A proposed 41-townhome development east of Central Expressway heads to Allen City Council for a final vote tomorrow after the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval 5-1 earlier this month.

The project, called Townhomes of Allen Uptown, would replace nearly 6 acres of land zoned for shopping center uses southwest of Allen Drive with a mix of housing, green space, and trails.

Neighbors who spoke at the July 7 P&Z hearing said traffic near a roundabout worries them most.

"Having the increase in traffic is definitely a concern for us, especially with that roundabout," resident Jeremy Weatherall told the commission on July 7.

Senior Planner Kim Yockey told the commission the site's unusual shape makes it "not conducive to commercial uses." She said the development would align with two city comprehensive plan goals aimed at diversifying Allen's housing stock.

The concept plan calls for 41 townhomes at a density of 6.9 dwelling units per acre, well below the city's 10.8-unit maximum for townhome projects.

The plan also includes a 5,000-square-foot dog park, roughly 1.5 acres of open space with benches, a masonry wall and landscaping buffer, public parallel parking along Allen Drive, and a 10-foot-wide trail.

Not every neighbor opposed the project. Resident Jim Longley told the commission on July 7 he was "kind of in favor of it" but thought traffic patterns needed to be rethought.

P&Z Commission Chair Dan Metevier confirmed at the July 7 meeting that the item would go to council for final action on July 28.

BMK Pharma zoning also expected

The P&Z Commission unanimously recommended a zoning change for BMK Pharma, a manufacturing and research facility proposed near Central Expressway and Exchange Parkway, at its Monday, July 21, meeting.

That item is expected on the July 28 council agenda, but could not be confirmed because the full agenda packet was not accessible as of July 24.

How to watch or attend

The meeting begins at 6:59 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, in Council Chambers at Allen City Hall, 305 Century Parkway. R

esidents can watch live on ACTV at actv.org, on YouTube at YouTube.com/AllenCityTV, or at CityofAllen.org/Watch. A recording will be available afterward for on-demand viewing.

The next regular council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 11.