Despite the motion to continue the public hearing on Cobblestone Farms’ townhomes to the next regular Heath City Council meeting, residents spoke against the proposed townhomes at the April 20 council meeting.
Mayor Pro-Tem Robert Hille, filling in for the absent Mayor John Ratcliffe, began the discussion by pointing out the zoning change requests were originally put on the agenda for public hearing, but the request concerning the townhomes had not made it out of planning and zoning.
Though it was made clear that no decision could be made on the subject, seven residents spoke about the townhomes. Five of them were opposed to the proposed zoning change.
City Attorney Pete Eckert suggested that both public discussions be continued to the meeting on May 18.
Hille suggested that all zoning requests for Cobblestone Farms, including the previously approved first phase, be reviewed as a single package.
“I find it difficult to separate phase one and two,” Hille said. “You can’t do a traffic study of one without the other. I would feel more comfortable if this went back to the Planning and Zoning Commission.”
Councilmember Karen Lewis agreed and entered the motion to continue the public hearings. The council carried the motion unanimously.
In other action, the council approved an extension of the final plats for Buffalo Creek Country Club Estates phase 10 and 11. The council also approved the preliminary plat for the Equestrian on Buffalo Creek.
Finally, resident Mart Higginbotham complained to the City Council about the Shepherd’s Glen Wastewater Treatment Plant, that had been abandoned on his property. Higginbotham is upset that the North Texas Municipal Water District has not removed the plant.
“I can’t take it out,” said Higginbotham. “I supported it when it went in there. Now that treatment plant has been benefiting you for so many years. When it was brought online it was used for Buffalo Creek and Shepherd’s Glen.
“It’s been shut down for 10 months now. I’ve called (the North Texas Municipal Water District), I’ve called the attorney general, and I’m not getting any help.”
City Manager Ed Thatcher responded that he had looked into the situation and the NTMWD is planning to remove the plant.
“North Texas plans to do a closure,” said Thatcher. “The problem is that they’re not on Mr. Higginbotham’s schedule. They’ve assured us that they’re not in violation of the law.”
In the end, Thatcher and Eckert agreed to contact the NTMWD to attempt to speed up the process. Hille said the city will write a letter on Higginbotham’s behalf regarding the issue.
Source: RockwallHeraldBanner.com