Southlake residents voice concerns over new housing development along Bob Jones Road

Concerns over traffic and infrastructure dominated the Southlake Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on April 3, 2025, as residents voiced their opposition to a proposed residential development. The meeting highlighted significant apprehensions regarding the impact of increased construction traffic on local roads, which many residents described as inadequately maintained and unsafe.

One resident expressed frustration over the current state of the roads, noting that they were originally gravel and have never been fully paved. "The amount of traffic that will be using that road will just be enormous," she warned, emphasizing the potential for years of construction disruption. Another speaker, David Thomas, echoed these sentiments, recalling a previous year of inconvenience due to bridge construction and raising concerns about how the new development would affect property values and community safety.

Residents also highlighted the lack of adequate infrastructure to support the proposed increase in housing. Beatrice Terrazas pointed out the dangers of heavy construction vehicles sharing roads with cyclists and pedestrians, stating, "The idea of them being buzzed by a dump truck... is really pretty chilling." Todd Helfrich added that the area currently has only one exit, raising serious safety concerns in emergencies.

The discussion also touched on the need for improved utilities, with Jim Schneider questioning whether the existing water and gas lines could handle the demands of the new homes. He warned that without proper planning, the development could lead to significant issues for current residents.

As the public hearing concluded, the commission acknowledged the residents' concerns but did not make any immediate decisions. The meeting underscored the community's desire for careful consideration of infrastructure and safety before moving forward with new developments in Southlake.