Planning and Development Review Board Regular Meeting

Latilda Hughes-Neel presented the Crews Planned Development Project on behalf of Samantha Graves, proposed on the east side of 331 Business, south of the Powersouth Substation. The project is 437.5 +/- acres with 529 single-family units, 569 multifamily units, and 82,205 square feet of shopping center. Approximately 15-17 acre park is being dedicated to the City. Engineer of Record David Smith presented details including multiple community meetings with Ashton Park residents, with a commitment to provide a 20' landscape buffer. Various Land Development Code deviations were requested and discussed. The board opened the floor to public comment; no members of the public came forward. Steve Thomas made a motion to recommend approval, seconded by Lisa Robertson. Motion passed unanimously.

Where: 331 Business, east side, south of Powersouth Substation

Part of project: Crews PDP

Latilda Hughes-Neel presented the Hidden Bayou PDP, a residential project of 80.2 +/- acres, 1.25 miles south of Highway 20 on the west side of 83A, requesting 98 single-family units. Multiple variances were requested regarding existing trees, sidewalk materials, tree protection timing, building height (3 stories/45ft vs. LDC requirement of 2.5 stories/35ft), minimum lot size (1/8 acre vs. 3/8 acre), setbacks, lot width (50ft), and parking. Owner's agent Frank Watson presented and offered concessions including limiting density to 80 lots, not dredging water bodies, pro-rata road maintenance contribution, no 3-story homes adjacent to Magnolia Bay Estates, 15ft natural buffer, and a 10ft no-cut/no-clear zone. Significant public comment was received from Magnolia Bay Estates residents, Waterview Cove residents, and nearby property owners expressing concerns about traffic, setbacks, building height, privacy, property values, stormwater, and ecological impacts. T.J. Kemp made a motion to recommend denial which did not carry. Steve Thomas made a motion to recommend approval with stated conditions, seconded by Lisa Robertson. William Rhodes voted Aye, T.J. Kemp voted Nay, motion passed with 3 ayes, 1 nay, and 1 recused member (Jan Hooks recused due to conflict of interest).

Where: 1.25 miles south of Highway 20 on the west side of 83A; Hammock Oaks spine road

Part of project: Hidden Bayou PDP

Latilda Hughes-Neel presented proposed amendments to the Land Development Code. Steve Thomas made a motion to recommend approval, seconded by T.J. Kemp. Motion passed unanimously.

Jan Hooks made a motion to approve the February 5, 2025 regular meeting minutes, seconded by Steve Thomas. Motion passed unanimously.

Steve Thomas nominated William Rhodes as Chairperson, seconded by Lisa Robertson. Motion passed unanimously. Lisa Robertson then nominated Jan Hooks as Vice Chair, but Jan Hooks declined the nomination. Jan Hooks then nominated Steve Thomas as Vice Chair, seconded by Lisa Robertson. Motion carried unanimously.