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Council approves 97‑acre rezoning after extensive public testimony on traffic, drainage and wildlife
Summary
The council approved a rezoning request to R‑1 (single‑family) for approximately 97.13 acres in eastern Killeen after lengthy public hearings where residents raised concerns about ingress/egress, flood risk and impacts to wildlife. Staff recommended approval consistent with the comprehensive plan; council approved the request.
The Killeen City Council on Jan. 20 approved a request to rezone roughly 97.13 acres from agricultural to R‑1 single‑family residential, a proposal developers say will yield new housing and that staff found consistent with the city's comprehensive plan.
Planning staff explained the parcel's background and the developer's preliminary concept plan, which showed connectivity and a potential future collector street network. Staff noted the recent state law (Senate Bill 15) changes that limit local lot‑size restrictions and can allow smaller single‑family lots under certain conditions.
"Based on the applicant's preliminary concept plan, the subject property will yield approximately 365 single‑family lots," a staff presenter said, adding that the ultimate lot count will be determined during the platting phase and must comply with infrastructure, drainage and open‑space requirements.
During an extended public hearing, residents and speakers cited traffic congestion on Cunningham and surrounding roads, insufficient existing access, drainage and flood concerns, and potential loss of wildlife habitat, including local reports of ornate box turtles. Several residents urged the council to require stronger infrastructure assurances before approving high‑density development.
One resident noted that planned ingress and egress rely on Mohawk Drive, which he said currently terminates and requires future construction. Another speaker asked that the council consider SR‑1 or other more restrictive districts to limit lot density.
Staff and council discussed the statutory limits imposed by state law and the city's options. Councilmember Solomon emphasized that state law limits how much the city can restrict lot sizes. "It's not the City Council; the state put that in place," he said.
After deliberation, and with staff recommending approval as consistent with the comprehensive plan and Planning & Zoning Commission input, the council voted to approve the rezoning (vote recorded as part of the public hearing proceedings). Councilmembers also noted that infrastructure, drainage and platting reviews would occur in subsequent phases before building permits could be issued.
What happens next: Approval of the zoning changes the land‑use classification; developers must submit preliminary plats and infrastructure plans that staff will evaluate for drainage, access, parkland dedication and other requirements before construction permits are issued.
