Argyle shop owner warns redevelopment could displace community-facing storefront
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Summary
A local small-business owner, Emily Holt, introduced herself to the MDD board and said her storefront is under contract for redevelopment; she said she will seek help to reestablish locally if needed.
Emily Holt, who identified herself as a 15-year Argyle resident and a local business owner, told the board her retail storefront, which houses a bakery, flowers, gifts and a May 2024 farmers market, is on property under contract and may be redeveloped.
"We are currently located in the old Argyle Auto Care building which was built in 1959... That property is under contract with an option period through November and the plans are to redevelop, that area which would tear down my current location," Holt said during the meeting's public-comment period.
Holt described community services her business provides: hosting Bible studies, PTA and Young Men's Service League meetings, 4-H gatherings, disaster-relief collections, running the Keep Argyle Beautiful recycling-bag collection point, and organizing an "Adopt a Teacher" program that delivers treats monthly to local schools. She said customers travel from Bowie, Arlington, Bridgeport, Dallas and as far as Houston for her products.
Holt told the board she is actively searching for an affordable new location and expects she may have to reduce offerings and community events if she relocates. She said she plans to return to the board in September if she finds a suitable space to request assistance reestablishing in town. "So I do plan to come back in September if I find a suitable space and request assistance in reestablishing in a new location," she said.
The board did not take action during public comment; Holt's statement was an introduction and a notice of potential need for future assistance.
