Council members on Dec. 15 heard extensive public testimony and a developer presentation during the first reading of an ordinance to rezone two parcels at the former BriarLeaf Golf Course from R‑1B to R‑1D.

The ordinance — an amendment to the city's zoning ordinance (chapter 82, enacted August 2017) — was read in full and explained procedurally by City Attorney Nick Otis. Otis told the chamber this was the first reading; by state and municipal rules the council will hold a second reading and a formal vote at the council's January 5 meeting.

Proponents emphasized housing demand and site constraints. Bert Cook of the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership said the project fits both recent local housing studies and the plan commission's unanimous 6–0 recommendation. Bill Nelson, legal counsel to the applicant, said the owners have closed the golf course permanently: "BriarLeaf is closed permanently and will never open again as a golf course." Todd Cleven, vice president of land for Lennar, said the proposed project would include 296 single‑family homes with prices starting near $350,000 and topping near $450,000; he described the product as "attainable" and said the typical household income needed at current rates would be about $125,000.

Developers addressed environmental and traffic concerns raised by residents. Cleven and project engineer Madeline Larman said two large wetlands along the site's edges would not be impacted and that smaller, isolated wetlands totaling "less than an acre" could be affected; they said any impacts would be mitigated under IDEM and U.S. Army Corps permitting requirements. Cleven said Lennar will produce traffic and engineering studies as part of future submittals and that the city may enforce required studies.

Opponents and nearby residents told the council they value the existing green space, questioned traffic capacity on 300 North and asked for assurances on wetland delineation and long‑term drainage enforcement. Resident Corine Goodson told the council Lennar's comparisons to other subdivisions were not equivalent and urged larger lots and fewer homes to preserve trees and views.

No vote on the rezoning occurred. City Attorney Otis and council members confirmed the plan commission record and materials submitted by commenters will be part of the official record. The council scheduled the required second reading and potential vote for Jan. 5, 2026; developers and staff were encouraged to continue answering residents' questions before that date.

Ending: The council moved on to the rest of its agenda after permitting Lennar and residents to exchange contact information and follow up documents; the rezoning remains pending until the second reading and vote in January.