The proposed rezoning of agricultural land to a residential district to build the housing development Greystone Manor was denied without prejudice by council in a 6-1 vote at a Feb. 7 meeting. Council Member George Dodson voted for the motion for the zoning change.
Denying without prejudice means the applicant, Hat Creek Development, does not need to wait the 12-month waiting period to file for a similar zoning change, according to City Attorney Whitt Wyatt.
Because the neighborhood had more than 20% of opposition from residents within 200 feet, approval by council had to be in a supermajority vote.
“I feel as a council member it is my responsibility to make sure development matches the vision of Colleyville,” Council Member Callie Rigney said. “I don’t believe this development is the highest and best-use plan for our vision.”
The development was first proposed and discussed by council last July. The subdivision would have been near the roundabout at McDonwell School Road and Westcoat Drive, according to a statement of planning objectives provided by Hat Creek Development. The developer stated in a letter to the city that home prices would start near $2.5 million.
When first proposed, some community members opposed the development, citing concerns for traffic, lot size, the location of the neighborhood’s entrance and density. The neighborhood initially had 56 lots and 5.08% of open space, according to the original development plan. A plan revision presented at a Sept. 19 meeting had 13.23% of open space.
The neighborhood saw support from residents who said the open space requirements were met in the plan’s revisions. According to Colleyville’s Land Development Code, 20% of a planned unit development’s project area must be allotted for open space. The revised plan presented Feb. 7 had 20.02% of open space.
Residents also cited the city's 2015 comprehensive plan, Destination Colleyville, which has the area’s future land use marked as residential.
Eason Maykus with Hat Creek said the updated plan delivered on 20% of open space that was desired by residents, adequate lot sizes and a 50-foot buffer along Westcoat Drive.
“The Greystone Manor plan presented has been faithfully worked through with city staff,” Maykus said.
Julianna Garrison, the owner of the land, defended the proposal. She said selling the land to be developed is “best” for the community.
“The property is going to be sold one day and developed, so let’s make it something we can all be proud of,” Garrison said. “Greystone Manor will be an improvement to the community.”
Maykus thanked council for denying without prejudice.
“We do want to come to a resolution,” he said. “I would [like to] ask for guidance to make sure we can move forward on this.”
