Neighbors oppose Commons Park replat to expand commercial reserve; Planning Commission defers items 76 and 77

The Houston Planning Commission on Oct. 30 deferred two partial replats that would have combined single-family lots into a larger commercial reserve in the Commons of Lake Houston subdivision.

Staff presented items 76 and 77, Commons Park Place partial replat numbers 1 and 2, and recommended deferral pending legal review of deed restrictions and other issues. Commissioners deferred both items and continued the public hearings, which will return in two weeks.

Neighbors who spoke said the change would be out of character for the neighborhood and would reduce nearby property values. "I have three concerns," said Hua Xia, a resident living next to the site, summarizing worries about the property being used commercially, increased visitors creating safety concerns, and the loss of a "quiet, peaceful" residential environment. Toby Taylor, president of the Commons of Lake Houston Property Owners Association, said the association opposes both requests and called out local drainage issues and the effect on the entry monument that marks the neighborhood—s main entrance.

Longtime resident Evelyn Brennan urged commissioners to preserve the residential entries to the community and warned that rezoning the corner "would be anything" and that property intended for a daycare today could become other commercial uses later. Several speakers also said the developer—s outreach had been insufficient; commissioner Baldwin asked whether a community meeting had been scheduled and the applicant—s representative said a meeting was being organized but was in early planning stages.

Jennifer Curtis, representing the applicant (Meta Planning & Design), read a developer statement from Signorelli Company that said the firm plans public outreach and views the project as a long-term effort to provide amenities. Curtis added that the larger southern tract on FM 2100 had been platted for commercial use previously and that the applicant is dedicating right-of-way needed for the TxDOT widening of FM 2100.

Staff and commissioners repeatedly noted that the commission cannot override enforceable deed restrictions; legal review of those instruments was a primary reason staff urged deferral. The commission voted to defer both items so legal staff can complete review and to allow additional neighborhood outreach. When the items return, speakers who spoke at this hearing will have one minute to speak; others will be allowed two minutes if they had not previously spoken.

Actions taken: Both items 76 and 77 were deferred; the public hearings were continued. The commission will revisit both items in two weeks.