The city of Kennedale, Texas, has introduced a new zoning plan that aims to transform its southern industrial area into a commercial zone over the next decade, a move that has sparked significant debate among local business owners and the Kennedale Alliance of Business Owners (KABO). The plan, developed with input from a community committee and a consulting firm, proposes changing all industrial uses along Kennedale Parkway to commercial, a shift that KABO argues could have profound implications for the local economy and existing businesses.
Joe Palmer, Executive Director of KABO, has voiced concerns about the inclusivity of the committee process and the plan's alignment with the community's desire to preserve Kennedale's small-town atmosphere. The plan's vision of Kennedale as an 'urban hub' and its goals to reduce personal vehicle use seem at odds with the current infrastructure and community preferences. One of the most contentious aspects of the plan is the proposed reduction of the industrial sector's contribution to the city's tax base from 38% to just over 3%, a change that KABO warns could lead to significant revenue losses without a clear strategy for offsetting them.
The potential impact on longstanding businesses like Speed Fab-Crete, which has been operating in the area since 1951, is a major concern. The new zoning regulations could hinder these businesses' ability to expand, improve their properties, or transfer ownership. KABO contends that the southern part of Kennedale is more suited for industrial uses, such as manufacturing and distribution centers, and that the shift to commercial and retail development could stifle job growth and economic development.
The comprehensive plan, which guides future zoning decisions, has prompted KABO to encourage affected business operators and property owners to express their concerns at an upcoming public hearing or through letters opposing the changes. This zoning debate highlights the challenges of balancing economic development with community character and sustainability, with the outcome likely to influence Kennedale's growth trajectory for years to come.
For more details on the proposed changes, interested parties can view the comprehensive zoning plan on the City of Kennedale's website.
