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Council considers rezoning 7.34-acre South Ferguson tract to R‑1; neighbor raises sewer, slope and traffic concerns
Summary
A developer seeks R‑1 zoning for a 7.34‑acre tract on Cliff Drive; the Planning & Zoning Commission and staff recommended R‑1 and the City Manager read a motion for first reading of Ordinance 11‑86. Resident David Proctor urged preservation as green space and questioned sewer and traffic safety.
The City of Graham held a public hearing on a proposed rezoning of a 7.34‑acre southern tract of the South Ferguson parcel (Appraisal District ID 10355) to R‑1 Single‑Family Dwelling. Planning & Zoning and city staff recommended R‑1 zoning and City Manager presented a motion to approve Ordinance No. 11‑86 on first reading.
City Manager said a developer recently acquired the parcel on the west side of Cliff Drive and proposed single‑family homes; staff referenced developer examples priced at about $103,000 and roughly 1,300 square feet. The Planning & Zoning Commission approved a preliminary plat and recommended the R‑1 district for the southern tract (Tract 1); final plat approval, utility connections and construction standards will be reviewed separately and are not part of the zoning decision.
Resident concerns: David Proctor of Rolling Hills spoke at length and said the tract is "entirely wooded" and hilly — pointing to the site’s terrain and suitability for trails or green space under the 2018 master plan. He pressed for details about wastewater and sewer plans, and asked how additional driveways would affect traffic on Cliff Drive where the speed limit is 45 mph and sight-lines are limited.
Staff response and policy framing: City Manager and staff repeatedly framed the zoning vote as a policy decision about future allowable uses — saying that approving R‑1 zoning signals that the highest and best use of the tract is residential, not parkland. Staff emphasized that utility extensions, sewer work and the final plat are separate steps and that costs and infrastructure design will be addressed during development review.
Next steps: City Manager read a motion for first reading of Ordinance No. 11‑86 to assign R‑1 Single‑Family zoning to the southern tract; the record shows discussion and public comment but no final zoning vote in the excerpt. Council members debated housing supply versus preservation: some emphasized the city’s clear need for more housing, while others urged caution until infrastructure and terrain issues are resolved.
