By Jim Hardin — Herald-Banner Correspondent
Fate has a new city hall site and the Royse City Independent School District has a new school site, thanks to action Monday night by the Fate City Council.
The city and school district donations came with the city council’s unanimous approval of an amendment to the Woodcreek Planned Unit Development District. An ordinance modified permitted lot sizes and added design and development standards for single family residential uses.
Patrick E. Sessions, managing partner of Southstar Woodcreek Developer, said the “net results” of the city council’s action reduced Woodcreek’s density by 345 units — from 5,333 to 4,988.
Sessions told the city council that 533 multifamily units were also eliminated, along with 500 40-foot lots called the “cluster plan.”
A highlight of the plan for local officials was the “government tract” that provided 3.4 acres for the city hall site and 24 acres for the school site.
The city hall site is located on the southwest corner of Texas 66 and C.D. Boren Parkway. The site is adjacent to Smith Family Park.
The school site is across Texas 66 from the city hall site.
Miss May Vernon Elementary School also is located across Texas 66 from the school site.
Sessions told city council members that school officials had not determined what level school would be constructed at the site.
He said the school district would be required to build on the site within 10 years.
“What does this do for Woodcreek?” Sessions asked.
“It allows us to meet the demands of the builders for a product they can sell. The indication of that is very strong. We have currently, within the city, over 400 units right now that are platted.”
He said builders are “chomping at the bit” to get started.
“It’s good news for us. It’s good news for you to get the project cranked back up,” he said. “That’s going to allow us to move forward, get more rooftops out there, more taxes coming in for the city. I think that’s a great thing for everybody.”
Responding to a question from Mayor Lorne Megyesi, Sessions said he expects an eight-year buildout, “and that’s ambitious to be honest with you.”
“We’ve got almost 3,500 units left to build,” he said. “If we do 350 a year, that’s 10 years. We’re going to be here awhile.”
The developer added later that he was proud of what has been accomplished.
“In the process, we managed to get the city hall there,” he said. “I can’t tell you how proud I am of that.
“I think that’s a great thing for the project. And I also think it’s a great thing for the city. It’s a great location for it next to the park. The possibilities are endless.”
Another school, he said, is certainly something to be proud of as well.
“I would just tell you, yes, I’m happy. I got what I needed, but you all should be real proud of yourselves for a new P&Z board, new city council, new mayor, new city manager. It’s just amazing what you have accomplished.”
Will Rugeley, director of planning and development services, headed the city’s representation in the planning and negotiations.