Flower Mound Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend approval for the zoning of Flower Mound Ranch, a 1,066 acre development expanding from the intersection of Cross Timbers Rd. and U.S. Highway 377.
Flower Mound Ranch’s site application includes a zoning change from agricultural district and interim holding to mixed use district-2, according to the agenda item.
The mixed-use development would include a maximum of 6,000 apartments—1,000 of which being age-restricted. The plan also includes a maximum 3,000 single-family homes and 6-8 million square feet of commercial buildings. The plan restricts the construction of multi-family units to 2,750 within the first 10 years of development.
The board also emphasized that it was voting on the zoning ordinance and not the entire vision for Flower Mound Ranch that was presented.
“The zoning seems appropriate,” commission member Brady Kilpper said. “That’s what’s before us tonight—a zoning question.”
The ordinance will go in front of Flower Mound Town Council on October 3.
There is no specific timetable for the development of Flower Mound Ranch, but landowner Jack Furst and land planner Randi Rivera said it could take “20-to-40 years” to complete in full. Rivera added that the ultimate goal is that residents would not need to leave the ranch “unless you need to go to the airport.”
Eight Flower Mound residents spoke against approval of the zoning ordinance. The main concern was with the number of apartments, and commission member Janvier Werner shared their concerns.
“It’s a great project and a project I could get behind if there weren’t so many apartments,” Werner said. “I think of Southlake, and they don’t need apartments to bring in commercial developments, so why do we?”
Werner and Greg Wilson were the two commission members to vote against recommending approval, with Wilson also expressing concern over the 6,000 multi-family units.
Two residents spoke in favor of the approval. The board members in favor of the ordinance pointed to the lack of commercial development on the west side of town, with commission member James Naylor calling the plan “absolutely wonderful.”
“I have no qualms with the apartment count. I think it works,” Naylor said. “I think the way you’re phasing it in works. Your plan and some of the provisions you’ve negotiated with the staff, I think all of that works. I’m tickled pink and looking forward to a vote tonight, and hopefully it’s in your favor.”
