Temple council approves 122-acre planned development on Pegasus Drive with conditions

The Temple City Council on a 4-0 vote approved a planned-development rezoning for 122.152 acres along Pegasus Drive and Moores Mill Road that allows a mix of single-family, townhouses, multifamily (limited to Tract 1), and general retail uses on property currently owned by the Temple Economic Development Corporation.

City planner presenting the proposal, identified in the meeting as Mister Chapman, told council the project covers three tracts and that Tract 1 (about 59 acres) would be developed privately while Tracts 2 and 3 along Pegasus and Moores Mill would be retained by the city for future conveyance. Chapman said the developer proposed a mix with maximum percentages for Tract 1: 45% multifamily, 20% single-family and 30% general retail, and that duplexes would be prohibited.

The council’s planning and zoning commission recommended approval by a 5-4 vote. The council’s final approval incorporated staff and P&Z conditions, including UDC landscaping and buffering requirements between commercial and residential, a minimum 5-foot sidewalk along Moores Mill Road, Pegasus Drive and a future community collector, one enhanced entrance for every 150 dwelling units, subdivision platting before development, and a requirement that each dwelling have at least one qualifying front-yard tree.

During the public hearing, multiple residents said the area’s roads, water service, school capacity and trash collection were inadequate for large-scale development. Robert Smith and Laurie Bauer Pitts, residents on Pegasus Drive, said earlier annexation promises — including road and sewer work — had not been fulfilled and asked how the city would ensure infrastructure improvements. Angela Davis of 6830 Pegasus Drive voiced concerns about traffic, water-pressure issues and school enrollment impacts on Troy ISD. Several residents asked for city commitments on Pegasus and Moores Mill conditions before construction.

BJ Little, speaking from the council dais, clarified zoning is a preliminary step and said Tracts 2 and 3 that front Moores Mill and Pegasus are planned to be retained by the city; he said he was not aware of immediate plans to develop those parcels and emphasized additional approvals (preliminary and final plats) would be required before any ground disturbance. Thomas Baird, who said he is under contract to buy a portion of the privately developed tract, told the council he intends to maintain development standards to “make this a better place.”

Mayor Davis and council members said growth in the region is inevitable and that approving a planned development allows the city to impose standards and conditions that can be used to improve roads and utilities over time. Council member Pilkington moved approval; Council member Grant seconded. The motion passed 4-0.

Action and next steps: the zoning approval does not authorize immediate construction; developers must return with preliminary and final plats and obtain permits. Council members directed staff to prioritize future capital improvements on Pegasus and Moores Mill as development progresses.