Planning commission rejects Merritt Crossing regulating plan and comp‑plan amendment for 8500 Merritt Road

The Rowlett Planning and Zoning Commission on Oct. 28 unanimously rejected (0–7) a regulating plan, a request to amend the comprehensive‑plan land‑use designation from Employment Center to Medium‑Density Residential, and a minor access warrant for a proposed 185‑unit townhome project at 8500 Merritt Road.

Senior Planner Michael King explained the project would occupy roughly 23.7 acres and that Townhome‑2 is an allowed use in the property’s Form‑Based Commercial Center zoning. He said the application complies with many form‑based development standards, proposes substantial landscaping along Merritt Road, wider alleys for fire access, and a pedestrian crossing at Fayetteville. “A lot of trees and landscaping along Merritt Road,” King said when summarizing applicant commitments.

Applicant Shaivali Desai, director of entitlement for the applicant, said the plan provides 185 attached units with 2 garage spaces per unit, 90 additional visitor spaces, 14 percent open space (exceeding the 10 percent minimum) and streetscape improvements consistent with the North Shore street segment standards.

Public comment was extensive and mixed. Carol Hooks and several other nearby residents supported the proposal, saying it would give a few long‑time property owners a chance to sell and remain in the community. Multiple neighbors, including Allison Felderhof and Nam Pham, opposed the change from Employment Center to residential and raised concerns about traffic, build‑to‑rent business models, developer track records and loss of the plan’s original economic vision.

Commissioner Hernandez moved to approve the regulating plan, comp‑plan amendment and minor access warrant; Commissioner White seconded. After discussion about land‑use consistency and the desire for mixed‑use or employment components on North Shore, the commission used a roll/show‑of‑hands method and the motion failed on a 0–7 vote.

Because the proposal required a recommendation to the city council for the comp‑plan amendment and regulating plan, the commission’s unanimous denial means the application will not move forward as presented.