Christine Stone urges Benbrook council to deny Rowan Ranch rezoning proposal

Benbrook City Council members faced significant community concerns during their recent meeting on August 21, 2025, regarding a proposed rezoning that could impact local floodplain regulations. Residents voiced strong opposition to the development plan, emphasizing the need to uphold existing zoning laws designed to protect environmentally sensitive areas.

Christine Stone, a local resident, urged the council to deny the rezoning request, citing the potential for irreversible damage to the creek and surrounding neighborhoods. She highlighted the city's 2020 comprehensive plan, which prioritizes the protection of floodplain buffers and calls for stricter local floodplain regulations. Stone pointed out that the current zoning for Rowan Ranch, established just two years ago, restricts development in the floodplain to a maximum density of zero, allowing only for trails or passive recreation.

Concerns were raised about the implications of adding over 178 homes in the floodplain, especially given the recent changes in water runoff from new developments and facilities in the area. Stone noted that the National Flood Insurance Program rates Benbrook's Community Rating System score at only a 6, indicating a need for more stringent floodplain management.

Another resident, Lisa Dionne, echoed these sentiments, questioning the disconnect between zoning decisions and the comprehensive plan. She expressed confusion over how the proposed development could progress despite its potential negative impact on the community.

The council's decision on the rezoning request will be crucial in determining the future of Benbrook's floodplain management and environmental protections. As residents continue to advocate for adherence to the city's guiding principles, the council faces the challenge of balancing development interests with community safety and environmental stewardship.