CITY COUNCIL
Residential development, five code-named projects and an industrial center — much of it spurred by continued growth and the presence of Samsung Austin Semiconductor — took center stage at this week’s City Council session.
No action was taken Thursday, Dec. 12, after three public hearings for new developments and five code-named projects discussed in executive session.
“I think this is a perfect use for this property in this area,” said Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Cmerek after a presentation and public hearing on a new residential development at Old Granger Road and North Main Street.
Named The Foundry, it will feature a mix of four-story and three-story multifamily dwellings along with a twostory parking structure on a 10.69-acre tract.
The property owner is listed as Laxman Kaparthy, Taylor Highland Inv LLC.
The developer plans 321 living units and 2.3 acres of civic space with walking trails and potential sports-practice fields for the residents.
In general, the city’s land-use development code requires a mix of housing types, including single-family residences.
The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the plan with only apartments and townhomes.
“The higher ratio of (multifamily units) on this site will allow greater residential density and improve the viability of walkable commercial along Main Street for the whole pedestrian shed,” Development Services Director Scott Dunlop told the council.
The city also held a public hearing on a request for an Employment Center Plan called 427 Loop at Carlos G. Parker Boulevard S.W. near the intersection of FM 973.
The 28.59-acre development would include 391 multifamily units, a hotel with 120 rooms and 51,800 square feet of commercial usage. The anticipated employment creation from the project is estimated at 300 to 400 new jobs, according to a letter from property owner Hari Kuppuraj.
Dunlop said the P&Z commission recommended approval of the plan. Even though it has a lower ratio of single-family houses than city guidelines recommend, it is a developing area with other low-density subdivisions being built so this parcel could be allowed for highdensity residences, he added.
In addition to the public hearings for development plans, the council opened the floor for comments on a requested voluntary annexation of 163.25 acres located at 1051 CR 401, generally across from Samsung and near the Castlewood subdivision.
The land is part of a proposed industrial development called Taylor HQ.
Dunlop said an Employment Center Plan is currently under review and would be presented to council later.
Not much was revealed about the site, owned by Prophet Capital Management LTD.
A letter from engineering firm BGE Inc. noted the site’s proximity to Samsung will strengthen the area as an industrial and employment hub for the region.
The site has access to 401 from two easements through the Samsung property as well as access to 973.
Meanwhile the council took no action on the code-named developments discussed during closed session, identified in city documents as Project Spear, Project Taylor 100, Project Citadel Square, Project Newport and Project Sivelle.
A second reading of the ordinances, along with discussion and possible action, is scheduled for the Jan. 9 meeting at City Hall, 400 Porter St.
