Residents question tree loss and zoning as large Watercolor apartment and mixed‑use development advances
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Summary
Neighbors raised concerns about tree clearing, privacy and the shift from townhomes to three‑story multifamily units in the Watercolor development; city staff said the project complies with zoning and noted some constraints such as a gas pipeline easement that limits on‑site tree planting.
Residents near the Watercolor development and other construction sites pressed city planners about tree removal, altered views and zoning designations at the Euless town hall.
Several residents described the loss of mature trees and the visual impact of larger buildings where they had expected smaller townhome units. Kamal Kadad told officials the development had “changed the characters of our neighborhood” and asked the city to require more replacement trees. He said the project was initially presented as townhomes but now includes three‑story apartment buildings.
Michael Warrick, director of planning and economic development, replied that the current construction complies with the approved zoning and planned‑development documents and that in some areas the project actually reduced allowable heights relative to prior zoning. Warrick noted an existing 50‑year‑old gas‑pipeline easement in part of the site that prevents tree planting within the easement itself and said the city plans additional street‑edge plantings just outside the easement to provide screening. “They are building in accordance with the zoning,” Warrick said, and he invited property owners to meet with planning staff to review the zoning history and any options for rezoning individual parcels.
Officials also described the city’s landscape ordinance and an ordinance that prohibits indiscriminate clearing on new site plans; developers must show removed trees on site plans and meet replacement calculations. Warrick acknowledged that modern grading and code requirements, including ADA and fire lanes, sometimes require removal of large trees, but said the city’s ordinance requires replacement plantings or landscape mitigation as part of site plan approvals.
Residents asked about rezoning and what it would cost; staff said property owners can petition for rezoning, fees are substantially less than $5,000 in most cases and that planning staff would review specific property histories upon request. Staff told residents to provide contact details and planning staff would follow up with individualized information.