Planning commissioners recommend annexation of 3.943 acres for James Wood dealership on US 287

The Decatur Planning & Zoning Commission on Aug. 4 voted to recommend that city council annex 3.943 acres at 3260 South U.S. Highway 287 to allow a proposed James Wood automotive dealership.

"The annexation, we're requesting annexation tonight through P and Z," Patricia Fant, a planner with McAdams, said during the applicant presentation. She described the site as a 15-acre parcel of which roughly 3.943 acres are outside the city limits and proposed to be added to the city. Lisa Hannon, Decatur's planning director, entered the staff report for Annexation A26-0001 into the record and said the property is contiguous to city limits, creates no enclaves, and is consistent with the city’s 2050 comprehensive plan. Hannon referenced the Texas Local Government Code, chapter 43, which allows voluntary annexation and said staff recommends approval to forward the item to city council.

Commissioners asked staff and the applicant about access, utilities and easements. Hannon said ingress and egress along Highway 287 are subject to TxDOT approval and "will come with their planning and their construction plans or civil plans," and that the annexation and rezoning approvals are not contingent on TxDOT access approvals. A dealership representative said civil plans are in development, that there is currently no sewer in that part of the city (the nearby TA Truck Center is on septic), and that the developer will be responsible for serving the property; existing easements and a water line serving the TA area will be reflected on the plat and addressed through subdivision and civil-plan review.

Commissioner Samir Mohammed moved to recommend approval of A26-0001 to city council and Commissioner Mason Woodruff seconded. The chair called the vote and the motion carried.

The annexation recommendation, along with companion requests on the comprehensive-plan amendment and rezoning, will next go to Decatur City Council for final action.