[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6483828,"mediaKeyId","5567064-f10b80283b7dba1149c13cd8f25c8d7a","parentId",5567064,"title","Council denies zoning change for storage site at 825 Airport Freeway; approves assisted-living rezoning in Mid Cities","audioSeconds",673,"startMs",1544000,"endMs",2217000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5567064-f10b80283b7dba1149c13cd8f25c8d7a&start=1544&end=2217","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5567064-f10b80283b7dba1149c13cd8f25c8d7a/thumbnail_1544000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6483828/Hurst-City/Tarrant-County/Texas/Council-denies-zoning-change-for-storage-site-at-825-Airport-Freeway-approves-assisted-living-rezoning-in-Mid-Cities","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6483828-b460b847594b067a062b097c7f749155/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437330&Signature=n4cjabUagh2QtGUZsb1ejGC8A9KLTKd2GorM6OOC5hr19M16Ay9Mh82suuBTSZL7MSM4rJmliU7m8mZBcbq0~kRlgBJctVRF0L9oiQlkBK2NO-U4uZwzgkM-UjtT01MdsIpcDvs7m~2ck7wPcgkUkbisj~3bUXC532anbR6Cxs99U3ScO6TCf3kFY8dM9zAU5qt9h8vS73Kjk3Gjbf1H4gq9DhBoXhiBvS6PFUR3vbULJZaea8Km6xgEwui7ROPGdwi0LZDpJ3PpiP2ilIrtl6rCKp0UP~xSOsgr8iv-Yo-EV5M2aroFJcKU9qCsAFtOxOzu4z4YOjAYRIR-s969Tw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Hurst","date","2025-08-12T00:00:00Z","article","Hearst City Council on Aug. 12 denied a zoning change request for a 2.7-acre parcel at 825 Airport Freeway and approved a separate rezoning for an assisted living facility at 458 Mid Cities Boulevard.

The airport-freeway parcel had been proposed for rezoning from General Business Plan Development (GBPD) to Outdoor Commercial Plan Development (OCPD) to allow self-storage and non-climate warehouse bays. Michael Zizek, the applicant's representative, described adjustments to the fire-lane easement and other access improvements. Nearby property-owner interests were represented by Wes Hobblett, who said the adjacent retail and restaurants (including an Outback and Jack in the Box) were concerned about a single point of access and traffic conflicts; Hobblett also cited concerns about building height (proposed up to 45 feet) and lack of neighborhood outreach. Hobblett asked council to preserve the site for retail.

Councilmember discussion asked planning staff to describe the classification \"outdoor commercial\" and its allowed intensities. After hearing pro and con statements from the applicant and an opposing property-owner representative, a council motion to deny ordinance 26-06 (rezoning to OCPD for Lot 1 Block 1, Cutter Addition) carried by voice vote.

Separately, the council considered a rezoning and site plan to convert a former office building at 458 Mid Cities Boulevard into an assisted-living facility (ordinance 26-07). Clay Christie of Claymore Engineering described interior remodels and a new fenced patio and common areas. Applicant representative Nick Pazarenzo confirmed suites are for one person and that dining and kitchen facilities would be communal rather than in-suite. After council questions about parking and services, council voted to approve ordinance 26-07 (first reading) to rezone the property to Assisted Living Plan Development (ALPB).

Why it matters
Rezoning decisions change how parcels can be used and affect traffic, sales-tax potential and neighborhood character. Opponents of the 825 Airport Freeway rezoning argued the site better serves the city's retail and sales-tax goals; proponents cited the property owner's proposal and fire-lane adjustments.

