The developer proposed to build a gas station with a 4,300-square-foot convenience store at the northwest corner of East New Hope Drive and CR 180 nestled between event venue Haute Spot and a hotel.
How we got here
The two-month-long process began with the Planning and Zoning Commission back in November, which approved the special-use permit request with a 5-2 vote. Two of the commissioners with opposing votes expressed “concern about the number of gas stations in the vicinity,” according to city documents.
Since then, nearby property owners have also expressed their opposition to the request.
David Pollack, a representative of nearby hotel Hyatt Place, said the site was “too small” and “was better suited for other uses” at the Jan. 11 City Council meeting. He also mentioned the hotel’s concern about traffic circulation on the site.
The developer, however, emphasized the need for a gas station in this specific area.
“There’s a need, in our opinion, for a fuel station and convenience store on the east side of 183A,” said Richard Mathias, a representative for the developer. "People now have to go through the intersection, to the west side, to get their gas. We believe this [fuel station] serves an unserved area."
The action taken
Council denied the special-use permit request with a 4-3 vote. Mayor Jim Penniman-Morin and council members Bobbi Hutchinson and Kevin Harris were the three opposing votes.
What officials are saying
Harris said with increasing traffic counts and upcoming developments expected in the area, the gas station could work at this location.
“All these projects that are coming online, the commercial businesses right next door, to me, it's just a viable piece. I think it would fit and work,” he said. “It's a gas station that has food, and it could work on that corner with everybody going on the toll road.”
Council member Eric Boyce, who voted to deny the request, indicated the property not being of adequate size and related it to areas in Austin.
“Going down on Burnet, some of the older Austin places where it's like a postage stamp and it's really small. It's a pain to maneuver,” he said. “If you got cars at all four stations, you're landlocked. That's not a fun feeling. I don't want this to be like one of those spots.”
