Planning commission approves final plat, subdivision agreement for Pecan Grove Phase 1

The Navasota Planning and Zoning Commission approved a final plat and subdivision agreement for Pecan Grove Phase 1, a 41‑lot residential subdivision along Pecan Lake Drive, during its May 22 meeting.

The approval lets Cross Terrace Development LLC file the final plat with the county while several infrastructure items remain incomplete, provided the developer posts financial security and meets phased fee requirements. Commissioner Copeland moved to approve the plat and subdivision agreement; Commissioner Nakarwalla seconded, and the motion carried with no opposition.

City staff told the commission the project has been in development since a Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning was approved in 2023, followed by a minor PUD amendment in 2024 and a preliminary plat approval on Aug. 1, 2024. Luke (city staff) said public infrastructure installation has "begun and is now substantially complete" and that Phase 1 covers 41 lots over a little more than 11 acres. Paul Malek, a project engineer with MDC, was present representing the project.

The subdivision agreement allows the developer to record lots before every infrastructure item is finished while giving the city a guarantee to complete outstanding work if necessary. The city will accept a letter of credit in the amount of about $245,511 as financial assurance. Luke (city staff) described the timing language in the agreement, saying "the subdivision agreement lays out a 90 day window to complete most, if not all, of these improvements" and that the ordinance caps that period at two years; he added the letter of credit permits the city access to funds for up to 365 days after the city accepts the infrastructure.

The developer is required to pay a $15,000 sidewalk fee and a total parkland fee in lieu of $74,584. City staff said the $74,584 parkland fee is to be paid in three portions tied to the three project phases; the agreement does not specify equal splits, but it requires that all portions be paid before the development agreement could be considered satisfied. Staff also said the ordinance requires 3.042 acres of parkland and that the developer is providing 1.12 acres for the project; the fee in lieu covers the remainder.

Commissioners asked about several implementation details: the cluster mailbox serving the development will be in Phase 2, with a temporary mailbox location near Berdy Court for Phase 1 residents until the permanent cluster is completed; Oak Stand Lane will have sidewalk on only one side near the cul‑de‑sac because of green space and adjacency to neighboring property; and the developer has used a phased approach to sidewalk pours so homebuilders can pour driveways after sidewalks near corners are completed.

The commission’s approval authorizes staff to proceed with recording the final plat in the county records once required payments and the letter of credit are in place. No additional conditions or amendments to the motion were recorded at the meeting.

Next steps described at the meeting: the city will confirm deposit of the sidewalk and first parkland payments before filing the plat for Phase 1, and staff will monitor completion of remaining infrastructure under the financial assurance provisions.