What happened?
Round Rock City Council voted to adopt measures to annex, provide utility service to and rezone parcels making up the property at the northwest corner of the two roadways Jan. 8.
Developers told the city's planning commission that plans for the property could yield a small retail center. Ethan Harwell, of consulting firm Kimley-Horn, said plans for the property would see only about 4.5 acres of the property developed, as the floodplain occupies some of it.
Two acres of the property are owned by Paul Cates Stables, who seeks to sell the property. The stables will remain in operation on about five acres of property north of the two-acre piece, city staff said.
What they're saying
Harwell said the idea behind the proposed development is to bring services intended for people living in the immediate area, such as coffee shops, daycare and medical providers.
In a public hearing regarding the proposal, over a dozen residents who live near the property, which is located next to the Round Rock Ranch neighborhood, shared concerns about the development. Comments centered on traffic safety, noise, environmental impact, quality of life, pedestrian safety for students walking to nearby schools, as well as a desire to see the property remain green space.
"I think it's funny that they keep saying it's for the residents, when none of the residents want this," resident Andrea Franklin said.
Remember this?
The measure was previously approved by the Round Rock Planning and Zoning Commission in early December by a 4-2 vote. In that meeting, Harwell said the property owner and project developer hope to build a small-scale shopping center on the property with space for retail, offices and restaurants.
“We think we can fit about 30,000 to 40,000 square feet on this site and provide a nice little amenity for east Round Rock,” Harwell said.
What else?
Council chose to dispense with the second reading for the rezoning and annexation requests, making the Jan. 8 vote the final action on this rezoning request.
"I do appreciate the engagement," Mayor Craig Morgan said. "I do appreciate all the concerns. As I said, there wasn't a concern that I think anybody wouldn't think is valid. These are tough, tough situations."
Grant Crawford contributed to this report.
