Plan Commission approves Harmony Education Foundation replat, allows cul-de-sac exception

Lauren Hansen, chair of the City Plan Commission, opened the April 9 meeting and the commission considered Harmony Education Foundation Replat A, a resubdivision and preliminary plat in the city limits north of Sun Valley Drive and west of Dyer Street.

Alonso Hernandez of Planning and Inspections presented the proposal, saying staff recommended approval of the replat and the requested exception to allow a cul-de-sac to exceed the 300-foot length allowed under El Paso City Code Title 19. Hernandez said the application would vacate an existing access easement, dedicate right-of-way for an extension of Innovation Avenue, and manage stormwater by routing surface flow to an on-site pond on Lot 1, Block 1. "With this staff recommends approval of Harmony Education Foundation Replat A on a resubdivision combination basis and approval of the exception request," Hernandez said.

Commissioners asked whether a future connection could remove the cul-de-sac designation; staff replied that a future development could provide a second access so the street would no longer be a cul-de-sac. Applicant representative Alan Area of CA Group described the project phasing and confirmed the school site would retain existing access and that the applicant agreed with staff comments.

After discussion the commission moved to approve the replat and the exception request; the motion was seconded and approved. The commission's action was a recommendation consistent with the commission's role to forward non-subdivision items to city council when appropriate. The item will proceed according to hearing processes described by staff.