Godley city council, residents clash over growth

After a December meeting that culminated in the removal of an angry Godley resident, Godley City Council took the community’s concerns about growth to heart, but residents argue it’s too late. About 40 residents attended a meeting guarded by three armed police officers after showing up in December to protest a new housing development they argued would bring low-income housing to Godley and strain the community’s fragile infrastructure. In the six weeks since their last meeting, council came prepared with reforms aimed at regulating growth and increasing transparency. Residents were pleased their voices were heard. “Somebody has gotten their hand slapped,” observed Godley resident Greg Cooper.

Council passed resolutions to update its website, create a planning and zoning commission and engage a consultant on giving the city’s existing platting process some teeth. “I just want information out there, so everyone has a chance to look at it,” Councilman Roger Cornelison said when explaining a proposal to require developers to inform nearby residents of incoming development. Part of the regulatory overhaul involves educating both council and citizens. For example, Carissa Cox, principal planner at MOSAIC Planning and Development Services, explained council’s legal obligations when it comes to approving new development in Godley. “You don’t decide plats based on what you think,” Cox said. “You decide if it complies with your standards.”