Title
Hold a public hearing and consider a City-initiated request (Case# Z25-12) to rezone approximately 6.789 acres, being Lot 1, Block 2 of Julius Alexander Industrial Subdivision, and part of Lots 1 and 2 of the Julius Alexander Industrial Subdivision, Replat #2 from “R-1” (Single-Family Residential District) to ”R-3A” (Multifamily Apartment Residential District). The subject properties are locally addressed as 506 Liberty Street and 2607 & 2703 Atkinson Avenue, Killeen, Texas.
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DATE: June 17, 2025
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Wallis Meshier, Exec. Dir. Of Dev. Serv.
SUBJECT: Zoning Case # Z25-12: “R-1” to “R-3A”
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
Property Information:
Property Owner: City of Killeen
Current Zoning: “R-1” (Single-Family Residential District)
Proposed Zoning: “R-3A” (Multifamily Apartment Residential District)
FLUM Designation: ‘Campus’ and ‘Floodplain’
Summary of Request:
This is a City-initiated request to rezone approximately 6.789 acres, being Lot 1, Block 2 out of the Julius Alexander Industrial Subdivision, and part of Lots 1 and 2 of the Julius Alexander Industrial Subdivision, Replat #2 from “R-1” (Single-Family Residential District) to ”R-3A” (Multifamily Apartment Residential District).
If approved, the property is intended to be developed for use as an emergency homeless shelter, also known as a reunification center, in accordance with the City’s adopted Homeless and Mental Health Strategic Plan. The proposed use will provide temporary emergency housing for individuals and families currently experiencing homelessness, as well as supportive assistance to successfully transition from homelessness to transitional or permanent housing.
Killeen Code of Ordinances Chapter 31 Compliance:
In accordance with Killeen Code of Ordinances Sec. 31-256.1(8), emergency shelters for persons experiencing homelessness are permitted by-right in the “R-3A” (Multi-Family Apartment Residential) zoning district.
Zoning/Plat Case History:
The subject properties were annexed into the City limits on May 25, 1959. The properties were originally platted as Lots 1, 5, & 6, Block 2, Julius Alexander Industrial Subdivision on January 19, 1977. The properties were rezoned from “M-1” (Manufacturing District) to “R-1” (Single-Family Residential District) on June 22, 1993, via Ordinance No. 93-42.
Parts of Lots 5 and 6 were rezoned from “R-1” (Single-Family Residential District) to “R-3A” (Multifamily Apartment Residential District) on December 13, 2022. 2607 and 2703 Atkinson Avenue were platted as Lots 1 and 2, Block 1, Julius Alexander Industrial Subdivision Replat #2 on July 7, 2023.
Character of the Area:
North: Killeen Cemetery zoned “R-1” (Single-Family Residential District)
South: Existing multifamily apartments zoned “M-1” (Manufacturing District) (Legal nonconforming)
East: Undeveloped property zoned “M-1” (Manufacturing District)
West: Existing commercial businesses zoned “M-1” (Manufacturing District)
Future Land Use Map Analysis:
This property is located within the ‘Neighborhood Infill’ area on the Growth Sector Map and is designated as ‘Campus’ (C) and ‘Floodplain’ (F) on the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) of the City of Killeen Comprehensive Plan.
The ‘Campus’ place type is characterized by large-scale institutional developments and the amenities and offerings that come with them. Examples of these large developments would be Texas A&M Central Texas & KISD Schools as well as large church developments. These places serve as regional destinations because of their service and educational prowess with a unique place type is critical. While these spaces are likely to be religious, office, or educational in nature, residential use is also likely here to serve the needs of those who spend a lot of time on the campus. This place type encourages up to one hundred percent (100%) nonresidential and up to twenty-five percent (25%) residential use mix.
The ‘Floodplain’ place type captures most of the undeveloped land that is located within the floodplain as designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The floodplain often runs throughout the city and connects many areas of interest including neighborhoods, parks, and recreational facilities. To preserve open spaces along these delicate areas, trails and parks within this category should be carefully constructed to preserve the natural processes. Any development within these areas should be low impact, such as docks and benches that do not negatively impact the functions of the floodplain. This place type does not encourage nonresidential or residential uses.
This ‘Neighborhood Infill’ growth sector includes already developed areas with access to city services and infrastructure but have vacant, underutilized, or poorly developed properties. Growth policies for this sector should encourage development or redevelopment of these properties with accessory dwelling units, smallplexes, and micro commercial that provides incremental increases in density. Development should match the existing character and improve walkable access to businesses and amenities for people living and working in the vicinity.
This parcel is identified as ‘Open Space’ on the Growth Sector Map. Land in this sector has not been identified for preservation but is valuable as open space and/or public-owned property. This sector includes floodplains, floodways and buffers; areas of unique natural habitat, viewsheds, or steep topography; desired parkland and public open space; and right-of-way and easements for desired transportation and utility corridors.
