A group of Benbrook neighbors, city officials, and council candidates recently gathered to discuss the Trinity Estates Phase 3 development, and the conversation uncovered more questions than answers.
City leaders outlined the project’s process, but residents pressed hard on issues tied to flooding, drainage, and environmental impacts.
One surprising detail came to light: a 10-foot strip running through the canal that connects to the Trinity River now falls under the authority of the Army Corps of Engineers. That designation raises new concerns about whether proper permits are in place for excavation and bedrock work.
Neighbors also challenged the city’s wetlands assessment, pointing to visible gullies and water channels where large amounts of untested fill dirt have already been dumped. According to residents, those areas once funneled water into an old creek flowing toward the river, making the city’s claim that dirt was placed only on ineffective flow zones hard to accept.
Flood safety became another flashpoint. The city admitted Timberline Drive could see up to three feet of water during a flood, but noted other neighborhoods also flood. Neighbors argued new developments should not trap residents in or out during emergencies.
Concerns also mounted around drainage reliability. If a single lateral line becomes clogged, residents warn that the entire hydrology system could fail. The city acknowledged a recent case in which a trash can lid blocked drainage, highlighting the fragility of the system.
Perhaps most troubling for residents was confirmation that none of the 30,000 cubic yards of fill dirt on site has been tested, and its source remains unknown.
As the Trinity Estates project progresses, many in Benbrook remain concerned about safety, oversight, and the potential long-term impact on their community.
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