Killeen council votes 6–1 to seek reversal of Board of Adjustment decision on 605 N. Grama Street

The Killeen City Council voted 6–1 on July 23 to file a petition to reverse a Board of Adjustment decision concerning the certificate of occupancy for 605 North Grama Street. Council member Pass moved 'to file a petition to reverse the decision of the board of adjustment,' and Council member Kimball seconded the motion.

Council member Brown expressed opposition, saying, 'My vote's gonna say more than I am in words, but I will say that I highly disagree with taking legal action against the board that we have appointed who has made a decision based on hearing from both sides.' After discussion the chair called the vote and the motion carried 6 to 1.

The vote follows more than two hours of public comment from tenants, community groups and downtown business owners. Council members debated competing goals — enforcing building and life‑safety codes versus avoiding immediate mass displacement — and several members emphasized coordination with community partners if any relocation becomes necessary.

The council first recessed into executive session under Texas Government Code §551.071 to consult with attorneys; the meeting returned with the announcement that 'no action was taken in executive session.' The formal petition filing begins a legal process; a council member later told the public the filing would not cause 'immediate impact' on residents currently living at the building.

Next steps: the council’s motion authorizes city staff and counsel to proceed with the petition process; the council did not announce a timeline for filing or for any court action.