The Kennedale Alliance of Business Owners (KABO) has expressed strong opposition to the recently released comprehensive zoning plan proposed by the city of Kennedale, Texas. The plan, which aims to convert nearly all industrial zones in the southern part of the city to commercial uses over the next decade, has sparked significant controversy.
The plan was developed by a committee of community members, local leaders, and elected officials, as mandated by state law to be reviewed every ten years. However, KABO Executive Director Joe Palmer argues that the committee's process was flawed and did not adequately consider the views of the business community. Palmer highlighted that one committee member resigned after two meetings, alleging that the committee was merely a facade to implement the city's predetermined agenda.
The proposed plan includes elements such as bike lanes and a massive indoor recreation facility, which Palmer argues are not reflective of the community's needs and are economically impractical. The plan also aims to reduce the use of personal vehicles, despite the fact that Kennedale Parkway is a five-lane road, making this goal seem counterintuitive.
One of the most alarming aspects of the plan, according to KABO, is its potential economic impact. The report predicts a significant reduction in industrial presence and corresponding contributions to the tax base, from 38% to just over 3%. The plan does not address how the city will compensate for the lost tax revenue, raising concerns about the financial viability of the proposed changes.
Furthermore, the industrial businesses currently operating in the south of Kennedale, such as Speed Fab-Crete, which has been in operation since 1951 and employs over 100 people, would face severe restrictions under the new zoning regulations. These businesses would be unable to expand or even maintain their operations, leading to potential job losses and economic stagnation.
Palmer also pointed out that the industrial users in the affected areas have not been adequately notified of these proposed changes. Public hearings were posted online, but Palmer argues that it is unreasonable to expect business owners to regularly check the city's website for updates.
The new comprehensive plan envisions Kennedale as an "urban hub," a vision that contradicts the expressed desire of its residents to maintain a "small-town atmosphere." This discrepancy further fuels the skepticism surrounding the plan's inclusivity and genuine consideration of public opinion.
Given the critical implications of these proposed changes, KABO urges all affected business operators and property owners to voice their concerns at the upcoming public hearing. The outcome of this zoning plan could reshape Kennedale's economic and industrial landscape for years to come, making it a pivotal issue for the community.
