Pacing growth From the cover
The gist
The new units would have about 18 units per acre, while several existing Prosper apartments are closer to 15 units per acre, according to town data. As multifamily development continues, Mayor David Bristol said council’s philosophy is to only approve additional multifamily along Dallas North Tollway, which was reinforced by the new standards. “A developer has to bring us something that the council will see is special, unique [and] something of value to our community that would [warrant us] to go past that [cap],” Bristol said. “It’s the measuring … stick that we’re using for all multifamily development.”
February due to concerns about multifamily and project phasing. Additional multifamily housing, replacing previously planned office space at the Gates of Prosper, was approved 5-2 by Town Council in August despite a unanimous denial recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission. Council members raised concerns about the Gates’ apartment density, quality and alignment with Prosper’s 2024 multifamily development standards. Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Chris Kern voted against the added units and said the increased density doesn’t fit with Prosper’s long-term vision.
Development Services Director David Hoover said the town favors planned development districts, which is a zoning tool that allows officials more time to negotiate project details and standards with developers. Drawing on Prosper’s comprehensive plan, Hoover said the town uses a soft cap of 7,000 multifamily units, a level the town is currently hovering around. Prosper Oaks, a 775-home development off Parvin Road, was approved in October after being tabled several times. Meanwhile Bella Prosper, a proposed 62-acre mixed-use development off First Street, was tabled in November for the second time to
Prosper’s recent development decisions
Aug. 5: Planning and Zoning recommends denial of additional Gates of Prosper housing Aug. 5: Planning and Zoning unanimously recommends denial of zoning change and future land use amendment for Prosper Oaks Aug 26: Town Council approves additional Gates of Prosper housing (5-2 vote) Aug. 26: Town Council tables zoning change and future land use amendment for Prosper Oaks
Ongoing conversations about multifamily housing and density have contributed to a series of approvals, denials and delays in Prosper’s recent development decisions.
July 15: Planning and Zoning tables zoning change for Prosper Oaks for the second time
Aug. 27: Prosper updates multifamily development standards
2025
2024
Nov. 11: Town Council tables zoning change for Bella Prosper to Feb. 24
June 17: Planning and Zoning tables zoning change and future land use amendment for Prosper Oaks for the first time
Sept. 15: Planning and Zoning recommends approval of rezoning request for Bella Prosper
Oct. 14: Town Council votes 6-1 to approve zoning change, and developer withdraws future land use amendment for Prosper Oaks Oct. 14: Town Council tables zoning change for Bella Prosper to Nov. 11
SOURCE: TOWN OF PROSPER/COMMUNITY IMPACT
On the other hand
Prosper's current and upcoming multifamily units
development offers a diverse, vibrant space and a variety of housing options. “[Mixed-use] works really harmoniously if it’s planned and developed correctly,” Underwood said. “Thoughtfully planned communities that reflect the way a city wants to balance their homes … are headed in the right direction.” Cullum Clark, director of the George W. Bush Institute’s Economic Growth Initiative, said the housing density debate is a common issue in North Texas as the region’s population booms. “Developers are going to want to build in Prosper, … and local government is going to see benefits from allowing further growth,” Clark said.
Scott Shipp, director of engineering for Blue Star Land, said during the Gates of Prosper discussions that the need for a variety of hous- ing types is necessary to compete with similar mixed-use developments in the North Texas area. “They have to have a multifamily component, or they’re not being built,” Shipp said. Shipp and Bristol said attracting high-end retail clients, which they said many residents want, often depends on nearby housing density. Bristol noted development can help relieve the property tax burden on residents. Kelly Underwood, multifamily industry professional for over 12 years, said mixed-use
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Downtown
Tollway district
US 380 district
Other districts
SOURCE: TOWN OF PROSPER/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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