Commission votes to continue large Brookside rezoning after sustained public comment

The Planning & Zoning Commission voted to continue a request from Mento Communities (300 Brookside Road) to the Dec. 8 meeting after extended public comment about traffic, train crossings, density and other neighborhood impacts.

Staff told the commission the applicant requested a continuance and that the public hearing must remain available to the public if the commission continued the item. Applicant representative Richard Rozier explained the project is large and complex and asked for additional time to finalize materials and coordinate with staff and council.

Residents raised multiple concerns. Bob Ferris warned that trains frequently stop along the frontage and asked whether TxDOT has been engaged on roadway widening; he said trains can cause 15–20 minute delays at crossings. Kathy Casel said she planned to pursue an ethics inquiry and alleged a conflict of interest; Richard Rozier responded that he had consulted ethics advisors and said he was speaking as a private citizen and not in an official county capacity. Heather Fagan and other neighbors said they were worried about retail placement, "flex housing" language, walkability and the ability of small local roads (including Lone Elm) to handle new traffic.

After discussion and staff clarifications that the published staff recommendation had not changed since the prior meeting, a commissioner moved to continue ZDC-232-2024 to the Dec. 8 Planning & Zoning meeting; the motion carried. The public hearing was left open until the continued date so residents may speak again.