Title
Review and consideration of a request by Ashton Holdings, Inc., for minor modifications to the amenity center and lot configuration in the Oak Preserve Planned Development, generally located south of Lillian Road and approximately 2,000 feet southwest of the intersection of Lillian Road and W. Broad Street (ZC#15-022B)
Requested Action
To consider the proposed revisions described below.
Description/History
On May 8, 2017, City Council approved a modification to the Oak Preserve Planned Development for the amenity center, landscaping and screening, and lot configuration. Council added a condition to the approval to require that the activity area or greenspace must be usable as determined by the Engineering and Community Services Departments. Because of drainage concerns at the original location on the north end of the development, Ashton Holdings is requesting a modification to allow the amenity center to be relocated near the gated part of the development.
Based on the new configuration, the lot count in this development will change as follows:
|
Lot Type |
Lots on Approved |
Lot Count Approved |
Proposed Lot Count |
|
|
PD |
on May 8, 2017 |
for this Modification |
|
1.0 Acre Lots |
57 |
45 |
43 |
|
1/3 Acre Lots |
113 |
106 |
106 |
The color rendering of the amenity center with the ball field in the applicant’s letter shows the plan approved by Council on May 8, 2017. It does not reflect the actual layout of the amenity center being proposed on the revised development plan. In place of a dedicated ball field, the new plan calls for a multi-use sports field to better utilize the space available. The developer is not proposing any changes to the current entryway plan.
During Staff's review of the revised amenity center the following items were noted for Council's consideration:
a. Some of the character of a gated community may be lost, as the park extends into the gated area of Oak Preserve and is open to all residents of the development.
b. As noted in the developer’s letter, vehicular access will be from the public street at the front of the park. However, if the park is not enclosed by a fence, the gated community will be accessible to pedestrian traffic through the park.
c. The consent of Oncor and the Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) will be necessary for the use of their easements, including any fencing in or crossing the easements.
d. The Fire Department will have safety requirements, such as a turn-around in the parking lot and safety equipment on gates for the amenity center at time of permitting and construction.
e. The Community Services Department has the following specific comments:
1. The open areas are broken up by both the Oncor and TRWD easements. These areas are limited in use to plain open space with agreements from both entities.
2. It appears the Park area (Amenity Area) is outside the gated community fence yet the parking has to be accessed through a security gate. This is not a good solution.
3. While the park and pond is an amenity to all, access to the secured area is compromised.
4. From a Parks perspective, it is not really creative and does not function well as a park for the entire neighborhood.
The Community Services Department recommends the following:
1. Make the pond an amenity and change access to separate the gated and non-gated areas. Consolidate the park areas to make the sites more useful.
2. The multi-use field space should be labeled as multi-use open space and be developed with irrigation and improved turf for use which will require agreements with the easement owners.
.
Prepared By
Lisa Sudbury, AICP
Interim Director of Planning
817-276-4227