Planning commission approves rezoning for Wallowa Business Park on Lake June Road

The Balch Springs Planning & Zoning Commission on March 19 approved rezoning application 002-2026 for roughly 11.76 acres at 11809 and 11825 Lake June Road, clearing the way for the proposed Wallowa Business Park.

Staff summarized the two-phase plan and recommended approval, telling commissioners the developer plans about 20 one-story commercial buildings with roughly 60 tenant spaces and on-site detention in the western portion of the parcel. Staff said required landscaping and a masonry perimeter where the site abuts single-family residences will be conditions of approval, and that the developer will be required to install a sidewalk along Lake June Road and a left-turn lane per the traffic study. "Staff recommends approval of rezoning application 002-2026," Jordan (staff) said during the briefing.

Applicant Nick Rosato spoke at the public hearing and described intended uses ranging from retail and restaurants to showroom and small warehouse suites. "I'm investing probably $20,000,000 in this full project," Rosato said, adding he expects to offer smaller, affordable rentable suites for local entrepreneurs. Rosato also said the developer will contribute $45,000 for tree preservation after the development agreement and an additional payment to the city center at issuance of the certificate of occupancy as described in staff materials.

Commissioners questioned traffic and design details: staff cited traffic-generation estimates of about 1,480 daily trips and roughly 161 peak-hour trips; commissioners asked whether signal timing around the site should be reviewed and about driveway access near Peach Tree. Commissioners also sought clarity on perimeter fencing; staff noted a minimum six-foot masonry fence is required where adjacent to residences and the applicant agreed to an eight-foot fence on the residential boundary during the discussion.

A separate exchange touched on political material found online associated with a third party connected to the project. "I was doing my research on this project, stumbled upon mister Pritchard's Facebook page," Commissioner Adams said, arguing an association could affect the city's reputation. Jordan responded that political views should not drive the commission's zoning decision: "I don't think that political views should be spoken about during..." the commission replied. Commissioners ultimately focused their deliberation on planning standards and public-safety and traffic mitigation measures.

The motion to approve the rezoning passed on a roll call vote, 5–2; Watson and King voted no. The motion authorized rezoning of the parcels at 11809 and 11825 Lake June Road from Industrial and Single Family to Commercial to allow development of the Wallowa Business Park.