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Residents urge commission to defer West 43rd replat, cite traffic and deed-restriction concerns
Summary
Neighbors at West 43rd Street told the Houston Planning Commission they oppose a proposed four-lot replat, saying it would worsen dangerous traffic and violate existing deed restrictions; staff and the commission deferred the item so the applicant can revise drawings and consult legal counsel.
Chair Lisa Clark opened a public hearing on item 123, a proposed replat on West 43rd Street, after staff said deed restrictions and public concerns had been raised. Residents spoke against the plan and asked the commission to block the proposed split of the parcel into four lots.
Miriam Gonzales, who identified herself as a resident of 43rd Street, said longtime neighbors fear business conversions and higher property taxes if the replat proceeds. "We are really wanting to oppose to this," she said, citing worry that the neighborhood could be sold to outside interests and changed.
Another resident, Norma Sabala, said most families in the immediate area are older and expressed safety concerns at the Bridal and 43rd intersection. She described frequent accidents and asked the commission to consider traffic impacts on seniors and nearby daycare users.
Planning staff (Dori Anne Poeflim) and commissioners confirmed that separately filed deed restrictions apply to the property. During questioning, staff advised that the deed restrictions likely limit the site to two lots (one home on each lot), not the four lots shown in the applicant's current drawings. Vice Chair Garza summarized the staff position as: under the deed restrictions the parcel "have to remain as it was platted," meaning two lots, not four.
The applicant requested a courtesy deferral to revise drawings and confer with legal counsel. Commissioner Baldwin moved to defer the item; Commissioner Hines seconded. The commission voted in favor of deferral, carrying the motion.
The deferral means the applicant will return with revised plans or legal clarification; staff and the chair indicated the office will work with the applicant and legal to resolve the deed-restriction question before the item returns to the commission.
