Friday, April 19, 2024

Council nixes plans for high-density housing

Highland Village council members Tuesday unanimously voted to deny an application submitted by the developer of the District of Highland Village that would have allowed nearly 100 apartment units to come to town.

The vote followed a public hearing and presentation by Landcore Development Company co-owner and Lantana resident Mike Silvaggio.

Silvaggio had requested that the city amend approximately 6-acres of the mixed-use development’s concept plan to allow 98 multi-family units, explaining the demand for such housing options in this area.

The 15-acre mixed-use project at FM 407 and Briarhill Boulevard includes retails shops, office space and townhomes.

The action to deny the project followed a busy two months at city hall for the developers and city officials.

At the city’s June 23 Planning & Zoning meeting, the commissioners voted to recommend denial of the application for rezoning. The District of Highland Village legal counsel requested, on June 27, a written report from the Planning & Zoning commission stating the reasons for the recommendation for denial. The city’s zoning ordinance entitles the applicant to the requested report before City Council considers the application. The item was postponed at the June 28 Council meeting. The Planning & Zoning Commission presented their report to the applicant at their July 19 meeting.

Also at the meeting, council approved a resolution authorizing the City Manager to negotiate a contract with Icon Enterprises, Inc., DBA CivicPlus for the design and development of the city website and a website for the Highland Village Business Association.

During Mayor and Council comments, Mayor McDearmont provided an update on the implementation of mandatory Phase 2 water restrictions. Phase 2 prohibits landscape watering for residential and commercial property on Monday’s and Friday’s and restricts watering the rest of the days of the week between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Wasteful water runoff is prohibited, which includes hosing down pavement or rinsing off cars. Groundwater well owners and residents that draw water from the lake are required to post a sign showing well water or lake water is in use. Violation of water restrictions will be strictly enforced. Phase 2 went into effect on July 27 and was triggered automatically by ordinance when the City water supply consumption reached greater than 80% for three consecutive days.

“The City of Highland Village has an adequate water supply for today and tomorrow’s needs. Phase 2 is a water management plan to ensure a reliable water quality to provide the reserves before and after the weekend,” according to a press release from the city.

The Highland Village Police Department announced that they had received a grant from CoServ in the amount of $10,848. The police department submitted the grant application to fund VieView portable wireless cameras that officers wear to record police and civilian interaction.

During the City Manager’s Report, the HVTV News segment informed residents of the city’s request for applications for Boards and Commissions, the Highland Village Balloon Festival on August 19-21, the public meeting to receive input on the development of Doubletree Ranch Park on Thursday, August 11 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at The Robert & Lee DuVall Center and the Phase 2 water regulations and water conservation tips.

 

 

Submitted by the City of Highland Village

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