Neighbors object as Landscape Systems seeks plan‑development zoning for 17.5‑acre Keller property

Landscape Systems presented a plan‑development (PD) rezoning request and a related future‑land‑use amendment for roughly 17.5 acres along Keller Parkway at the May 27 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. The application drew extended public comment from adjacent homeowners and a detailed staff and applicant presentation.

Curtis Young of The Sage Group and property owner Edwin (Ed) Ruble described a phased plan that keeps retail uses toward Keller Parkway (zoning Area A) while limiting the rear (zoning Area B) to non‑retail uses — plant staging, contractor yard, equipment storage and similar nursery operations. The applicant said a previously proposed light‑manufacturing element has been withdrawn.

Nearby residents from Pearson Crossing, Blevins Lane and adjacent parcels said the site has operated in ways they characterize as heavy commercial: early‑morning equipment, large trucks, dust, fencing begun before full screening was installed and alleged trespass on their yards. Speakers asked whether lighting would shine into bedrooms, whether pickleball courts (proposed in phase 2) would run late and whether gravel or paving would be used to control dust. One neighbor said screening trees and a wall have been removed or altered and asked for completed mitigation before any rezoning.

Staff and the applicant explained technical constraints: parts of the site fall inside mapped floodplain and the applicant must complete a FEMA/drainage process before building certain phase‑2 improvements (parking, pickleball courts, trail). The applicant said it is constructing an 8‑foot masonry screening wall along much of the western boundary and planting evergreen screening along the eastern creekline; the PD includes a proposal for about 45 percent open space and the applicant commits to building a trail aligned with the city master trail plan as part of later work.

After extended discussion the commission voted 6–1 to recommend approval of the rezoning with conditions the commission added: change the hours of operation to 7 a.m.–7 p.m., relocate the proposed roll‑off dumpster so it does not encroach into the 60‑foot setback, and remove the proposed onsite pickleball courts from the PD. Commissioners emphasized they expect continued communication with neighbors and recommended the applicant finish the screening wall and pursue gravel surfacing to reduce dust; council will consider the rezoning at its June 17 meeting. Separately, the commission recommended approval of the future‑land‑use amendment for about 3.5 acres to retail commercial, also by a 6–1 vote.

Key technical notes: the PD plan shows phase‑1 commercial/retail uses and phase‑2 parking, shade structures and courts; the site is partly within FEMA floodplain and the trail and some phase‑2 work cannot proceed until the drainage/FEMA reclamation study is complete. Staff reported one late opposition letter (forwarded to commissioners) and said the city will enforce code for lighting, noise and other issues if residents report violations.

Next steps: the rezoning and future‑land‑use amendment will go to city council on June 17. Staff and the applicant agreed to continue neighbor outreach and to provide updates on screening and surfacing progress ahead of council consideration.