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Lucas council approves rezoning of Lewis Lane tract amid neighbor concerns
Summary
The Lucas City Council unanimously approved an ordinance rezoning 21.3 acres of a 39.715-acre Lewis Lane tract from agriculture to R-1.5 after a public hearing. Neighbors raised concerns about drainage, traffic on Lewis Lane, wildlife displacement and protections for remaining agricultural easement areas.
The Lucas City Council on Sept. 19 unanimously adopted ordinance 2024-09-010008 to rezone 21.3 acres of a 39.715-acre tract on Lewis Lane from agriculture (AO) to R-1.5 residential.
During a public hearing, Scott Harvey, a resident of 4 Chisholm Trail in Kirkland Estates, said he was not opposed to development but asked the council to be proactive about infrastructure and flooding. "Anybody that's been down Lewis Lane knows that that is... adding more traffic... is only gonna make it worse," Harvey said, urging advance planning on road and drainage mitigation. He also described coyote activity near the site and requested measures to prevent wildlife conflicts.
Christopher Sachs, a consultant representing the sellers, said the seller supported the purchaser and that the prospective developer had met with neighbors and addressed prior Planning and Zoning concerns. "The purchaser has the full support of the seller," Sachs said, noting the buyer’s experience in high-quality custom-lot communities.
Lisa Griffin, who identified herself as one of the property owners and described family ties to the land, asked council to approve the rezoning and noted constraints on the property such as floodplain and utility easements that limit buildable area. "This property is unique due to the flood plain, the power line, and the water easement restrictions," Griffin said, adding that portions cannot be built on and that the family supports the sale and development.
Development Services Director Mr. Hilburn told the council the city and easement holders typically allow limited amenities—walking trails and small gazebos in constrained areas—but do not permit playgrounds or homes in the utility easement. Council members pressed staff to ensure a flood study and other protections for neighboring properties; staff confirmed a flood study and adherence to city engineering standards would be required during platting.
A councilmember moved to adopt the ordinance and the motion carried by voice vote; the minutes record the action as "motion carries unanimously." The ordinance authorizes the rezoning but does not itself authorize development before required platting, studies and city approvals are completed.
Next steps: the developer must complete required engineering studies, platting and city approvals before any building permits are issued.