Ending
Staff said site-plan approvals and building permits remain required if projects advance; the denied rezoning will halt the applicant's immediate proposal, while the assisted-living rezoning proceeds to subsequent site-plan and permit reviews.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Hurst - City Council","oneSentenceSummary","Council denied a rezoning request for a 2.7-acre parcel at 825 Airport Freeway after nearby property owners raised traffic and height concerns, and approved a separate assisted-living rezoning at 458 Mid Cities Boulevard.","taxTitle","Hurst City, Tarrant County, Texas","taxId",54108,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6483832,"Council approves first reading for Wing drone autoloader at Walmart parking lot",688,828000,1516000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5567064-f10b80283b7dba1149c13cd8f25c8d7a&start=828&end=1516","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5567064-f10b80283b7dba1149c13cd8f25c8d7a/thumbnail_828000.jpg","/articles/6483832/Hurst-City/Tarrant-County/Texas/Council-approves-first-reading-for-Wing-drone-autoloader-at-Walmart-parking-lot","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6483832-7a1f8e7025e7aafe86cdbf6b8c372970/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437330&Signature=VDLA7QQJ0DUAznQz8G0meKS~ayTmOQexppH0LTRiS6tYi40ADJ6fs~H1uOk4lhEgwd~K9PQY4-OOYngiDRG4GzaJJLtXlN-rD0wa2KhbHUsWg5R1KcOOxxsYPQRDgQR23DFkNPYZLHgT8jOeQ276i5pXlfzcVsIQuWggkXCiwEodfCbVsq5SJ4L-4VALZC8jBlrPSHIO6xxvgvZg7z4jBXzrr7TQNkW7Yadm0YvjmXdTVLEFOGKbdpj~1LGtlJ90fpoBoGPNcCPYctKpxSDq6zqLtHNOCyszTFOwYiR6krwvajJz8YD6v3eJsAqCwpQZLX2JinfYOMfyKUc5FRM95A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hearst City Council voted Aug. 12 to approve on first reading a site-plan revision permitting Wing drone delivery operations to add an autoloader in the Super Walmart parking lot at 1732 Precinct Line Road.

Planning staff introduced the request as a site-plan revision to make an autoloader permanent after a one-year trial. \"This is a site plan revision request, for Wing drone delivery that is, currently located in the parking lot, the Super Walmart at 1732 Precinct Line Road,\" the planner said during the hearing.

Deborah Meek, speaking for Walmart, told the council the retailer wants the operation to continue \"indefinitely\" and has a plan to replace several trees that died on the site. Carolyn Cook, a civil engineer with Kimley-Horn, described the plan change: the autoloader will remove nine parking spaces and sit in the curbside pickup area so store associates can load packages into the autoloader as part of their normal workflow.

Kendall Prosac, a Wing representative, described the autoloader as a device where an associate can load a package that the drone then retrieves from the autoloader and flies to a customer. \"An auto loader...is really where automation and functionality meet,\" Prosac said. She added the operation remains jointly managed: Wings' ground team retains responsibility for aircraft maintenance and FAA-regulated handling; the autoloader allows Walmart associates to participate in loading curbside packages.

Council questions and clarifications
Council asked about parking and safety buffers; the applicant team said the autoloader is buffered by at least one space on either side and separated from customer parking by a drive aisle. Councilmembers asked whether any incidents had occurred; Wing and Walmart representatives said none had been reported from the Hearst site to date. The panel also confirmed the delivery radius is about 3.5 miles from the site, expandable to 6 miles, and that the maximum flights per site is capped at 100 flights per day although the Hearst location has not reached that number.

Vote and next steps
Council approved ordinance 25-99 (first reading) to adopt the site-plan revision; the motion carried by voice vote. The applicants told council they will replace dead trees in October and will make identified masonry and screening repairs as part of the site changes.

Ending
City staff and the applicants said they will return as required for any subsequent site-plan or permit-level approvals; the autoloader will be installed in the designated curbside pickup area and the nest will remain in its existing location.","Hearst City Council approved first reading Aug. 12 for a site-plan revision allowing Wing to install an autoloader at the Walmart on Precinct Line Road, removing nine parking spaces and integrating drone loading into curbside operations.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6483837,"Hearst adopts $88 million FY2026 budget, raises property tax rate; water rates increase 2%",727,3698000,4425000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5567064-f10b80283b7dba1149c13cd8f25c8d7a&start=3698&end=4425","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5567064-f10b80283b7dba1149c13cd8f25c8d7a/thumbnail_3698000.jpg","/articles/6483837/Hurst-City/Tarrant-County/Texas/Hearst-adopts-88-million-FY2026-budget-raises-property-tax-rate-water-rates-increase-2","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6483837-f7f0f9fb5ece15ac175591ebc4511757/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437330&Signature=gJmdfTDYs07pcXDEGlA3CVLzMN3yVHN31TuSYkNP09uP5B8KPlOEjJrR6f3QJSsPFZ77SrGykCA0htyU66GRqcUYGw~Aq4nlTrWMqqC51OVlyR5XDrJev1iC-Cqcz7RX~D5sTIxHxLs0BCbZ2Gf0mzao6XQkqxLIMC8Cm3~IfFiFkYBoNJTIy3UKdM5S6OcrgBV0jjEbOJDWaJ~pVyV76cKCNz2yEdysJPcij5bJY8KCqO9oKLjafcD8LY1aZGD38ZYUqnXuphEc8Ht9~PaK4c7PKUCG8-bigpAojxtxDoBlbYyBq8s5qtOFrN5zGOshSySku770Mxn70e-goMhLMQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Hearst City Council voted Aug. 12 to adopt the City of Hearst's fiscal 2026 operating budget and to set a property tax rate of 0.611882, and approved a 2% water and wastewater rate increase.

