Council continues Moorhead Road annexation to August while urging conditional rezoning option

The council opened a public hearing July 16 on an applicant's request to annex two Moorhead Road parcels (listed in the petition as 611 and 6161 Moorhead Road) to permit connection to town water and sewer for single‑family development.

Planner Zach explained the parcels lie in the town’s ETJ and that the applicant requested annexation without changing zoning; that option would allow the applicant to tap town utilities without undertaking a conditional‑zoning process. Jason Gaddis, the applicant and local builder, described plans to remove dilapidated houses and build 3–5 new single‑family houses that would 'complete that block.' Neighbors asked about the number of houses, driveway access and whether the proposed houses would match nearby development standards.

Several councilmembers expressed concern that annexation without conditional zoning would allow development without local design commitments and urged the applicant to agree to go through the conditional‑zoning process so the town can secure written development commitments (setbacks, materials, sidewalks) enforceable on the property. The planner advised that conditional zoning requires review by the planning and zoning board and that a short timetable likely places public hearings in August and council action in September if the applicant proceeds.

After public comment, the council voted to continue the annexation decision to the August meeting to allow the applicant time to decide whether to seek conditional rezoning; the motion carried. The applicant and council members acknowledged that if the owner declines conditional zoning, the property owner retains rights under current zoning and could build under those allowances subject to septic/well feasibility and driveway permits.