Pearland council rejects first reading for rezoning on Dixie Farm Road after residents object

A majority of Pearland city council members voted down the first reading of an ordinance to rezone roughly 9.23 acres at 3302 and 3306 Dixie Farm Road from single‑family residential (R‑1) to Neighborhood Services (NS), after residents and neighbors urged the council to preserve the area’s residential character.

Residents and nearby property owners delivered repeated objections during the public hearing, citing the city’s adopted comprehensive plan and concerns about more commercial development spilling into established neighborhoods. Greg Nelson, a nearby resident, told the council the Planning & Zoning staff analysis found the request did not implement the comprehensive‑plan land‑use policies; he said the request “goes against the land use plan of 2040” and urged council to vote against rezoning. Diane Liberton, a 31‑year resident of East Pearland, said vacancies on East Broadway show the area already has unused commercial space and asked the council not to add more.

Representatives for the owners and applicant argued NS zoning is an appropriate transition from heavier commercial zoning to nearby single‑family lots and would allow low‑intensity, neighborhood‑oriented uses such as offices or wellness centers. Alex Wynne, representing the property owners, said the lots sit behind large commercial parcels and that “NS types of businesses are perfect for this location” and would provide services beneficial to the aging population. He noted staff recommended approval but acknowledged the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended denial (5–1), meaning a super‑majority of council would be required to overturn that denial.

Council members expressed concern that the applicant had not provided a site plan at Planning & Zoning, a point several members said made it harder for neighbors to assess the rezoning’s impact. Member Cozza said prior NS rezonings in the same area had not always produced development, and Member Kate cited traffic and quality‑of‑life concerns when opposing the request.

After discussion, the motion for first reading failed on a recorded vote of 0–7. The denial leaves the property zoned R‑1; staff and the applicant may choose to return with a different request, a site plan, or other information if they want a future consideration.

Next steps: the applicant may revise the proposal or bring additional materials to address buffering, traffic, or design concerns before seeking council or Planning & Zoning reconsideration.