Seabrook City Council debates $4M disannexation deal with Port of Houston

During the March 4, 2025, City Council meeting in Seabrook, Texas, significant concerns were raised regarding a proposed industrial district agreement (IDA) with the Port of Houston. The agreement involves a $4 million payment to the city in exchange for the annexation of land currently owned by UTSI, which is embroiled in legal disputes and questions about land ownership.

Residents voiced strong objections to the deal, particularly regarding its potential impact on local communities. One resident highlighted the anticipated noise pollution from a new flyover connecting Highway 146 to the Bayport area, expressing frustration that the proposed compensation does not adequately address the disruption it may cause to neighborhoods like Mystic Village and Seascape. The resident argued that the noise from trucks operating at elevated heights would significantly diminish the quality of life for those living nearby.

Another resident, Marissa Levitt, raised critical financial concerns about the agreement. She questioned the rationale behind the payment structure, which would see the city receiving $1.6 million stretched over 15 years, rather than a lump sum. Levitt emphasized that this arrangement could lead to a loss of potential revenue for the city and create opportunities for mismanagement of funds. She also called for clarity on the use of a $503,125 settlement payment related to Pine Gully, insisting that it be strictly allocated for public projects and not become a discretionary fund.

Levitt urged the council to pause the agreement until these issues are thoroughly addressed, warning that rushing into the deal could expose taxpayers to financial risks and leave the city vulnerable to future liabilities. The discussions underscored the need for careful consideration of how such agreements impact the community and the importance of transparency in financial dealings.

As the council moves forward, residents are keenly watching how these negotiations will unfold and what measures will be taken to protect their interests. The outcome of this agreement could have lasting implications for Seabrook's development and the well-being of its residents.