Council keeps public hearing open on proposed gas station at FM 973 and Old Manor-Taylor Road
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Summary
The City Council left a public hearing open and postponed action on a proposed gas station development at FM 973 and Old Manor-Taylor Road until Sept. 3 to allow further negotiation and developer follow-up.
The Manor City Council on Wednesday left a public hearing open on a proposed commercial gas station at the northwest intersection of Old Manor-Taylor Road and FM 973 and postponed the matter until the Sept. 3 council meeting.
Staff recommended denial of the project at the present location, citing the number of existing stations in close proximity and safety concerns tied to traffic patterns on busy corridors. Development Services Director Michael Burrell said staff remains “firm on the recommendation of denial” for the regular agenda item but has been negotiating alternative benefits with the applicant.
Why it matters: Council members raised concerns about clustering of fuel stations within a one-mile radius, potential traffic conflicts at busy crossing points on FM 973, and the lack of final right-of-way and interchange plans with TxDOT that could affect future site layout. Council discussion focused on whether the city has previously adopted a formal policy on proximity of gas stations or if any land-use map changes would be required to bar further stations.
Details: Burrell said there is an existing station less than half a mile to the south and other nearby stations that factor into staff’s posture. Council asked staff to assemble trip and traffic data and consider an ordinance or data-driven policy to guide future gas-station siting. The applicant (the Wallace family representatives) told staff they have alternate locations if the council ultimately denies the proposed site.
Council action: Assistant City Attorney Ruthie Vandivert noted the applicant requested the public hearing remain open; Councilwoman Wallace moved to leave the hearing open until the Sept. 3 meeting and Councilman Moreno seconded. The motion passed.
Next steps: Staff will continue negotiations with the developer and prepare additional traffic, right-of-way and planning information for the Sept. 3 meeting. The council suggested staff explore a formulaic approach — using traffic counts and proximity thresholds — to guide future decisions on commercial fueling stations.