Advisory committee recommends mixed‑use designation for 10‑acre Town Center tract, trims proposed 'Gateway' link

The Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee recommended that the town change the future land use designation for a 10‑acre tract on the south side of FM 407 from single‑family residential to Mixed Use — allowing small‑scale retail, office, restaurant or civic uses and limited single‑family residential — and instructed staff to forward the revised thoroughfare and future land use maps to the Planning & Zoning Commission and Town Council.

The presenter, identified in the meeting as the staff planning lead, told the committee the small‑area Town Center District plan contains elements “out of alignment” with the comprehensive plan and that a targeted future land use amendment is needed so the two documents are consistent. “If that means buying them, then go do it,” the presenter said when urging preservation of existing Cross Timbers tree stands that run from the Argyle Nature Trail through the Waterbrook corner.

Committee members focused discussion on traffic impacts and project phasing. Several members and residents raised concerns about a proposed new Gateway roadway that would connect Sam Davis to Crawford, saying it would increase cut‑through traffic and primarily benefit future development. In response, staff proposed removing that short Gateway segment from the map now and studying it further with the Capital Improvements Advisory Committee to inform any later inclusion.

A committee member moved to accept the updated thoroughfare plan and the limited future land use change with the two edits (removing the Gateway segment and removing the draft street names from the map); another member seconded and the motion carried on a voice vote. Staff said the materials will go next to the Planning & Zoning Commission for a zoning action and then to Town Council for final decisions.

During the presentation staff also reported progress on the Argyle Nature Trail (50% construction plans submitted), noted that the Argyle Marketplace developer has submitted building plans, and reviewed next steps including forming a park board (to support grant eligibility), finalizing design standards, and continuing technical traffic work with consultants.

The committee’s recommendation is advisory; any zoning approvals, street naming and required thoroughfare changes will be decided by Planning & Zoning and Town Council in upcoming meetings.