Prosper planning commission approves Creekside amenity but requires masonry wall next to homes

The Prosper Plan and Zoning Commission on April 21 approved a site plan for an amenity area in the Creekside subdivision, adding a masonry wall along the southern portion next to backyards in place of the ornamental wrought-iron fence shown in the plan.

Commissioner Hamilton moved to approve item 4e “subject to a change of adding a wall instead of the wrought iron fence on that southern portion of that amenity center.” Takari, the staff presenter, told the commission that the final plat was approved March 25 and that “town staff does recommend approval of this site plan.” The town attorney advised that screening requirements are part of the standards of approval for site plans and that a screening condition could be added to the motion.

During debate, several commissioners and staff discussed proximity and maintenance. One commissioner said the proposed wall would be very close to picnic and playground areas and raised concern about residents’ backyards being within roughly 10 feet of the amenity area; another commissioner noted the cost of repairing masonry walls and asked who would be responsible for maintenance. Takari responded that the developer would be responsible until HOA turnover and that the HOA would assume responsibility after the required percentage of lots have been sold.

The commission approved the motion with a 5–1 roll-call vote. One commissioner said they would vote against the masonry-wall motion because they preferred the openness of a wrought-iron fence; the meeting record shows the motion carried and the plan was approved with the masonry-wall condition. The site will proceed to building-permit review, at which point the developer must submit a photometric lighting plan to prevent light spill onto adjacent residences.