Neighbors Press Forward on Floodplain Protection and City Accountability.

For longtime Benbrook residents Greg and Donna Clem, the new year began with gratitude and resolve.

After years of organizing around the protection of the Trinity Estates and Mary’s Creek floodplains, they say community involvement is making a real difference.

What started as concern over development has turned into a working knowledge of how city processes function, and where they fall short. The learning curve has been steep, but momentum is building.

One bright spot from 2025 was the successful election of two new community-focused members to the Benbrook City Council, with a third candidate narrowly missing election by just 24 votes. Another opportunity is coming later this year, and neighbors are being encouraged to stay engaged and informed.

Looking ahead, residents are asked to keep a close watch on City Council and Planning and Zoning agendas and to share items tied to floodplain development as soon as they appear.

Showing up matters, and speaking during public comment matters. Those few minutes are often the only chance residents have to be heard.

For Mary’s Creek, a procedural vote by the City Council is expected soon, even though Planning and Zoning have already denied the request. Attendance is being encouraged to show continued opposition.

Trinity Estates Phase 3 is also approaching a critical point. Final plats are expected to be considered in April. Concerns remain about increased flood velocity caused by a new canal and the impact on Phase 2.

A Letter of Map Revision was approved on November 25, 2025, triggering a 90-day window to contest. Nearby neighbors have already met and agreed an appeal should be filed.

Accountability issues extend beyond flooding. After nearly two years of dust pollution complaints tied to construction, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality confirmed violations following a lengthy investigation. Only then did the City issue a citation.

Residents with property damage, health concerns, or pet injuries are being encouraged to document and share their experiences.

Other frustrations include unexplained spikes in water bills and what some residents describe as dismissive behavior by certain city staff. The hope is that increased public attention and new council leadership will bring better transparency and responsiveness.

At the heart of the concern is trust. Many neighbors are questioning why key officials making long-term decisions for Benbrook are not even residents of the city they serve. With more eyes on the process and more voices in the room, residents believe meaningful change is still possible.

City agendas and updates can be found at https://www.benbrook-tx.gov.