City briefs plan commission on Holford PD rezoning and South Garland lakeside area plan

City staff briefed the commission on two large planning efforts on Nov. 10: a city‑initiated Holford planned‑development rezoning intended to create an entertainment‑oriented urban business district around Holford Road and State Highway 190, and a long‑range (30–50 year) South Garland lakeside area plan covering roughly 800 acres.

On the Holford PD, staff said the vision is an urban business base zoning with sporting and event destinations, restaurants, retail, multifamily, and civic space. Staff emphasized that Spring Creek Preserve and associated floodplain areas would be protected by explicit buffer language in the PD and that any development near the preserve would face restrictions and special permit review.

On the South Garland lakeside plan, staff said the consultant‑led plan divides the area into subareas (Zion Point, North Point, South Point and Locust Grove) with recommendations for branding, taxable value growth, and connecting infrastructure. Staff noted prior bond funding ($25 million in bonds was cited by a commissioner as committed for redevelopment in the area) and said the plan could guide long‑term capital projects and future rezoning, with the consultant presenting to council in December.

Commissioners requested more detailed maps showing ownership, floodplain extent and the city‑owned frontage parcels; staff said those materials will be included in the Nov. 24 packet and underscored that much of the rezoning and plan language will aim to protect environmentally sensitive areas while enabling targeted economic development.

Next steps: Both items are expected for deeper review on Nov. 24, with the Holford rezoning returning with PD language and the lakeside plan moving toward city council review and possible adoption in December.