The Houston City Council reaffirmed on Monday a commission’s decision to allow the first phase of a multi-family development to proceed.
The vote, 5-1, will allow developer Scott Lauderdale to proceed with four duplexes on Hawthorn Street if a building permit is issued. Alderman Chalky Wells dissented. The city sold the 4.5-acre tract to Lauderdale for $60,000. The city says it plans to spend very little for any utility work on the project. The entrance will off Hawthorn. Later, an entrance would be added on King.
The decision came as some neighbors surrounding the development continue to claim to the council they would suffer damage from runoff from the development in an already flood-prone area. Residents in the area have been vocal in their opposition at previous meetings.
Property owners Betty Tarrants and Jim and Karen Cavanaugh voiced concern about runoff. Launderdale attended the council meeting but did not speak.
The Houston Planning and Zoning Commission forwarded last week to the council phase one of the proposal — four, brick three-bedroom duplexes — to be constructed on Hawthorn.
Over an estimated two years or so, Launderdale said Thursday he plans to construct 24 units on the property. Launderdale said the initial housing will be identical to five constructed at East 15th and Hovis streets at Mountain Grove.
The proposal before the planning zoning commission was passed with one dissent from member Angie Gettys, who said the high density project shouldn’t be built in a residential neighborhood when it could potentially bring in 72 new residents if full occupancy occurs.
“Just because we can do it does not mean it’s good planning, does not mean it’s in the best interest of the city, does not mean just because it can does not mean that is what we should do,” Gettys said.
Gettys said it was poor site selection for a project that she said had aggravated residents in the area. Chairman Charlie Shea said the project either meets the city’s guidelines or it doesn’t, and he found no reason that it didn’t.