Planning commission approves rezoning, allows high-alcohol cup for 229-acre Old Highway 95 mixed‑use plan

The City of Temple Planning and Zoning Commission on Oct. 6 approved a package of land‑use changes and a planned‑development rezoning for 229.361 acres on Old Highway 95 that clears the way for a large mixed‑use project with detached single‑family homes, townhomes, multifamily and general retail, and a CUP permitting on‑premise alcohol sales comprising more than 75% of gross revenue in the retail area.

The action bundled three related items: amendments to the City of Temple Comprehensive Plan 2020 future‑land‑use map, a thoroughfare plan amendment, and a rezoning/binding site development plan for the property addressed as 8930 and 9018 Old Highway 95. Staff presented the case and recommended approval of the plan and thoroughfare amendments and of a zoning approval subject to 15 conditions — including a staff recommendation that any CUP for on‑premise alcohol limit alcohol receipts to no more than 75% of gross revenue (a restaurant‑type threshold). Commissioners voted to approve the amendments and to adopt the rezoning with a CUP permitting more than 75% of revenue from alcohol sales.

Why it matters: the rezoning establishes a framework for a large, multi‑phase development that the applicant said will include at least 40% detached single‑family homes and a mix of attached housing, multifamily and up to 25% retail uses. Staff and the commission said the package also will reshape transportation needs in the area and trigger infrastructure reviews, including signals and collector/arterial connections that must be coordinated with the city engineer.

What staff and consultants told commissioners Cheryl Maxwell, who presented the zoning case, said the proposal changes the future‑land‑use designation…