Groves holds joint public hearing on proposed 9-unit apartment at 2238 Main Avenue

The Groves City Council and the Planning & Zoning Commission held a joint public hearing on Sept. 8 to consider a specific-use permit request from Jorge Mancilla Jr. for a nine-unit apartment project at 2238 Main Avenue.

Consultant Joe Patty, representing the applicant, told the council the proposal is for nine three-bedroom units of roughly 1,340 square feet each, with one-car garages and two storage units, landscaping, and a security fence around three sides of the site. Patty said utilities are available and that the developer plans wrought-iron fencing along the front. Patty identified himself as a project consultant: “My name is Joe Patty. I’m with Arsenal, Wilson and Coleman, and Sears, and we’re the consultant on this project.”

The hearing record included the legal description provided in the notice and the city’s statement that the meeting was posted under the Texas Open Meetings Act (Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code) on Sept. 2, 2025. The owner, Jorge Mancilla Jr., was not in attendance; a representative appeared in his stead and answered members’ questions.

Council members and staff asked detailed questions about on-site parking, emergency vehicle access and stormwater retention. Patty said the site plan provides 13 additional parking spaces in front; council members noted the city ordinance parking standard is two spaces per unit. On emergency access, staff described a hammerhead turnaround intended to meet turnaround policy; dimensions discussed during the hearing ranged from about 100 to 110 feet across, while staff said the policy requires 96 feet. Council members pressed whether the turnaround would allow a two-point maneuver and whether a three-point turn would be sufficient; staff said a two-point turnaround would be acceptable.

Questions were also raised about stormwater retention/drainage; Patty indicated the drainage design is underground and that the project team has addressed prior planning‑commission comments. City staff confirmed that property owners within 200 feet were notified and that the Planning & Zoning Commission will submit a recommendation to the council.

No final action was taken at the Sept. 8 meeting. The planning commission will meet independently and provide a recommendation; the council will consider a final determination at a future meeting.

The public‑hearing notice lists Don Pedraza as the building official for additional information and notes the request is being considered under the city’s specific‑use permit ordinance.