A change in a zoning status could help pave the way for a retail and commercial property in Argyle.
After a public hearing and much discussion, Argyle Town Council approved in 3-1 vote a change in zoning from agricultural to planned development district with an office retail base zoning for a 10.4-acre tract of land fronting US 377 and near Rusk Street for the Argyle Technology Center. Several residents appeared at the meeting with many opposing the center for various reasons, such as traffic and drainage.
The approval came with a number of stipulations proposed by the council, including for parking, an on-site tree and drainage, among many other proposals. Council Members Ronald Schmidt, Cynthia Hermann and Gordon Baethge approved the measure, while Council Member Casey Stewart was opposed.
The outlook
The developer, Rochester Group of Fort Worth, will submit a site plan when ready and will have to conform to regulations in the ordinance when submitting the site plan, Town Administrator Erika McComis said.
The details
The developer proposed a 15,000-square-foot mixed-use building fronting US 377 with 7,500 square feet for retail and 7,500 square feet for restaurant uses, according to a Town Council agenda memo. Farther into the development, the applicant proposes four 5,000-square-foot and four 7,000-square-foot buildings with a private access drive and fire lanes off of US 377 and Rusk Street as well as to the south connecting to the existing parking lot of the First Baptist Church. No connection to the Settler’s Point neighborhood to the south is planned, the agenda memo states.
Additionally, as described by the agenda memo, the property is undeveloped and can be accessed by US 377 and Rusk Street. The majority of the property features open pasture with “clusters of mature trees” scattered throughout the site. The property is located on the south side of Rusk Street behind the U.S. Postal Service office location and south of Argyle Town Hall. The agenda item was discussed at the May 15 meeting.
Zooming in
Rochester Group founder Jerry Crenshaw answered questions at the June 26 meeting. The applicant provided materials including development standards, branding and architectural exhibits, concept plan and others to illustrate how the property would be designed if the zoning change is approved, the agenda memo states. Some changes were and can still be made to the proposal.
Nearly half of the people who own property and live within 200 feet of the proposed development were opposed to the proposed zoning change, agenda memo information presented at the meeting showed. Thus, a supermajority of the council was needed to pass the proposed zoning change. The 3-1 vote constituted a supermajority.
What else?
- Chad Boyd will fill the Place 3 seat on the council. Former Council Member Sherri Myers previously served in the seat and resigned in May. It’s a nonexpired term that will run through May 2024. Boyd was approved 4-0.
- Council approved a request from Denton County Emergency Services District No. 1 to consider supporting the creation of ESD 2. The item passed with a 3-0-1 vote with Schmidt abstaining. The Board of Commissioners of ESD 1 petitioned residents for the creation of ESD 2, which would provide funding for emergency rescue services in the area. Because a portion of ESD 2 would encompass Argyle’s town limits and extraterritorial jurisdiction, the town must consent to the inclusion of this area within ESD 2 for it to be included.
