Council approves zone change to heavy commercial for Woodrow/Frankford parcel after contentious public testimony (4–3)
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Summary
After hours of public testimony focused on safety, flooding and neighborhood character, the council approved Zone Case 3537 (35.5 acres) to heavy commercial with the developer's deed‑restriction commitments; the vote was 4–3.
The Lubbock City Council voted Feb. 10 to approve Zone Case 3537, changing roughly 35.5 acres along Frankford Avenue north of Woodrow Road from low‑density single‑family (SF‑2) to heavy commercial (HC) after extended public testimony and council deliberation. The final recorded vote was 4 in favor, 3 opposed.
Planning staff recommended approval but the Planning & Zoning Commission had recommended denial by a 5–1 vote. Kristen Sager, director of planning, told the council the property fronts two arterials and staff found the requested zoning compatible with the city’s zoning ordinance; she also noted that the future land‑use map completed in 2018 had not contemplated this area because it was outside the city limits at that time.
Applicant Terry Holman (Hugo Reed and Associates) described the reduced acreage and said the site’s geometry, gas easement locations and limited depth made it more likely to function as mid‑mile or neighborhood retail rather than large industrial uses. Owner Thomas Payne told the council he had prepared private deed restrictions that would be recorded upon approval to limit many heavy uses he said he did not want on the property, and he emphasized that city permitting and engineering review would still be required for development.
Several residents who live adjacent to the parcel in the county testified in strong opposition, citing high speeds on Woodrow Road, a history of serious crashes and local flooding. Carrie Hill gave an extended account of a 2023 crash at Frankford and Woodrow in which she lost a leg and urged the council to prioritize safety: "I lost my leg on 01/13/2023... Adding heavy commercial zoning here will not make this road safer. It will do the opposite," she said.
Council discussion divided around two central tradeoffs: some members argued that city zoning, permitting and proffered deed restrictions would provide stronger controls than leaving the land in the county, while opponents said heavy commercial is incompatible with the neighborhood and would produce more truck traffic and light and drainage impacts. Several council members said they preferred lighter commercial or neighborhood commercial but accepted the applicant’s deed restriction package and the risk that if not approved the owner might disannex the property and develop it under county rules.
The council approved the zone change by recorded motion (4–3). The mayor then adjourned the meeting.
