Council denies rezoning and SUP for proposed four-unit development at 229 E. Seventh St.

The Anna City Council voted 6-1 July 22 to deny a rezoning request and a specific-use permit (SUP) that would have allowed a four-unit, two-story multifamily development at 229 East Seventh Street.

Stephanie Scott Sims, director of Development Services, told the council the applicant sought to rezone the property from SF-1 (single-family residential) to Downtown Neighborhood zoning and requested an SUP for a four-unit multifamily building with attached garages and visitor parking. Sims said the proposal "is in conformance with the comprehensive plan and downtown master plan," and noted the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval with conditions.

Several residents spoke in opposition at the public hearing. Nancy Hazel, who said she owns property across the street, said the area has "a soul" she feared would be lost if higher-density development were approved. Realtor Kimberly Christianson, who said she has lived in Anna since 1975, asked the council to consider the city's downtown design goals and historic preservation plans.

The applicant's team, represented by Fia Zutiano of DBD Texas and architect Ken Hollyfield, described the project as a modest, townhome-style infill consistent with the master plan's urban-living designation. Zutiano said the design was intended as a "gentle transition" between the downtown core and surrounding neighborhood and that each unit would include a garage and on-site visitor parking. Hollyfield said each unit would be about 850 square feet and that driveways were designed to allow tandem parking.

Council members expressed concern about parking, neighborhood character and the potential for incremental change in historic areas not yet formally designated. One council member moved to deny the rezoning and SUP; the motion passed 6-1.

The denial preserves the property's SF-1 zoning. The council record does not show additional conditions or alternatives approved for the site.