposes exception for Leon Reserve Phase 2 over emergency access concerns; Meadow Lake plat includes TISD school site
Summary
Planning staff recommended disapproving an exception request for Leon Reserve Phase 2 that would allow more than 300 lots with only two widened entrances, citing emergency vehicle access concerns; staff also described Meadow Lake preliminary plat, which includes a Temple Independent School District site.
Planning and development director Bridal Chandler told the Planning and Zoning Commission on May 5 that two preliminary and final plat items near Highway 93 and Old Highway 95 will require detailed review, including traffic analysis required by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).
Chandler said the Meadow Lake preliminary plat (addresses listed as 7002, 7200 and 7246 Old Highway 95) is a larger mixed-use development that “will include a Temple Independent School District site kind of in the middle of the development.” She identified the WB development team as present to address Leon Reserve and noted that a TISD site is planned in Meadow Lake.
On the final plat for Leon Reserve Phase 2, Chandler said the developer is seeking an exception to allow more than 300 lots. She said TxDOT required a traffic impact analysis (TIA) for developments with frontage on Highway 93 and that the applicants agreed to implement the TIA recommendations. Despite that, she said staff recommends against the exception “just from a emergency vehicle access perspective” because the development’s only access would be along Highway 93 and the two widened entrances are within about 500 feet of each other. Chandler said future connections to Highway 95 could be possible but would require significant property development and time.
Chandler noted the fire marshal, Lanny Sizer, was present for questions during the Leon Reserve presentation. No formal vote or final action on the exception request was recorded in the work session; Chandler said the Leon Reserve presentation would take time at the regular hearing so the applicant can present slides and the commission can question staff and the fire marshal.
The staff recommendation to disapprove the exception is based on emergency vehicle access concerns and the current lack of alternative access until future street connections are constructed. The Leon Reserve preliminary materials reportedly showed roughly “380 something lots” in earlier filings; the developer’s final plat seeks to maintain a larger lot count, which is why the exception was requested.
Both plats will return for public hearing and formal action after the full presentations and any required follow-ups with TxDOT and the development review committee.
