Longview · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Longview public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Recycling Services Contract
Longview's Recycling Task Force is holding a Blue Crew Activation Meeting, and council members may attend. It's a chance to see how the city's recycling volunteer efforts are being organized — no decisions are on the table at this event.
Appraisal District Election
Gregg County voters are hitting the polls for the first time ever to pick three members for the local appraisal district board. It's a big shift in how property tax decisions are handled locally, so your vote actually matters here.
Church Rezone Request on MLK Boulevard
Mount Olive Baptist Church requested a rezone of two residential lots on MLK Boulevard to light industrial use to accommodate a neighboring parking lot expansion.
District 4 Town Hall Community Engagement
Local residents will have the opportunity to meet with city officials and discuss community issues in District 4 at a town hall meeting.
Property Demolition
That creepy old Cargill Theater on Texas 31 is finally getting dealt with. City officials are teaming up with the owners to clean up the eyesore now, with plans to tear the whole thing down in the next two years.
Arts Grant Application
The commission will discuss and review cultural arts grants, which help fund local arts programs and community events.
Senior Programs and Community Services
The committee will review updates on local senior programs and recreational services provided by the city.
Senior Advisory Committee Operations
The advisory committee oversees local programs and services geared toward Longview's older residents, ensuring community needs are met through city resources.
Naloxone Vending Machine Public Unveiling
An event to unveil a new Naloxone vending machine in Longview was cancelled, postponing public rollout details.
Quiet Meadows Plat Vacation
The property owner requested to undo a replat that split a 4.2-acre lot into two parcels after a land sale fell through. The commission approved returning the land to a single legal lot.
Partners in Prevention Program Updates and Operations
The steering committee was scheduled to review ongoing community initiatives, including youth mentoring, human services programs, and wellness campaigns.
Historic Preservation of Central Fire Station
The owners of the B. Franklin Martin house are pushing for historic landmark status. If approved, this could mean new regulations for their property.
Walk of Honor Task Force Meeting
The Walk of Honor Task Force was scheduled to meet to review last year's event and plan for the upcoming 2026 event. This includes discussing nominations and sponsorships.
Cable Franchise Fee Audit
The city approved hiring a specialized consulting firm to audit cable franchise fee payments to recover potential underreported revenues over the past four years.
McWhorter Park Pickleball Courts Construction
The city awarded a $274,387.95 construction contract to build two new pickleball courts at McWhorter Park.
Central Fire Station Exhaust System Installation
The commission was scheduled to review a proposal to install a vehicle exhaust removal system at the historic Central Fire Station downtown.
Parks and Recreation Departmental Operations and Maintenance
The board reviewed routine reports covering recreation programs, park maintenance, community beautification, and administrative updates from the director to ensure public facilities remain well-maintained and accessible.
Setback Variance Request at 910 East Whaley Street
Julian Torres requested a variance to allow a residential accessory building to sit in front of the main building's facade on East Whaley Street.
Parking Variance Request at 1904 Judson Road
MLMT Properties requested permission to provide 18 parking spaces instead of the required 24 for Phillips Flooring on Judson Road.
Commercial Parking Requirements
The city is reviewing whether a flooring business can operate with fewer parking spots than the code requires, which could impact street congestion.
Stamper Park Family Aquatic Center Opening
Great news for Longview residents! A popular park is officially reopened, just in time for summer. The city is also working on other park improvements, so expect more upgrades soon.
South Longview Infrastructure and Maintenance
Residents voiced concerns regarding neglected park equipment, overgrown drainage ditches, and deteriorated street conditions in older South Longview neighborhoods. Council members acknowledged the feedback and highlighted ongoing infrastructure investments.
Groundwater Conservation
Longview and neighboring counties are banding together to form a regional groundwater district to protect our local water supply from being siphoned off by North Texas. It’s a proactive move to make sure we don't run out of water as regional demand keeps climbing.
Temple Emanu El Project
The board was scheduled to discuss matters related to Temple Emanu El alongside routine departmental and maintenance updates for city parks and recreation facilities.
Side Yard Setback Variance at 2605 Northhaven Drive
Charles Hill requested a variance to allow a 5-foot side yard setback instead of the required 8 feet at 2605 Northhaven Drive. The board held a public hearing to evaluate the property adjustment under local zoning rules.
FY2025 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Application
The city is accepting public comments on its 2025 Justice Assistance Grant application until May 29, 2026. This federal funding typically supports local law enforcement and community crime prevention programs.
Lilly Street Industrial-to-Residential Rezone
An applicant is looking to rezone a roughly 2-acre parcel at 2614 Lilly Street from light industrial to single-family residential to support residential sales.
Cell Tower Height Variance Request at 2023 Alpine Road
Tillman Infrastructure requested a variance to build a 165-foot tall communication tower at 2023 Alpine Road, which exceeds standard height limits under city code.