Manvel Crossing master plan fails in 2-4 vote

The proposed Manvel Crossing master plan failed in a 2-4 vote by Manvel City Council at its June 15 meeting, following concerns over the project’s design direction and lack of community amenities.

What residents need to know

The Manvel Crossing master plan, located along Hwy. 6 between Kirby Drive and Manvel Town Center, outlines proposed commercial development including a grocery store, Home Depot, fitness centers and other retail uses, documents show.

During the meeting, Director of Development Services Jose Abraham emphasized that the site plan is preliminary and subject to change, noting that the agenda item only establishes acreage boundaries, not a detailed site design.

The discussion

Council member Carmyn Robey-Robinson said the proposed development appears conventional and lacks creativity, pointing to the absence of recreational amenities and community gathering spaces that she had hoped to see.

“Just because there is land there doesn’t mean we have to develop,” she said. “If we’re going to build something, I want it to be something that we actually need versus another grocery store when H-E-B is right there.”

Mayor Dan Davis also expressed disappointment with the proposal, saying the concept did not differ enough from other nearby developments.

He also referenced earlier discussions in which the developer had indicated plans for amenities such as trails and sit-down restaurants, noting those features were not reflected in the master plan presented at the meeting.

Davis added that because preliminary and final plats do not come before council, the master plan is the final action council takes on the development and, while still subject to change, largely reflects what is proposed to be built.

The bottom line

Council members Jason Albert and Harry Opliger voted in favor of approving the proposal with conditions recommended by city staff and the Planning, Development and Zoning Commission, including requirements to specify acreage for drainage and establish a timeline for road improvements.

Davis and council members Robey-Robinson, Garrett Rossi Knox and Keith Bonner voted against the proposal in a 2-4 vote, causing the motion to fail.

What’s next

City officials indicated that if the developer wants to move the project forward, it will need to return before council with a revised master plan.