Keene approves Covington Acres rezoning and plats for Kittle Property Group

KEENE, Texas — The Keene City Council unanimously approved a zoning change and two plats on June 23, 2025, clearing the way for Covington Acres, a Kittle Property Group multifamily development at 2632 East U.S. Highway 67.

The council voted to rezone a 24.7308-acre portion of the Hume McCollum survey, Abstract 570, Tract 12, from C-2 (General Commercial, office and light retail) to PD (planned development) based on multifamily (MF) zoning and granted two requested variances, including permission to build three stories where two are normally allowed and to provide four playgrounds instead of five. Councilmembers also approved the development's preliminary plat and final plat during the same meeting.

The rezoning and plats follow changes requested after the gas company required a larger easement; the developer and staff said the easement expansion increased the rezoned area from about 21.8 acres to 24.7308 acres and widened the easement/way from roughly 50.67 feet to 171.32 feet, which shifted several building pads north and west.

Why it matters: The approvals permit the planned multifamily project to proceed toward construction and are tied to the developer's state grant timeline for low-income housing. Councilmembers and staff discussed pedestrian access and safety near the site's Highway 67 driveway, and public comment raised concerns about density and resident safety.

Developer and staff presentations

A presenter identifi…