A 32.5-acre tract in west Mineola gained a zoning change Monday, the first step in a long-range plan to construct a senior living community south of Mineola High School.

Following a public hearing that drew one speaker in opposition to the project, known as Camron Park, the city council voted 5-0, with Polly Jones abstaining, to change zoning of the four tracts that make up the property from single family residential to multi-family.

One of the tracts was zoned as agriculture and is primarily in a flood plain.

As developer Michael Johnson explained, the buildings will occupy only about 15% of the property and will be along the south side of the tract, above the flood plain.

He said the engineering alone will cost about $800,000 to help ensure proper drainage.

Johnson said it will be built in stages and take at least five years to complete.

Proposed are two three-story apartment buildings with 90 units apiece and 40 town homes for a total of 180 units.

Jones said they will be leased at market rates.

Access would be from extensions to Porter Street to the west, connecting to Loop 564 across from the Mineola Golf Club, and Cheek Street extended to the north to connect to the new street.

Planning director David Madesn said 32 notices were sent to adjacent property owners concerning the proposed zoning change, and nine attended the Planning and Zoning Commission hearing July 1 in opposition, with an additional written comment opposing the project.

That opposition included traffic congestion, possible impact on property values and encroaching on the flood plain and wildlife there.

The P&Z recommended the zoning change be approved, with one member in opposition who cited traffic concerns and the need for more information.

Neal Bohannon, whose property on W. Blair St. will abut the project spoke during Monday’s public hearing and expressed concerns about drainage issues, whether there is a need for senior living residences, traffic with new drivers at the high school.

The project itself will still have to pass muster with the city, including approval of the drainage plans.

Madsen noted that once the zoning change is approved, the developer can construct any style of multi-family housing as long as it conforms to the general zoning requirement of 24 units per acre.

Jones said the plans include a park and fishing pond in the flood plain, pickle ball courts, community garden, walking trails and a putting green.