CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — An informational meeting is being held tonight to clear the air about a proposed subdivision in the London neighborhood.
The proposed development is near FM 43 and next to London ISD. A zoning request has been filed for the project which would build hundreds of new homes on a 450-acre tract of land, but there are some mixed feelings about the project.
People who live nearby aren't too happy about the idea of building more than 1,400 homes along FM 43.
They say the development would bring a lot of unwanted traffic to the area.
"In the morning, going even to the elementary school or leaving the school, it's a two-lane road," nearby resident Gary Friudenberg said. "So you always have people lined up. There are traffic accidents."
Friudenberg lives less than a quarter of a mile away from the proposed development site, and he worries the traffic will only get worse.
MPM homes, a local home-building company wants to transform that empty land into new house worth more than $200,000.
"Over the years I've heard through customers, 'I can't get there, I can't afford it.' This is going to give people an opportunity to have that opportunity," said Moses Mostaghasi, the developer requesting the rezoning.
The residents also worry building more affordable homes nearby will lower the value of their homes. But Mostaghasi says that shouldn't be a concern.
"Their home prices are actually going up over time," said Mostaghasi. "Just because another community next door comes in with a different plan, it's not going to reduce her values," he added.
There are also concerns that if hundreds of homes are built, it will overcrowd the schools and the neighborhood.
"Our area was sold as a rural area from Corpus Christi," said Friudenberg. "That's why I think a lot of people moved out there in that area. I just think that people really want a well-developed plan when you expand into our community."
Meanwhile, the developer believes his proposed project is well-planned, and a good opportunity to expand Corpus Christ's southside.
"Ultimately, this goes in line with all the planned orderly development that the city has set up for that area and for the southside in general," said Mostaghasi.
In a recent zoning commission meeting, the committee voted against the zoning request. City Council will have the final say, as they're expected to vote on that request on Tuesday.
An informational meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Fuddruckers. The public is invited to attend.
