White House planning commission hears long public opposition to Mockingbird Place rezoning; decision tabled to July 15

The White House Planning and Zoning Commission on June 17 opened a public hearing on a request to rezone 41.08 acres in Mockingbird Place (Unit 2, Lots 12–49, Track 4) from residential low density to residential medium density, then tabled any recommendation until its July 15 meeting.

The item was not decided because, staff said, the commission that night did not have enough eligible voting members to make a recommendation; the public hearing proceeded so the record could be kept and additional comment taken at later meetings. The commission's chair opened the hearing at 6:07 p.m. and later called for a motion to table; commissioners voted to table the matter to July 15, with one abstention noted.

The request prompted lengthy public comment from neighbors who said the change would conflict with recorded deed restrictions, strain neighborhood streets and schools, and reduce property values. “We strongly urge you to reject the proposed rezoning,” said Brian Fowler, a Mockingbird Place resident, who told the commission the 41-acre parcel directly borders his neighborhood and that approval would “significantly undermine the legal protection, safety and financial stability” of residents.

Other residents echoed those concerns and added details about traffic and services. Daniella Schmidt, a resident within the 200-foot notice area, said current Mockingbird Place lots average about one-quarter acre and noted the city’s residential medium zoning can allow lots as small as 3,600 square feet. “If those tracks were developed at medium-density lot sizes, you could fit somewhere in the neighborhood of 130 to 140 new lots in kind size — or, with smaller lots, potentially over 400,” Schmidt said, describing how a much higher house count would multiply vehicle trips, parking demand and pedestrian safety risks.

Several speakers raised schooling and safety issues. “If we put more houses on smaller lots and start growing faster than we can accommodate this educational need, it’s going to be a further burden and strain on our teachers,” said Adam Brown, who identified himself as a White House High School teacher. Multiple speakers referenced narrow local access roads (Hagan Road), a lack of sidewalks and street lighting, and drainage or water-pressure concerns.

Speakers also cited legal and planning references. Several commenters referenced deed restrictions and the Texas Property Code; one speaker cited “Texas Property Code section 202.003” when arguing some private covenants limit certain housing types. Another cited Texas Local Government Code section 211.004 in urging the commission to prioritize public safety in zoning decisions. City staff told the commission they had asked the city attorney whether a rezoning to medium density would constitute spot zoning and were advised it would not.

Commissioner Serena Watson was excused from participating in the item because of a stated conflict of interest; the commission recorded one abstention on the tabling vote. Staff noted all written correspondence received will be added to the record and shared with the commission and city council; a final recommendation will be made after further public meetings and then forwarded to city council for final action, currently tentatively scheduled for July 22.

The commission closed the public hearing at about 6:40 p.m. and voted to table the item for further consideration at its July 15 meeting, when another public comment opportunity will be available.