Developers plan luxury homes along Los Fresnos waterfront, but zoning denied — for now

Falcon’s Landing is a luxury master-planned community in Los Fresnos, which hit a snag in the development process — a zoning variance was denied by the city’s planning and zoning committee after neighborhood opposition to the plans. 

The $20 million development with 160 lots, including 32 custom homes along the water, and three community parks would be the first gated community in Los Fresnos — a 20-minute drive from South Padre Island. 

The 60-acre project would sit just west of Farm-to-Market Road 1847 and just south of Henderson Road. 

But a zoning variance that would have allowed the developer to build extra-long cul-de-sacs was denied by the city’s planning and zoning committee, 3-2, on Nov. 17. Neighbors at the meeting worried about extra traffic from the new subdivision on Henderson Road, public safety, and resaca protection. Edinburg-based URH Development is appealing the zoning denial. 

The company has since hosted a public meeting to show the broader community its project and feels confident the zoning variance will be approved in the coming months. 

“Our commitment is that it’s a responsible development,” said Mauricio Saldana, real estate developer and marketing director of URH Development LLC and UR Home Texas. “We’re building something that adds value long-term. There’s no structural deficit with the way it’s designed. We feel very confident that the city is going to agree as well.” 

For example, the company noted that, in Los Fresnos, other developments have longer-than-standard cul-de-sacs without issue. The company is adding a 3-acre retention pond to alleviate flooding concerns, which is not required by city code, and expects to work in tandem with the city to mitigate any traffic flow issues. 

URH Development purchased the Falcon’s Landing property about two months ago, but the Cameron County appraisal district records have not yet been updated to reflect the sale. URH Development expects the project to be completed by April 2026. 

UR Home Texas has built more than 300 homes across the Rio Grande Valley. It’s also the developer of Feather Ridge in Los Fresnos, a subdivision with houses for sale ranging from $350,000 to $ 410,000, which is already sold out. It has similar communities under construction in Harlingen, McAllen, La Feria, and San Benito. 

The price point for Falcon’s Landing has not yet been determined, but it will likely be higher than the developer’s existing communities because of the water features, park space, and larger home lot sizes. 

Mayor Alejandro Flores touted the development on social media: “Falcons Landing represents another positive step forward as we continue to grow thoughtfully and responsibly.” 

After a slew of questions on social media, Flores responded that “many locals don’t want any change, but we cannot prevent developers from recognizing the potential our town has for growth. I embrace growth to keep our youth coming back to Los Fresnos after college to raise their family. With LNG and SpaceX, we are seeing lots of families choosing Los Fresnos as their home.” 

Then Flores added that the project is still “pending approval.” 

Flores deferred comment to the Los Fresnos City Manager Mark Milum, who declined a news interview for this story until after the project’s appeal is voted on by the planning and zoning committee and then the city council in early 2026.