How we got here
During the Nov. 4 meeting's public comment period, Christina Breaux and her husband Richard expressed concerns about a new 24-hour gas station set to open near their home and suggested the city draft an ordinance limiting commercial property hours of operations.
“Despite my best efforts, we now face the reality of living next to a 24-hour operation,” Breaux said. “This news has been incredibly distressing to me, especially as a working mother of three young children. I've lost several nights of sleep over the thought of having a business that never closes, essentially in our front yard.”
Richard Breaux said his main concern is the safety of his children, who he says play outside and the fear of having people peering at their property.
“It's just something again, that we weren't anticipating whenever we moved to that section of town,” Richard Breaux said. “I feel like restricting the hours of operations will help maintain that rural feel, but also support businesses that are also important to the city.”
What they’re saying
City staff presented two options to the council for the potential ordinance, with both options excluding business along FM 2920, Hwy. 249, Tomball Parkway, Hufsmith-Kohrville Road and Holderrieth Road:
- Option 1: Commercial establishments must be closed for business between the hours of 11:01 p.m. and 4:59 a.m.
- Option 2: Gas stations or convenience stores—with or without gasoline sales—must be closed for business between the hours of 11:01 p.m. and 4:59 a.m.
Quote of note
“When we think about the hours of restrictions, we need to think about the fact that they need deliveries, and we're saying that they cannot even receive deliveries during the restricted hours,” council member Lisa Covington said. “I feel like that would be a hardship to say that a gas station cannot receive deliveries until 7 a.m.”
What’s next
City staff is working on drafting an ordinance that reflects the discussion, which will be brought forward to council at a later date.
