The plot of land is designated as Commercial-1, or C-1, a zoning that does not allow for multifamily developments. The City Centre III, to be built on the property, is the third development of the City Centre PUD located at the northeast corner of I-35 and McNeil Road. With the current designation of C-1, the development cannot accommodate multifamily and can be built up to 12 stories tall, according to Planning and Development Services Director Brad Wiseman. Wiseman said at the meeting that a rezoning to planned unit development would allow the development to accommodate multifamily housing and have a maximum build height of eight stories.
The recommendation to rezone the property was made unanimously following a request from the developer. To become official, the request must be approved by Round Rock City Council.
Two speakers expressed concerns regarding the building's placement and height, with both residents fearing the structure would block the view of the city's iconic water tower.
"I don't want to see buildings taller than the water tower start to pop up in downtown Round Rock," resident Patty Jordan said.
The other speaker, Melissa Balderas, said she worried that runoff from the development, such as from residents and their pets, might contaminate a nearby creek.
