Tommy Spinosa is moving forward with plans for the fifth phase of Rouzan, his traditional neighborhood development in Southdowns. But the developer withdrew the final development plan for the nearly 38-acre phase just hours after submitting it for approval to the Planning Commission this morning because of inconsistencies Planning Commission staff noted between the final development plan and the original concept plan.
The final development plan for phase five called for 230 single-family homes, including 49 low-density, 148 medium-density and 33 high-density. The plan also called for four acres of green space and a little over seven acres of common open space.
Planning Project Coordinator Gilles Morin says the original development plan does not allow for any high-density residential in that part of Rouzan. There was also some discrepancy over the distinction between green space, which is grassy area, and open space, which is a designated area for communal use, he says.
A statement provided by Spinosa’s development company, 2590 Associates, says the developer will make corrections to the application and resubmit plans next month. The Planning Commission would then take up the matter at its December meeting.
Phase five of Rouzan—which, unlike the Village Center, Creekside and Mimosa Districts, will simply be called Rouzan—will connect the Village Center with the developed portions of the TND, according to the statement.
Level Homes, which has already developed dozens of lots in Rouzan, has “numerous” lots under contract in the fifth phase as well, the statement states. Additionally, Spinosa has contracted with several direct buyers, who will build their own homes.
Meanwhile, Rouzan’s Village Center—the commercial portion of the development that will front Perkins Road and be anchored by an Alamo Drafthouse movie theater—is awaiting permits from the city-parish. The once grassy farmland has recently been cleared, and heavy machinery appears ready to begin construction.
The statement from 2590 Associates says comments from the permits department are being finalized and that construction permits should be issued soon. The initial phase of the Village Center is expected to be complete within the next 12 to 18 months.
—Stephanie Riegel
