Planning commission recommends denial of Mockingbird Place rezoning after packed public hearing

The Whitehouse Planning and Zoning Commission on July 1, 2025 voted to recommend denial of a rezoning request that would change roughly 41.08 acres in Mockingbird Place from residential low density to residential medium density. Residents who live adjacent to the parcel urged the commission to reject the change at a packed public hearing, citing traffic and drainage strain, parking and safety concerns, and the potential loss of the neighborhood’s low-density character. The commission’s recommendation will go to the Whitehouse City Council for final action; staff said an appeal filed this week would put the matter on the council’s July 22 agenda. Why it matters: The recommendation to deny blocks a zoning change that the applicant says is intended to add smaller, more-affordable lots to the subdivision. If the City Council declines to overturn the commission’s recommendation, the developer would need to pursue a different entitlement or revise the proposal. Public opposition highlighted infrastructure limits and homeowner expectations tied to existing covenants. Several neighbors spoke in opposition. Sarah Hoffman, who lives at 813 Renwick Way and is directly adjacent to the 40-acre parcel, said, “We respectfully ask that this rezoning request be denied.” Dylan Sigler of 810 Blackbird Way said Hagan Road, the neighborhood’s primary access, is not built to handle extra traffic: “Hagan Road is our only access point.” Danielle Schultz, whose home sits within 200 feet of the proposed change, described likely parking and safety impacts if many smaller lots are added. The applicant, represented by a Geneco Group project manager and a representative identified as Ben, said the company reduced the plan from an earlier 176-lot layout to 150 lots and plans to phase construction over four years. The applicant said some lots shown as medium-density would be built to existing residential-low standards and that the market has changed since the property was purchased in February 2021. Commission discussion noted that zoning changes open the door to uses allowed in RM that are not allowed under RL, and that homeowners’ association covenants, while potentially restrictive, are private agreements and not enforced by the city. Planning staff confirmed the HOA restrictions for Phase 1 roll over to the unbuilt portion, but that enforcement of covenants would be a civil matter. A motion to not recommend approval of the rezoning passed on roll call. The commission recorded votes for denial from Commissioners Randy Humphrey, Daniel Turner and Jack Leclerc; Commissioner Cassie Hollinshead voted against the denial; Commissioner Serena Watson abstained. Staff advised that an appeal filed this week would place the item on the city council agenda for July 22. What’s next: The applicant may file an appeal of the commission’s recommendation to seek final approval by the City Council. Residents were told the city posts council agendas on Fridays and to contact planning staff to confirm whether an appeal was filed.