Featherline Road rezoning vote and public comment delayed, residents have their say

KILLEEN, Texas (KWTX) – Killeen residents left today’s council meeting outraged after learning they would not be able to comment publicly on the proposed rezoning of Featherline Road, an area that has sparked significant controversy.

Up to 300 houses could be built along the road, but residents are concerned about the increased traffic on the street, which already requires widening.

Citizens reported that two public hearing notices have been issued regarding Featherline Road. However, one of the notices included the date of the next council meeting.

Because there were two separate public hearings on the matter, council allowed residents to speak during the comment period this evening, but decided to postpone public comment and voting until December 3.

Some residents said that although their time to speak was limited, they did not intend to limit themselves.

As Featherline Road becomes increasingly congested, residents are increasingly concerned about the planned construction of around 300 new homes along the street.

Killeen resident James Sills said he has witnessed numerous road accidents, which is why he collected more than 530 signatures on a petition to stop the rezoning.

“People want the infrastructure to be built first, then the zoning to be approved and the houses to be built. This is what we are fighting for,” he said.

Residents came ready to express their concerns to the Council.

However, they expressed frustration at being told they couldn’t speak during public comments, as did Heather McNeely.

“And I changed my flight to come here at my own expense – $100 at my own expense. Do you know where I will be now on December 3rd? Where I should be today,” she said.

“It’s unfortunate. I just think they should let citizens speak at public hearings rather than vote. I don’t see what kind of problem this is going to cause,” Sills said.

During the meeting, residents had the opportunity to speak citizens’ comment although their time was limited, they still made their concerns clear.

One resident shared a personal experience: “I can tell you how I sprained my ankle trying to walk along the Featherline one time. It’s rutted. There is no sidewalk, no paved shoulder, nothing. And we have kids trying to get into school.

Sills emphasized the importance of research in advocating for change in the community.

“There are currently 1,500 houses being built in this area. But it will be more than 4,000 homes between Turbo Ranch and Thousand Oaks, a one-mile radius. The change to the development plan is not consistent with the comprehensive plan. It does not meet the requirements of a complete neighborhood. It doesn’t provide mobility and connectivity to the city,” Sills said.

Mayor Debbie Nash-King, however, maintains that Featherline Road is the city’s top priority and is confident that experts have come up with a workable plan.

“I have so much faith in the employees that they would not agree to something that would harm the city and strain the resources we have. This is not an opinion, we have experts in this field,” Nash-King said.

Again, public comment and discussion on the proposed rezoning will take place at the next council meeting on December 3.