Title
Consider public testimony regarding, and an ordinance rezoning 8 parcels of land located in the area defined as Downtown to the OS (Open Space) district, said parcels being listed on Exhibit “C” and being shown on the accompanying map. (First Reading)*
Body
History:
The parcels proposed for Open Space (OS) zoning comprise a variety of zoning districts which make up Memorial Park and the Town Green.
Location:
The subject tracts are located downtown. A new definition for “Downtown” is provided in the Zoning Code text amendments: “Downtown is defined geographically beginning with the eastern edge of the northbound frontage road of Interstate Highway 35 where it crosses the approximate centerline of Brushy Creek, then proceeding south along said edge of the northbound frontage road to the approximate centerline of the northern most track of the Union Pacific Railroad, then proceeding northeast along the approximate centerline of the northern most track of the Union Pacific Railroad, then proceeding north along the property line between 1099 East Main Street and 1201 East Main Street, then proceeding east along East Main Street, then proceeding north along the eastern property line of 1280 East Main Street, then proceeding north along the western property line of 1116 East Austin Avenue to the approximate centerline of Brushy Creek, then proceeding west along the approximate centerline of Brushy Creek to the eastern edge of the northbound frontage road of Interstate Highway 35, being the point of beginning.”Creating a singular definition of downtown enables all stakeholders to understand the geographic limits of the area being discussed.
This agenda item pertains to 8 parcels downtown that will be rezoned to Open Space (OS). See Exhibit C in the ordinance for a map and list of addresses. The map depicts each parcel proposed to be rezoned as well as its current zoning designation.
Justification:
The purpose of the Open Space zoning district is to establish and preserve land for public and private uses which consist of primarily open space. Municipal parks are located according to the city’s adopted plan for parks and recreational facilities. The parcels proposed for rezoning to OS (Open Space) include Memorial Park and the Town Green around the water tower.
This rezoning is in accordance with the comprehensive plan. The location criteria in the plan specify that the Open Space land use designation is used for any parcel, tract of land, or water feature that is either designated as a public park or private amenity.
Recommendation:
At its September 3, 2025, meeting, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the rezonings to the OS (Open Space) zoning district by a vote of 8-0 (1 absent). There were no speakers during the public hearing.
Staff recommends approval of the rezonings as presented.