The area plan for the CTCDD was changed to remove all language regarding “cluster housing.” Also included were changes to landscaping, parks, lighting, fencing and tree preservation.
The council also approved a zoning ordinance that requires 25% of developments in the area to be at least 1 acre and sets minimum lot sizes to 0.75 acres.
“The conservation area is the identity of the town, and it’s the best thing we have, so we have an obligation to prioritize conservation in that area, not economic development,” Council Member Adam Schiestel said. “The residents have been very clear that they want lower density development and open space more than anything.”
The changes were approved 4-1, with Council Member Jim Engel voting in opposition. Engel was concerned with the effects that the changes would have on landowners.
“My concern is the elimination of an incentive for developers,” Engel said. “I just think it’s a real penalty to these people. It’s going to affect these landowners, and I’m entirely against that.”
Eleven residents spoke on the issue, with seven speaking in opposition and four speaking in support. Many of those in opposition were concerned with the effect the item would have on landowners as well as the removal of the option for cluster housing to be developed on the land.
The Flower Mound Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval on the changes during its Oct. 10 meeting.
The Cross Timbers Conservation Development District was first recognized in Flower Mound’s Master Plan in 1999, and it is meant to “preserve the country atmosphere and natural environment” in the Cross Timbers ecological area in central Flower Mound, according to the agenda item.
