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 city officials 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.
A handful of McKinney residents spoke against the convenience store’s development, stating that it being open 24 hours a day would draw loiterers. Concerns were also raised about gas fumes and increased traffic.
Council Member Geré Feltus said she could understand why residents would be concerned that this would be a place where people would go to hang out at late hours. Council Member Justin Beller also voiced concern with the project, stating that it was too high intensity of a use for the site.
Mayor George Fuller, however, said a fast-food restaurant, such as a McDonald’s, could operate 24 hours a day at the site without the council’s permission, since the land was already zoned for it. He said the convenience store would be a better fit than a fast-food restaurant.
“I feel we have control now, and people have a choice,” he said.
The motion to approve the special-use permit passed 5-2, with Feltus and Beller voting against.
