The Magnolia City Council is reviewing a development proposal for a regional commercial and residential destination in western Magnolia. The project, presented by LJA Planning & Landscape Architecture, would be created through a planned development district (PD) and would include retail, dining, grocery, and service options, along with additional housing options to support the local workforce.

Development Details

The PD would use auto commercial and semi-urban as the underlying zoning districts, with the city’s unified development code standards applying unless changed through the PD. The proposal would address development rules, building materials, parking, landscaping, lighting, signage, utilities, and permitted and prohibited uses.

A traffic impact analysis has been approved by the city and is under review by the Texas Department of Transportation. Utilities would also be upgraded and extended to support the project and future growth, while existing utilities would be capped or abandoned.

Economic Incentives

The city council approved a Chapter 380 economic development agreement with Fuqua Blackhawk Ltd. tied to the project in February. Under the agreement, the city could provide up to $3 million in total economic development incentives, including up to $2.3 million in sales tax payments and up to $700,000 in roadway improvement payments.

The sales tax payments would be based on sales taxes generated by the project and would be paid to the developer quarterly for up to five years. The city is not required to begin those payments until a certificate of occupancy is issued for the anchor tenant.

Project Phases

The project is expected to move forward in two phases. Phase 1 would include commercial development, starting with a large-scale retailer followed by pad sites. Phase 2 would include multifamily and commercial development east of FM 1488.

Original reporting: Community Impact — Houston — read the source article.