Bonham, Texas – The Bonham City Council regular meeting started at 6:00 p.m. on September 8, 2025 with all council members present. After a lengthy public hearing, Bonham City council approved a controversial request for rezoning an area near South Village Drive and Finley Oates Elementary, despite many protests from local residents.
The council approved an ordinance to rezone 16.5± acres located at the terminus of S. Village Drive, 190± feet south of W Russell Avenue from Single-Family Residential Dwelling District (R) to Planned Development Duplex Residential Dwelling District (PD-D). Property ID# 121127.
Ross Altobelli, Director of Community Development showed drawings of the proposed plans in 2024 and the revised plans for 2025. He explained that the applicant initially planned for about 41 duplexes (82 units) and 18 single family homes and then discovered that the area was zoned only for single family homes.
When this development was brought before the Planning and Zoning Committee (P&Z) they received nine letters opposed to the development and two in support. Altobelli said that the density of development was the primary concern of local residents. P&Z recommended that the development include 50% single family homes and 50% duplexes to address this concern and that only single family homes could be built adjacent the current single family homes.
Drainage issues and traffic were among the other issues raised in the letters and by people in attendance at the meeting. Altobelli noted that there has not been a traffic study done. He described that there are only two entrances to the proposed neighborhood.
Altobelli said that the letters against the development also talked about decreasing value of existing property. Altobelli said that there are regulations in place that should offset these concerns however he still agreed that this is a valid concern. Altobelli noted that he cannot predict if this development would increase or decrease property values and speculated that he could probably find experts to both support and dispute this claim.
Numerous audience members in the packed council meeting room asked questions and raised concerns about the proposed development. Drainage concerns were raised by several speakers. Altibelli said that the plans include work to direct the water to the streets, to a detention pond and more. Council member Kevin Hayes agreed that the development should improve the drainage problems in the long run.
Many of the comments and questions focused on the traffic issues for the area. Several described the current problems when nearby Finley Oates Elementary has drop-off and pick-up times. One resident asked if the current streets in the area will be better maintained with the increased traffic. City manager Sean Pate and several council members agreed that traffic will be a problem.
Property owner and applicant for the zoning change, GK Redding was in attendance. When Pate asked Redding if he was open to doing a traffic study, he agreed. Redding also stated that he would be willing to change out the duplexes for townhomes with a Homeowners Association (HOA). Altobelli said that the number of units would be about the same with that change, but it would be a different housing product that is currently in short supply in the city.
Altobelli noted that the new development will be subject to all the new standards, which will include concrete roads and sidewalks on both sides of the streets.
After the public hearing ended, council member Allen Sanderson made a motion to approve the zoning change and John Burnett made the second for the motion.
Four voted in favor, including Sanderson, Burnett, Mayor Compton and Ernie Quintana.
Two voted against, including Sam Fox and Clark Smith.
Kevin Hayes had to abstain from voting as he lives and owns property adjacent to this development.
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Police Chief Andrew Hawkes swore in Adrian Hobbs as a new Bonham Police officer at the beginning of the meeting.
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Council approved the minutes of the August 11th regular meeting and the August 19th special meeting. They also accepted the financial report for the month ending August 31, 2025.
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Citizens Opportunity to Speak
A gentleman named Frankie introduced himself as representing the new owners Legacy Ridge Country Club. He said they have applied for a liquor license to allow them to serve alcohol for weddings, other celebrations and an annual new year’s party. He said they do not plan to be a bar that is open until the early morning hours.
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Employee of the Quarter
Zach Posey was named the Employee of the Quarter for the City of Bonham. Sarah Osburn stated that the city has received multiple compliments from customers about Posey and that he always has a positive attitude and goes above and beyond to help customers.
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Proclamation for Autumn in Bonham
Mayor HL Compton read a proclamation declaring October 4, 2025 to be Autum in Bonham Day for the City of Bonham. This local event hosted by the Bonham Area Chamber of Commerce brings bike riders from across the state and country to the city for various bike races, including a 100 mile course. The first bike race was started 42 years ago.
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After a brief public hearing, the council approved the operating budget for the fiscal year 2025-2026 for the City of Bonham. Sanderson remarked that the staff did a good job for putting together budget and keeping tax rate the same. Sanderson did note that if anyone’s taxes go up, it’s because their property values are going up. Osburn said that public safety and preparing for growth are priorities in this budget. There were no questions or comments from the public.
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After another brief public hearing, the council approved an ordinance setting the 2025 Tax Rate on a first reading. The effective tax rate will be .55 cents rate effective Jan 1, 2026, which is the same rate as the current year.
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Council approved budget amendments for the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2025. Osburn explained that this will clean up at end of year to get budget in line with actual costs.
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Council approved the FY26 Texas Department of Transportation Grant for Routine Airport Maintenance Program (RAMP). Obsurn explained that this grant provides 90% reimbursement, with the city providing the 10% match.
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Council adopted the revised City of Bonham personnel policy. Obsurn said the significant changes included adding a holiday for President’s Day and one optional holiday for employees, plus allowing sick time to count towards overtime.
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Council approved a Resolution accepting a Petition to create the Bonham Lakeside Public Improvement District and setting a Public Hearing under Section 372.009 of the Texas Local Code for October 13, 2025. City manager Sean Pate explained that this development will include about 600 acres north of Highway 82 and north of Legacy Ridge Country Club. Pate said this is another step in the process for this development and this is the third Public Improvement District created in Bonham this year.
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Council approved a resolution to approve a Preliminary Site Plan, Fix & Feed Addition, Block A, Lot 10A. Property ID# 137217. Altobelli said that this is for a minor automotive repair business with no overnight parking. Planning and Zoning Committee recommended approval.
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Altobelli discussed the possible future creation of a Corridor Commercial District to include Highway 121 between Highway 56 and 82 and Highway 56 between Highway 121 and the eastern edge of the city. He described current zoning on these major thoroughfares as a “hodge podge of zoning” and raised the question of “what are highest and best uses of this area?”
Altobelli was careful to point out that he is not taking away anyone’s development rights and that all landowners would be able to continue their current use. Altobelli stated he was looking for direction from council. His thoughts were to have a community meeting first with landowners in the designated area to discuss possible plans and processes and then later ask the council to call a public hearing on the matter.
Compton directed Altobelli to move forward with that plan.
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City Council went into Executive Session at 7:01 p.m. and returned at 7:05 p.m. Council approved a motion to not accept the offer concerning the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property concerning 36.698 acres of land, a part of the Mary Caldwell Survey Abstract Number 180 and a part of the Joel Anderson Survey Abstract Number 12, lying and being situated on the Nnrth side of Lake Bonham in Fannin County, Texas.
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Meeting adjourned at 7:05 pm.
