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 identified as Mr. Martin described the acreage increase and the easement changes that required moving buildings and expanding the rezoned footprint. Elena Harson, identified as a representative of Kittle Property Group, said sidewalks exist throughout the property but there was no sidewalk extending from the subdivision gates to the highway; she noted that TxDOT approval will be required for work at the entry roadway and that the developer's civil plans show cleared, walkable grass between the entry and the road but not a formal sidewalk.

Public comment and council questions

A member of the public, identified as Mr. Knott, opposed permitting high-density multifamily units close together, citing concerns about noise, motorcycles and overall quality of life for residents. Council members asked whether sidewalks would connect the development to the highway and nearby businesses such as Tractor Supply; staff and the developer said the plat process does not necessarily require a sidewalk to the highway and that TxDOT must be consulted about roadway work.

City staff and the city's third-party civil reviewers told the council that the preliminary plat, civil plans and building plans had been reviewed and accepted; the planning and zoning commission had recommended approval at its May 12, 2025, meeting.

Council action and legal/administrative steps

City legal staff advised councilmembers on the motion language for rezoning: the motion to approve must include authorization for an ordinance so the council can adopt the ordinance at a subsequent meeting. Councilmembers followed that advice when they moved and seconded the rezoning motion.

Votes at a glance

- Rezoning and variances (Kittle Property Group / Covington Acres): Motion text: "I move that the council approve the zoning request change application received from the Kittle Property Group for a 24.7308 acre portion in the Hugh McCollum survey, abstract 570, TR 12 within the City of Keene, Texas from C2, General Commercial District, Office and Light Retail to PD, planned development based on MF, multifamily zoning, the due variances requested and authorizing an ordinance." Mover: Councilman Foster. Second: Councilmember Shaw. Outcome: approved unanimously (council recorded as unanimous).

- Preliminary plat (Covington Acres): Motion text: "I move that the council approve the preliminary plat as revised for the Covington Acres development submitted by the Kittle Property Group." Mover: Councilmember Chapman. Second: Councilmember Shaw. Outcome: approved unanimously.

- Final plat (Covington Acres): Motion text: "I move that council approve the final plat for the Covington Acres development submitted by the Kittle Property Group." Mover: Councilman Foster. Second: (recorded as second). Outcome: approved unanimously.

Related council actions and next steps

Council members and staff flagged pedestrian and traffic-safety items for follow-up: multiple councilmembers requested staff pursue whether sidewalks, man gates or handicap ramps could be added at the development's driveway and whether TxDOT would allow a crosswalk or other safety treatments on Highway 67. City staff said TxDOT review and approval would be required for work at the entryway and that sidewalk connections to nearby commercial properties were a separate consideration from the rezoning and plat approvals.

The developer told council the easement changes were driven by the gas company's requirements and that civil plans and third-party reviews were complete; staff said the formal ordinance to implement the rezoning will be prepared for a future council meeting as advised by city legal staff.

Context and upcoming meetings

Council approved the rezoning and plats during a special called June 23 meeting that also set future dates for regular meetings: the council rescheduled the July 3 meeting to July 8 and confirmed a July 10 budget presentation and meeting. Staff said the developer needs the rezoning approval by the end of the month for a state grant and that the ordinance will be prepared for a subsequent meeting.

Ending

Council members said they expect to revisit related infrastructure items (sidewalks, crosswalks, TxDOT coordination) in future meetings as the plat and permitting process moves forward; no action requiring TxDOT approval was taken at the June 23 meeting.