Hutto City Council could take action on a proposed retail, convenience store and fuel station on Aug. 22.

The development is proposed for the intersection of Gattis School Road and Winterfield Drive at the entrance to the Star Ranch subdivision. If approved by City Council, the site would be designated as a future "retail, convenience store, and fuel sales" station, per the resolution.

Hutto Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing at its Aug. 6 meeting, where multiple residents spoke in opposition to the proposal. All property owners within 200 feet of the potential development were notified of the public hearing and invited to speak, per city documents.

The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously voted 7-0 to deny the recommendation for the proposed Star Ranch Concept Plan revision Aug. 6, a decision that was met with applause from residents in attendance.

However, Hutto Development Services submitted a recommendation "that the Hutto City Council hereby approves the resolution for the plat known as 'Star Ranch Concept Plan Revision #2,'" according to City Council's Aug. 22 agenda packet.



Community Impact Newspaper reached out to residents via the social media site NextDoor for perspectives on a potential fuel station the Star Ranch neighborhood. Responders cited increased congestion, blind corners at the intersection and safety and health hazards as reasons against the proposal.

The Star Ranch Pool facility is located in the northeast corner of the intersection, across Winterfield Drive from the proposed fuel station site. Residents in attendance at the Aug. 6 meeting raised concerns regarding the air quality and safety of having a fuel station so close to an outdoor recreational facility.

"I don't think anyone is opposed to development," resident Kathryn Ziaja said in an Aug. 7 phone call with Community Impact Newspaper. "But it'll turn it into an unpleasant corner, an unpleasant entrance into a beautiful area."