The gist
At its Jan. 8 meeting, Round Rock City Council will consider rezoning two tracts of open space near the intersection of Gattis School Road and South Kenney Fort Boulevard into commercial districts.
The measure was previously approved by the Round Rock Planning and Zoning Commission in early December by a 4-2 vote. In that meeting, Ethan Harwell, of consulting firm Kimley-Horn, said the property owner and project developer hope to build a small-scale shopping center on the property with space for retail, offices and restaurants.
“We think we can fit about 30,000 to 40,000 square feet on this site and provide a nice little amenity for east Round Rock,” Harwell said.
What else?
During a public hearing, several residents expressed concerns that rezoning the property could create traffic congestion for those in the Round Rock Ranch neighborhood. The city is in the process of widening Gattis School Road, a portion of which runs by the property. Plans include widening the road from four lanes to six, with Segment 4 spanning from Double Creek Drive to Meister Lane, south of the neighborhood.
Ed Polasek, Round Rock transportation planner, said the design of Segment 4 and 5 of the Gattis School Road project is about 60% complete. He added that construction on the road widening will happen once Segment 6 of Gattis School Road is complete, which is about two years away.
Council will vote on the first reading of the rezoning at its next meeting, which is at 6 p.m., Jan. 8, at Round Rock City Hall.
