Decatur planning commission backs annexation of right-of-way to complete Paloma Trails Boulevard connection

The Decatur Planning and Zoning Commission on Sept. 2 recommended that City Council adopt an ordinance annexing a narrow strip of land to create right-of-way for Paloma Trails Boulevard and tie that road into Old Denton Road.

Development Services staff told commissioners the annexation would allow the strip to be deeded to the city as right-of-way and is limited to the hatched area shown on the exhibit. "This is an annexation request for a right of way for the Paloma Trails subdivision," the staff member said, noting the city council previously approved a resolution to move forward and that the annexation had its first and second readings on Aug. 11 and Aug. 21, 2025.

Staff said the developer acquired the parcel after development began and that the strip is intended to complete access through the subdivision. Staff recommended approval "provided that the applicant addresses the engineering and third party reviews comments before the adoption of the annexation and annexation ordinance," and told commissioners that nine property owners were notified and that staff received one phone inquiry from an adjacent property owner wanting to know how the annexation would affect her property.

Sam Satterwhite, identifying himself as representing the developer, addressed the commission and said he was "here to answer any questions you may have." Commissioners asked for clarification that the two houses shown adjacent to the hatched area are not part of the annexation; staff confirmed the two houses on either side of the strip are not being annexed and that access to the nearby tower and houses will remain from Old Denton Road.

Commissioner Will Clossey moved to recommend approval to city council contingent on the applicant providing the outstanding information requested by staff; Commissioner Mason Woodruff seconded. The commission indicated unanimous support and approved the recommendation.

Next steps: the annexed strip would be deeded to the City of Decatur as right-of-way only after the applicant addresses outstanding engineering and exhibit corrections and after final adoption of an annexation ordinance by City Council.