South Benbrook Residents Raise Alarms Over Trinity Estates Flood Risks.

September 10, 2025

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BENBROOK, TX – Concerns continue to mount over the Trinity Estates Phase 3 development after a September 5 community meeting between city officials, residents, and council candidates.

Longtime resident Greg Clem and others are calling for the Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) process to be paused, citing safety, environmental, and regulatory issues that remain unaddressed.

Residents argue that floodplain destruction, questionable permitting, and a lack of proper testing have created unacceptable risks for both new and existing neighborhoods. The debate has intensified as neighbors and candidates share concerns about how the project was reviewed and approved.

Key issues raised include:

Illegal Fill Dirt: The city admitted that more than 200 cubic yards of dirt were dumped into the floodplain without proper authorization. No citations were issued, and the dirt remains on site. Its source and composition are unknown, and it has not been tested for runoff impacts on the Trinity River.
Flooded Roads: City officials confirmed that Timberline Street could be submerged under 2.5 to 3.5 feet of water during floods. While they suggested emergency vehicles might still reach the neighborhood, residents stressed that more than 140 cars attempting to exit during flooding would be at serious risk.
Health and Environmental Impacts: Residents report that runoff from fill dirt has flowed into the river for two years, raising environmental concerns. Dust from the site has also caused air quality issues for nearby families.
Army Corps Oversight: A 10-foot section of the canal was designated an extension of the Trinity River, placing it under Army Corps of Engineers authority. Questions remain about whether permits for bedrock removal were properly secured.
Emergency Planning: Residents insist that relying on fire trucks as a primary evacuation plan is not adequate. Cars floating in floodwaters could block roadways, creating a catastrophic scenario for both residents and first responders.

The debate has also highlighted broader frustrations with the city’s approval process. Residents argue that key risks were overlooked or dismissed in the push to move the development forward.

For Clem and many of his neighbors, the issue is bigger than one project. It is about ensuring that Benbrook’s growth does not come at the expense of safety and environmental responsibility.

Community members are urging others to speak out, send letters, and share concerns with local leaders and state representatives before construction goes further.