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BASTROP — A developer seeking to be grandfathered under outdated land use codes was denied a zoning change that would have allowed eight apartments and 16 parking spaces on less than a half-acre near downtown.
The Pecan Place development at 1005 Park St. was previously approved for two duplexes under Bastrop’s old city code. City Council Oct. 21 rejected a request to rezone the property from P3-Neighborhood to P4-Mixed, which permits higher density.
“Given that the neighborhood itself has expressed a near-unanimous preference to not have this there, I’m going to side with them,” Mayor Pro Tem John Kirkland said.
Several community members opposed the rezoning, raising concerns about changing the neighborhood’s character, increased traffic, limited parking and drainage issues on an already flood-prone street.
“As long as I can remember, that property is a single-family home. The idea of putting eight living units and 16 parking spaces on a half-acre lot in that location doesn’t make any sense to me,” said resident John Crawford.
Others supported the proposal, referring to the area as a transitional space between businesses and higher density neighborhoods.
Councilman Kevin Plunkett said it was a difficult decision. He noted the proposed development could provide more affordable housing options for young couples and older residents.
“I’m a big believer in property rights, and this is a difficult lot. I think it is compelling,” he said. “The idea of that ‘missing middle’ is a real thing in Bastrop ... there’s not a lot of starter homes in Bastrop.”
City officials said the developer can still build the original plan of two duplex homes, as platting was submitted before the new zoning rules took effect. Current zoning allows one home per one-third acre in that area.
The zoning and land use for the property changed after the developer demolished a historic home on the site upon purchase.
The platting for two duplexes was approved March 3, and the city’s zoning code was changed eight days later. The developer has two years to build under the previously approved plat before the new code applies, according to officials.
“The best use (of a property) is not about what is going to make the most money for the developers. The best use is what’s going to work best for the city,” Councilwoman Cynthia Meyer said.
