Resident says developer-built retaining wall blocks recorded ingress/egress easement; asks council to act

Rowlett — During the July 15 Citizens Input period, resident Dave Hoehl told the council a retaining wall built by a nearby developer has blocked an ingress and egress easement to his two homes at 6809 and 6811 Miller Road. Hoehl said the easement is recorded in a warranty deed filed with Dallas County and that the easement had been his properties’ only access for 40 years. He told council that city staff initially told him the area was a utility easement, but the deed and county research identify it as an ingress and egress easement. "You, the city, have allowed the vineyards developer to build a retaining wall in this easement," Hoehl said. He told the council the developer did not follow the plan that had been approved. Hoehl urged the council to halt approvals for multifamily and condominium developments until the city can assure contiguous land owners that developments will not be constructed in incorrect locations. He said the developer is no longer available to correct the problem and asked the city to remedy the blocked access. The mayor invited staff follow-up; no formal council action or motion was made during the public comment segment. Council did not take action during Citizen’s Input and asked staff to review the claim and provide a response at a later meeting.