Council approves business expansion

We know it is inevitable the area be developed some day, but there has to be improvements to handle that kind of growth.”

Trace Ridge resident Pat Larkin

An unsettling issue was avoided at the Weatherford City Council meeting Wednesday, Sept. 25. Meritage Homes, a 10-state company based locally in Fort Worth, recently expressed the desire to purchase a 145-acre tract for 361 new homes next to the existing Trace Ridge development. Concerns over inadequate infrastructure at the corner of Causbie Road and Old Airport Road worried residents, and six homeowners were on the docket to speak to the council.

Mayor Paul Paschall informed the early comers there would be no consideration of the subject because the builder withdrew his intentions before the meeting and the issue was dead.

"I do want you to speak tonight," Paschall urged the residents. "The council wants to hear what you have to say. If this issue were to come forward again we'll have another public hearing, but we want to hear what you have to say tonight."

Five of the six homeowners spoke about road conditions and traffic, and questioned the strain a large development would have on water and electricity infrastructure.

"We know it is inevitable the area be developed some day, but there has to be improvements to handle that kind of growth," Trace Ridge resident Pat Larkin said. "There is only one road in and out, and all that additional traffic will have to wind through our neighborhoods."

Another resident said the existing homes were built between 2008 and 2015 and no road improvements have been done since the development was put in.

Big Pantry to add liquor store

A carry-over from last month was the approval of adding an adjacent, but separate building on the east side of Big Pantry, 1111 Fort Worth Hwy. The intended liquor store will have its own entry. Plans were submitted last month and changes requested by the council were met for the 5-0 approval.

Council schedule/times

The council also discussed the start time of twice-monthly meetings and approved keeping the current 6 p.m. start on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, with the exception of July, November and December, which will have only one council meeting each month to avoid conflict with council meetings near holidays.

Council meets take place at Weatherford City Hall, 303 Palo Pinto Street, three blocks west of the Courthouse.