Flower Mound Town Council gave unanimous approval on Monday for the second phase of the Alexan The Point apartment project, authorizing the removal of a historic post oak tree in exchange for a robust tree‑planting package.
Development details and council response
The approved phase will add four three‑story apartment buildings containing 228 residential units near the intersection of FM 2499 and Silveron Parkway. The 140‑year‑old post oak, originally designated a multi‑trunk protected tree when the 8.6‑acre site was zoned for a planned development, was identified as one of six specimen trees on the property.
Council member Brian Taylor praised the developer’s willingness to exceed the town’s minimum requirements, saying, “I appreciate you guys taking an honest look at this to see what could be done, and to go above and beyond with the extra trees and Acorns to Oaks, I appreciate the sincere effort you guys made on this.”
Developer’s tree‑replacement plan
Trammell Crow Residential, the developer, is required to plant 42 trees under the town’s ordinance. In response to council concerns, the company has committed to planting 62 trees and contributing to Flower Mound’s Acorns to Oaks program, which seeks to restore the post oak population throughout the community.
Tommy Mann of Trammell Crow explained the decision, stating, “We’re not here out of a disregard for trees – we understand people like trees more than apartments. But post oaks are highly sensitive, and even if it survived the construction, it is the opinion of our arborist and team that it would not survive post‑construction.”
Town officials acknowledge past oversights
Mayor Pro Tem Adam Schiestel noted that the original zoning and tree survey conducted in 2017 missed the opportunity to preserve the tree, but affirmed that the current plan represents the best path forward. He added, “This is unlikely to happen another time, and I’m not going to hold you up.”
Lexin Murphy, Flower Mound’s director of development services, explained that rerouting the street to save the tree would require a complete redesign of the site, potentially jeopardizing other planned green space and park amenities.
Broader impact of the development
The Point development is slated to include more than 60,000 square feet of office space, a total of 600 multi‑family units across all phases, and a 98‑room Tru by Hilton hotel. The project is expected to bring additional housing options and economic activity to the town while adhering to the city’s commitment to environmental stewardship through the expanded tree‑planting effort.
Flower Mound’s Environmental Conservation Commission had recommended approval of the plan at its August 4 meeting, sending the recommendation to council in September. The council’s decision reflects a balance between responsible growth and the preservation of the town’s natural heritage.
What residents can expect
With the developer’s enhanced tree‑planting commitment, the town anticipates a net increase in canopy coverage, supporting the Acorns to Oaks goal of revitalizing post oak trees throughout Flower Mound. Residents can look forward to the new apartments, office space, and hotel, while the additional trees will help maintain the community’s green character.
Original reporting: Cross Timbers Gazette — read the source article.
