Benbrook residents urge city council to reject floodplain rezoning proposal

In a tense meeting at Benbrook City Hall, residents voiced their concerns over a proposed zoning change that could impact the floodplain along Mary's Creek. The atmosphere was charged as community members gathered to express their fears about potential flooding and environmental degradation.

Jacqueline Saunders, a local resident, urged the City Council to vote against the proposal, emphasizing that the current zoning protects the flood zone. "Voting no is not discrimination against the developer; it is about maintaining the safety of our community," she stated, highlighting the importance of preserving the existing regulations.

Joy Mendez, who has lived in the area for three decades, shared her personal experience with flooding. "I can only imagine what Mary's Creek will be like after a storm if you allow the floodplain to be developed," she warned. Mendez's plea resonated with many, as she called for the council to protect both homes and wildlife in the area.

Sean Moore, another concerned resident, argued that voting against the rezoning was a "risk-free choice." He cautioned that a yes vote could lead to irreversible changes in the neighborhood, affecting not just local residents but potentially the entire state of Texas. "If you have any doubt, you owe it to us to vote no," he implored, referencing the city's comprehensive plan that discourages zoning changes for individual profit at the community's expense.

Holly Burrows Cole raised additional concerns about the aging storm drainage systems in the neighborhood, warning that the proposed development could exacerbate existing flooding issues. "Water moves downstream, and every gallon that cannot be absorbed will move faster and harder into the creeks and storm drains that protect our homes now," she explained, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the community's water management systems.

As the meeting progressed, the voices of residents echoed a common theme: the need to prioritize community safety and environmental integrity over potential profit from development. With the council's decision looming, the future of Benbrook's floodplain and the safety of its residents hang in the balance, leaving many to wonder what the outcome will mean for their homes and the natural landscape they cherish.