Aldermen approve first reading of large Waldron Road rezoning after talks on trees, traffic calming
Loading...
Summary
On April 7 the Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved first reading of Ordinance 2026-07 to rezone about 101 acres near Waldron and Blair roads to a higher-density planned residential district. Alderman Hobbs urged preserving a mature tree line and added traffic-calming measures; the city attorney said non-material amendments may be made before second reading.
The Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved first reading of Ordinance 2026-07 on April 7, 2026, to change roughly 101 acres near Waldron Road and Blair Road from R-1 low-density residential to PDR-R3 planned density residential.
Alderman Hobbs, who said she spent time meeting with the developer and neighbors, described efforts to preserve an existing mature tree line adjacent to the proposed PDR and pushed for traffic-calming measures on streets that will connect to the development. "We did have some discussion about preserving trees of a certain diameter along that line," Hobbs said, and asked that any agreed protections be added as amendments at second reading.
Other members also discussed pedestrian safety and the possible need for more than a four-way stop at the intersection of Walden Road and Dobson Knob Trail, with Hobbs and another alderman urging consideration of raised pedestrian walkways, speed tables or planters. "I still think we need some other traffic calming device there, other than a 4-way stop," Hobbs said.
The city attorney cautioned that amendments between readings are allowed "so long as it's not a material difference," citing the legal standard for what can be altered before final adoption. Council members said they would continue working with the developer to craft language for the second reading.
The motion for first reading passed on a roll call vote with the board recording ayes by Alderman Hobbs, Alderman Coates, Alderman Haas, the vice mayor and the mayor.
The ordinance received a favorable planning commission recommendation on Feb. 24, 2026, and the board held a public hearing the evening of the vote. Alderman Hobbs said she will continue discussions with the developer and neighbors to produce specific amendments for the next meeting.
Next steps: the ordinance will return for a second reading, where members said they expect to consider non-material amendments addressing tree preservation and traffic-calming measures.
