Planning commission backs rezoning to allow smaller lots at Maple Street site

The Abilene Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend approval of a rezoning request that would change about 30.91 acres at 1873 Maple Street from Planned Development District (PDD) 58 to a new Planned Development District, PDD 195, to allow single-family lots as small as 5,000 square feet with 5-foot side-yard setbacks.

Staff planner Adam Holland said the request (Z2025-21) would permit 5,000-square-foot minimum lot areas, 50-foot minimum lot widths and 5-foot side setbacks, and that staff found the proposal consistent with the city27s comprehensive plan and the Land Development Code. Holland told commissioners the proposal had produced one written opposition and one written support after notification was mailed.

Neighbors and nearby property owners urged the commission to consider traffic, drainage and maintenance needs before approving denser development. Robin Wertheim, a resident of Cynthia Court, said promises from earlier developers have not been kept and asked the commission to increase lot size and review traffic safety near the Abilene State Supported Living Center. "We are not opposed to housing. We are opposed to this size of lot," Wertheim said.

Paul Wertheim, another nearby resident, described localized drainage problems and said recent rains turned Lakeside Drive into a channel. He urged the commission to consider potential additional runoff if the site were developed. Laura Wardrop, who lives on Lyle Shores Drive, said Berry Lane and some neighborhood streets are narrow and already experience heavy traffic, trailers and roadside debris; she asked commissioners to retain larger setbacks rather than the proposed 5-foot side yard.

Clayton Ferro, agent for the owner with Jacob & Martin, said the property will drain west to Maple and that the concept plan shows a large detention pond near Maple; he also said the current development pattern and market demand make 50-foot-wide lots a common option and that the proposal aligns with nearby approved developments. Ferro said his client estimates roughly 139 lots could be created under the proposed plan but that final lot counts would depend on pond sizing and required grading.

Commission discussion noted that the proposed lots would be about 15% to 20% denser than RS-6 zoning and that Maple and Berry Lane are currently in need of public-works improvements. Several commissioners said drainage and road upgrades are typically handled through public works and plat/site-review processes rather than through zoning approval alone. Planning staff said the city is revising the Land Development Code and that a new RS district allowing 5,000-square-foot lots is under consideration; staff estimated the rewrite would return to commission review in roughly six to eight weeks.

After discussion the commission held a roll-call vote and recommended approval of the rezoning request. Commissioners voting in favor included Barnett, House, Carter, Halliburton, Lewis, Benham and others recorded in the roll call; the motion carried.

The commission noted that its recommendation is advisory and that property owners and neighbors who wish to appeal or comment further may file written objections with the city secretary or appear before city council when the case is heard there.