Commission backs rezoning for Lovers Lane site after developer concessions; ban on dumpsters added

The Prosper Plan and Zoning Commission on Aug. 4 recommended approval of a rezoning that would convert roughly 39.2 acres at the northeast corner of Lovers Lane and University Drive from an older PD to a new plan development permitting retail, office/warehouse and "cottage logistics" uses. Commissioners approved the motion 7–0 after the applicant made several design concessions and the commission added a condition banning dumpsters along the northern edge of Track 3.

Town staff opened the public hearing and described the proposed PD, including deviations from underlying districts: increased side-yard setbacks in places, reduced front/side setbacks for industrial-style tracts, and a cap on Track 3 building height at 35 feet (staff noted the PD differs from the prior submittal and eliminates previously allowed uses such as car washes, pet daycare and outside storage). Staff recommended approval and said the case would be scheduled for town council on Aug. 25 if the commission acted favorably.

Applicant Taylor Mitchum reviewed the revisions made after meetings with residents and staff: increasing the northern landscape buffer, flipping Track 3 building orientation to place roll-up doors away from residences, relocating dumpsters off the northern boundary, reducing some allowed heights and substituting secondary building materials (removing EIFS and CMU from the list, adding three-step stucco and split-face block). "We're proposing an 8 foot wrought iron fence," Mitchum said when describing security measures. He also said the team is pursuing a hooded left turn from Track 2 onto Lovers Lane to reduce traffic on Richland Boulevard.

Residents who testified described ongoing concerns about tree canopy, sight lines and safety. David Saint Romaine said advance meetings with the developer improved his outlook but urged a stronger landscape and sound buffer. After public comment and a commissioners' comment period, Commissioner Blancette moved to approve the rezoning with one addition: "no dumpsters be allowed along the northern line of Track 3." Commissioner Carson seconded and the motion carried 7–0.

The commission recorded the recommendation and directed staff to include the commission’s condition in the council package.