2023-059 Monte Carlo Lane Temporary Crash Gate September 1, 2023 Report No. 2023-059
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Temporary crash gate across Monte Carlo Lane separating the Ridgemont and Teasley Trails
neighborhoods.
BACKGROUND:
On December 17, 2019, the City Council considered a change in the zoning district and use
classification for the development of the Ryan Way/Woodmere residential subdivision(Ordinance
PD19-0003a). During the Public Hearing, the Council considered concerns from residents of the
bordering Ridgemont neighborhood regarding safety and speeding due to Monte Carlo Lane being
extended to the new subdivision. The developer had previously agreed to alter the neighborhood's
layout to avoid the construction of a straight, downhill connection to Monte Carlo Lane; however,
Ridgemont residents requested that the road remain closed to through traffic. City staff informed
the Council that the connection at Monte Carlo Lane was required by the Denton Development
Code and was needed to provide emergency access to the new and existing neighborhoods. As a
compromise, the City Council discussed and approved the installation of an emergency-access-
only gate to separate the Ridgemont neighborhood from the new subdivision while allowing access
for emergency vehicles. During deliberations, the City Council agreed that the gate may be
removed at the discretion of a future Council, which is why the ordinance also required the full
improvement of Monte Carlo Lane underneath the gate.
DISCUSSION:
Recent Resident Requests
In May, staff and Council Member Holland met onsite with residents from the Ridgemont
neighborhood to discuss their concerns with the crash gate that was installed at the Council's
direction. Residents expressed concerns that the gate looks flimsy and temporary. The residents
requested that the City take steps necessary to improve the gate to an aesthetically pleasing
permanent structure.
Following the onsite meeting, staff in Capital Projects,Public Works,Fire,Development Services,
and City Attorney's Office met to review the request and explore options for Council
consideration.
Options for Council Consideration
Leave the Existing Gate in Place — The current gate was installed in accordance with the
development plan approved by the City Council on December 17, 2019. The development plan
did not specify the aesthetics of the gate. To meet access requirements, the gate was required to
have a Knox padlock to allow for emergency access. As currently constructed, the gate meets the
needs of the Fire Department;however, in the event of an emergency,unlocking the gate to access
September 1, 2023 Report No. 2023-059
either neighborhood will negatively impact emergency services response times. No action is
required by the City Council to leave the existing structure in place since the gate was installed in
accordance with the Council's requirement as part of ordinance PD19-0003a.
Remove the Gate — The removal of the gate would provide the connectivity called for by the
Denton Development Code. The City Council required the original layout of Ryan
Way/Woodmere to be altered by the developer to adequately address the safety and speeding
concerns raised by the Ridgemont neighborhood residents. While the existing crash gate provides
emergency access,the need to remove the lock to access either neighborhood will delay emergency
response times, particularly for homes located at the end of Porizek Place. Because the existing
gate was approved by ordinance, removing the gate will require the Council to approve an
amendment to the Planned Development(PD) ordinance.
Improve the Gate — As stated previously, the current gate was installed in accordance with the
Planned Development ordinance, which did not specify the aesthetics of the gate. Additionally,
the previous City Council agreed that the gate was to remain as a temporary structure that may be
removed at the discretion of a future Council by means of amending the PD ordinance. If the City
were to improve the gate, it could be considered an unconstitutional gift benefiting private parties
without a public purpose. Further, the gate does not comply with connectivity requirements
outlined in the Denton Development Code or the 2022 Mobility Plan. Staff does not recommend
improving the gate for the reasons outlined above.
If the City Council wishes to consider the improvement or removal of the gate or propose
additional options for consideration, staff recommends Council members submit their proposals
as a Two-Minute Pitch for a future Work Session discussion.
STAFF CONTACT:
Ethan Cox
Director— Streets
Ethan.Cox@cityofdenton.com
(940) 349-7421
REOUESTOR: Staff Initiated
STAFF TIME TO COMPLETE REPORT: 2 Hours
PARTICIPATING DEPARTMENTS: Streets Maintenance, Capital Projects, Fire, Planning &
Development, City Attorney's Office