Evolving Texas Engineering presents floodplain plans at Benbrook zoning hearing

The Benbrook City Council meeting held on August 21, 2025, focused on a zoning hearing related to a new residential development project. The meeting featured presentations from representatives of Evolving Texas Engineering and David Weekley Homes, who provided insights into the project's planning and community impact.

Samantha Renz, a licensed engineer and floodplain manager with Evolving Texas, addressed the council regarding the floodplain management aspects of the project. Renz explained that her firm was contracted specifically to assess floodplain issues. She detailed the engineering processes undertaken, including the review of previous studies and the development of new hydrology models. Renz emphasized that their findings indicated no increase in water surface elevations or velocities, and in some areas, water levels could be lowered by as much as 1.6 feet. She noted that multiple approvals would be necessary from the City of Benbrook, the City of Fort Worth, the Army Corps of Engineers, and eventually FEMA before the project could proceed.

Following Renz, Beau Pedigo from David Weekley Homes expressed excitement about the development, which aims to contribute positively to the Benbrook community. He outlined plans for homes priced from the mid-$500,000s to the $700,000s, emphasizing the company's commitment to quality and community engagement. Pedigo highlighted David Weekley Homes' philanthropic efforts, noting that the company has donated over $27.5 million to various causes and that their team members volunteered over 5,000 hours in 2023 alone.

The meeting underscored the collaborative efforts required to advance the proposed development, with Renz and Pedigo both stressing the importance of community involvement and adherence to engineering standards. The next steps hinge on the approval of the zoning change, which would allow for further planning and the submission of a preliminary plat application, setting the stage for construction. The council's discussions reflected a commitment to ensuring that the project aligns with the city's growth and community values.