Bryan council approves rezoning for 20-acre multifamily project at Copperfield entrance after heated public hearing

Bryan City Council on a majority vote approved RZ25-03, a rezoning that will allow a planned-development multifamily project on roughly 20.398 acres at the intersection of Boonville Road (FM 158) and Copperfield Drive. The decision came after a public hearing in which more than two dozen residents and property owners spoke and staff and the applicant presented traffic, drainage and design information.

Neighbors said the location is incompatible with surrounding low-density single-family neighborhoods and raised concerns about school overcrowding, traffic and stormwater impacts. “I just hope that you will keep their well-being and their education, ahead of big city developers tonight,” said Jennifer Ross, a parent and Sam Houston Elementary supporter who spoke during the public hearing.

The applicant — represented by Casey Oldham of Oldham Goodwin and Mark Stephenson of Slate Real Estate Partners — argued multifamily is the highest and best use for this site given topography and market conditions and contended retail demand is lacking near that corner. “Multifamily has always been an integral component of this development,” Oldham said, referring to the Miramont/Oakmont master plan. Slate described the project as a “luxury” multifamily product and presented a site plan and elevations that the company said reflect negotiated changes with adjacent property owners.

City staff told the council the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval (5–2). Martin Zimmerman,…