CITY COUNCIL BUYS INTO HOME DEPOT & WAL-MART
August 16, 2007 Benbrook City Council adopted the Land Use Plan amendments for the Comprehensive Plan presented by co-applicants Benbrook Economic Development Corporation and Bo-Peek for the development located on the west side of U.S. Highway 377/Benbrook Boulevard, north and south of Mercedes Street, and south of I20/Loop 820. This land is one of the last remaining open spaces that has been relegated to development.
The Benbrook City Council voted Thursday evening to rezone the137.172 acres of land that will include approximately 53 commercial properties. The action paves the way for the construction of the Home Depot on an 11 acre site and a Wal-Mart Super Center which will occupy 20+ acres on this site.
City Council considered issues such as location and height of multi-tenant signs, architectural enhancement, screening walls and re-zoning. Ron Rainey Benbrook Economic Development Corporation Executive Director says compromises made by Home Depot officials and City Council are favorable for economic growth. “Anticipated Home Depot sales would be in the $30 million per year range, Wal-Mart sales would be in the $50 million range. Sales tax from these two retail giants would generate $800,000 per year to the City of Benbrook and an additional $400,000 per year for the Benbrook EDC and Library District. Ad valorem will be generated at a very high level and would immediately change the landscape of Benbrook. New jobs will be created and payrolls will increase. This is the economic catalyst the Benbrook EDC and City Council has been working towards for a number of years.”