Council tables Timber Ridge vote after residents split over pool vs. pickleball plan

The Midwest City Council voted to table a proposed amendment to the Timber Ridge Planned Unit Development that would replace a previously proposed pool and clubhouse with a pavilion and pickleball court, saying the neighborhood needs more time to reconcile divergent resident views.

The public hearing drew several residents and HOA leaders to the podium. Jacob Graves, a member of the Timber Ridge HOA board, told the council the developer estimated pool operating costs at about $52,000 a year while maintaining the park and pavilion option would cost roughly $5,500 annually. "With the current dues and budget that we operate with, we would have to raise our dues by 20% every year for the next four to five years to be able to afford that," Graves said.

Some long-time residents said they had been promised a pool when they bought in. "When I moved in 2021, I was promised a pool," said Tia Cromar, who identified her street address for the record. Former HOA president John B. Lewis described fragile HOA finances and warned that adding a pool could be a long-term burden on reserves.

City staff confirmed the change requires a PUD amendment and noted the planning commission unanimously recommended denial of the amendment. Council members said turnout on the HOA poll was low relative to the roughly 201 eligible class‑A voters and that the planning commission’s recommendation must be weighed against residents who attended the hearing in favor of the amendment.

Mayor and council members debated options — approval, denial, or a one‑month deferral to allow further neighborhood engagement. Council member motioned to table the matter for one month; the motion passed on roll call, so the council will revisit the request in August. The motion preserves the application as filed and does not permit changes in the intervening period.

The developer’s representative said the amendment was filed at the HOA’s request and that Ideal Homes is prepared to move forward either way, emphasizing they need a decision to complete final platting in time for construction. "We have a really desired deadline to get our plat done in September," Todd McKennis, who said he represents Ideal Homes, told the council. He added the cost to install either set of amenities is roughly comparable and said the developer has tried to cooperate with neighborhood leadership.

Next steps: Council members asked the HOA to reengage neighbors — through additional outreach and a meeting — and invited the applicant to return with any clarifying documents. The item will be back on the council agenda in one month.