Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Rezoning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Whitehouse council denies rezoning for Hagen Oaks development after resident objections
Summary
After extensive public comment from neighbors concerned about density, parking and property values, the Whitehouse City Council voted to deny a developer's request to amend the Hagen Oaks planned development to remove an age restriction, eliminate a private gate, and reduce minimum home size to 1,100 sq ft.
The Whitehouse City Council denied a rezoning request for a roughly 2-acre tract in Hagen Oaks at the 600 block of Hagan Road Tuesday after multiple residents raised concerns about density, parking and potential impacts on property values.
Staff described the developer's requested amendments to the planned development as removing an age restriction, eliminating a private entry gate and reducing the minimum dwelling size from approximately 1,600 square feet to 1,100 square feet. Mister Hooter said the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval; notices were published and neighbors within 200 feet were notified.
Several nearby residents told the council they had purchased or built homes expecting the previously approved gated, 55-plus plan. Stacy Walker, who lives adjacent to the property, said the proposal "reduces security" and asked whether a buffer or security fencing would be provided. Jim Nipp said downgrading zoning "undermines the trust" that residents relied on when investing in the neighborhood.
Developer Brent Conway said his firm prefers single-family, single-story detached homes and that the 1,100-square-foot footprint allows a single-story plan instead of two-story townhomes. Conway also acknowledged the units would "very likely" be rentals but said the community would be professionally managed and include restrictions to maintain yards and appearance.
Council members debated whether to retain the age restriction while allowing a smaller single-story footprint. Several members said preserving an age restriction would address neighbor concerns about two-story units and density; the developer said such a restriction might be a deal-breaker. After discussion, a councilmember moved to deny the rezoning request and the motion carried on a voice vote.
