FORNEY, Texas — The developer/homebuilder of Brooklyn Village returned to the Planning and Zoning Commission during their Thursday, January 8, 2015, meeting to again seek approval to build 184 “Craftsman-style” homes on 40.854 acres south of Bowie Street and east of Pinson Road.
FORNEY, Texas — The developer/homebuilder of Brooklyn Village returned to the Planning and Zoning Commission during their Thursday, January 8, 2015, meeting to again seek approval to build 184 “Craftsman-style” homes on 40.854 acres south of Bowie Street and east of Pinson Road.
In November 2014, Brooklyn Village, formerly Stonebriar Estates, received approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Forney City Council for a preliminary plat and a final plat to build homes in accordance with the city’s building standards. Those plans, however, were for standard home builds and not “Craftsman-style” homes.
The “Craftsmen-style” plan was denied due to changes in the city’s building standards which would have allowed alleys, reduced masonry requirements, smaller lot and home sizes, and changes in the home’s setback.
Not satisfied, but able to begin building, the developer had plans drawn to demonstrate the typical site plan for their proposed “Craftsman-style” home to the commissioners on Thursday.
In previous meetings, nearby residents voiced their opposition for the developer’s plans to add alleys due to the stigma alleys increase crime. The developer presented their plans for the alleys, referred to as “rear lanes.”
Fences would not be permitted in the rear yard setback allowing for an increased sight distance for motorists. In fact, the proposed site plan would not have a backyard but, instead, a side courtyard. The rear yard, having an 18-foot setback, is actually larger than the front yard which has a five-foot setback.
The homes would be built with fewer windows facing the neighbor’s side court yard, allowing for additional privacy. A large, “usable” front porch is also standard in the proposed site plan. The minimum dwelling unit size will be 1,400 square-feet.
Landscaping will be done by the developer and will include at least two trees per lot.
The home owners association will be responsible for the maintenance of all the homeowners’ front yards, alley ways, drainage easements, and Mustang Creek which consists of approximately 10.23 total acres.
A portion of the planned development on the east side of the property will be dedicated for use in the Master Park Trail. The developer will construct an 8-foot wide trail matching the Mustang Creek Trail, build a boundary fence along the east side of the property, and dedicate 1.089 acres to extend the Mustang Creek Park on Longhorn Lane. Fees will be paid in lieu of additional park land required for dedication.
A concern commissioners had with granting the planned development standard changes was the developer typically isn’t the builder and would not be able to guarantee the proposed “Craftsman-style” home. In this instance, the developer and the builder are the same person which eased commissioners’ concern.
“The question is,” said Chairman Robert Dobbs. “Do we want this [Craftsman-style] or do we want what was previously approved … because it’s approved.”
Cat Wilson, who previously attended meetings and opposed the addition says she is now “for it.”
After 38 minutes of discussion, the commissioners unanimously approved an amendment to the City of Forney Comprehensive Plan to change the 40.854 acres of the proposed property from commercial to residential use with the amended changes to the planned development.