Manila Council advances developer-agreement framework for Pinnacle multifamily project

The Manila Town Council on July 16 reviewed a developer agreement and the zoning steps needed to permit the Pinnacle multifamily project, a six-phase plan the applicant says will total 26 buildings and 153 dwelling units by approximately 2030–2031. Aaron Averett of Sunrise Engineering walked the Council through the approvals still required: a Developer Agreement, an RMF overlay limited to the two subject parcels, a preliminary multifamily plat and final construction documents. The Council did not vote to approve the agreement at the meeting.

Mayor Kathi Knight and the Council agreed on several substantive restrictions and exhibits they want attached to the final agreement. To address emergency-access and fire-marshal concerns, the internal streets were widened from 26 to 32 feet; buildings on the west and northwest sides adjacent to existing residences will be limited to a single story, with a two-story maximum elsewhere. The Council expressly rejected two sample roof designs it described as overly exaggerated and asked that acceptable architectural examples and materials be attached as guidance in the agreement. The parties discussed fencing: decorative CMU block walls will be limited to sides adjacent to residences, decorative metal fencing will be used elsewhere, and no fence will be installed along the highway frontage.

The Council also discussed timing and process. Sunrise recommended combining a public hearing and final action at a single meeting after all exhibits (phasing maps, C-store concept, pickleball layout, fencing plan, and final plat) are attached and a 14-day notice period is met under state law. The Council tentatively targeted Planning & Zoning on Aug. 6 and a Town Council public hearing on Aug. 13, subject to proper notice. The developer and engineering team were asked to reconcile final plats and construction drawings with the developer agreement before the hearing.