Houston Planning Commission Major Thoroughfare and Freeway Plan Public Hearing - July 24, 2025

The Houston Planning Commission held a public hearing on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 1:05 PM in the City Hall Annex to consider nine amendments (A through I) to the Major Thoroughfare and Freeway Plan (MTFP). The meeting was chaired by Lisa Clark, with 12 commissioners present, achieving a quorum. The acting secretary, Robert Williamson, gave a brief director's report, noting upcoming meetings on August 21, 2025 (update) and September 18, 2025 (recommendation action). The commission heard staff presentations on each amendment, received public testimony on item F (Chimney Rock Road), and took no final votes; recommendations will be made at the September meeting.

Director's Report

• Robert Williamson reminded the commission of the next MTFP application update meeting on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 1:00 PM, and the recommendation action meeting on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 1:00 PM.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item F (Chimney Rock Road): Three residents of the Briar Croft neighborhood spoke in support of downgrading Chimney Rock from a major thoroughfare to a minor collector. They cited excessive speeding (50-60 mph in a 30 mph zone), dangerous conditions for pedestrians and cyclists, declining property values, and difficulty exiting driveways. Sol Rincon, Lee Gerard, and Beth Cablints (HOA president) all described the road as unsafe. The applicant, Mark Gardner, also spoke, presenting a 100-page application and arguing that the road's characteristics (residential land uses, many driveways, narrow sidewalks) do not match a major thoroughfare. He noted that speed cushions and traffic calming are not allowed on major thoroughfares. One additional resident, Larry Bryan, supported the residents' statements. No speakers opposed the item in person, though four written comments were against.
• Late Public Comment (Item A): After the public hearing was closed, a late speaker, Jose Leha, approached the commissioners to express concern about the realignment of North Point Boulevard (Amendment A), stating it would cut through his property and an oak tree he was told not to demolish. Chair Clark directed him to speak with Wilson Calvert after the meeting.

Discussion Items

• Amendment A – North Point Boulevard (Harris County): Staff presented a request to realign the proposed major thoroughfare 700 feet south between Shaw and Grant to minimize impacts on the Falkley Gully floodway. The applicant stated the change would not affect mobility and is purely a cost-saving measure. No commissioner questions or public speakers were heard.
• Amendment B – Cyprus North Houston Road south of 290 (Harris County): Staff presented a request to delete a portion of the major thoroughfare between Queenston Boulevard and US 290. The existing partially constructed road serves as a neighborhood entrance; the remaining segment would cross soccer fields, a railroad, and an open ditch, requiring an overpass – deemed infeasible with inordinate costs and limited benefits. No questions or speakers.
• Amendment C – Cyprus North Houston Road west of 1960, Salon Road, Greens Road (Harris County): Staff presented three related requests: (1) delete Cyprus North Houston Road between Perry Road and FM 1960 (area to become a stormwater detention facility); (2) reclassify Salon Road from FM 1960 to North Gessner Drive from major thoroughfare to major collector (to avoid adverse impacts on businesses); (3) downgrade West Greens Road west of North Gessner to major collector and delete it from North Gessner to Mills (due to apartment complex and right-of-way difficulties). Commissioner Hines noted that a recent plat dedicated Greens Road at 100 feet, but the future downgrade would require only 80 feet. No public speakers.
• Amendment D – Mushke Road (Harris County): Staff requested deletion of the proposed major thoroughfare between Mound Road and North Bridgeland Lake Parkway due to crossing the Cypress Creek floodplain/floodway and passing through Oak Meadow Park. No questions or speakers.
• Amendment E – Umble Parkway (Meta Planning and Design): Staff requested deletion of the proposed major thoroughfare from Rankin Road to Greens Road due to insufficient space from US 59 flare, Reinhardt Bayou, multiple pipelines, and TxDOT ownership of the southern portion. No questions or speakers.
• Amendment F – Chimney Rock Road (Briar Croft HOA): Staff presented a request to downgrade the major thoroughfare to a minor collector between San Felipe and Westheimer (approximately 4,300 feet). The road is undivided four lanes, 80 feet wide, with no stop signs or traffic signals within the neighborhood. The applicant provided radar data showing speeds far exceeding the 30 mph limit. The current classification prevents a traffic management study. Commissioners discussed alternatives: traffic calming, mid-block crossings, pedestrian signals, and engaging the council member and TIRZ (Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone). Commissioner Hines asked about speed cushions; staff noted they are not allowed on major thoroughfares or major collectors. Commissioner Rosenberg suggested involving the TIRZ (St. George Place area) for potential funding. Commissioner Jones mentioned sidewalk improvement funds. Staff committed to exploring solutions with Public Works and reporting back at the next meeting. No vote was taken.
• Amendment G – East Tidwell (Sappington Engineering LLC): Staff requested an extension of Tidwell Road from East Sam Houston Tollway to Pine Lynn Road to provide access to a 66.82-acre development (1 million sq. ft. office/warehouse) and improve access to Sheldon Park. The applicant argued the extension would enhance emergency responsiveness and accessibility for hundreds of residents. No questions or speakers.
• Amendment H – Bath Road (Meta Planning and Design): Staff requested a realignment of Bath Road from Kermyer Road to nearly Mathis Road to incorporate gentle curves for passive traffic calming and improved streetscape in new communities. No questions or speakers.
• Amendment I – Unnamed East-West MTF, Blue Ridge Road, Hiram Clark Road (Meta Planning and Design): Staff requested three deletions: (1) unnamed east-west major thoroughfare from Fort Bend Parkway to FM 521 (hindered by landfill, radio towers, oil field, pipelines); (2) Blue Ridge Road from McCard Road to unnamed MTF (same constraints); (3) Hiram Clark Road from McCard Road to unnamed MTF (landfill). Fort Bend County had already approved. No questions or speakers.

Key Outcomes

• No final decisions were made. The commission will hold a public hearing update meeting on August 21, 2025, and a recommendation action meeting on September 18, 2025. Staff will prepare recommendations for each amendment based on further analysis, including coordination with Public Works, Harris County, and other stakeholders.
• For Amendment F, staff will explore alternative traffic calming solutions (e.g., mid-block crossings, pedestrian signals, engagement with council member and TIRZ) and report back at the next meeting.
• The meeting was adjourned at 1:58 PM.