East End residents oppose Polk Street closure proposal to expand the convention center, citing lack of community inclusion in impact studies.
HOUSTON — The debate over the proposed closure of Polk Street is heating up again. Residents have been voicing their frustration over a proposal to permanently close Polk Street to make way for an expansion of the George R. Brown Convention Center.
The plan, led by Houston First Corporation, calls for the closure of a key corridor that many in the East End community say is the only direct, unobstructed route into downtown. The city-backed corporation presented findings from a recent traffic impact study it commissioned — but many residents say the study didn’t go far enough.
“It’s a very comprehensive report that shows there would be no significant impact,” said Michael Heckman, president and CEO of Houston First. “We’ve worked closely with traffic engineers to understand the broader effects.”
But those who live in the East End say their neighborhoods were left out of the scope.
“Shame on Houston Public Works for allowing that study to be so narrowly defined,” said Lisa Hunt, a longtime East End resident. “Our community deserves to be part of the conversation.”
The Polk Street closure would occur just blocks away from the ongoing I-45 expansion — a major state infrastructure project led by the Texas Department of Transportation. Several residents and even elected officials at Tuesday’s meeting expressed frustration that TxDOT was not part of the panel to address overlapping concerns.
“People were very frustrated,” said State Rep. Jolanda Jones. “Their questions weren’t answered.”
Heckman responded to criticism during the meeting, saying Houston First does maintain regular coordination with TxDOT and other stakeholders.
A TxDOT representative did attend the meeting but was seated in the audience. He said he wasn’t sure if the agency had been officially invited to participate in the panel but he was prepared to speak.
Houston First says the convention center expansion is critical to boosting Houston’s economy and attracting more major events. The project is timed to be completed ahead of the 2028 Republican National Convention, which the city is expected to host.
“This isn’t just about one event,” Heckman said. “There are other major conventions and business opportunities we’ve had to turn away due to current space limitations.”
Still, many residents feel the process is being rushed without adequate public input.
“We want well-managed change,” one attendee said. “Not fast-tracked decisions that overlook our neighborhoods.”
City Council must still vote on whether to approve the closure. Houston First says a separate feasibility study is currently underway, with results expected in the coming weeks.