News Summary
The Round Rock City Council has granted initial approval for the rezoning of a half-acre near E. Palm Valley Boulevard to mixed-use residential, allowing for diverse business opportunities including restaurants and retail. AASRA LLC plans to develop a restaurant and grocery store on the site. Additionally, the council approved a historic tax exemption program for 51 properties, supporting the maintenance of historic buildings. Further zoning applications are expected in the area, showcasing a proactive developmental strategy.
Round Rock – The Round Rock City Council has granted initial approval to rezone a half-acre of land located near E. Palm Valley Boulevard, paving the way for mixed-use redevelopment. The decision, made during a recent council meeting, consists of two key ordinances aimed at altering the land’s designation and allowing for a wider array of business opportunities.
Details of the Rezoning
The first ordinance updates the city’s future land use map, changing the designation of the property from residential to mixed-use residential (MU-R). The second ordinance specifically rezones 0.469 acres of property at 802 E. Palm Valley Blvd. from general office use to mixed-use residential. Previously, the zoning allowed only for daycares, offices, medical and cosmetic services, as well as veterinary clinics.
With the new MU-R designation, a broader range of uses is permitted. This includes options for establishments such as restaurants, limited retail, and indoor entertainment facilities. The proposed development will be initiated by AASRA LLC, which plans to construct a small restaurant, a grocery store, and beauty services on the upper level of the building.
Planning and Zoning Commission Recommendation
The Planning and Zoning Commission had unanimously recommended the approval of both measures during their meeting in June. In the council session, it was noted that a 6-foot masonry fence will be required along any property line adjacent to a single-family residential lot to ensure privacy and safety for nearby residents.
The new zoning provides greater flexibility for AASRA LLC in terms of the size of the buildings and the placement of parking lots. Councilmember Brad Dushkin pointed out that the MU-R zoning district allows for buildings to be positioned closer to the front of the property and potentially makes provisions for larger constructions.
Council Approval and Future Prospects
Both ordinances were approved unanimously on first reading, with a second reading anticipated in an upcoming meeting. Additionally, another property owner in the area has expressed interest in pursuing a similar rezoning to mixed-use, indicating potential for further redevelopment within the vicinity.
Moreover, Mayor Craig Morgan acknowledged that it may be reasonable to consider additional lots in the area for rezoning to MU-R, which could lead to more mixed-use developments if property owners submit further applications.
Historic Tax Exemption Program
In addition to the rezoning measures, the Round Rock City Council also approved an ordinance granting partial property tax exemptions for 51 properties throughout the city, amounting to over $163,000 under the historic tax exemption program. This initiative aims to encourage the maintenance and repair of historic properties, helping to preserve buildings and prevent deterioration over time.
Out of the 52 applications received for the tax exemption, most of the applicants qualified after inspections were completed. Specifically, 12 of the properties are residential, while 39 are commercial. Only one application did not meet the necessary requirements for the exemption, as highlighted by Councilmember Dushkin. The historic tax exemption ordinance was also approved unanimously on first reading, with its second reading expected during a future council meeting.
Conclusion
The recent decisions made by the Round Rock City Council reflect a proactive approach toward urban development and the preservation of historic properties. The successful rezoning for mixed-use development signifies a forward-thinking strategy to enhance community services while also acknowledging the importance of maintaining the city’s historical character.
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Additional Resources
- Community Impact: RR City Council Approves Rezoning for Switch Data Center
- Wikipedia: Round Rock, Texas
- Community Impact: City Council Approves Rezoning for Chandler Creek
- Google Search: Rezoning E Palm Valley Blvd
- Community Impact: Redevelopment Near E Palm Valley Blvd
- Google Scholar: Urban Mixed-Use Development
- Community Impact: Rezoning for Round Rock Lofts
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mixed-Use Development
- Community Impact: RR to Consider Zoning for New Data Center
- Google News: Round Rock Mixed-Use Development
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