Houston Planning Commission Meeting - September 4, 2025

The Houston Planning Commission met on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 2:34 PM in the City Hall Annex, 900 Bagby. Chair Lisa Clark presided. A quorum of 13 members was present. The meeting addressed consent items, public hearings, subdivision plats with variance requests, and a hotel variance request. The meeting adjourned at 4:28 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Items 1–74 (Sections A and B) were approved as a group, with Commissioner Heich abstaining from items 3, 4, 8, and 14. Items 3, 4, 8, and 14 were then approved separately.
• Sections G, H, I, and J (items 95–103) were approved as a group, with Commissioner Garza abstaining from item 98.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 76 (Edfield Manor): Stephen James, Chief of Staff for Councilmember Evan Shabazz, expressed support for the community’s concerns about advanced notice to architectural committees, preservation of old-growth trees, and drainage. Vernon Lewis, Houston City Treasurer, opposed the replat citing a narrow street, driveway placement across from his home, and six protected trees. Teal Lewis, a resident of 40 years, stated the replat violates deed restrictions (single-family only) and that investors are changing the neighborhood without proper architectural review. Darlene Mabin also opposed, citing deed restrictions, density, flooding, and safety risks. The applicant was not present.
• Item 77 (Flight Line Northwest): James Murphy, a resident, raised concerns about parking tickets issued by HPD on private property, unrelated to the replat; staff offered to assist.
• Item 78 (Goldas Foods): Perdita Chavez, Chief of Staff for Mayor Pro Tem Castic Statum, requested a deferral to allow community review of deed restrictions and developer engagement. The applicant stated they had not received any complaints and offered to meet.
• Item 94 (Windsor Grove): Inness Warren, whose family has owned lots on the street for over 110 years, opposed extending the stub street (MLU Street) due to concerns about increased crime and traffic, but respected the commission’s decision.
• Roman Numeral 3 (Hotel Express Inn & Suites, 6200 Hillcroft): Richard Della Quadra, founding principal of Xavier Academy, opposed the hotel variance, stating it would endanger children and that the rule exists for a reason. Nabil Ali, co-owner of Sands Point Real Estate, supported the variance, detailing the $15 million redevelopment plan, security measures, and successful track record at their Fountain View location. Aisha Nazimi, a Sharpstown resident, opposed, arguing the neighborhood deserves high-quality development and that a budget motel sends the wrong message. Marvin Pierre, executive director of 8 Million Stories, opposed, stating a budget motel near their school would undermine the safety and stability of young people they serve.

Discussion Items

• Item 76 (Edfield Manor): Staff recommended approval per CBC 101 form conditions. Discussion focused on protected trees, driveway placement, and deed restrictions. Commissioner Garza moved to defer for two weeks to allow further review of tree protection, driveway location, and deed restriction enforcement. The motion passed.
• Item 78 (Goldas Foods): Staff recommended deferral per council member request. The applicant agreed to meet with the community. Motion to defer passed.
• Item 80 (Milwaukee Village): Staff recommended deferral because the applicant missed notice requirements. Motion passed.
• Item 85 (Avante Homes at Hennessy): Staff supported two variances (access via 60-foot easement and reduced lot sizes). Commissioner Garza asked about compensating open space. Staff clarified that parking reserves were changed to open space reserves. Motion to approve passed.
• Item 86 (New Caney MUD Water Plant): Staff supported a variance to exceed intersection spacing. Motion to approve passed.
• Item 87 (Sanchez San Jacento Memorial Site): Staff recommended deferral for further study of possible plating exemptions. Motion passed.
• Item 88 (SMC Group): Staff recommended deferral to allow time for revised right-of-way dedication. Motion passed.
• Item 89 (Tulugu Bavanum): Staff recommended deferral to revise boundary and address landlock tract. Motion passed.
• Item 90 (Texas Petroleum Group Greens Road): Staff recommended deferral to correct deed restriction building line issue. Motion passed.
• Item 91 (Bassett Residences): Staff supported a reduced building line of 15 feet (instead of 13) for a feeder road property. Commissioner Garza questioned the 2-foot difference. Staff explained conformity with other variances. Motion to approve passed.
• Item 92 (M. Hoff Storage): Staff changed recommendation to defer for two weeks to coordinate with Harris County on commercial use intention. Motion passed.
• Item 93 (Kirkendall Village Section 1): Commissioner Sigler recused. Staff recommended deferral per Harris County request. Motion passed.
• Item 104 (803 Patchester Drive): Staff supported a 10-foot garage building line variance. Motion passed.
• Item 105 (Shimoni Rock Road): Staff supported a 21-foot building line variance. Motion passed.
• Item 106 (7545 Avenue H): Staff supported a 5-foot setback and 10-foot dedication after applicant agreed. Motion passed.
• Roman Numeral 3 (Hotel Express Inn & Suites): Staff recommended denial of variance to allow a 40-room hotel within 750 feet of Xavier Academy school and a health facility. Discussion included the applicant’s track record, security measures, and community opposition. Commissioner Baldwin cited risk of future sale. Commissioner Rosenberg suggested alternative uses. Commissioner Tahir supported the variance, noting the need for investment. The applicant’s representative argued the hotel would be well-managed. The motion to deny passed 11-2, with Commissioners Tahir and Jones opposed.

Key Outcomes

• Approved consent items: Items 1–74, 95–103 (with abstentions noted).
• Approved public hearing items (no variance): Items 75, 77, 79, 81, 83, 84.
• Deferred items: 76 (2 weeks), 78 (2 weeks), 80 (2 weeks), 87 (2 weeks), 88 (2 weeks), 89 (2 weeks), 90 (2 weeks), 92 (2 weeks), 93 (2 weeks).
• Approved variance requests: Items 85, 86, 91, 94, 104, 105, 106.
• Denied variance request: Roman Numeral 3 (Hotel Express Inn & Suites) – denied 11-2.
• Public hearing dates set: October 2, 2025, for multiple replats (Coastal Enclave, Ferndale Landing, etc.).