Manvel planning commission tables HJR Veil Center variance request amid right-of-way and drainage-easement questions

The Manvel Planning, Development & Zoning Commission on Sept. 8 voted to table a recommendation to City Council on a subdivision variance request from the developers of the HJR Veil Center, citing unresolved questions about a 1994 drainage easement and how required right-of-way dedication would affect the site.

Staff told commissioners it does not recommend waiving the required right-of-way dedication along the south boundary but would support allowing the developer to escrow funds for future street and sidewalk construction, subject to four conditions including an escrow amount set by the city engineer and a two-year expiration of the escrow if construction does not start.

Applicant Richard Rayner and representatives told the commission the site is constrained by an existing drainage easement recorded in 1994, the presence of a low‑use TxDOT access permit and extensive on-site detention needs that reduce usable land. Rayner said the development already has…