BENBROOK, TX — A packed room and a long night of discussion ended with a clear decision from the Benbrook City Council on April 16, as a proposed rezoning for the Rowan Ranch development was denied.
The request, led by Corey Waldrop and his team, sought to rezone 61.31 acres near Mary’s Creek from commercial planned development to agricultural planned development for residential use. The area, which is known to include a floodplain and floodway, has been a concern for nearby residents.
During the meeting, Ron Ramirez, President of Evolving Texas, presented a revised version of the plan, noting reduced housing density and alignment with the city’s 2020 Comprehensive Plan. He framed the proposal around growth and land use, asking what value the property would have if it remained undeveloped.
City Planning Director Doug Howard clarified procedural rules, explaining that while identical zoning requests cannot be resubmitted within 12 months, new applications with different zoning classifications must still be considered.
When the floor opened, several residents, Greg Clem, Audra Andrews, and Lester Meriweather, spoke out in opposition. Concerns centered on safety, flooding risks, and frustration over repeated applications with minor changes. Clem strongly urged council members to consider stronger measures to prevent what he described as a cycle of resubmissions.
Waldrop later addressed the council directly, speaking to the financial investment already made and his efforts to follow the city’s planning process.
After hearing from both sides, the council voted to deny the rezoning request with prejudice, citing alignment with the city’s future land use map and existing ordinances.
Reflecting more than a zoning outcome, this denial of the decision with prejudice marks a moment when community presence shaped the conversation and, ultimately, the result.
Residents can view the full meeting recording at https://benbrooktx.new.swagit.com/videos/382574.
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