Tyler planning commission approves PD rezoning for 40-home subdivision over neighbors’ runoff, traffic concerns

The City of Tyler Planning and Zoning Commission on July 1 approved a planned-unit residential rezoning, PD-25-011, for land west of the Cumberland Road and Paluxy Drive intersection that will allow creation of 40 single-family home lots.

Staff presented the application as a change from R1A to a planned unit residential district with a proposed density of 1.48 units per acre and two access points; staff said other development standards (setbacks, height, landscape, parking) would comply with R1A regulations and recommended approval. Anna, city planning staff, told commissioners the layout is a revised submission from a version denied in May and noted the site plan includes a private cul-de-sac exceeding the 600-foot length standard.

Neighbors urged the commission to pause or condition approval. Jim Clark, who gave his address as 1419 Cumberland Road, said the proposal has smaller lots than neighbors expected and cited repeated roadway flooding at Cumberland; Clark asked the commission to view video evidence of stormwater over the road. John Sauls, a 25-year resident at 1401 Cumberland Road, urged the commission to preserve more green space and said he has seen increasingly wider flooding where runoff crosses the road.

Trey Brewer, vice president of real estate at the Genneco Group and the applicant’s representative, said the developer intends a “first-class, high-end residential neighborhood” with deed restrictions identical to Legacy Bend and that the proposal’s density is lower than what current zoning allows. Brewer said an overall traffic study for the larger development area found Cumberland Road and Biloxi Road can handle the projected traffic; he also said engineers are finalizing stormwater calculations that will be submitted to the city engineer, Daryl Kotser.

Of seven mailed notices for this rezoning, staff reported one returned in favor and three in opposition, producing a protest calculation of 18.47 percent. After discussion, Commissioner votes were: Carlene Darkbaze — yes; Clint Childs — yes; Philip Humber — yes; Christina Davis — no; Michael Carmichael — yes; Roy Martinez — yes; David Hudson — no. The motion to approve carried 5 to 2.

The commission record shows the applicant may appeal procedures and any engineering details will be reviewed by city engineering prior to permitting; neighbors requested a study of runoff and asked for meetings with the developer and engineers outside the hearing. The commission’s approval sends the rezoning forward to the City Council, which will hear the item at its regular meeting on Wednesday, July 23, at 9 a.m.