Progress on the development of Canyonside, a 70-lot residential subdivision adjacent to Falconhead West off West Hwy. 71 in Bee Cave, was set back Nov. 22 after Bee Cave City Council, in a 4-2 vote, denied a request by Ash Creek Homes President Scott Morledge to approve the project’s amended site plan.
Council members admonished Morledge for building portions of the development—specifically an amenity center and swimming pool—that differed from the planned development district that was approved in 2015. Members stated—and Morledge agreed—his request for a plan amendment came after the buildings at issue were already constructed. Additionally, Morledge requested approval of a proposed scenic outlook that had not yet been built.
“The point is there was an approved site plan and that was not followed,” Council Member Monty Parker said. “It’s a big deal to me.”
Council Member Kara King said the swimming pool that was constructed was not appropriate for 70 households and built in a rectangular shape as opposed to the round shape provided in the original development plans.
“The amenity center doesn’t seem to be as nice in appearance or as nice in usefulness [as what was planned in the PDD,” Mayor Caroline Murphy said. “To residents, [the center] seems very different. A year ago when we initially approved the project, we had ample time to review any changes. And now it’s already built.”
City attorney Patty Akers said although the site plan and actual development differ, the buildings that were constructed meet city code.
Morledge said he built a trail instead of a trail easement and dedicated it to the city without city approval and at his expense.
Mayor Pro Tem Bill Goodwin and Council Member Tom Matzen voted to permit Morledge to amend his plan.
Morledge asked the council if its vote meant he had to remove the amenity center and pool that had already been built. He estimated the pool’s construction cost at $120,000 and the amenity center at $185,000.
“Our swimming pool is a beautiful lap pool, and to tear it down and put in a round pool is beyond me,” he said. “Everything we’ve done there is more expensive than what was proposed.”
Morledge said the project already has 18 homes that will be completed by the end of the year. Both Morledge and staff did not resolve whether the ruling would delay residents from moving into their homes.
Christy Williams, marketing manager for Ash Creek Homes, said Morledge and Bee Cave City Manager Travis Askey met Nov. 23, the day after the city council vote.
“It appears that the city staff is amenable to working toward a reasonable solution on the major issues,” she said.
