The property, located at 1621 FM 758, New Braunfels, was previously zoned Agricultural/Pre-Development, Airport Hazard Overlay District.
Under the new zoning of Zero Lot Line, Airport Hazard Overlay District, the property owner could construct detached, single-family residences on a minimum of 4,000-square-foot lots.
Homes may be constructed with five-foot-wide side setbacks or be located closer to one side of the property line to maximize the yard on the other side of the house.
The development will consist of approximately 500 one- and two-story single-family homes, said Caroline McDonald, who spoke on behalf of the property owner. Though the zoning allows for variations in setbacks, every home will have a five-foot setback, McDonald said.
Included in the project are plans to incorporate turn lanes along FM 758 to accommodate those entering and exiting the development, she said.
Several New Braunfels residents of surrounding properties spoke in opposition to the rezoning, citing drainage issues along the roadway and significant traffic on FM 758 and Hwy. 46 that could be made worse with the addition of more residential properties.
The high volume of traffic along those roads makes it difficult for area residents to travel through the city, said Karen Davis who lives at an adjacent property, and several other housing developments are currently underway along the road.
“When it comes to the traffic issue on [Hwy.] 46, you’d have to bury your head in the sand to not know that it is a disaster,” Council Member Justin Meadows said. “But this is a zoning case so I have to base my decision on whether or not it is appropriate to have single family homes in that area ... and my guess is you would probably much rather prefer that over some commercial development.”
Because Hwy. 46 is managed by the Texas Department of Transportation, City Council is not able to make changes to the roadway, Meadows said.
Though many have called for City Council to slow the growth of the city, Meadows said it is not legal for local municipalities to restrict property uses as long as they align with the city’s goals and development priorities.
City Council is expected to vote on the second reading of the ordinance in August.
