Timnath council approves White Wing preliminary plat, requires removal of gated vehicular entry

The Timnath Town Council approved the White Wing at Timnath Manor preliminary plat 3–1 on Jan. 27, requiring the applicant to remove the proposed gated vehicular entry and satisfy other staff conditions before final plat approval.

Planning staff told the council the application proposes roughly 40 estate-scale lots on about 40 acres, lots averaging about 27,000 square feet, and approximately 20% of the site counted as functional open space; staff recommended approval with conditions to ensure the proposal aligns with the town’s comprehensive plan. ‘‘Staff finds that the preliminary plat generally meets the subdivision approval criteria except for that first criterion regarding consistency with the comprehensive plan,’’ Planning staff said, recommending the removal of the gated entry to preserve connectivity and inclusivity.

Applicant Stephanie Thomas of EPS Group described multiple changes since the council’s October review: removal of pedestrian gates, relocation of some fencing, addition of a 1.1‑acre central park (bringing pocket parks to almost two acres), roughly 19 public parking stalls to serve the parks, and a reduction of vehicular gate hours to dusk–dawn only. ‘‘We removed all of the pedestrian gates … and to make sure the pedestrians knew that they could come and go, the public was welcome,’’ Thomas said.

Owner Greg Bamford told the council the project team had responded to prior feedback and that the gated element was intended only to limit overnight vehicular access: ‘‘We said, look, we wanna be in the spirit of connectivity … Let's just make the gates open all day, every day,’’ Bamford said, adding that the night‑time gate was proposed to provide residents a measure of control during late hours.

Council members raised two persistent concerns: compliance with the comprehensive plan and the long‑term maintenance of private roads if they remain private. Mayor Robert Oxmacher said that a gated community ‘‘does not comply with our comprehensive plan’’ and said he remained concerned about private roads and the risk that future maintenance obligations could fall on homeowners.

Council discussed whether to require that the developer deed roads to the town; a proposed amendment to add that as a fourth condition failed on a tied vote, 2–2. The council ultimately voted to approve the preliminary plat subject to staff’s three recommended conditions, which include removing the gated vehicular access and continuing coordination and required agreements with the canal company for improvements within the canal easement. The motion carried 3–1; Mayor Oxmacher cast the lone no vote.

Planning staff noted that approval of the preliminary plat authorizes preparation of a final plat and does not constitute acceptance of the subdivision, and that approval will be valid for two years with possible automatic extensions if a complete final plat submittal occurs.

Next steps: the applicant must address the staff conditions before final plat approval; staff also said utility, drainage and transportation elements will be reviewed in greater detail at the final‑plat stage.