Some locals are still scratching their heads at the plans for Sanger, situated 53 miles north of Dallas, that have unfolded in the past three weeks. "It's exciting," Sanger city manager Jack Smith told GlobeSt.com, "but it's kind of a scary thing to think about all the things to come."

What's coming is a retirement community boasting a five-star hotel with 300 to 400 rooms, three Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses, assisted living facilities and 7,000 to 7,500 single-family homes. Decisions are pending about retail and possible office components.

While the project looks like a go, Denton County voters will have their say in November if the Commissioners Court approves a referendum to place a necessary $200 million to $210 million bond issue on the ballot. The development plan goes before the commissioners Tuesday.