Two-minute impact
During their Aug. 5 meeting, commissioners unanimously opposed the zoning change and an amendment to Prosper’s future land use plan, citing concerns over density and lot sizes.
The proposal, first presented June 17, had been tabled twice before returning for a vote.
The developer, Toll Brothers, is seeking to rezone the property from its current agricultural district to a planned development district.
Mike Boswell, vice president of land development for Toll Brothers, said Prosper’s market conditions mean they cannot offer significantly larger lots without losing competitiveness.
“For the sake of keeping my land offer high, I want to have as many lots as I can,” Boswell said.
The details
According to city documents, the proposed Prosper Oaks plan includes a maximum of 800 homes split between two sections:
- Eastern tract: 181.8 acres, 275 single-family homes
- Western tract: 191.7 acres, 525 single-family homes for residents 55 and older
“You’re going to see from 2025 to 2030 a dramatic increase in the [55-plus] crowd,” Boswell said. “Those folks have a decision to make. They’re either going to age in place with their current stock or they’re going to make a decision to move.”
What commissioners are saying
Commissioners wanted to table the item again to allow more revisions, but Boswell said he needed an immediate vote and that the proposal could not be delayed again.
Commissioner Glen Blanscet said that despite the developer’s adjustments, 196 of the 525 age-restricted homes in the western tract would have a minimum 55-foot width, which he said is still too dense.
“40% of [the western tract] are the smaller lots,” Blanscet said. “As I look in those neighborhoods that have those smaller lots, they’re just crowded ... I think it’s still going to give a feeling of just too much density, and that troubles me.”
Commissioner John Hamilton said his main concern is also the western tract, which he said needs greater lot sizes and more amenities.
“I’m not asking you to build 80-foot lots,” Hamilton said. “We’re just saying 55 is too small.”
Looking ahead
The item is scheduled to go before Prosper Town Council Aug. 26 for a public hearing, according to city documents.
