The Gautier City Council approved a property owner‑initiated rezoning from R‑1 (low‑density single‑family) to Planned Unit Development (PUD) and an amendment to the PUD for Legacy Park on July 15 after the developer and neighbors reached compromises at the planning commission level.
Tommy Crumlin, a nearby resident, told the council he and other property owners asked for and were promised a green buffer when the project first came before the city. "When they asked for this back in 02/2019... they said they would give us a green buffer... We are asking for it would be defined as undisturbed, not just cut off the tree," Crumlin said at the meeting. Planning commissioners negotiated terms with the developer, and council members said the final plan preserved the 70‑foot buffer on the west and south sides that face existing neighborhoods. Councilwoman Jamieson noted the concessions reduced the number of homes originally proposed and that the buffer would be maintained as natural habitat.
The nut graf: The decision reflects a compromise between development goals and neighborhood concerns. Council members and staff said the developer agreed to limits on internal connections to adjacent neighborhoods and to keep a 70‑foot undisturbed buffer where the PUD abuts established residential areas.
Council examination focused on traffic, setbacks and whether the developer's revisions honored promises to neighbors. The council heard that the planning commission and developer had considered traffic on Old Spanish Trail and school‑period congestion, and the mayor asked staff to follow up on a traffic study request that residents raised during the public meeting. Council members also discussed side setbacks between houses in the new subdivision and asked the police chief whether five‑foot side‑yard variances would hinder emergency or service access; staff replied the planned spacing would allow access.
Ending: Council votes on both the rezoning and the PUD amendment passed with no recorded opposition in the council chamber. Staff said they will provide follow‑up on the traffic‑study question for Old Spanish Trail and will ensure the undisturbed buffer requirement is reflected in the final development agreement.