Temple homeowner objects to proposed sewer easement for Leon Reserve Phase 1

Ken Alexa, a homeowner at 50 And Crocker Drive in Temple, told the Planning and Zoning Commission on March 3 that he objects to a developer plan to run a new sewer line through a private easement behind his property to serve the Leon Reserve subdivision.

Alexa said the proposal would convert an existing private sewer easement tied to Memorial Baptist Church into a public easement that would allow city access between yards, require new manholes and could require removal of an outbuilding on a neighboring lot. "We do not have issues with them developing and profiting from the new subdivision, but we do object at doing this at our expense," Alexa said, adding that he and his neighbors received minimal notice of the change and that the proposed alignment would damage their yards.

The matter arose during the public-comment period; the commission chair and staff told Alexa the plat before the commission does not include the disputed alignment and that the question falls under public works review. City staff said public works is aware of the issue and "are making sure that all city policies are followed." Staff also told Alexa they had advised him to consult private counsel to determine his rights and suggested he contact Councilmember Long and the church trustees if he could not resolve the concern informally.

Commission members and staff encouraged Alexa and the developer representatives present to meet after the meeting to discuss next steps, but no formal action or vote was taken by the Planning and Zoning Commission on the sewer alignment. The commission noted that plat approval and the development review are separate from public-works permitting and easement negotiation.

The commission moved on to other agenda items after recording Alexa's comments; public works and the developer were expected to follow up with the homeowners and Councilmember Long.