Residents say recent road work left dust, loose rock and safety hazards in Ben Mar Cove

Residents of Ben Mar Cove and Spring Branch Estates urged the Chambers County Commissioners Court on April 28 to replace recently installed chiprock surfacing with asphalt, saying the work has created dust, potholes and a safety hazard for pedestrians and motorcyclists.

At the podium a resident identified as a Ben Mar Cove homeowner said the back porch of his house "is covered with dust" and that the neighborhood's cars and sidewalks are likewise blanketed after the contractor applied large limestone chiprock, which he described as "coming apart" and producing washboard and loose rock. The resident said he has asthma and cited health concerns from silica dust.

Developer Marsha Landers, who said she and her late husband developed Ben Mar Cove, told the court she and other neighbors signed a petition seeking the county install HMAC (hot‑mix asphalt) rather than the chiprock that was used. "Silica dust is everywhere creating a health hazard for all of us," Landers said, and she urged commissioners to honor prior subdivision approvals that she said called for asphalt and maintenance agreements.

Landers and residents showed handouts and photos to commissioners and said some patching has already been required because sections of the new surface were loose. One resident recommended chip‑sealing over the current surface as a shorter remedy if full asphalt replacement is not immediately feasible.

Commissioners did not take immediate action during public comment but heard the petition and staff was asked to follow up; residents requested a formal review of the installation against county road specifications and a plan for repairs or resurfacing.

The matter remains under consideration; residents asked the court to report back with options and a timetable for corrective work.