City sends development variance back to PZ

City sends development variance back to P&Z Brian Smith Wed, 05/08/2024 - 7:22 am Jacksboro aldermen sent a potential change in the lot size of a planned development back to the Planning and Zoning Commission for further review. Developers David and Kara Crombie are looking to build five quadplexes in a 0.8-acre area near the intersection of Wichita and Live Oak streets. The city met Monday, April 22 to reconsider a P&Z recommendation to change property for a planned development, waving the eight-acre requirement. City ordinance states such a development must be on at least eight acres. A planned development district is created to encourage creative development of the land to provide comprehensive developments and to allow for flexibility within the patterns of the city. Alderman Stewart Chalmers said he had concerns on traffic, parking and emergency access. “Where are emergency vehicles going to be able to go on such a small piece of property,” Chalmers asked. Chalmers additionally wanted more information where the parking would be as the map provided showed very little detail. Crombie said he would provide that information. Alderman Greg Robinson said there is definitely a need for more housing in the city and the location is good but making a variance would force the city to allow variances for everyone. “This would definitely set a precedent,” Robinson said. “I don’t think traffic is going to be an issue.” David Crombie said he is trying to help the community get more housing. He said all of his developments through the years have been well thought out and with the area growing, something needs to be done. Crombie is the executive vice president and chief operating officer of Nine Energy Service. He also told the council at the meeting he is looking to move the headquarters of Nine Energy Service from Fort Worth to Jacksboro but says he would not be able to do it if the housing is not there. Kara Crombie said single mothers will be the ones most likely to live in the quadplexes, which should ease parking concerns. She said the quadplexes will be built one or two at a time, which Alderman Joel Hood approved. “Evaluating as you go along is a good idea,” Hood said. “I think 20 units are too many with a school and child care in the area.” City Manager Mike Smith said a traffic study could be done through the area to see if traffic would be a concern. “I don’t know if the traffic count would increase that much,” Smith said. “There could also be alternative routes through the area.” Smith said when eight acres was chosen as a requirement for a planned development district, it was “arbitrary” as there are not many eightacre areas in the city but that it could be changed. Alderman Libby Gonzales said she is all for looking ahead but if more building and housing is to be done, consistency on procedures and what is allowed needs to be followed. Smith said letters would need to go out to homeowners in the area if any changes are made. The item would then go to P&Z and back to the council for discussion. Smith said council discussion could happen at the Monday, June 10 meeting but no firm date was set. The next council meeting is Monday, May 13.