Assistant City Manager Clayton Fulton presented the budget to the council as an executive summary, describing the $88 million operating program and how it aligns with council priorities. \"The budget that we'll review tonight is really a culmination of work that started back in January with the citizen survey, that led into the town hall forum, which then led into the council strategic retreat,\" Fulton said during his presentation.

Council approved ordinance 26-03 (first reading) adopting the FY2026 budget and ordinance 26-04 setting the tax rate at 0.611882. The council also ratified the property tax revenue increase required by state law (ordinance 26-03b). One council member spoke against the tax increase and recorded a no vote on both the budget and the tax rate, saying they could not \"in good conscience\" raise taxes given local financial strain on residents.

Why it matters: the adopted budget funds general government services, public safety, utilities and special sales-tax funds (crime control and community development). City staff said the proposed budget responds to rising costs, with health care and personnel costs as the largest drivers. Fulton told the council the budget includes pay-plan adjustments and aims to sustain public safety staffing while holding smaller rate increases for utilities.

Key details
- Total operating funds presented: roughly $88,000,000; about 94% is in the general, enterprise and two half-cent sales tax funds.
- The proposed property tax rate: 0.611882 per $100 of assessed value, composed of a maintenance-and-operations portion of 0.528626 and debt service of 0.083256.
- The city manager described net increases across major funds of roughly $3.26 million, driven primarily by healthcare costs, pay adjustments and wholesale utility cost increases.
- The city's enterprise (water/wastewater) fund includes a planned 2% rate increase; the average residential bill was estimated to rise about $2.15 per month if the rates are approved.

Council comments and dissent
One council member identified themselves as staff at a local nonprofit and said they had to vote no because they see residents who are struggling financially; that member explicitly explained their vote during the meeting and recorded a no on both the budget and the tax-rate ordinance. Council otherwise approved the budget and tax rate by majority vote; council discussion referenced the city's efforts to prioritize public safety, infrastructure and economic vitality.

Related actions adopted alongside the general budget
- Ordinance 26-02 (first reading) adopting the Crime Control and Prevention District budget for FY2026 (funded by a half-cent sales tax) was adopted earlier in the meeting as part of the budget hearings; staff said that fund covers about 54% personnel costs and supports license-plate-reader programs and the shared jail contract.
- Ordinance 26-05 (first reading) adopting water and wastewater rates (2% increase) was approved; staff noted nearly half of the enterprise fund's operating costs are wholesale water and wastewater costs.

What happens next
The ordinances were approved on first reading at the Aug. 12 meeting as recorded. Staff said they will continue program-level reviews throughout the fiscal year to track costs and service-level priorities. The city indicated continued monitoring of wholesale water costs and healthcare trends for future budgets.

Ending note
City staff highlighted comparative metrics (daily cost to homeowners, the city's position among peer cities) during the presentation to illustrate the local tax burden and service trade-offs. Council members expressed intent to monitor program performance and return to the budget process in January for the next cycle.","The Hearst City Council on Aug. 12 approved the city's fiscal 2026 budget and set a property tax rate of 0.611882, adopting related ordinances and a 2% water and wastewater rate increase. Council debated funding pressures including healthcare and wholesale water costs; one council member voted no on the budget and tax-rate increase.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council denies zoning change for storage site at 825 Airport Freeway; approves assisted-living rezoning in Mid Cities

Council approves first reading for Wing drone autoloader at Walmart parking lot

Hearst adopts $88 million FY2026 budget, raises property tax rate; water rates increase 2%