Developers gain approval to rezone 317-acre Beldine/Dean Ranch for mixed-use plan in Willow Park

The Willow Park Planning and Zoning Commission voted to approve a rezoning request that would convert roughly 317.73 acres near the I-20/1187 interchange from R1 single-family to a Plan Development District to allow a mixed-use project by the Beldine/Dean Ranch developers.

The staff presentation noted the property was annexed on Jan. 14, 2025, and that the developer’s plan development application references a development agreement the city council approved on Nov. 12, 2024. Staff told commissioners they had reviewed the submission and recommended approval of the zoning change.

Developer Robert Bell, identifying himself and Logan Bell as the owners and developers, told the commission the plan divides the site into four primary zones — commercial, multifamily, light industrial and single-family — and described the submission’s packet maps and conceptual plan. "If you got the whole packet ... the plan development on page 17 kind of basically states how the property is planned to be used," Bell said. He said the single-family portion of the plan contemplates 79 lots.

Bell said the conceptual site includes walkable connections between housing and retail and would include trails and pocket parks as part of a parkland dedication. Staff confirmed the developer met the parkland dedication requirement. On potential commercial tenants, Bell said there has been interest from a range of users, but the conceptual plan does not guarantee specific retailers: "It's kind of like, okay, this is what could be," he said.

Commissioners pressed developers on infrastructure coordination, asking whether the project team had engaged TxDOT and county officials on access, acceleration lanes and traffic signals at I-20 and FM 1187. Bell said the team is working with TxDOT on access and related improvements. He and staff also described utility and site constraints and noted certain intensive uses — for example, data centers — would require separate special-use approval if pursued later.

A motion to accept the agenda item "as written" passed by voice vote. The transcript does not record a roll-call tally or the full names of commissioners who seconded motions; the approval was announced by voice as "the eyes have it." The commission did not record any public speakers during the hearing portion for this item.

Next steps: the approved rezoning establishes the Plan Development District zoning framework; specific uses, site plans, and any special-use permits (for example, for data centers) will require further applications and staff review.