In a controversial decision at the September 28 council meeting, the city of Katy’s city council moved forward to approve the rezoning of a three-acre tract on Katy Hockley Cutoff Road north of Morton Road, reclassifying the property as “neighborhood commercial.” The decision was approved in a 4-1 vote, with Ward B Councilmember Michael Meihls dissenting. As a result of the ordinance amendment, the 3.43-acre tract will move into the Katy Court Planned Development District and will be subject to its prohibitions. Additional restrictions approved for the new tract also prohibit it from being developed as a gas station or convenience store.

The move had been opposed for months by long-time residents, including homeowners in the Heritage Park West subdivision, which borders the property. Homeowners who spoke during public comments at the September 28 meeting and at previous council meetings said that they did not want the increased traffic and increased noise and light pollution, as well as increased flooding and public safety risks that are posed by commercial development. Resident Linda Irvin said that the area already has an over-abundance of commercial property, some of which is an eyesore.

Many residents who spoke or who contacted council wanted the tract to be developed as residential lots – a move that Councilmember Meihls said was probably not feasible since the number of lots that could fit on the property is small – likely around only eight. “This corner has become – over time – unusable as a residential tract,” said Ward A Councilmember Paula Taylor. The owner purchased the property in 1988, one public speaker said.

The decision to allow the rezoning also honored the rights of the property owner, who has held on to the property for several years and who should be allowed to sell it, Taylor said. The owner has been paying over $13,000 in annual property taxes, Ward A Councilmember Johnston Dietz said. “At the end of the day, our responsibility is to find a between protecting the character of our neighborhoods and recognizing the legitimate rights of property owners,” he said.

In good news for residents of Heritage Park West, council unanimously approved $349.130.66 for the construction of a traffic signal at Katy Hockley Cutoff Road and Heritage Drive.

Several other actions at the meeting helped move the first phase of the Snow Goose Trail project forward. Council unanimously approved a $1,164,627.40 bid for Castillo Aranda LLC to include engineering design and construction services, and an agreement with Brookshire-Katy Drainage District (BKDD) to allow construction of the trail. When completed, the 3.5-mile walking trail that will go from Leyendecker Landing near Pitts Road and Morton Road to the historic downtown square. Construction for phase one of the trail will begin in mid-November and end in mid-May 2027, officials said.

In other actions, council also:

· Approved the 2026-2027 budget and tax rates in a roll call vote.

· Approved more paving and drainage improvements along Tubular Drive.

· Moved $18,000 in uncollectible water, sewer and garbage accounts to bad debt. The city does not use an outside collection service, officials said.

· Via consent agenda, canceled regular council meetings scheduled for November 23 and December 28.

The next meeting of Katy’s city council is scheduled for October 12 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 901 Avenue C in Katy.