Council adopts small-area plan for "The Grove at Trophy Club," rejects explicit ban on apartments

Trophy Club councilmembers voted Oct. 27 to approve the small-area plan known as The Grove at Trophy Club, a nonbinding development guide that staff and the Economic Development Corporation say is intended to help attract development consistent with town goals.

Staff said the final document clarifies that any reference to "residential" in the plan is intended to mean owner-occupied dwellings, not rental apartments, and that green space should be integrated into commercial areas rather than stand-alone park parcels. Town staff and the EDC presented the document as a template for future developers.

The plan drew opposition from some councilmembers who said any residential designation could be a pathway to multifamily development. One councilmember said they would vote against apartments in Trophy Club. Supporters of the plan argued it is a high-level template, not zoning, and that overly narrowing acceptable uses could discourage developers from undertaking the project.

A motion to adopt the small-area plan passed by council vote; two members voted no (Stacy and Dennis) and the motion carried.

Staff noted that any specific development proposals that come forward will be subject to separate review by the Planning and Zoning Commission and a future council vote, at which time specific land-use, density and site-plan details will be considered.

The adopted plan emphasizes owner-occupied residential as a potential option, integrated open space, and guidance intended to support commercial success in the area.