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New subdivision debated in Leander

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The Leander City Council conditionally approved a concept plan for the Mason Ranch subdivision, but not before hearing objections from local residents.

“The plan as shown would adversely impact the value of Grand Mesa homes that back up to the Mason Ranch development,” said Patricia Leahy, speaking on behalf of homeowners in the area. “It is our opinion this plan is not consistent with other single-family rural developments in the area.”

Leahy argued that the proposed subdivision would not blend with the surrounding developments because of the small lot sizes. She said the proposed lot sizes are equal to 0.19 acres per site while surrounding subdivisions have an average of 1.2 acres per site.

She also said the current plan violated a city zoning ordinance and asked that the council not approve it until it met compatibility standards, including a natural buffer zone.

Jim Bechtol, speaking for the developers of Mason Ranch, said they were aware of the concerns, but not ready to address them. Though, he said, as the process moved forward, the developers would be willing to work with area residents.

David Hutton, director of planning for the city of Leander, recommended the conditional approval pending further review by the planning and zoning board.

“The lot sizes are an issue really of zoning,” Hutton said. “When the zoning application comes in, there will be more public hearings before the planning and zoning commission and before the council. At that time a decision will be made as to what the appropriate zoning district should be.”

After a brief discussion about the concept plan, including concerns from Councilmember Kirsten Lynch about stubbed roads, the council voted for the conditional approval, 5-0. Mayor John Cowman and Council-member David Siebold recused themselves from the vote.

Other business during Thursday's meeting included the council taking a few steps forward on the Leander “T,” a planned intersection of San Gabriel Parkway and an extension of CR 273, between U.S. Highway 183 and 183A. The intersection would be a boon to the Leander Transit Village, located in the TOD. The council authorized the city manager to negotiate agreements with local landowners and developers to get the project off the ground.

Also Thursday, the council appointed Cowman, Mayor Pro Tem Vic Villarreal and Council-member Michell Cantwell to the board of directors for the Leander Library Foundation, approving the articles of incorporation for the foundation at the same time. The purpose of the Library Foundation is to raise money for the Leander Library.

E-mail amy@hillcountrynews.com

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