Residents question developer trust amid flooding concerns in Kerrville

The Benbrook Planning and Zoning meeting on July 10, 2025, featured a passionate discussion regarding community safety and trust in local development projects. A resident expressed deep concerns about the reliability of builders and engineers, particularly in light of recent flooding events that have impacted the area.

The speaker highlighted personal experiences with flooding and the unpredictability of such disasters, emphasizing that past events could not have been anticipated. They criticized the current development plans, questioning the trustworthiness of the builder involved and pointing to public records that reveal a history of bankruptcies and legal issues associated with the developer.

The resident also expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of proposed environmental measures, such as replacing mature trees with younger ones, arguing that these actions do not adequately address the community's needs. They called for a more aggressive and thoughtful approach to development that genuinely considers the safety and well-being of residents, particularly those living near the river.

In closing, the speaker warned that engineers often rely on predictive models that may not account for extreme weather events, citing examples from other regions like California. This sentiment underscored a broader concern about the adequacy of current planning and zoning practices in ensuring community safety amidst changing environmental conditions.

The meeting highlighted the ongoing dialogue between residents and city officials regarding development, safety, and trust, signaling a need for more transparent and accountable planning processes in Benbrook.