Brittany Point, LLC’s petition to annex 55 acres on the north side of Hwy 30 into the City of Gonzales was recommended for approval by the Planning Commission on Monday. Back in January…of 2024 the commission recommended denial of the petition (the ultimate decision lies not with the appointed commission but with the elected City Council). 16 months later, with a change of plans by the developer, the commission had a change of heart.
The development team failed to convince the Commission on January 3, 2024 when that five-member appointed panel recommended denial of its petition. Planning minutes for that Public Hearing summarize commissioner concerns:
- Adverse impact on drainage, with corresponding increase in flood insurance premiums.
- Increased fire insurance premiums due to diminished fire rating, due to longer response times.
- Potential negative impact on localized property values.
As reflected in the Planning Commission meeting minutes, the five-member panel’s recommendation to the Council was…
“To deny the petition of annexation…because of the negative impacts on fire and flood insurance and insufficient information on the quality of the product, including square footage, cost issues.”
After a contentious February 19 (2024) council meeting the elective governing authority, by a 3-2 vote, sent the annexation petition back to the Planning Commission where it was taken up for a third time last night (the commission had tabled the matter two months ago).
Doug and Beau Diez, along with their engineer, argued that the concerns expressed 16 months ago have been addressed. Promising to mitigate, if not improve local drainage, the Brittany Point team satisfied four of five Planning Commissioners. Clint King was the one-member minority as Ralph Rebowe, Clarence Cutno, Kemlyn Bailey Lomas and Chairman Scott Hughes voted to recommend approval of the annexation.
Initial plans to build a residential subdivision having been scrapped in favor of a commercial development, the applicant has long claimed to have placated Gonzales’ former mayoral administration and unidentified council members. Much has changed since then with a new mayor and three new council members seated on January 6.
Mayor Tim Riley has taken no public stance on the annexation bid after organizing public participation last year.
Brittany Point’s February 2024 Council hearing attracted an overflow crowd.
Public opposition has consistently focused on adverse drainage impact to an area with existing issues.
The annexation petition now goes to the City Council which will consider the matter on May 12.
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