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Supporters say CityRise campus updates will add green space and strengthen community
Summary
Several longtime residents and church members told the commission the CityRise proposal will reclaim underused green space, improve aesthetics along Bel Air Boulevard, and provide safer, more usable outdoor areas for the broader community.
Multiple residents and church members spoke in favor of the CityRise project at the July 9 hearing, calling the proposal a community-minded improvement that reclaims underused green space and removes an unsightly detention pond.
"This project allows us to link both the youth building and the existing campus... and to make the green space far more functional," said Senior Pastor Roger Patterson, who described the church's history in the neighborhood and its civic contributions during past storms. Resident Jeff Gao urged the commission to support the application, calling it a careful, high-quality redevelopment that aligns with Bellaire's long-term vision.
Other supporters, including long-term resident Steve Crosby and church member Cody Moore, praised recent improvements and told the commission the proposed landscaping, playground enhancements and circulation improvements will benefit both congregants and neighbors. Mark Wong, who helps manage campus safety, said the redesign will improve security and public use of the site.
Supporters asked the commission to weigh the community benefits and private funding behind the improvements as it evaluates the SUP.
