Residents press commission on traffic, flooding and developer responsibility in Sienna and New Point areas

Public comment at the May 13 meeting focused heavily on traffic, drainage and neighborhood impacts related to Sienna‑area planning. James Hunt asked the commission to fully evaluate potential overpasses and connectors for Routes 1 and 2, questioned whether new routing would force reconsideration of a Gulf Coast Water Canal bridge and suggested a police/fire substation as an alternative approach to emergency‑response concerns.

David Brammer, who lives at the junction of the proposed Waters Lake Road/Miller Road connection, warned that routing four‑lane boulevards into a two‑lane Miller Road would transfer traffic into a flood‑prone rural area, cross wetlands, and strain drainage systems—points he illustrated with his experience after Hurricane Harvey when some roads were impassable for weeks. He said maps don't show wetlands or drainage and urged exploring alternate routes near transmission-line easements. "It makes no sense to put a lot of money into a boulevard that is gonna dump out into a area that is going to flood," Brammer said.

Barry Bridal urged the commission to consider devolving some neighborhood roads back to a homeowners association for local maintenance and suggested developers who profit from new home construction should contribute to road repair funding. Kathy Brammer echoed concerns about quality of life and congestion if connectors route traffic through quiet neighborhoods. Commissioners and staff said conceptual studies and coordination with Fort Bend County and TxDOT would be required before any construction, and that the major thoroughfare map amendment approved by the commission is a planning step that does not authorize construction.