Concerned Anahuac Citizens Attend Zoning Public Hearing

By Rachal Jackson-Hisler

  It was standing room only as around 70 citizens filed in to hear from Mayor Charles Hightower and City Council members about possible new zoning ordinances in the city of Anahuac. Mayor Hightower began by assuring everyone that this meeting was about protecting the future of Anahuac, not taking property rights away from citizens. He also explained that this was only the first step in the process and that a vote would not even be able to be taken by the City Council until at least 30 days after a public hearing announcing the date of the vote. City Attorney Richard Baker went on to explain that the troubling language used in the notice letter sent to property owners is required by state law.

  Talks of zoning within the city of Anahuac have been going on for at least five years, with the map produced by consulting firm Public Management dated 2020. Obviously, Anahuac and the surrounding communities have seen an increase in growth in the past five years with no end in sight. Many people are fleeing the high taxes and crime of larger cities to seek refuge in quiet little towns like Anahuac. The City Council is seeking input from the citizens in order to inform their decision about whether or not to zone, and how those areas will be determined. The purpose of the public hearing was to give locals the chance to ask questions and voice their concerns or support for zoning within the city limits. Even though zoning considerations have been going on for an extended period, no actions have been taken, and City Council is still at the very beginning of the timeline to officially enact these ordinances. Potential zone types could include commercial, single family residential, public, recreational, agricultural, light industrial, manufactured home, and multiple family residential. Several times throughout the meeting, citizens were reminded that the map being displayed was subject to change. Local business owner Casey Hedges said that he is in favor of zoning to protect property values, but he does not want to see small business owners being kept from running businesses out of their homes, if they add value to the community.

  Questions asked by constituents were wide ranging, from property rights to how future zoning ordinances might be enforced. Numerous people asked about current property uses being grandfathered in. Mayor Hightower and City Attorney Baker, both assured them that any current property usage rights would remain intact until new ownership of the property would update the zoning to whatever the current standards may be. If a zoning ordinance is enacted, a Zoning Board would be formed and populated by citizens of Anahuac who would volunteer to serve. The board would hear from property owners who have variance requests on a case-by-case basis. They would also have a formal grievance process for property owners who disagree with the determinations of the Zoning Board. The City Council would appoint the members of the board.

  After an hour of discussion, Mayor Hightower and City Council members ended the public hearing to move on to the regular meeting of the council. They encouraged citizens to watch for announcements concerning future developments regarding zoning. Most citizens left at this point, with few staying behind for the rest of the proceedings. The City of Anahuac maintains a website at Anahuac.us and you can also find them on Facebook as The City of Anahuac.