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Residents and officials clash over Polk Street abandonment tied to GRB expansion; calls to delay vote
Summary
Houston City Council heard hours of public comment Oct. 14 as residents, hotel and restaurant officials, and elected leaders debated whether Polk Street should be abandoned to accommodate a planned expansion of the George R. Brown Convention Center.
Hundreds of residents and business representatives addressed the Houston City Council on Oct. 14 as debate intensified over a plan to close (abandon) Polk Street to accommodate the planned George R. Brown Convention Center expansion.
Speakers opposing the Polk Street abandonment said the design process lacked early, meaningful public engagement and asked the council to delay any vote until a comprehensive traffic and community‑impact plan is released. Tina Brady, a resident of Eastwood, told councilors, “They revealed their plans only when seeking approval, presenting the community with a done deal. That's not engagement. It's notification.” Karen Lancaster and other commenters said the Joint Referral Committee (JRC) received more than 230 comments and petition organizers submitted nearly 600 signatures opposing the current design.
Supporters of the GRB expansion — including hotel and restaurant representatives — urged the council to approve the…
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