Commission recommends rezoning corner lot near Bankhead Highway despite nearby resident opposition

Willow Park commissioners voted to recommend that City Council rezone an approximately 0.8-acre parcel at the corner of FM 5 and East Bankhead Highway (property ID 9527) from Class 2 single-family residential to Class 3 commercial.

The commission opened a public hearing on the request and accepted a written statement from James Bell, the owner of 4206 Bond Road, who said the lot is less than 300 feet from his home and urged commissioners to consider the detriment to existing homes if the property is converted to commercial use. "I would like to register my strong opposition to proposed commercial zoning change," Bell wrote, according to staff who read the letter into the record.

Resident Eddie Joe Eads, who identified himself as living at 6603 East Bankhead Highway and as the current owner of the parcel under discussion, spoke in favor of rezoning. Eads said the area already contains nonconforming commercial uses — including storage, RV storage and a nearby gas station — and that the proposed buyer plans a golf-cart retail business he described as low-impact. "I don't see how it's gonna make the area worse," Eads said.

Staff told the commission the parcel sits amid a mix of residential properties and legal nonconforming commercial businesses and that the proposed use does not align with the city's future land-use map. Commissioners discussed limits the city can place on specific uses (staff cited prohibitions on certain businesses such as cabarets and tobacco shops) and noted Parker County maintains its own restrictions for properties outside city limits.

Commissioners also questioned site logistics, including whether the lot can accommodate trailers and deliveries for a retail operation. The property owner said he has previously turned 40-foot RVs and trailers on the site and that a 1,500-square-foot shop on the lot could serve business needs.

After discussion, Commissioner (Speaker 7) moved to recommend approval to council "as written." The motion was seconded and passed by a 2–1 vote; the record did not include a roll-call naming which commissioners voted each way.

The commission's recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for final action. The planning record includes the staff report, the resident letter from James Bell, and the testimony from the property owner; conditions such as a future Specific Use Permit (SUP) for the proposed golf-cart sales — which could set hours, parking and drive-approach requirements — remain available to the city during site-plan and permitting reviews.