Council approves rezoning for 150‑unit Parkland Communities project on Celebrate Life Parkway

The Newman City Council voted to amend the zoning map to allow Parkland Communities to develop about 32 acres off Celebrate Life Parkway as a 150‑unit multifamily rental community, reducing the applicant’s original proposal of 220 units and capping density to the submitted concept plan.

Planning staff told the council the revised proposal meets five of eight required zoning standards but noted concerns about tree‑management compliance and the need for traffic mitigation where required. “The staff summary finds that this does meet five out of eight required zoning standard assessments,” the planning director said in his report, while noting the planning commission recommended denial by a 5‑0 vote.

Developer Stephen Jones, representing Parkland Communities, described substantive revisions since the last hearing that reduced density, increased green space, and added a link‑trail connection through the site. Jones said the revised unit mix lowers the share of three‑bedroom units and that the weighted average rent estimate aligns with the city’s projected median household income. Parkland representatives also offered to preserve natural areas on the north side of the site and to cooperate on a trailhead and public parking options.

Why it matters: the council’s approval changes allowable use for roughly 32 acres and is projected by staff to generate property value and impact fees; staff estimated the project could generate about $60,500,000 in property value if developed per the concept plan. The action will affect traffic, school capacity and tree‑management requirements; staff recommended capping the project at 150 rental units if council approved.

Council action: after presentations and brief questions from council, a motion to adopt the amended zoning map reflecting the latest site plan and the 150‑unit cap carried. Staff and the applicant will follow up to ensure the final ordinance matches the approved site plan and includes the unit cap and any required mitigation.

Next steps: council asked that the final ordinance reference the latest exhibit/site plan as part of the zoning amendment and that staff coordinate required traffic turn lanes and tree‑management compliance as the project proceeds through permitting.