Public hearings set Tuesday for Argyle development

A proposed housing development is the focus of a joint meeting with the Argyle Planning and Zoning Commission and the Argyle Town Council on Tuesday night.

The Highlands of Argyle, previously known as the Lakes of Argyle, is a proposed 235-home subdivision off Hwy 377 across from the Argyle Post Office. Town officials will be considering a planned development zoning change, an amendment to the Argyle thoroughfare plan as well as an amendment to the town’s Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Plan.

Some residents are voicing concerns that the proposed development will change the rural feel of the community as well as add traffic and tax existing municipal resources. Town officials have been meeting with residents in recent weeks to discuss their concerns.

Jody Boyd, owner of Woodbridge Developments and a partner with Kosse Maykus of Hat Creek Development Company, and Bob Flynn of Flynn Land Development on the project, said they have made several adjustments to plans to address local concerns.

The project earmarks a north-south thoroughfare through the proposed neighborhood to address traffic concerns, he said. Developers also reduced the number of homes by 18 lots and re-designed the $400,000-$500,000 homes on 10,000-square-foot lots, which is larger than the average 8,500-square-foot lots found in other developments.

The project calls for 42 acres of open space with an estimated two miles of walking trails, which will be dedicated to the town. Boyd said developers also will be adding trees. An estimated 400 will be added, according to the project plans.

Based in northeast Tarrant County, the partners have developed an estimated 15,000 lots in 25 subdivisions in Southlake, Keller and surrounding areas, Boyd said, adding that the partners had a combined experience of 65-70 years in the field.

Ron Schmidt, an Argyle resident, said the primary concern among some residents is that significant changes are being made to a comprehensive plan that allots 2.5 acres per home.

“The density (of the development) is high for Argyle,” he said, adding that the plan, adopted five years ago, followed what residents preferred — homes with surrounding acreage to maintain the rural feel.

“This development would be contrary to their desire,” he said.

A non-political group, known as www.ProtectArgyle.org, is asking residents to become aware of the project and express their wishes to town officials before and during the public hearings at the joint meeting, which begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Argyle Town Hall, 308 Denton St.