This project will be discussed at the next City Council meeting as well as the Planning and Zoning Committee meeting. Still in proposal stages, city leaders and council must now weigh their options. At least one of the entrances would be located on the main thouroughfare coming through Devine between W.OG. Supply and O’Reilly’s Auto Parts off Hondo Ave/ Hwy 173.
By Kathleen Calame
Publisher
A Houston based developer, ANLARR, is proposing to build a 100 tiny home gated community in Devine on about 19 acres on Highway 173 between to WOG and O’Reilly’s/ Walmart. area
Rahul Reddy, ANLARR Project Manager, presented the proposal to the Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday night and then to the City Council the next night on Tuesday.
Many answers to questions are being sought on both sides, from the city and the developer as this is in the preliminary stages.
Several feasibility studies need to be done including some by TxDOT.
City Administrator David Jordan suggested to the committee and council, “Give me your questions and we will send them to the developer and meet again in two weeks”.
City Planner Brandon Melland presented the council with a suggested ordinance that would cover special projects like this that come up, called a “PD District.” A PD District is adaptable to the unique needs of each project, he explained.
“For example twenty years ago tiny homes weren’t a thing so not covered by the ordinances you have. A PD District gives the council flexibility”.
Studies have shown there are both advantages and disadvantages to the creation of special districts like this.
In addition, the project would be a gated community, with amenities available to people who live in it. The 100 Devine Tiny Homes Community would include key fob gates, a small park/ play area, tennis court, gazebo with picnic tables, tiny swimming pool, vegetable garden, walking trails, and detention ponds.
The tiny homes have a maximum of 399 square feet of living space, plus a porch, small yard, and a drive way.
The homes would be sold to customers on payments at $1,200 to $1,300 per month for 20 years. The land underneath would be leased and included in the loan. If homeowners decided to move their tiny homes that is a possibility if the debt is paid up, rent to own.
“This is the first tiny home project, but I’ve built apartments, schools and hotels. Projects in Live Oak, Schertz, and mostly in Houston,” said Reddy. “We want to be in a community that needs and supports our vision”.
