“I just want them following the rules to keep Boerne looking like it does, feeling like it does,” one resident told City Council on Tuesday night.
BOERNE, Texas — After nearly a decade of planning, a proposed Buc-ee’s development in Boerne continues to face pushback from residents who say they want more transparency and accountability from city leaders.
During Tuesday night’s City Council meeting, about a dozen residents addressed council members, voicing concerns about the potential impact of the project on their community.
“I love Buc-ee’s. I’m just very concerned about the way it’s going to affect this very small town,” said Kristi Ackerman.
While many residents said they are not opposed to the uberpopular convenience store chain building in Boerne, they emphasized the project must be handled properly and without special treatment.
Concerns raised included increased traffic, public safety risks, potential environmental impacts, compliance with the city’s dark skies ordinance and how the development could alter the character of Boerne.
“We started to attend planning and zoning meetings and City Council meetings, and when we started asking things of the city, we realized there are a lot of inconsistencies that we want addressed,” said Ackerman.
The Buc-ee’s project has been in the works since 2016, when the city entered into an economic development agreement with the company. The proposed site is located off Interstate 10 and U.S. 87.
One major concern is signage. While Boerne currently limits signs to 40 feet in height, a 75-foot sign for Buc-ee’s was approved in 2018, raising concerns among residents about precedent and fairness.
“I’m honestly someone who even wants Buc-ee’s in town,” said Trey Ackerman. “I just want them following the rules to keep Boerne looking like it does, feeling like it does.”
Others said they felt small businesses in Boerne do not receive the same leniency they fear Buc-ee’s might.
“We’re all asking that Buc-ee’s not get special treatment,” said Kristi Ackerman. “We have a small business in Boerne, and we don’t get special treatment.”
In response to community concerns, a city official confirmed that a separate meeting with the city manager and mayor is scheduled for later this week at City Hall.