Neighbors oppose higher‑density Creekline Village rezoning as planners recommend approval

City staff presented a rezoning application for what the packet calls Creekline Village (BAZ2826‑2026), asking to change the property from A‑1 agriculture to RSP (single‑family residential preservation) to allow a single‑family subdivision.

Rocky Hinkle, community development director, told council the conceptual plan proposed roughly 178 lots in RSP with the code’s 25% permanent open space requirement; staff recommended approval, saying the request is consistent with the comprehensive plan’s Level‑2 designation for most of the parcel and that the amount of acreage in a different designation is within the 10% allowed adjustment. Hinkle noted planning‑commission action earlier in June resulted in a recommendation of denial (3–1) with concerns focused on the smaller lot sizes in the proposal.

Several residents told council they opposed the rezoning because surrounding lots are much larger (acre or larger) and they worry about property values, traffic and loss of trees. Rick Bates and Robin Havener described a character mismatch between the proposed small‑lot neighborhood and the adjacent acre‑lots; Charles Sanders, a longtime local builder, said there are better uses than 40‑foot lots. The developer’s representative, Natalie Cornett of Eller & Dietrich, argued the RSP district is intended to provide smaller lots paired with 25% open space as an incentive for open‑space preservation and that the conceptual 178‑lot figure is likely to shrink once engineering and platting are complete.

Council discussion addressed the planning commission split, the comprehensive plan designations, buffer widths and whether a denial or conditions would better address neighborhood concerns. At the close of the public hearing a councilor moved to deny the rezoning request and another councilor seconded; the transcript records the motion and roll call but does not include a full roll‑call tally in the excerpt provided.