Residents raise environmental and wildlife concerns as Terra Nova development advances

Two residents used the May 5 public comment period to press city officials on neighborhood safety and environmental protections tied to the Terra Nova development.

Rita Bain of 137 Birdsong Lane described a persistent feral‑cat problem in the Glen Haven subdivision and said the animals are "on any given day... anywhere from 5 to 10 of them," creating sanitation and welfare concerns. Bain also said neighbors plan to set a game camera after a reported large-cat sighting and that she has contacted U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to investigate a possible ocelot. "An ocelot is an endangered animal in Texas," Bain said; she asked the city to coordinate if the sighting is confirmed because it "could halt development behind us."

Another resident, Holly Myers of 1670 Griffith Avenue, asked for confirmation of environmental testing she said was promised for property near a former missile base that she fears may contain legacy chemical contamination: "There were originally 2 ponds... that were used by the missile base to dump chemicals... The chemicals that are there, they don't die. They stay in the ground, they go in the air." Myers also raised traffic safety concerns, saying heavy trucks regularly use Griffith Avenue despite signage restricting them.

Council did not take immediate legislative action at the meeting but the mayor and staff invited the speakers to follow up with city staff and suggested staff would provide additional information. The council later approved multiple Terra Nova‑related items on the agenda that relate to funding and infrastructure for the development; residents asked for clarity about testing and protections before ground‑disturbing activity begins.