The Houston City Council will vote Wednesday on whether to close part of Polk Street in downtown Houston to allow the expansion of the George R. Brown Convention Center.
The proposal coincides with the Texas Department of Transportation’s reconstruction of Interstate 45 and has drawn opposition from East End residents.
Polk Street serves as a major route for commuters traveling between the East End and downtown. Residents say closing the street would increase travel times and isolate their neighborhoods.
They cite previous large-scale projects that reduced access to downtown and brought limited benefits to local communities.
During a recent City Hall meeting, residents urged council members to oppose the proposal. Houston First Corporation, which manages the convention center, says the closure is necessary for the expansion and will support downtown’s long-term growth.
A traffic study commissioned through Houston First concluded that about 50 nearby intersections would experience minimal delays from the closure. To address connectivity concerns, Leeland Street will be converted into a two-way road within the next year.
If approved, the closure will alter downtown traffic patterns and affect access between the East End and downtown. The council’s decision will shape how Houston balances development plans with community needs.