The land, located at the northwest corner of I-35 and Yarrington Road, was initially the proposed site of a large truck stop. Nearby residents protested, citing concerns ranging from pollution to human trafficking, which the FBI has linked to truck stops.
The latest iteration of the concept plan, originally to be released in May, shows space for an anchor retail store, restaurant pads, two hotels, a convenience store with eight gas pumps and several other smaller retail and restaurant spaces.
“This conceptual plan is the starting point for recruiting businesses to that location,” Kyle City Manager Scott Sellers said in a release.
The plan is nearly complete, a release stated, except for a few modifications that could still be made, such as changes to roadway access and addressing heritage oak trees on the lot.
The project was a collaboration between Hays County, the cities of Kyle and San Marcos and the Greater San Marcos Partnership. According to a release, the cost of using an outside design firm was divided among the entities.
“By investing in this juncture, what we call the gateway to both cities, we are taking steps to secure our future and highlight the importance of regional cooperation,” San Marcos Mayor John Thomaides said in a release.
The site is currently zoned for agriculture uses. PGI Investments, the developer of the project, had a previous rezoning request denied by the Kyle Planning & Zoning Commission in early 2016, at which point they withdrew their application. It would have gone to Kyle City Council with a P&Z recommendation to deny.
A public hearing on rezoning this concept will take place at the Feb. 7 Kyle City Council meeting. According to a city release, Mayor Todd Webster said the council will consider rezoning the property to the 'retail services' zoning category.
If City Council votes to grant the rezoning request, PGI will not only develop the property, but also own and operate a convenience store at the site.
The conceptual plan, shown here, allows for retail stores, restaurants, two hotels and a convenience store.[/caption]
