Commission approves amended zoning for The Post at Anna with height and open-space stipulations after public opposition

The Planning and Zoning Commission on June 2 recommended approval of an amended zoning plan for The Post at Anna, a large mixed-use site along US Highway 75 and the Collin County Outer Loop, after extended public comment and debate. The vote passed 4–1.

Staff said the item is technically a repeal-and-replace of an earlier plan development. Under the prior zoning the site allowed commercial uses and up to 700 multifamily units; the new concept reduces multifamily entitlements (the concept plan shows 383 units) and reallocates some frontage to commercial uses, while the developer proposed dedicating a hotel site to the city for economic development purposes.

Jim Luscombe, a Foster Crossing-area resident, told the commission he opposed adding more apartments and handed out photos showing morning traffic backed up on Loop 75 near the proposed site. He urged commissioners to resist drive-through restaurants and to hold developers to the convention-center and hotel commitments previously promoted. Several email submissions submitted before the hearing also expressed opposition, citing traffic and access concerns.

Commissioners raised technical questions about density, unit bedroom mix, open-space calculations and waivers requested by the applicant. Lauren (staff) explained the city’s multifamily open-space standard requires 600 square feet for the first bedroom and 300 square feet for each additional bedroom; the applicant requested reductions (for example, 450 square feet for the first bedroom and 200 for additional bedrooms). Commissioners discussed height limits: the C1 zoning district has a lower height cap while C2 allows up to 70 feet.

The applicant was not present at the hearing. Commissioners and staff debated whether to retain prior stipulations limiting bedroom mixes and how to treat the requested reductions in open space and height allowances. Commissioner Volmer made a motion to approve with specific stipulations: allow 70-foot height for the hotel portion (C1 area converted for the hotel) but limit restaurants and commercial buildings to a 25-foot height consistent with C1, and deny the applicant’s requested reduction of multifamily open-space (retain 600 + 300 standard). Commissioner Herman seconded. The motion passed 4–1.

Staff noted the developer will need to meet applicable parking, floodplain and permitting requirements; commissioners said they expect continued coordination on access points, bridge or culvert improvements needed to connect different parts of the site and traffic studies to assess impacts to Foster Crossing and Loop 75.