Several requests, including for rezoning and an update to the thoroughfare master plan, for the nearly 335-acre conservation development Eden Ranch were approved by Flower Mound officials.
Council approved four requests—one for rezoning, one for a thoroughfare master plan amendment, one for a land dedication for a park and park dedication fees, and one for removing several trees—during the Nov. 3 meeting. Each request was approved by a 4-1 vote with council member Ann Martin voting against.
What happened
The zoning for the development was approved with several modifications, including some held over from the planning and zoning commission’s recommendation, such as:
Martin raised her concerns about Eden Ranch, primarily related to the exceptions from development standards for the Cross Timbers Conservation Development District.
“It’s a lot of exceptions for a development that was supposed to meet the conservation standards,” she said.
The Eden Ranch development proposal before the modifications approved by council included a total of 167 lots, 158 of which are designed for residential use, and nine designated agricultural lots. The agricultural lots are intended for use by residents of the gated community, such as a stables or a school exclusively for children in the neighborhood.
Town staff will have approval of the new lot layout, provided it meets the required standards.
Zooming in
Additionally, a thoroughfare plan for the proposed development was approved. According to town documents, proposed changes include the removal of an east-west connector street that would have run through Eden Ranch, which will require a portion of Shiloh Road to be widened to four lanes.
Matt Hotelling, Flower Mound’s assistant director of public works and transportation, said a traffic impact analysis showed the need to widen Shiloh Road 1,600 feet to the north starting at the intersection with FM 1171. The end of the widened road will be located near the eastern entrance to Eden Ranch, he said.
There is also a proposed hooded left-turn lane into the Eden Ranch entrance along FM 1171. Hotelling said this would prevent traffic from turning east out of the development onto FM 1171.
Randi Rivera, director of planning and entitlement with engineering firm McAdams, which is working on the project with the property’s owner, Tyler Radbourne, said the development team is also willing to consider installing a deceleration lane into Eden Ranch as long as it is warranted for the site.
The proposed conservation development also includes a 9.35-acre park with a retention pond that will be dredged and refurbished to meet town standards. The developer will also be required to pay park development fees totaling $233,184. There are around 147 acres of open space included in the plan, with potential uses including greenhouses, shade structures along the trail and a community center, which will require separate site plan approval.
The tree removal permit requests were also approved with the exceptions of a couple of large post oak trees and three trees that currently sit within a proposed street section for the development.
What they’re saying
More than 40 individuals registered their support or opposition to the project during the meeting, including 33 for and seven against. Those in support mentioned the quality of the development and good character of Radbourne, with those opposed citing concerns about accessory dwelling units and the agriculture uses on the site.
Bill Casner, a nearby property owner, said he supported the vision for the development.
“It’s not the cookie-cutter type developments that are so prevalent that have no vision and have no character,” Casner said. “It will be the jewel of Flower Mound.”
Other residents shared concerns about the nonnative fruit trees, such as peach, that could be planted on orchards within Eden Ranch.
“This is an environmentally sensitive area,” said resident Tim Whisenant, citing concerns that peach trees have a disease that could spread to nearby post oaks. “That’s the wrong tree to have in this area.”
Further concerns were also raised about allowing accessory dwelling units by right within the development.
“We don’t want people to have the ability by right to go and build [accessory dwelling units],” Mayor Cheryl Moore said. “That’s going to impact so many things: population over there, access for emergency services [and] drainage.”
Also of note
Radbourne said he has also held discussion with local residents and the leadership at the Watermere senior living community about opportunities for seniors to participate in the gardens and farm at Eden Ranch once it is operational.
He added that the potential collaboration highlights the development's commitment to intergenerational connection, community involvement and a care for seniors.
What’s next
Although the zoning is in place, the developer will still be required to get site plan approval for Eden Ranch.
No timeline was shared by the development team during the meeting for a further site plan approval or when construction on Eden Ranch would start.
“Monday night was a truly historic moment for our family and this community,” Radbourne said. “Your prayers, support, and encouragement helped make it possible. We’re especially grateful to everyone who took time to send emails, show their support, and come in person. Your presence was felt, and together we’ve shaped something that will be remembered for years to come. A light on the hill is rising; Eden Ranch has begun.”
Editor's note: This article has been updated with additional information.
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