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DeSoto planning commission tables 200-unit Avila/Dogwood Canyon zoning after residents raise traffic and density concerns
Summary
After an hour of public comment focused on traffic, density and notice, the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously tabled Zoning Case Z154826 (PD202 Avila/Dogwood Canyon) to June 23, 2026. Staff and the applicant said a Traffic Impact Analysis is pending; the proposal would place about 200 build-to-rent units on 24.274 acres.
The DeSoto Planning and Zoning Commission on April 28 unanimously voted to table a zoning request that would establish Plan Development 202 (PD202) for a 24.274-acre site known as Avila/Dogwood Canyon.
Vice Chair Graham opened a public hearing on Zoning Case Z154826 after staff recommended approval, saying the request aligns with the 2024 comprehensive plan’s medium-density residential designation. City planner Ms. Patel told commissioners the applicant seeks a multifamily base zoning with several deviations for building and lot standards and that the city mailed 44 notices for the project (24 within 200 feet). Ms. Patel said staff can support forwarding the case to City Council as presented.
Josh Eady, the applicant’s development representative for Next Metro Communities, said the plan calls for roughly 200 single-story, build-to-rent homes on a single lot. "So as mentioned, 24 acres, 200 homes. It's about 8.2 homes per acre," Eady said, and added that the site plan would lock the proposed building footprints and unit mix. He said parking will be "over 2 spaces per unit," the product will be gated with amenities, and a Trip Generation memo has been submitted; a full Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) will follow.
Multiple residents urged rejection, citing traffic and safety concerns and the project's effect on neighborhood character. James Scully said he opposed the zoning, raising worries that Westmoreland Road is already busy and that drivers will divert to Spinner Road. "I'm opposed," Scully said. Phyllis Jost criticized the public-notice process and the placement of signs; Glenn Rodriguez called the plan "overcrowding, plain and simple," warning of up to "33 people and 20 vehicles" per acre under the proposal.
City staff and the city engineer, MD Hoshan, told the commission the TIA scope has been defined, traffic counts will be collected in the coming weeks and a completed TIA is expected by the end of June; the TIA will identify specific improvements and the developer’s proportional responsibility for them. Hoshan said some improvements immediately adjacent to the site could be 100% the developer’s responsibility if warranted.
Commissioner Dewberry expressed concern about reduced side-yard widths and life-safety implications if the development is more dense. After discussion about whether to wait for the TIA, Commissioner Leroy moved to table Z154826 to the June 23, 2026 meeting; Commissioner Edwards seconded and the motion passed by unanimous voice vote.
The tabling means the commission will revisit the case on June 23, after the applicant submits the TIA and any related materials. Staff also noted an open-records request for project documents had been fulfilled through the city secretary’s office.
