During the Boerne Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on May 5, 2025, a significant discussion centered around the development of a new Starbucks location and its connectivity to surrounding roadways. The conversation highlighted the challenges of ensuring that new developments are integrated into the existing infrastructure, particularly regarding easements and road connections.

A representative for the Starbucks project emphasized the importance of moving forward with their development, even though it would not immediately connect to the cul-de-sac to the east. They argued that similar considerations had been made for another project, referred to as the ER lot, which was allowed to proceed without full connectivity. The representative expressed confidence that the commission would require future developers to complete their portions of the road, ensuring that the overall vision for the area would be realized.

However, concerns were raised by commission members regarding the potential risks of approving the Starbucks project without guaranteed connectivity. One commissioner pointed out that unlike the ER lot, which may not attract as much traffic, Starbucks would likely generate significant drive-thru activity. The fear was that if the ER lot did not proceed as planned, it could lead to traffic congestion on nearby roads, ultimately impacting the community negatively.

In response to these concerns, a suggestion was made to take a brief recess to discuss potential stipulations that could address the connectivity issue while allowing the Starbucks project to move forward. This collaborative approach indicates a willingness among commission members to find a solution that balances development needs with community safety and infrastructure integrity.

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the commission is committed to ensuring that all developments contribute positively to the community's infrastructure, while also recognizing the importance of economic growth through new businesses like Starbucks. The outcome of these discussions will likely shape future development policies in Boerne, emphasizing the need for connectivity and planning foresight.