The proposal for Dallas’ first H-E-B store has sparked a contentious debate among residents, as a rezoning request for the site is met with both interest and opposition.
The grocery giant’s plans require changing the zoning of a 10-acre lot located along Interstate 635 and Hillcrest Road from its current designation for low-rise office buildings to regional retail.
While the regional retail zoning would allow for a larger structure up to 70 feet tall, local residents are voicing their concerns over potential increases in flooding and traffic congestion, especially during rush hours.
Packed into a community meeting at the Westin Hotel, residents posed questions to H-E-B representatives and local officials, including Council member Bill Roth, who oversees the area.
The City Plan Commission is set to evaluate the rezoning request on September 18, determining whether H-E-B’s request for a large retail complex is acceptable.
If the rezoning is approved, H-E-B plans to build a nearly 127,000-square-foot store expected to accommodate around 45,000 customers weekly. This would include six daily truck deliveries to the site via Hillcrest Plaza, which would be supplemented by landscaping and fencing to mitigate noise issues for nearby residents.
In addition, H-E-B is proposing the construction of new traffic signals and turn lanes to alleviate potential congestion.
However, numerous residents expressed skepticism about the development’s impact on traffic, citing concerns that the influx of customers would worsen existing overcrowding on Interstate 635.
Marsha Gaswirth, a local resident, articulated her concern for the neighborhood’s traffic flow. She pointed out the already heavy congestion near local schools, places of worship, and existing grocery stores like Costco and Trader Joe’s.
“We are a neighborhood that is concerned about the traffic pattern,” Gaswirth stated. “You have to impress us, not your store.”
As the discussion unfolded, worries about crime and law enforcement were also raised, with residents insisting these issues should not be placed on H-E-B but rather addressed by the city’s leadership.
While many attendees were excited about the possible addition of a grocery store within walking distance, others remained apprehensive about the broader implications of rezoning the site.
Kathy Coffman, representing the Hillcrest Preservation Coalition opposing the project, expressed concerns about the long-term ramifications of rezoning. She highlighted the potential for other large-scale developments if the grocery store does not materialize.
“Why would you come in with the most intense retail zoning classification that there is on the books and tell us that we have to live with it?” Coffman questioned, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding future developments possible on the site.
The introduction of a new state law enabling housing to be constructed in commercially zoned areas without council approval further complicates the situation. The City Council is reportedly discussing how this law impacts their authority over zoning changes, which could affect the proposed H-E-B site significantly.
Roth affirmed that residents’ concerns regarding traffic and the impact of a major retail establishment on the neighborhood should take precedence as decisions are made.
“The requested zoning upgrade to regional retail allows for a significant increase in the scale of any project on that property,” Roth said. “Traffic congestion, store deliveries, and other operational challenges must be adequately addressed.”
H-E-B’s Managing Director of Public Affairs, Mabrie Jackson, emphasized that the company is committed to engaging with the community and addressing feedback received during the meeting.
“We will continue to listen to the needs of the community and value the feedback we’ve received,” Jackson stated. “H-E-B is committed to being a good neighbor.”
Despite the tensions evident during the meeting, not all nearby residents opposed the H-E-B store.
Jeff Olson, a local resident who expressed frustration with the negative tone of the discussion, argued that the opposition stemmed from a vocal minority that does not represent the broader community’s desires.
“This is NIMBYs who don’t want anything ever built,” Olson declared. He stated that the neighborhood could benefit from the new grocery store, underscoring the potential for improved pedestrian and bike access and additional amenities like sidewalks near the White Rock Creek Trail.
As the residents continue to navigate the complexities of this proposed development, the future of both the H-E-B store and the associated zoning application remains uncertain, with significant implications for the community’s character and infrastructure at stake.
image source from：dallasnews
