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P&Z unanimously approves preliminary plat for True Fellowship Church; developer to dedicate right‑of‑way
Summary
The Balch Springs Planning & Zoning Commission approved preliminary plat application 008‑2026 for True Fellowship Church at 13420 Alexander Road, accepting a developer dedication of right‑of‑way for a planned two‑lane collector road and recommending the church remain in its current location.
A city staff member told the Balch Springs Planning & Zoning Commission on May 21 that preliminary plat application 008‑2026 would allow the existing True Fellowship Church at 13420 Alexander Road to remain while dedicating roughly 1.225 acres of land for a planned collector road through the adjacent Alexander Village development.
"Essentially, City of Balch Springs is the applicant," the staff member said during a presentation that included aerial maps, a land‑use chart and a recommendation that the commission approve the plat. Staff reiterated that religious uses are allowed in the property's industrial zoning district and that no changes to the church building itself were proposed.
Commissioners asked technical questions before the vote. Staff said the new collector will be two lanes (one lane each direction) with sidewalks and must meet Texas Department of Transportation right‑of‑way requirements. The staff member noted the right‑of‑way dedication is intended to accommodate a collector road that will eventually connect to the I‑20 frontage road and that the developer will fund construction work such as curb and gutter.
On the issue of safety buffers adjacent to the church, staff said the developer plans to build an 8‑foot masonry fence on its portion of the property and that the church and Alexander Village will reallocate small portions of land so driveways align as the current section of Alexander Road is abandoned and absorbed into the site. The staff member also said a trigger in an Economic Development Corporation (EDC) agreement will require a right‑turn lane on BeltLine once the developer reaches a specified amount of commercial square footage.
A commissioner suggested naming the new collector road for Mr. Freeman as a local honor; staff said they would pass that suggestion to the developer. With no public speakers during the hearing, Commissioner King moved to approve the preliminary plat and Commissioner Forge seconded. The commission voted unanimously to approve application 008‑2026.
The commission's action was procedural: the preliminary plat was approved with no change to the church's use or zoning. Staff noted TxDOT permitting timelines were a factor in the developer's desire to begin work as soon as possible.
