On July 11, 2013, the Forney Planning and Zoning Commission met at City Hall and discussed amending snow cone stand regulation and the approval of a preliminary plat for Trails of Chestnut Meadow. Community Development Director Peter Morgan also provided business updates.
The commissioners approved the Trails of Chestnut Meadow's residential subdivision preliminary plat for phase five. The location of phase five is northwest of FM 548 and south of Sycamore Trail within the Trails of Chestnut Meadows Planned Development District.
P&Z Chair Robert Dobbs commended two representatives of Trails of Chestnut Meadow who were in attendance saying, “Ya'll have put in the amenities center like you said and we don't always get the things that we're promised and that is the most used amenity center I have ever seen. I ride my bike through the trails, ya'll put in the trails you said you would put in there, and there is a lot of open spaces. It has turned out to be a nice development and we appreciate it.”
Commissioners then went into a public hearing to discuss making amendments to the City of Forney's Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance by amending snow cone regulations within section 47.8 “Snow Cone Stands.”
Dobbs started the discussion by saying, “I requested this because snow cone stands sit there year round on properties and we're trying to make everything look nice. I just don't think a wooden trailer sitting there all year round fits.”
After researching ordinances of surrounding cities, Morgan proposed adding the following amendments to the ordinance, “Snow cone stands are a temporary seasonal use and are only permitted to operate between April 1 and September 30th of each year. Snow cone stand kiosks and trailers may not be stored or parked on the property where they operate outside of the season. Snow cone stand kiosks and trailers may be placed on the property on which they operate no earlier than 14 days prior to the beginning of the season and must be removed from such property no later than 14 days following the conclusion of the season.”
The City of Forney currently has three snow cone trailers permitted. When asked for feedback on the current stands, Morgan stated he has only had a couple of complaints concerning year round storage of the trailers.
Dobbs said, “ I like it and I appreciate all the research.”All commissioners present voted to approve the amendment. The proposed amendment will now go before the Forney City Council at their July 16 meeting.
During the director's report, Director Morgan mentioned the submission of building plans from Schlotzsky's Deli in Shafer Plaza which is located on FM 548 across from WalMart.
Oscar Delta Texas Kitchen, located in Mustang Crossing at the intersection of FM 548 and US Highway 80, is completing their certificate of occupancy and are expected to open in a couple of weeks. Oscar Delta Texas Kitchen was formally a Chiloso's Mexican Bistro but, because of issues that arose during the initial phases of construction, they decided to instead introduce their first ever Texas Kitchen concept in Forney, Texas. According to Chiloso's Facebook page, “It will feature a blend of Chiloso flavors in our take of classic TEXAS comfort foods.” Texas Kitchen is accepting applications at their location.
In other business related news:
Sakura Sushi and Grill opened in the Kickapoo Trace center next to The Hole Thing donuts. Kickapoo Trace is located at the intersection of College Avenue and FM 548 near Forney High School. Sakura offers sushi and hibachi and features a sushi bar.
Empire Nutrition of Rockwall has opened a new location in the Forney Center on the service road of westbound US Highway 80 near Applebee's.
Forney Fence Company's new exterior building facade and landscaping are almost complete. Last week, crews worked to remove the old Philbeck's sign that stood at the front of the property on the service road of westbound US Highway 80.
Picture below: Commissioners taking oath of office, left to right are Roger Cross, David Yandell, Chair Robert Dobbs, and David Johnson.
