Residents urge commissioners to halt East Loop study over land-taking concerns

Several Brazos County residents urged the Commissioners Court on Feb. 25 to reconsider a planned study of an East Loop roadway, saying the project could lead to unwanted land takings and harm local businesses.

The comments came during the public comment portion of the meeting. Mike Sullenbund, who identified himself as a local resident, said the East Loop “takes our land” and criticized the project as a bypass that would steer customers away from Bryan businesses. He asked the court to explain “what motivated the commission to support this project to the tune of a $12,000,000 study.”

Cindy Wiley, another resident, spoke more broadly about government mandates and elections but noted concerns about local decision-making and the administration of county programs. Anne Boney, a North Bryan resident, said she understood the item is “just a study,” but warned that studies can become realities that affect families whose land has been in their families for generations: “It was mentioned that you were elected to represent those in your precinct… You represent them.”

Speakers asked commissioners to treat the study as a public-policy decision that requires more local input. Sullenbund suggested the county should focus instead on improving existing east–west feeders and the current bypass on Highway 6 rather than building a new outer bypass intended to route long‑distance traffic around Bryan.

No Court action on the East Loop study was recorded at the Feb. 25 meeting; the comments were part of the public comment period. Commissioners did not vote on any motion related to the East Loop during the session.

The subject will remain a public concern for county officials as residents press for more information and for commissioners to consider locally focused alternatives rather than a project that, commenters said, could remove private land and divert customers from local businesses.