Mesquite planning commission approves rezoning for 300-unit apartment project, sends proposal to city council

The Mesquite Planning and Zoning Commission on an unanimous 7-0 vote recommended approval of zoning application Z1025-0381, a proposal to reconfigure roughly 23 acres at 5201 Northos Drive to allow a 300-unit garden-style multifamily development on Track 1 and expand Track 2 for light commercial uses. The recommendation, which includes a comprehensive-plan amendment adjusting future land-use boundaries between high-density residential and office designations, will go to City Council on Monday, April 7, for final consideration.

Staff recommended approval, saying the proposal aligns with the city’s strategic goal to create more housing. John, planning staff, told commissioners the project keeps the previously approved unit count at 300 but changes the layout and development standards to respond to steep topography and a creek that runs through the site. "Staff does recommend approval of the zoning change from planned development multifamily on Track 1 and planned development light commercial on Track 2, along with a comprehensive plan amendment," John said during the hearing.

Under the proposal, the former approximately 18-acre multifamily area on Track 1 would shrink to about 12.5 acres; Track 2’s light commercial allocation would increase from roughly 5 acres to about 10.5 acres. The 300 units are planned as nine garden-style buildings with a separate clubhouse…