North Richland Hills residents worry about losing trees if new homes are built

Some residents don’t want to see new homes built on vacant land near heavily-traveled Davis Boulevard because they worry about losing “old growth” trees and increasing traffic in their neighborhood.

A developer requested a zoning change from commercial to residential use on about 19 acres of vacant land near Davis Boulevard and Odell Street.

Residents weighed in on the proposal during two public hearings, and on Dec. 19, the Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to allow the change, and the city council will make the final decision during its meeting at 7 p.m. Monday at 4301 City Point Drive.

Sophie Guajardo, who spoke during the December public hearing, described how she moved to North Richland Hills because of its “scenic beauty.”

“I’m worried about losing beautiful land; it’s a blessing to be a part of this beautiful community,” she said.

Derick Murway, managing member of Montage Development, told residents that he understands their concerns about losing trees.

“We do believe that this is going to be a high-quality product. Our intention is not to be tree destroyers, but rather community builders,” he said.

Murway also said in an interview that he chose the site for the proposed Willow Springs development because the city’s future land use plans called for residential use.

“I believe this community will be much better aesthetically if it is residential and not commercial. I always look for what does the lay of the land allow,” he said.

Murway said he also walked around the property, and didn’t see evidence of older trees.

He also said his company will comply with the city’s tree preservation ordinance.

The site is currently zoned for commercial and transit oriented development, and it is near the TEXRail Smithfield station. Murway said the location near the TEXRail station didn’t “drive” his decision to build homes on the site, but people could decide to move to that area because of the train service.

Plans call for townhomes, family garden homes and green space between the new and existing homes.

Not all residents opposed the plans for the new development.

Kaylen Pizzini said she is concerned about losing trees and increasing traffic, but she would rather see new homes than more commercial development.

“I think that what is being proposed tonight is beautiful. I don’t want to see more warehouses,” she said.