P&Z approves growth near Kroger, denies Overland Grove

During its regular Dec. 07, 2017 meeting, the Forney Planning & Zoning Commission met and in summary:

• Approved a final plat for Trinity Crossing Phase 2, located south of F.M. 740 and west of F.M. 460 in the ETJ.
  Mr. Morgan said this was discussed a few month ago, city has no ability to enforce minimum lot size. Phase one is in Dallas ETJ. Staff recommend approval. Mr. Carr asked if any items were addressed, Mr. Morgan said they have maintained the preliminary plat.
  
• Approved in one motion:
  
  • a final plat for the Park Trails Amenity Center, located north of Ridgecrest Road and east of Longhorn Lane.
    
  • a site plan for the Park Trails Amenity Center, located north of Ridgecrest Road and east of Longhorn Lane.

• Mr. Bowen exited the chamber
  
• Approved a site plan for Victory Shops at Forney, located north of U.S. Highway 80 and west of Marketplace Boulevard. (this is an empty lot in front of Kroger, next to the gas station)
  Mr. Morgan said this is in the Kroger PD approved by council July 2011, building will be 11,500 sq. ft. Chmn. Wilcoxson commented there is a sudden interest in the area. Ms. Lemons asked if this was recently before them - yes, they approved zoning, and the building size has changed slightly.
  
• Mr. Bowen returned
  
• Approved on 4-1 vote (Mr. Carr nay) a site plan for the Kroger Drive North Addition, located north of Kroger Drive and west of N. F.M. 548.
  Mr. Morgan said this is an 8,750 sq. ft. building bordered by Pristine car wash and Mustang Place subdivision, access by Kroger Dr. and fire lane to car wash. Expected uses are a nail salon, dentist, SuperCuts and restaurant. There is a screening wall, noted on the site plan. Applicant Mr. Waddey stated they will build a masonry wall from car wash to 548, 6.5 ft tall. Mr. Carr said this was originally going to be a buffer zone, most screening walls are 8 ft, he said this greenbelt was part of the reason Kroger was approved. Mr. Waddey said whatever the rules are, they will do, he believes the min is 6, they were asked to match the existing wall. Mr. Carr said he's concerned about the residents, he said the cost difference to 8 ft is not high. Chmn. Wilcoxson asked if Mr. Morgan has heard from residents near the car wash. Ms. Lemons asked why this was changed, if was a greenbelt - Mr. Morgan said it was approved for the PD.
  
• Held Public Hearings - (there was no public present to make comments)
  
  • Approved a replat for the Kroger Drive North Addition, Block A, Lot 1R, located north of Kroger Drive and west of N. F.M. 548.
    Mr. Morgan said this is the same property, this is to allow for easements on the lot.
    
  • Denied 1-4 (Lemons for; Wilcoxson, Bowen, Wilkins, Carr against) an Ordinance for the Planned Development zoning of 336.39 acres of land located west of Walnut Lane (S. F.M. 548) and east of S. F.M. 740.
    Mr. Morgan said this was discussed a few month ago, this is unusual as has a developer agreement, approved by council in April, which provides all the specs, staff could not effect any changes.
    Chmn. Wilcoxson asked if the applicant was present - no. Mr. Carr said it's tiresome to have items where everything is pre-approved. Chmn. Wilcoxson would like to ask them what benefit to the city this is. Mr. Carr would like to have larger houses put in first phase. They discussed the lack of retail S. of 80. They expressed concern about the ISD land being optional, and discussed the payment of $1200 / lot in lieu of park land. Chmn. Wilcoxson asked if council said why this was good for the city - Mr. Morgan said he believes it was because council felt this was a higher-quality development.
    
  • Approved an Ordinance amending the City of Forney Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, Section 37, to add 'Heavy Machinery Sales and Storage' to the use charts in designated districts. with optional screening requirements.
    Mr. Morgan said Heavy machinery is defined, but not assigned to any area. Staff recommend approval w/ Conditional Use Permit (CUP), fairly common for this type of use.
    Mr. Carr talked about screening walls, said the ordinance should be designed for noise. Mr. Morgan said w/ CUP they can define what is appropriate.

• Adjourned at 1927