Pearland City Council on Monday approved the first reading of a zone change needed for an apartment complex to go up on Magnolia Parkway at Manvel Road, just across from a complex by the same developer.
“The demand for the housing type we delivered is just off the charts,” said Travis Donnell, managing principal with Rockport Ventures, which last year developed Delta Pearland on Magnolia Parkway.
Now, Rockport is seeking a zone change for 15 acres just across Magnolia Parkway for a similar project. Needed is a change from office and professional to planned development to accommodate 315 multifamily units. The council will consider a second and final reading of the zone change with amendments at a future meeting.
“Am I overly excited to have more multifamily? No,” Councilman Tony Carbone said. “I think the first phase went well, and given all the facts and circumstances this is a good compromise.”
The council vote was 4-2, with members Mona Chavarria and Rushi Patel opposed.
Feedback during public comment was mixed.
Five neighboring residents spoke against the zone change, stating more apartments would bring crime to the area and that apartments eventually become run down.
“I recently had stuff stolen off my back patio; there are cars that race up and down Magnolia all night long, and they have extremely loud exhausts,” Meadow Lane resident Carol Compton said. “When you put these apartments in, it’s going to be even worse. Crime typically goes up as apartments sit there longer.”
One neighbor stated concerns about traffic and drainage, adding that his home had been flooded during Harvey.
Three speakers were in favor of the complex, saying the developer is proven one.
“The apartments have been the right anchor and cohesive development is following,” Jennifer Evans said.
