In a 4-3 vote, council approved a future land use plan amendment, the heavy commercial rezoning of 9.22 acres and an ordinance to allow auto sales on the land. Council Members Dorian Chavez, Tim Kelly and Rodney Robinson voted in opposition.
Julie Herrera, Toyota of Cedar Park managing partner, said the expansion will immediately add 100 jobs and will add 60 more jobs over five years. She estimated the project will cost $10.7 million.
Herrera said at the May 14 meeting that her project will address residents’ concerns about light, noise and stormwater drainage. Lights will be adjusted to 50% brightness at night, and the expansion project will be 100% Dark-Sky compliant, Herrera said. Noises from car wash blowers, security pagers and honking were reduced or eliminated. The project will also comply with stormwater requirements and mitigate the stormwater issues.
"We want an opportunity to grow our business and bring jobs to Cedar Park," Herrera said.
Four people spoke in favor of the expansion May 28, and one gave a statement in favor. At the May 14 public hearing, three people spoke in favor of council approval, and one person registered support. Two people spoke against the approval. The Cedar Park Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended the three items.
Council Members Chavez, Kelly and Robinson said the business should develop behind its current property because it is not the best use of the property. They said offices or businesses should be built instead to generate sales tax.
“It’s not the right fit,” Robinson said.
Council Members Mel Kirkland and Michael Guevara said the only way to fix the property drainage issues is to develop on the land. Mayor Corbin Van Arsdale and Council Member Anne Duffy also spoke in favor of the expansion and the growth of Herrera's business.
"She's put Cedar Park on the map in a totally different way because they are leading nationwide," Duffy said. "And it can only go up from here."
