Extensive work continued throughout 2009 in preparation of an exciting 2010 and beyond for Benbrook. Many projects that have been the focus of the Benbrook Economic Development Corporation for a number of years are expected to finally reach fruition.
Citizens travelling southwest on Benbrook Boulevard will have seen extensive dirt work underway between Kwik Kar Lube and RaceTrac convenience store as Walmart’s contractor has begun work on the 143,000 square feet SuperCenter. The store is scheduled for opening in October of 2010 and will be a new prototype being constructed by Walmart. The 21+ acre site is located south of Mercedes and east of Vista Way.
Benbrook Economic Development Corporation received confirmation January 14, 2009, that WalMart’s Real Estate Executive Committee officially approved purchase of the site. The real estate sale officially occurred in February, 2009. The site, which is approximately 21.079 acres, received extensive environmental study over the past three years as the Benbrook EDC has worked to keep the real estate contract alive.
Many other development projects have been placed on hold as the United States attempts economic recovery. Commercial real estate activity is forecast to be in a sluggish, no growth mode for the next 18 months to two years.
Several commercial real estate contracts expected to be finalized by the Benbrook Economic Development Corporation and other commercial entities have been delayed or cancelled.
Approval of an additional traffic signal was received in 2009 from the Texas Department of Transportation and will be located at the proposed Benbrook Field Drive and Benbrook Blvd. at the southern end of McDonald’s. The new street will create a main entrance to Benbrook Field and the proposed retail development.
The remaining 59+ acre tract west of Benbrook Blvd. has been transferred to the Benbrook EDC’s development partner, BBT Crossing Ltd., who was required to reimburse the Benbrook EDC all out of pocket expenses in managing, marketing and maintaining the 80 acre property. BBT Crossing, Ltd., completed the real estate transaction on August 14, 2009, and reimbursed the BEDC $2,853,674.59. BBT Crossing, Ltd.
City of Benbrook’s Community Development Department is now working with BBT Crossing, Ltd. (and its assigns) for revisions of the Preliminary Plat. Additional development is expected in the area west of Benbrook Blvd. south of Albertson’s and north of Sproles Avenue.
Benbrook Economic Development Corporation received additional TxDOT approvals in 2008 when the Benbrook EDC successfully acquired surplus right of way from TxDOT and the City of Benbrook at Goliad and the I-20 frontage road. The street, abandoned by the City of Benbrook at the request of the Benbrook EDC, will allow for the enlargement of a proposed restaurant site north of Starbucks. Strong interest has been expressed in the site, but no contracts have been presented or approved at this time.
Changes to the Benbrook EDC Board of Directors occurred in 2009 when City Council members appointed Councilmen Jim Wilson and Rickie Allison to the Board of Directors. Reappointed members Will Higgins and Dennis Wood were joined by new member John Castro. Others returning to the Board is Councilman Ron Sauma. Elected to officer positions in December of 2009 were Will Higgins, President; Dennis Wood, Secretary, and John Castro, Treasurer. Board members whose terms expired in 2009 (were replaced or moved from Benbrook) were Carrol Crombie, Dan Tully, Janet Powers and Steve White.