Commission approves rezoning for 260-unit age-restricted development; 5–1 vote sends project to council

The Mesquite Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5–1 on Aug. 25 to recommend approval of a rezoning and comprehensive-plan amendment that would allow a roughly 260‑unit age‑restricted multifamily development on about 11 acres at 2210 East Zion Road. The application will go to City Council for consideration on Sept. 15.

Garrett Lankford, the city’s planning staff presenter, summarized the proposal and its context: “This is a request for a rezoning and a comprehensive plan amendment” that would change the site’s future land-use from light industrial to high‑density residential for a planned development with senior‑only units and a commercial parcel. Lankford also briefed the commission on recent state legislation (Senate Bill 840) that changes how cities may regulate multifamily developments, setting ceilings on density, building height and parking that will take effect next week.

Applicant Alan Noll described the developer’s experience with senior housing in Mesquite and elsewhere, noted partnership with the Mesquite Housing Finance Corporation and a national developer, and said the project is being financed with tax‑exempt bonds and tax credits. “This is about a $60,000,000 project,” Noll said, and he added that, if timelines hold, the team expects to start construction in February.

Commissioners focused questions on gated entrances, the applicant’s request to reduce covered parking from the standard 50% to 10%, driveway spacing and whether a traffic impact analysis would be required; staff said a traffic study is expected at the site‑plan stage and that the commission may add stipulations as part of a favorable recommendation. Several residents who spoke during the public hearing said they preferred senior housing over industrial uses but urged careful traffic and access design. Deborah Melton, who said she has decades of nursing experience, said she supported senior housing but noted traffic concerns at the East Glen/Clay Mathis intersection.

After discussion, Commissioner Meyland moved to approve the staff recommendation; the motion passed 5–1. Staff confirmed the item will be forwarded to City Council for Sept. 15.