Planning commission recommends annexation of 24.59 acres near W. State Highway 21

The Bryan Planning and Zoning Commission on Jan. 15 recommended that City Council approve an owner-requested annexation of 24.59 acres near the intersection of Smetana Road and West State Highway 21.

Staff planner Mikaela Dickinson told the commission the property — described in the application as part of the John Williams League — would be split on annexation into roughly 4.83 acres zoned Innovation Corridor Retail Services (ICRS) along West State Highway 21 and about 19.76 acres zoned Innovation Corridor High Density Residential. "Staff does recommend approval of this request," Dickinson said, adding that the proposed zoning matches the area shown in the city’s Western Gateway future‑land‑use designation and the Innovation Corridor overlay.

Dickinson said staff had received one call from the county fire chief raising concerns about access and utilities; she said those issues will be addressed during the planning and site‑development review if the annexation proceeds. Commissioner (speaker 5) moved to recommend approval to Bryan City Council and adopt the staff report as the commission’s findings; the motion carried unanimously.

Commissioners who spoke in support said the requested Innovation Corridor designations preserve the applicant’s intent for retail services near the highway while accommodating higher‑density housing set back from the roadway. The commission recorded no public speakers on the item and no written oppositions were noted in the staff presentation.

The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to Bryan City Council for final action.