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Bridge City residents residents can share their questions and comments about the potential rezoning of a nearly 30-acre property for commercial use at an Aug. 19 public hearing.

The property up for rezoning is a large 29.88-acre field located at the southwest corner of Ferry Dr. and Roundbunch Road. It sits behind Bridge City Bank and several other businesses on Roundbunch. Meadowlawn street also borders the property, as does the Larry Ward addition.

The site currently comprises a mix of Third Commercial District, Low Density Residential District and Single Family Residential District zones. The rezoning application filed by David Olson of Roundbunch Road Enterprises proposes the entire property be changed to the Second Commercial District classification.

Bridge City Community Development Coordinator Natalie Pruitt said the second commercial district designation is a more restrictive zone than third commercial districts. Generally speaking, C-2 zones are “light” districts for retail, dining, office and service uses — it also allows residential and apartment buildings.

Olson said there aren’t currently concrete plans to develop the land. However, Tractor Supply Co. has shown interest in a potential location there. Conversations have also been had regarding development of a subdivision, as well.

The land has been owned by Olson for nearly 30 years, and his dentistry practice on Roundbunch sits adjacent to it. He previously had a contract to construct a Super Walmart on the property years ago, but the rezoning was denied by the city at the time.

The city of Bridge City distributed notice of a public meeting to residents in neighboring areas last week. When the notice was posted to a local Facebook group, people took to the comments with a variety of opinions on the new proposal.

Several commenters raised concerns about a commercial development potentially exacerbating what they say is a poor drainage situation near Ferry Drive. Many of these people said they’re concerned a new project, particularly a large one, may cause the area to flood more than it already does with heavy rainfall.

Concerns about traffic are another issue at hand. During busy hours around 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., stoplights at both ends of Ferry tend to experience heavy traffic congestion. A commercial development could add more traffic to already-busy locations.

Olson said he understands the concerns about congestion and believes traffic mitigation would be made a priority with planning of any potential project. 

The joint public hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m., Aug. 19, at Bridge City City Hall on Rachal Avenue. Residents will have an opportunity to voice their opinion and ensure any potential concerns are heard.

The application for rezoning of the property at Ferry and Roundbunch will be reviewed at the joint meeting by the Planning Commission and City Council. The Planning Commission will vote to recommend approval to the Council, table a request for further study, or recommend denial.

The final decision to approve or deny the rezoning request will be made by the Council based on its compliance with zoning ordinances, staff recommendations, public safety and the ability of the city to serve the project via infrastructure.