The Burnet City Council recently approved a zoning change for a parcel of land located at the northern corner of CR 108 and N. Water Street at a March 10 council meeting from agricultural to light commercial that will allow for development of basic retail or office spaces.

The applicant had originally requested a “C-2” medium commercial zoning to construct a convenience store with the sale of gasoline, but was instead approved a “C-1” light commercial permit for a basic retail space barring gasoline sales due to community feedback.

The request was subject to a public hearing at the council meeting, and drew opposition from community members who pointed towards increased traffic, safety concerns, and alcohol and tobacco sales in proximity to Burnet High School as hesitations. Several residents sent letters of opposition to the council beforehand.

“This is the third rezoning attempt for these applicants,” reads a letter from community members Nikki and Chris Castle. “Prior denials were based on road condition, traffic safety, and compatibility. Concerns regarding noise, light, and odor also remain unaddressed.”

The two zoning attempts prior to the one presented to council on March 10 were for a “C-2” zoning to create a truck stop and a “C-1” zoning to create a convenience store. Both requests, which included a conditional use permit that would have allowed the sites to sell gasoline, were denied.

Burnet Mayor Gary Wideman explained that the council’s decision to deny the latest zoning request and counter with the light commercial “C-1” zoning was the result of the widespread community concern.

“My biggest reason I voted no (on the “C-2” permit) was simply because I had about 30 emails from people that live over in Highland Oaks, and they don’t want it,” Wideman said.

Mayor Wideman told DailyTrib that it was only a matter of time before the property was rezoned to commercial use after already being denied two rezoning requests.

“(The applicant) has done everything we’ve asked them to do and it’s been 100 percent correct,” Wideman said. “The zoning was going to happen one way or another because it was an agricultural zone that’s going to be commercial in the future.”

For more information on the zoning changes and for background on the item, view pages 25-74 of the online council meeting packet.

caden@thepicayune.com