Planning commissioners approve concept-plan amendment for 28 townhomes at Castle Rock Parkway

The College Station Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday night approved a concept-plan amendment that would allow a 2.6-acre, 28-unit townhome development at the terminus of Castle Rock Parkway to use smaller front setbacks and front on a private access drive rather than a public street.

Staff planner Garrett Seagraves told commissioners the applicant requests two specific modifications: to allow townhomes to front the private access drive instead of a public street and to reduce front setbacks on certain lots (from 20 feet to 8 feet for lots fronting the private access drive and from 25 feet to 20 feet for other lots). The amendment applies to a Planned Development District concept plan; Seagraves recommended approval, saying the revised concept includes a community benefit of 50% more landscaping — one additional canopy tree per unit — above the standard requirement of two canopy trees per townhouse unit.

Why it matters: the change alters where building faces and access are allowed and reduces required yard space, which affects neighborhood character, tree preservation and pedestrian orientation. Under the applicant’s proposal, the project would add one canopy tree per unit on an estimated 28 units, effectively increasing canopy-tree plantings by 28 trees compared with the standard requirement.

During the public hearing, Cynthia Dubois, a nearby resident who identified her address, urged the city to reduce clear-cutting by developers and asked whether new residents would have access to the existing neighborhood swimming pool. "Why do we allow a developer to come in and clear cut an area ... taking down trees," Dubois said, and asked the commission to press the city council to do more to preserve trees and wildlife. Staff and the commission encouraged Dubois to raise specific amenity- and access questions at the upcoming council hearing and with the developer.

Commission discussion focused on whether similar setback reductions exist nearby and the practical effect of granting the modification. Seagraves said the request is specific to this site and that the larger PDD previously adopted anticipated that individual parcels would return with concept-plan amendments when developed. He confirmed the proposal calls for 28 units and explained that, if the variance were denied, the development could still be built but without the offered extra landscaping ("they can still build it, but they'll have 50% less trees," Seagraves said).

A commissioner moved to approve the amendment; the chair seconded, and the motion passed by voice vote. Seagraves said the item is scheduled for the Dec. 11 City Council meeting. The commission noted residents may address the council and the developer at future hearings for questions about pool access or other neighborhood concerns.

Next steps: the approved concept-plan amendment will be transmitted to City Council for consideration on Dec. 11. Residents interested in the project were directed to address the council or the developer to clarify amenity access and other community concerns.