A controversial property has finally been rezoned in Montgomery, putting an end to resident and council debates.

Montgomery City Council voted 2-1 at its June 25 meeting to rezone 0.5 acres at 712 Community Center Drive, Montgomery, from institutional to commercial. Council Member Tom Cronin said he wanted to support property owner Patricia Easley's desires.

“We spoke with her relative, and he said it would be good for the community,” Cronin said. “If Ms. Easley wants it to be commercial, I think she’s lived there long enough that she realizes what the potential could be if something could go in there.”

Easley currently runs Miss Pat's Kitchen, a food delivery company, from her residence. Council Member Rebecca Huss said she supported the planning and zoning commission’s original recommendation not to rezone the property, as it could change the nature of the neighborhood.

“It was the recommendation of planning and zoning, and it’s my personal feeling that we need to consider the whole neighborhood. ... That’s the best thing for it in my opinion,” Huss said.

Assistant to the City Administrator Dave McCorquodale said rezoning would likely not change the neighborhood severely in the next several years, but said he still would not rezone the property.

The original report indicated neighbors were concerned the rezoning could negatively affect the neighborhood, which already has a park and the Montgomery Intermediate School nearby.

Statues, repairs and developments

In other June 25 news, the council approved the monument planned for Spirit of Texas Bank at SH 105 and Lone Star Parkway. The monument will feature a statue of Sam McCulloch, the first man wounded in the Texas Revolution, and a plaque explaining McCulloch’s history as a free black man.

The bank plans on having a 130-foot flagpole behind the building, with a 60-foot-by-30-foot Texas flag. This will require approval by the Montgomery Board of Adjustment at a later date.

The council also rejected a bid from the Atkins Creek repair project and decided to rebid the project, modified to reduce its scope with minimal risk, as recommended by the engineering department.

The council also heard former City Administrator Jack Yates’ plan for potential developments in the city, including a police station, street and sewer repairs and downtown street improvements. The council decided to have the P&Z commission get community input and determine a list of prioritized projects and preliminary costs.