The complex would have been built south of the Colony Lakes subdivision and would be bordered on the south by Knights Court and to the east by State Highway 6.
While only a handful of residents spoke at the April 17 meeting, the city received 33 letters in opposition to the development. The primary concern by residents was current overcrowding along Knights Court, which was acknowledged by several City Council members including Jeffrey Boney, Floyd Emery and Mayor Robin Elackatt.
Speaking on traffic impact analysis surveys and overcrowding, Public Works Director Shashi Kumar explained that Knights Court is slated for future development including the addition of medians to ensure left turns.
However, City Planner Stori Nuri also pointed out that the proposed development would reach as high as 50 feet—5 feet above what city ordinances allow for planned developments like the one presented April 17.
Speaking on behalf of developers IFMA Property and translating for co-owner Heping Chen, Architect Bin Yu told City Council the owners would be willing to complete a traffic impact analysis survey prior to development.
“The last thing we want to see are unsafe residents,” she said. “My kids also go to Elkins. Safety is a priority.”
Speaking last, Elackatt told the developers he would not support the project.
“There was a question about three stories or four stories; you couldn’t answer that,” he said. “We just heard our engineer say this road is not ready for this type of development.”
More clarity, he said, is what would be required to move forward.
City Council voted unanimously to reject the rezoning request necessary to establish the development to applause.
