Rowlett council postpones vote on Dalrock convenience store/smoke shop SUP to gather crime data

The Rowlett City Council on June 17 opened a public hearing on a request to allow a convenience store that would sell e‑cigarettes and CBD products at Suite 400 of an existing shopping center near Dalrock Road (a planned‑development C2 site). After presentations, public comments and questions from council members, a motion to postpone the decision passed 4–3 to allow staff to gather crime statistics and other information.

Planner Liliana Morihan summarized the application, saying the property is an approximately 1.32‑acre parcel within a planned development; a 2022 ordinance requires a special‑use permit for new businesses that will sell cigarettes, vapor products, or CBD. Morihan told council the applicant proposed roughly 1,000 square feet of retail in a 3,600‑square‑foot suite and that the store would meet parking standards.

The applicant, Robert Nunez of Alchemy Development Partners, said the proposed tenant’s main sales would be e‑cigarettes and vape products and that the leaseholder planned lighting and camera security and two staff on duty at peak times. Owner/operator Nick Lalani, who said he operates one existing store in Plano, asked council to approve the SUP; Lalani said he had signed a five‑year lease and estimated roughly $200,000 of personal financial exposure if the SUP were denied.

Several nearby residents spoke at the public hearing. Kayla Barnes, who said she lives in the Bayside neighborhood, said she and at least 17 neighbors opposed another vape or smoke retailer near their community. Kevin Lloyd, who identified himself as an employee of the building owner 1800 Dalrock LLC and a Rowlett resident, spoke in support and said the landlord’s lease expressly allowed “the sale of legal vape and CBD products subject to local laws and ordinances.” Mark Andrews, a nearby property owner, also urged approval as a way to increase traffic at a frequently under‑occupied shopping center.

Council members asked staff for crime statistics related to other vape shops in Rowlett and for data on sales‑tax revenues generated by similar businesses. Staff told council they did not have those data available during the June 17 meeting but could request assistance from the police department and finance staff.

Councilmember David Reeves moved to postpone the item to a future meeting so staff could collect crime statistics; the motion carried 4–3. The council’s vote means the public hearing must be re‑noticed before the matter is heard again, city staff said during the meeting.

Planning and Zoning had recommended denial in March after concerns about product mix and proximity to other similar outlets. At the June 17 hearing, the applicant revised the product breakdown and emphasized security measures and on‑site staffing.

No final decision was made on the SUP; the item remains pending until staff returns with the requested crime and economic data and the council reopens the public hearing.