Commission recommends retail zoning for Buffalo Gap Road site proposed for McDonald’s

The Abilene Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of zoning case KZ202534 to rezone about 2.8 acres at 6144 Buffalo Gap Road from RS-8/AG (residential/agricultural open) to general retail. The applicant indicated the site is intended for a McDonald’s with a drive‑through.

Clarissa Ivy, planner for the city of Abilene, presented the staff report and said staff found the request consistent with the comprehensive plan and the Land Development Code and recommended approval. She reported no notifications in favor or opposition were received.

Members of the public raised queuing and peak‑period traffic concerns. A representative identifying himself as Joe from Wylie ISD said queuing for restaurants at peak times can back up and requested care be taken to avoid spillback onto Buffalo Gap Road near Antley.

Steven Markham of Skyline Civil Group, representing the landowner and McDonald’s, said TxDOT has jurisdiction over driveway access at this corridor and had reviewed the proposal. Markham said he had met with TxDOT before the hearing and that TxDOT was “looking at closing” a potential drive‑in/drive‑out and allowing only a right‑out at the frontage driveway; he said the main access would be a full‑access driveway at the north part of the property with on‑site stacking capacity. Markham said the proposed layout and TxDOT’s review should prevent queuing into Buffalo Gap Road.

Commissioner Barnett moved to recommend approval; the motion was seconded and carried with unanimous support. The recommendation advances to city council for final action; Markham and staff noted that TxDOT’s driveway permit process will control what curb cuts and movements are ultimately allowed.