What to know
D.R. Horton project manager Iyeka Bankston presented the proposal for a development at Elder and Robinson roads, featuring 40-by-110-foot lot sizes. Previously, officials presented the plan to the city’s planning commission, where it faced some challenges because the city requires a 50-foot lot.
“We wanted to present to you all what we believe would be a benefit to Oak Ridge North, which is a higher tax revenue for the municipality and the residents, as well as walkable communities that we will be putting sidewalks, streets ... to make the community more walkable for all residents,” Bankston said.
Bankston stated the plan would be to use the 32-acre lot for approximately 105 to 125 units, depending on density, for homes up to 2,667 square feet in size. The home pricing would begin at $348,000 and range to above $400,000 for the largest homes, she said.
What they’re saying
“I'm more concerned about the right of way with some utilities within those far as long as they meet the building setbacks,” Director of Public Works James Corn said regarding the lot size.
Bankston said the 40-foot lots would be able to meet the minimum setbacks as well as address drainage.
With just over 3,000 residents, Oak Ridge North is shy of the 5,000 required by Texas law to be a home rule city, which would allow it to adopt its own charter. According to discussion at the meeting, the developer would request annexation into the city.
“If you came in here today, [and said] you're going to build 1,000-plus homes that might get my attention, but 105 to 125 ... that's not really going to move the needle for us, but we'll have the discussions,” Mayor Paul Bond said.
“My only concern on that one is going to the minimum of what Montgomery County requires for the width of the road. [It] may be a little bit narrow, because I know they were discussing that with the county fire marshal not too long ago. ... So you may want to look at that,” council member Holly McClaren said.
What’s next
D.R. Horton and the city agreed to continue discussions regarding the lot development at a future date.
