A proposed apartment development along FM 2920 is headed back through Tomball’s planning process after the City Council declined to approve or deny the project July 20.
The details
The council reached a consensus to take no action on a request to rezone property at 15226 FM 2920 from agricultural and commercial zoning to a planned development. Mayor Lori Quinn then told the Planning and Zoning Commission the case was back in its hands.
Earlier in the meeting, council voted 4-1 to annex roughly 3 acres at the back of the property into the city. Staff clarified that the annexation did not approve the proposed development or its zoning.
What was proposed?
City Planner Caleb Mittanck said the concept presented to the city included approximately 48 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments in a three-story building with one entrance from FM 2920.
City staff’s preliminary review found the concept generally met Tomball’s development standards and was not expected to negatively affect surrounding properties or city utilities. However, a future expansion of FM 2920 could require changes to the project’s detention plans, Mittanck said.
The city received two notices opposing the request. The Planning and Zoning Commission also recommended denial in a unanimous 4-0 vote July 13 after members raised concerns about the proposed amenities and whether the property was appropriate for multifamily development.
Planning and Zoning Commissioner Tana Ross told council she believed the tract was too small for a traditional planned development and did not include enough amenities. She also said commercial development would better align with the city’s comprehensive plan and residents’ concerns about additional multifamily housing.
What they’re saying
Project representative Jason Nicholson said the proposal was still in its early stages and could be revised based on feedback from the city.
Nicholson said the development could be reduced to roughly 34-36 units to make room for additional features, including a dog park, a dog-washing station, walking paths and a small fitness area. He said the project would be marketed as a Class A development.
What’s next?
When Mittanck asked council to clarify which direction the case should take, City Manager David Esquivel said the next step should be worked out between the property owner and the city’s planning staff.
