City Council to consider Leander Springs zoning change Dec. 17

Leander City Council is scheduled to consider action following the second public hearing for the Leander Springs development’s zoning change request.

The Leander Planning and Zoning Commission approved the change request with a unanimous vote at its Nov. 12 meeting. The request would amend the current zoning of planned unit development/transit-oriented development to add multifamily and general commercial base zoning districts.

The applicant previously postponed the City Council public hearing Nov. 19 to finalize updates that addressed concerns from the planning and zoning commission, according to the city. These concerns included:

• provide clarity on urban form on the area adjacent to the urban core;
• provide clarity on updated concept plan;
• hear from an expert on well water regarding how the well will work with the lagoon;
• understanding of impacts on other well water users;
• address residents' concerns regarding the location of the final 400 units;
• provide more information about the required city infrastructure and impacts; and
• address potential issues with outdoor noise issues.

Leander Springs is a 78-acre, mixed-use project with retail, restaurant, entertainment, hospitality, office and residential components. The development will be located at the southwest corner of 183A Toll and FM 2243. A 4-acre lagoon will be the center of the proposed project. A hotel and conference center are also planned.

The city announced the project Oct. 15 with an economic development agreement for $22 million in performance-based tax incentives. The fully developed project could be valued at $1 billion, according to the city.

The future development agreement will address the water supply strategy, timing of filling the lagoon, lagoon water discharge, alternative parkland dedication fees and masonry standards, according to the agenda item.

City Council will begin its regular meeting at 7 p.m. Dec. 17 at Pat Bryson Municipal Hall at 201 N. Brushy St., Leander. The council chamber will have a 25-person maximum occupancy, and the meeting will be streamed online.