Friday, Nov. 09, 2007

P&Z’s role

Editor:

I would like to respond to the recent letters by Keller citizens regarding the proposed amendment to the Town Center Concept Plan for Keller Station. While I do not take their comments personally, I feel it is important for our citizens to fully understand the role and responsibilities of Keller’s Planning and Zoning Commission.

First, as commissioners, our primary task is to determine if an applicant’s proposal meets the intended guidelines set forth by Keller’s Unified Development Code, the UDC.

In this particular case, analysis by the Keller Department of Community Development and the P&Z Commission concluded that the retail, restaurant, office and attached residential uses proposed for Keller Station are permitted in the Town Center Zoning District, which strongly encourages a pedestrian-friendly mixture of uses. The proposal for Keller Station met all the Town Center design requirements, as well as the spirit and intent of the Town Center District.

Second, it was suggested that the residential portion of Keller Station be restricted to "For Sale" units, such as condominiums or town homes. Keller’s UDC does not allow for discrimination in any neighborhood or district with respect to whether a unit (freestanding or attached) must be sold, leased or rented. As commissioners, we do not have the authority to dictate that the proposed apartments be changed to condos or town homes.

Third, other citizens commented that applicants for Keller Town Center projects should be required to build the retail, restaurant and office portions first, followed by the residential units.

This approach does not meet the Town Center Concept criteria that requires mixed-use, and it conflicts with urban development best practices in building retail, restaurants and commercial after the residential populations are established.

Finally, I would like to note that while several people voiced concern that three-bedroom apartments would attract families, adding to already crowded schools and traffic congestion, the applicant clearly stated in their proposal that of the 324 attached residential units, only six units would have three bedrooms. The rest of the residences are one- and two-bedroom units, designed to attract singles, young professionals and "empty nesters."

While P&Z Commissioners are charged with making sure a proposed project or development meets the UDC guidelines in intent and spirit, the City Council is the governing body that has considerably more discretion and ultimately makes the final decision. Whether you are for or against the amendment to the Town Center Concept Plan for Keller Station, or any other proposed project in our city, I would invite all concerned citizens to write or e-mail your City Council members and attend any upcoming meetings about these important issues.

I am delighted that so many of Keller’s citizens are taking an active role in helping shape the future of our great city. I encourage them to volunteer for a board or commission later this month when the applications become available.

Jay Brown

Chairman, Keller P&Z