What happened: The Midland City Council met on Tuesday, Feb. 24, called for expanded authority over ETJ development during debate over a 225-acre groundwater-certified plat, while also approving a $275,000 Sparks Park restroom replacement, advancing a downtown housing project, approving a Vista del Pueblo water extension, and waiving right-of-way fees for a southeast Midland church.

Key points:

  • Groundwater concerns: Council considered a preliminary plat for Antelope Ridge, a 225-acre residential development in the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). The ETJ is land outside city limits where the city oversees subdivision layouts but cannot extend utilities or enforce zoning rules. City staff said the plat met all legal requirements.

Several council members expressed frustration that, although an engineer certified sufficient groundwater, Midland has previously seen wells fail as aquifer conditions change.

“We’re restricted from being able to provide municipal water to these areas [because they’re not in city limits], and yet we’re being asked to approve this when we have no surety that they will have what they need to be successful,” Blong said. The city attorney clarified that under Texas law, council cannot deny the plat without a legal basis.

Council did not take action, but under state law, the plat will be approved by default. Blong and Burkholder said they will continue urging state lawmakers to give cities more authority in these situations.

Midland’s top stories. One quick email. Free, every Friday.
Get Midland Wrapped, our free weekly email for busy Midland residents. Each Friday, we break down the week’s most important local stories — what happened, why it matters, and what to watch next — so you can stay informed without the noise.
    Subscribe
  • Vista del Pueblo: Council unanimously approved an agreement allowing a developer to construct public water improvements serving Vista del Pueblo. The project extends water lines along Todd Road, connects to the northeast sewer main, and expands service toward I-20.

Council described the project as a “win” for residents who have experienced water reliability issues. Once complete, the infrastructure will become part of the city’s public water system.

  • Sparks Park restroom: Council unanimously approved a roughly $275,000 purchase and installation of a modular restroom at Sparks Park. City staff said the current restroom is about 40 years old and does not meet ADA requirements. The city will fund the project through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Council previously deferred the item on Feb. 10 after Councilman John Burkholder questioned the cost. After receiving additional information, he supported the item but asked staff to continue exploring lower-cost options in the future.

Councilwoman Amy Burkes said she wanted to ensure the city uses CDBG funds wisely, not spend them to meet a deadline. Mayor Lori Blong emphasized the need for a clearer long-term plan for how the city allocates these federal dollars.

  • Downtown historic housing: Council unanimously approved a resolution of support for a developer seeking state housing tax credits to redevelop the former Midland National Bank building into 78 residential units and over 12,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space.

The resolution commits $500 in city support as required by the application process. Construction would not begin until early 2027, pending award and financing.

  • Church right-of-way: Council unanimously agreed to vacate two right-of-way tracts to Common Unity Church’s planned expansion and daycare and waive over $52,000 in fees. A church elder spoke to the council, describing the path that led him to Christ and the church’s 10-year presence in the neighborhood. “We want to be a beacon of light to our community,” he said.