Brazos County Court faces public backlash over East Loop project contract renewal

The Brazos County Commissioners Court convened on July 8, 2025, to address various community concerns, particularly surrounding the controversial Inner East Loop project. Newly appointed Judge Cassell opened the meeting by expressing gratitude for the public's engagement and emphasizing the importance of civil discourse in local governance.

The meeting progressed to the citizen input segment, where ten residents voiced their concerns regarding non-agenda items, primarily focusing on the East Loop project. Kathy Vines, a resident of Precinct 4, criticized the court for limiting interaction during meetings, arguing that open dialogue fosters transparency and accountability. She highlighted the lack of questions from the court during recent presentations, which she felt undermined public trust.

Robert Johnson from Precinct 2 echoed these sentiments, urging the court to reconsider the renewal of John Polster's contract for the East Loop, citing concerns over the necessity of the project and the qualifications of county employees to manage road projects. He called for a workshop to discuss the project further, emphasizing the need for decisions based on factual analysis rather than assumptions.

Rick Goerisky, also from Precinct 2, raised safety concerns regarding the proposed loop's proximity to local youth sports facilities, urging the court to prioritize community safety over infrastructure expansion. Beverly Greenwood, a co-owner of noeastloop.com, criticized the lack of communication from the county regarding the project, asserting that many residents were unaware of the proposed highway until recently.

Dr. Adam Perdue, a resident and urban economics expert, requested that the court place the liquidity contract for the highway on the agenda for discussion, arguing that the project lacked justification and transparency. He pointed out discrepancies in traffic studies and the projected need for the roadway, suggesting that the county should reassess its priorities.

William Baxter, a landowner in Precinct 1, expressed his opposition to the East Loop, arguing that the project was unnecessary and would not alleviate local traffic issues. He called for a focus on improving existing roads rather than constructing new highways.

Steven Pearsall, another resident, requested a pause on the project due to ongoing transparency concerns and the need for a comprehensive discussion among stakeholders. He highlighted alarming findings from recent open records requests that raised questions about the project's environmental clearance and justification.

Lastly, Teresa Seabach Holland, a property owner affected by the proposed loop, shared her family's concerns about the potential impact on their land and the economic implications of delaying development. She urged the court to halt the project to allow for a thorough evaluation and community discussion.

The meeting concluded with a clear message from the community: there is a strong desire for transparency, accountability, and genuine engagement from the court regarding the future of the East Loop project. The commissioners are expected to consider these concerns as they move forward with their agenda.