The Houston City Council convened on October 7 and 8, 2025, to address significant community concerns regarding the proposed abandonment of Polk Street amid the expansion of the George R. Brown Convention Center (GRB). The meeting featured a series of public comments from residents and stakeholders, emphasizing the need for connectivity and transparency in the decision-making process.

The session began with Emily Olin, who expressed her daughter's skepticism about the impact of public speaking on political issues. Olin urged council members to prioritize the voices of the community over corporate interests, particularly regarding the potential loss of Polk Street, which serves as a vital connection to downtown Houston.

Kyle Rogers, representing the "People for Polk," echoed these sentiments, highlighting widespread community opposition to the closure. He noted that over 20 formal comments submitted to the joint referral committee were against the abandonment, alongside significant social media engagement indicating public discontent. Rogers emphasized that the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) plans to keep Polk open, urging the council to avoid misinformation.

Subsequent speakers, including Lisa Hunt and Richard Gilmore, reinforced the idea that the decision to close Polk Street should not be rushed. They argued that the council should consider the broader implications of the closure, which affects residents citywide, not just those in the East End. Hunt called for a more inclusive approach to decision-making, while Gilmore suggested allowing the community to experience the temporary closure before making a permanent decision.

Scott Singleton and Lindsay Williams further criticized the lack of transparency from Houston First, the organization overseeing the GRB expansion. They raised concerns about the absence of financial data and proper planning procedures, urging the council to delay the vote until all questions were adequately addressed.

The meeting concluded with a clear message from the community: the abandonment of Polk Street is not merely a local issue but one that impacts the entire city. Residents called on council members to act as stewards of public interest, ensuring that any decisions made reflect the needs and voices of all Houstonians. The council's next steps remain to be seen as they weigh the community's feedback against the proposed plans for the GRB expansion.