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La Porte council postpones vote on 204‑lot subdivision after heated sound‑wall debate
Summary
Council postponed a decision on a proposed 204‑lot subdivision at Wharton Weems and SH‑146 to the May 11 meeting after residents and several council members pushed for a 12‑foot sound wall along SH‑146 despite staff noise analysis saying an 8‑foot wall meets FHWA criteria.
City planning director Ryan Viteluk presented a special conditional use permit (SCUP) request to develop up to 204 single‑family lots on approximately 56.75 acres at the northeast corner of Wharton Weems Boulevard and State Highway 146 and summarized supporting studies: a TxDOT‑approved traffic impact analysis and a March 4, 2026 noise study that evaluated 6‑, 8‑ and 12‑foot walls.
Viteluk told council the noise report concluded that an 8‑foot wall would meet Federal Highway noise abatement criteria at the measured receiver locations and that a 12‑foot wall would provide only a modest additional reduction (1–4 decibels) while triggering stronger structural, footing and visual‑impact requirements under city code. He also reported that Cobb Finley reviewed and approved the drainage study and that TxDOT had provided approvals for the proposed driveway locations.
Several council members and nearby residents disputed that an 8‑foot wall would be adequate given projected freight growth on SH‑146. Mayor Hilton said, "For me to approve this, it's gonna have to be a 12 foot wall no matter what," and residents from Lake Fairmont Greens argued the existing 8‑foot walls are insufficient and erode. Applicant Mario Lanza confirmed the study was conducted by BG and indicated the developer is willing to construct a 12‑foot wall along State Highway 146 and a 6‑foot wall along Wharton Weems.
After extended debate and failed amendment motions, the council voted to postpone the item to the May 11 meeting and directed staff to correct packet documents (include the TxDOT approval that staff had seen but that was not attached) and to amend item language clarifying sanitary sewer versus stormwater responsibilities. The public hearing was closed with the applicant agreeing to the 12‑foot/6‑foot compromise pending updated documentation and revised SCUP language.
