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Council tables I‑35/Harmony Way commercial development after debate on retail vs. office mix
Summary
After extended discussion over the mix of retail/restaurant and office space for a proposed I‑35/Harmony Way development, the council tabled an amendment to PD‑107 to allow staff and the developer time to consider limits and required PD changes.
The Red Oak City Council on Tuesday tabled consideration of an amendment to PD‑107 for a commercial development at Harmony Way and I‑35 after extended debate about the project's frontage uses.
Planning staff and the applicant described the site layout, landscaping, drainage and parking for multiple future lots within the development. The applicant’s representative, Jeremy Nelson of Westfall Engineering, said façade renderings presented were conceptual and that the developer did not yet have finalized tenants; he said restaurants are typically more lucrative than office but the developer was open to discussions with the city.
Several councilmembers expressed concern that too much office space could reduce sales-tax-producing uses on the limited I‑35 frontage and asked whether the development ordinance could require a minimum percentage of retail/restaurant uses on the frontage. Staff explained that because the project sits within an existing PD, changes to the plan development ordinance would likely require a PD amendment and additional review by planning and zoning, but said there are mechanisms the council could pursue.
Council members and the applicant agreed to continue discussions; the council closed the public hearing and later, after executive session, moved to table the item and directed staff and the applicant to pursue follow-up, including checking original PD language and exploring possible percentage limits or PD amendments.
What matters: The outcome preserves council oversight and allows time for staff and the developer to negotiate use limits intended to preserve sales-tax potential along I‑35.
Next steps: Staff and the applicant will review the original PD language, discuss possible use limits with the developer and, if necessary, pursue a PD amendment and additional Planning & Zoning review. The item may return to council at the next meeting or after P&Z review.
