Developers present 45-unit build-to-rent townhome plan for Lexington/Independence corridor; P&Z had given negative recommendation

Majestic Developers presented Feb. 23 to the Missouri City Council an informational concept to rezone approximately 5.16 acres north of Independence Boulevard and Lexington Place from LC2 (local commercial) to a planned-development district to allow a 45-unit build-to-rent townhome community.

Shashi Kumar, assistant city manager, framed the item as informational only and said Planning & Zoning had issued a negative recommendation because the comprehensive plan identifies the corridor for commercial uses. Carmen Rodriguez, senior business consultant for Majestic Developers, and Aria Garvey, developer representative, answered council questions about unit mix, private streets, design standards and maintenance responsibilities.

Councilmembers asked whether the project would include a homeowners association and reserve accounts for private-street maintenance, and whether the developer would commit higher-quality materials visible from Lexington. The developer said the units would be clustered into 45 total units, primarily two- and three-bedroom layouts, and agreed to consider masonry along the Lexington frontage and to include maintenance responsibilities and reserve requirements in PD language.

Council discussion noted the corridor had been targeted long-term for commercial development and that Lexington had been widened with county and metro funding to serve as an east-west collector; several councilmembers said a townhome project might help screen adjacent mobile-home or underutilized properties and could be compatible if design standards were assured. Staff reiterated the item was informational and that the application would return at a future council meeting if the applicant moves forward.