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Developers present 316‑acre Blackwell proposal; Manvel council raises traffic, drainage and lot‑size concerns
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Summary
DR Horton and DHI Engineering presented a proposal for roughly 316 acres on Masters Road with about 745 single‑family lots. City staff and council said traffic concentration on Masters Road, drainage impacts and the town’s draft rural‑preservation land use make the 60‑foot lot plan premature; council invited the developer to redraw larger‑lot options and provide traffic/drainage analyses.
DR Horton and DHI Engineering presented plans for the Blackwell/Booth assemblage—about 316 acres on the city’s south side near Masters Road—at a Manvel City Council workshop. Kyle Tollefson, a DR Horton land manager, told council the preliminary layout anticipates roughly 745 single‑family lots at a minimum 60‑foot width and a mix of one‑ and two‑story homes, with on‑site lakes, trails and an amenity center. “We’re looking at about a two‑year period before you actually see anything put on the ground,” he said.
City staff and council members focused quickly on circulation and stormwater. City Manager Dan Jones and planning staff said the proposed development sits outside the special flood hazard area but noted an ultimate 130‑foot drainage easement in the master drainage plan and limited existing right‑of‑way that would funnel virtually all new traffic onto Masters Road. “Traffic’s just almost a stop for me,” said Councilman Bonner, who estimated that 745 homes could add 1,500–2,000 vehicle trips and said he would favor larger lots—ideally half‑acre or 1‑acre parcels—if development is to be considered.
Council and staff also asked for clarity on utilities. The developers described options to build on‑site water and wastewater facilities and to partner with the city or regional providers for long‑term operations. The team said they are prepared to follow local regulations and would not be requesting tax abatements or other incentives at this time.
Rather than a vote, council offered a straw poll: as presented, members would not support the 60‑foot‑lot plan. Multiple councilmembers said they would consider revised plans with larger lots, stronger traffic mitigation and detailed drainage studies. The developers agreed to return with revisions and additional engineering reports.
