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Council rezones 90 Bagby amid neighborhood traffic concerns; Baylor says no immediate plans
Summary
The council approved rezoning of a Baylor‑adjacent parcel at 90 Bagby Avenue to O‑2 after a public hearing in which a nearby resident raised traffic and safety concerns. Baylor representatives said the change is to align zoning across campus and that no development is planned at this time.
WACO, Texas — The Waco City Council on March 18 approved an ordinance rezoning Lot 1, Block Z of the Edgefield Park addition (90 Bagby Avenue) from R‑1B to O‑2 after a public hearing in which neighborhood residents raised potential traffic and safety concerns.
Patrick Carley, associate vice president for facilities and operations at Baylor University, told the council the university discovered a zoning inconsistency while updating its campus master plan and sought to align the parcel’s zoning with adjacent properties. “Please note that there is no current plan to change the use of this particular parcel,” Carley said, adding Baylor has only discussed the idea of a permanent tower to replace a portable scissor lift used for band practice and has identified no decision or funding to pursue that option.
Resident Charles (Charlie) Bayless, who identified himself as a Baylor professor and neighboring homeowner, opposed the rezoning. Bayless said rezoning now would remove residents’ future recourse if Baylor later chose to develop the tract. He also cited traffic estimates presented to him that suggested Bagby Avenue traffic could rise from about 1,600 vehicles per day to about 3,600 vehicles per day under a hypothetical full development scenario. “Our children incur a safety risk,” Bayless said, urging council members to deny the rezoning.
Carley responded in rebuttal that the larger traffic figures would apply only if the land were fully redeveloped; he reiterated Baylor’s statement that there are no current plans to change the property’s use.
Council discussion noted the parcel is used now for band practice and recreation. Council Member Porter Rood filed an affidavit of substantial interest and did not participate in the public hearing. The ordinance passed by recorded vote.
What happens next: The rezoning will be recorded and reflected on the city’s official zoning map. If and when Baylor pursues physical development that requires permits, the university will need to submit applications and obtain city approvals at that time.