The request supports or furthers the following Comprehensive Plan recommendations:
NH7 - Focus on delivering housing for those in need.
DT2 - Improve safety in Downtown.
This request aligns with the Comprehensive Plan recommendation (NH7.3) to identify sites that could be potential locations for micro-housing for persons experiencing homelessness. Additionally, the plan recommends (DT2.2) providing a location and programs for homeless to have access to social service personnel with experience addressing homeless issues.
Development Zone Analysis:
These properties are located within the City of Killeen Development Zone #2. This development zone is north of Veterans Memorial Boulevard and east of WS Young Drive.
The current land use mix within this area comprises of the following acreages and percentages, approximately:
District Acres Percentage
Special Districts 88.35 1.96%
Residential 2960.10 65.57%
Industrial 990.19 21.93%
Commercial 467.44 10.35%
Agricultural 8.15 0.18%
Totals 4514.24 100.00%
Vacant Property 1729.44 38.31%
Water, Sewer and Drainage Services:
Provider: City of Killeen
Within Service Area: Yes
Feasibility Study or Service Commitment: Water, wastewater, and drainage services are located within the City of Killeen municipal utility service area and are available to the subject tract.
Water services are available for the property at 506 Liberty Street via an existing 8” water distribution main located in Liberty Street. Water services are available for the properties at 2607 Atkinson Ave. and 2703 Atkinson Ave. via an existing 8” water distribution main located in Atkinson Ave.
Wastewater services are available for the property at 506 Liberty Street via an existing 10” wastewater main located on the west side of Liberty Street. Wastewater services are available for the properties at 2607 Atkinson Ave. and 2703 Atkinson Ave. via an existing 10” wastewater main located in Atkinson Ave.
There is no existing stormwater infrastructure adjacent to the properties on Atkinson Ave. An existing culvert is located near the northwestern corner of the property at 506 Liberty Street. The condition of the culvert is not known. Liberty Ditch (an unimproved grass-lined channel) runs from north to south adjacent to 506 Liberty Street and 2607 Atkinson Ave. along the eastern boundaries of the properties. The property at 2703 Atkinson Ave. is heavily impacted by Liberty Ditch, covering approximately 45% of the tract.
Transportation and Thoroughfare Plan:
Access to the property at 506 Liberty Street is via Liberty Street (70’ ROW), which is classified as a local road in the currently adopted Comprehensive Plan and 2607 and 2703 Atkinson Ave. have access via Atkinson Ave. (70’ ROW), which is classified as a local road in the currently adopted Comprehensive
PARKS AND PROPOSED TRAIL PLAN:
There are no proposed parks or trails located on this site. Parkland dedication, fees in-lieu-of parkland dedication, and parkland development fees will not be required for the proposed development.
Environmental Assessment:
The properties are in the Nolan Creek / Leon River Watershed. The properties are impacted by Zone AE (Special Flood Hazard Area), per Federal Emergency Management Agency Flood Insurance Rate Map 48027C0280E with effective date September 26, 2008.
The properties are impacted by a Riverine Habitat, classified as R4SBA (Intermittent Stream), as shown on the National Wetlands Inventory maps for these properties. No visual evidence of other environmental impediments is apparent on the properties at this time.
Public Notification:
Staff notified property owners of twenty-five (25) surrounding properties regarding this request. Of those notified, twelve (12) are located outside the 200-foot notification boundary required by the State but within the 400-foot notification boundary mandated by the Council.
As of the date of this report, staff has received one (1) written response in opposition to this request.
Staff Findings:
Staff finds that the request is consistent with the policies and principles of the Killeen 2040 Comprehensive Plan, as indicated in the Comprehensive Plan Analysis. In addition, the request directly aligns with the Comprehensive Plan recommendation NH7.3 to identify sites that could be potential locations for micro-housing for persons experiencing homelessness; and DT2.2 to provide a location and programs for the homeless to access social service personnel with experience addressing homeless issues. Further, staff finds that this request is consistent with the City’s adopted Homeless and Mental Health Strategic Plan.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
N/A
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
N/A
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
This zoning request conforms to the City’s policy and procedures, as detailed in Chapter 31 of the Killeen Code of Ordinances.
What is the amount of the expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
Public infrastructure is already in place for this property and is maintained by the City. Maintenance cost will continue for the life of the development.
Is this a one-time or recurring expenditure?
This is not applicable.
Is this expenditure budgeted?
This is not applicable.
If not, where will the money come from?
This is not applicable.
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line item for this expenditure?
This is not applicable.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the request as presented.
At their regular meeting on May 12, 2025, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the request by a vote of 5 to 0.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
The Planning and Legal staff have reviewed this item.
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Maps
Site Photos
Minutes
Ordinance
Response
Presentation