Neighbor cites grading, visual‑barrier and noise concerns at Waterstone on Lake Conroe development

Brandon Huffman, who identified himself as an architect and a nearby property owner, spoke during the public‑comment period on Sept. 2 and asked the commission to enforce the city’s visual‑barrier and noise requirements at the Waterstone on Lake Conroe site.

Huffman submitted exhibits and said the developer’s grading plan proposes cutting “down 10 foot to the back of the retaining wall” and then “dropping down 17 feet,” a profile he said would make it impossible to meet the ordinance requirement that a visual barrier be tied to natural ground elevation. “I am an architect. I do this for a living,” Huffman said, and he told commissioners the drawings he reviewed could not accomplish the natural‑ground visual barrier called for in the code.

Huffman also urged enforcement of the city’s noise limits at the property line, noting what he said were the applicable thresholds and pointing to mitigation options such as masonry walls. He asked the commission and staff to require vegetation, fencing or walls sufficient to provide a true visual buffer between the commercial site and adjacent residences and to address noise from rooftop equipment, generators and truck activity.

A neighboring resident (identified in the record as Keesa) told the commission she had met with city staff and was surprised that trees shown earlier as to be preserved had been removed. She described the site as “wide open” and asked that as many trees as possible be preserved to protect wildlife and residential privacy.

Staff said they had met with neighbors and would ensure landscaping, setbacks and other requirements are reviewed during the special‑use and site‑plan process. Commissioners asked staff to provide specific setback and vegetation information to the speakers after the meeting.