Some Worry New Development Will Destroy Stockyards Culture
FORT WORTH (CBS 11 NEWS) - The Fort Worth Planning and Zoning Commission voted in favor of a controversial, multi-million dollar construction project near The Stockyards, but because of commission rules will recommend the city council deny the developers permission to build it.
The project would wrap around the east end of The Fort Worth Stockyards and has sparked debate about whether it would detract from the historic environment.
The owner of a spice and tea store in the Stockyards likes what's brewing with plans for development in the area. "I think its going to be awesome for the city of Fort worth," said Spice and Tea Exchange owner Jerry McBrayer.
The $175 million development promises hotel space, retail and improvements along the fringes of The Stockyards.
"From what I understand and everything that's going to happen, its going to enhance this area so much but maintain historical aspects for the cattle industry and what fort worth is all about: the cattle industry and the Stockyards," McBayer said.
The planning commission voted on the project Wednesday. Ironically, even though the vote was 4 to 3 in favor of development, the commission will recommend denying the plan because it didn't pass with a big enough margin of approval.
The city council can still approve the plan, but some worry there hasn't been enough time to look at how the planned development will fit into the historic stockyards' development and how it might impact tourism.
"I'm asking for more time," said Melissa Wade Hunter, with the North Fort Worth Historical Society. "This is being done in too big a hurry. We don't know what is proposed."
The council considers the plan during its scheduled July 15 meeting.
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