City Approves Plan For the Mansions

Construction of upscale senior housing at The Cascades will move forward after the Tyler City Council determined Tuesday that an amended development plan for The Mansions seemed to address concerns raised from nearby property owners.

The panel voted unanimously to approve the citizen-contested plan after Briarwood Estates homeowners expressed satisfaction that some of their worries over fencing, erosion and drainage issues were being addressed.

City officials acknowledged progress has been made.

"I think we've come a long way from where we were a month ago," said Mayor Joey Seeber.

Marcus Hiles is president of Western Rim Investment Advisors, which purchased land from The Cascades to develop a varied style of housing units.

He attended the meeting, but did not address the council.

Steve Braley, president of Cascades Property Ltd., expressed a commitment to help Hiles and city staff resolve lingering dissatisfaction from the neighbors.

In response to resident concerns, officials said a retaining wall will be installed within the next two weeks, and the related runoff will be cleaned at the developer's expense.

Neighbors living near the proposed development were given their choice of either a brick column fence with wrought-iron or cedar panels. They chose the wrought iron.

When completed, The Mansions will offer a variety of housing styles, which will have a maximum density of 16 dwelling units per acre.

Jacque Hilburn covers Tyler city government, planning and zoning and the Parks Board. She can be reached at 903.596.6282. e-mail: news@tylerpaper.com