The convenience store would be located at the southwest corner of Wilmeth Road and Hardin Boulevard on a tract of about 2 acres and have 12 fueling stations, according to meeting documents. Developers Vaquero Ventures requested a special-use permit from commissioners, which is needed to allow motor vehicle fuel sales on the site.
In a letter of intent sent to the city, Vaquero Ventures said the 7-Eleven at this site is necessary to support the increased traffic in the area that will come with the Painted Tree master-planned community coming to the area.
“The proposed business will be an important addition to this highly trafficked intersection,” the letter of intent stated.
A presentation to the commission noted that typically 7-Eleven stores are about 3,000 square feet. The proposed store at this location would be 4,600 square feet. It will also feature Laredo Taco Company, a taco bar concept that operates similar to a Chipotle and will have dedicated employees, Matthew Smith with Vaquero Ventures said.
The store did draw some opposition. McKinney resident Doreen Tracy came forward to speak against the project. She pointed out that the city’s new multilane roundabout will be going at the same intersection, which could lead to safety issues. She also had concerns with the gas fumes, noise and lights the project could attract.
Commissioners Deanna Kuykendall and Brian Mantzey expressed concern with the project as well. Mantzey said he had some issues with an intensive 24/7 business going in near the neighborhood and that McKinney has other fueling station options for residents, with which Kuykendall agreed.
The other commissioners said the development was appropriate for the area, noting other 24/7 businesses, such as McDonald’s or Whataburger, would be able to develop on the site without having to obtain a special-use permit.
“There’s not a lot of amenities up here on the north side of [US] 380,” Commissioner Scott Woodruff said.
With a vote of 5-2, with Mantzey and Kuykendall voting against, commissioners gave the request a favorable recommendation. It will move forward to the Aug. 2 McKinney City Council meeting for consideration and final action.
