Planning commission reviews preliminary plat for about 300-home subdivision on Kegley Road

The Temple Planning and Zoning Commission received an overview of a preliminary plat for a single-family subdivision of roughly 300 homes on a large tract along Kegley Road, Planning and Development Director Bridal Chandler said during a work session.

City staff said the project was originally proposed as mixed use but was revised after neighborhood meetings; the zoning now under consideration covers only single-family homes and the application before the commission is a preliminary plat rather than a final subdivision approval. Bridal Chandler said the preliminary filing shows three collector streets (one internal and two outlets to Kegley), street stubs, and trails to be built along a drainage channel and down Pepper Creek.

Jason, identified in the meeting as planning staff, said the layout includes a curved north–south collector and several projected streets; the presentation lists street names including Jupiter and Tanglehead, which are shown tying into Kegley. "The first plat is the preliminary, and then we'll see when the two final plats come forward," Jason said.

Commissioners raised questions about an emergency-only connection on Jupiter Drive that will remain gated for everyday traffic but operable for first responders. One commissioner expressed concern that if a resident learns how to open the gate once, it could become a recurring access point. Jason said the gate is intended for emergency access only and noted the use of an emergency-entry system: "It's called the Knox Box." He said the gate would not be open for routine traffic but would be available to fire, ambulance and police in emergencies.

Staff and commissioners discussed responsibilities for road improvements. Chandler said the road network could change if a developer proposes improvements or if a Capital Improvements Program (CIP) project extends that side of the area; any such improvements by a future developer could alter traffic patterns. Chandler also said the mixed-use concept previously presented to the commission was withdrawn before council consideration and that the current single-family plan followed additional neighbor outreach.

No final approvals were recorded in the work session. Staff said a full presentation and the regular-agenda hearing on the plat will follow at the commission's regular meeting, at which time commissioners will have the opportunity to ask additional technical questions and consider final motions.