Planning commission approves McDonald Heights final plat in Ward 6

The Texarkana Planning Commission voted to approve the final plat for McDonald Heights, a new subdivision located at 6103 Mount Olive Drive in Ward 6. The commission’s action allows the applicant to proceed with construction after obtaining the required permits.

Planner Jamie (referred to in the meeting as "Miss Jamie") told commissioners the property sits at the corner of Mount Olive and McDonald Drive and that the only outside contact had come from a neighbor across the street. She said underground utilities have already been completed and that each home will have driveway access on McDonald Drive. Setbacks were clarified during discussion as 15 feet measured from the road shoulder/property line rather than from the roadway centerline.

A nearby resident who identified herself as Minister Sonia Collins asked whether the proposed development would affect neighboring properties and specifically where drainage would flow. Staff and commissioners responded that drainage had been addressed and that there is an adequate storm line off McDonald Drive.

A motion "to accept the plat as presented" was made and seconded; the chair called the roll and multiple commissioners recorded yes votes. The chair declared the plat accepted, and the applicant may proceed with construction subject to the city permitting process.

Next steps: the applicant must obtain all necessary building and site permits before construction begins, and the city will retain authority to enforce applicable development standards.