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Residents urge council to keep one-acre zoning as Risewell developer delays formal presentation
Summary
After the Risewell Group asked to postpone a site-plan presentation, scores of nearby residents urged the council during a workshop and public comment to preserve 1-acre zoning, citing traffic, drainage and loss of rural character.
The Risewell Group asked council in the workshop to delay a formal site-plan presentation for roughly three weeks while it reworks its plans. Council allowed the postponement and invited residents to offer feedback in the interim.
During workshop discussion and the later public-comment period, many nearby property owners said they support growth but not smaller lot sizes. Pastor Tim Liston, Chad Rogers and other residents urged the council to preserve the area’s rural character and the one-acre minimum that now applies in open single-family residential zones. Chad Rogers said residents want to “keep Manville rural,” and several commenters said the comprehensive plan and previous public input supported protecting large-acreage neighborhoods.
Residents emphasized immediate concerns that would accompany denser development: existing drainage problems, narrow neighborhood roads such as Flora Road, risks to wildlife and trees, and increased traffic on FM 1128. Multiple speakers asked whether required infrastructure — drainage improvements, road widenings and water/sewer extensions or MUD annexation — would be guaranteed before construction.
Councilmembers acknowledged the concerns and described the current zoning (open single-family residential with a one-acre minimum) and the role of a PUD or planned development if the developer seeks smaller lots. They urged staff to prepare educational materials explaining the comprehensive land-use designation and noted the PDNZ (planning commission) will review any formal application.
Next steps: Risewell indicated it would present a revised site plan on July 6; staff will convey tonight’s council and public feedback to the developer, and the PDNZ will revisit the matter per its schedule.
