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Developer presents Thompson Grove plan and PID request; council tables decision
Summary
On April 14 the Anna City Council heard a presentation from Kelby Golden of Onyx Development on Thompson Grove, an 18‑acre, 75–76‑lot single‑family planned development seeking annexation and PID financing. Staff said the project does not meet current PID policy and after extended debate the council voted 6‑1 to table the matter to May 12, 2026.
The Anna City Council on April 14 heard a detailed presentation on Thompson Grove, an 18‑acre pre‑annexation planned development proposed for the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction.
Kelby Golden, Onyx Development Company's lead presenter, told council the plan would yield about 75–76 lots, target an average starting price of roughly $580,000, and include design commitments such as 70% masonry on many elevations, increased facade articulation, varied roof pitches and a pocket park. "This is 18 acres... our goal is $580,000 average starting price," Golden said, arguing the project would offer a higher‑end single‑family product than much of the surrounding stock.
City staff, represented by Caleb Kempner, director of development services, said the packet before council outlined several shortfalls relative to the city's PID policy and that staff "is unable to provide a recommendation of approval" under the policy as written. Kempner noted the policy calls for developments that generate demonstrable, above‑and‑beyond public benefits; staff concluded the small size of the tract and limited amenity potential make it difficult for the proposal to meet that threshold.
Council members pressed the developers on enforcement and homeowner impacts. Golden said the developer would serve as declarant until the last lot sells and planned to use an HOA management company to enforce a proposed 3% rental cap; he described the PID assessment as a financing tool that lowers upfront lot costs to enable single‑family homes on a site that otherwise would be uneconomic. "The PID in its best form is that we can lower our cost to that home builder, that home buyer," Golden said.
Several council members questioned whether the assessment package and relatively small site would permit the kinds of enhanced, publicly accessible amenities typically used to justify a PID fee, and whether homeowners would perceive the assessment as an unfair extra tax without adequate return. Staff and councilors also discussed right‑of‑way issues along Ferguson Road and whether the developer should construct or fund improvements.
After extended questioning, a motion to deny failed 3‑4. Council then voted 6‑1 to table the request to the May 12, 2026 meeting to allow staff and the developer additional time to explore alternatives and possible revisions to the development agreement and financing approach. The vote to table included direction for staff to work with the developer on options and to return with recommendations.
