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Circle C Homeowners Association Position Paper on Wal Mart Super Center Proposed for Slaughter Lane and MoPac
The Circle C Homeowners Association Board of Directors appointed a special task force on the proposed Wal Mart in March , 2003. The task force adeptly researched a number of issues and reported back to the Board. The task force met with other concerned neighborhood groups and organizations, assimilated a number of facts regarding this particular proposed supercenter as well as other Wal Mart supercenters, conducted an official survey of Circle C residents, and held a neighborhood meeting.
The CCHOA Board reviewed the position of the CCHOA regarding non-residential development in and around Circle C Ranch. The CCHOA has actively promoted appropriate development, including retail, office and multi-family through the Bradley and Stratus Settlements which resulted in the finalization of the Circle C Ranch Master Plan. However, the CCHOA insisted on significant concessions to ensure that the outstanding quality of life and protected property values envisioned by the residents of Circle C Ranch was upheld. These concessions included:
--no big box retail
--strict deed restrictions and design guidelines to ensure appropriate aesthetics and use
--restrictions on lighting and signage
--complete up to date and valid traffic studies, with included traffic controls
--native plant and sustainable landscaping as approved by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
--no fast food
--no auto sales, car washes or related auto activities
--no 24 hour trash or supply unloading activities
--additional landscape requirements between non-residential and residential sites
--impervious cover bank to meet SOS requirements
Based on the resident opinions as gathered through the Wal Mart survey and the Circle C Wal Mart neighborhood meeting, and on an analysis of lifestyle and property value issues, the CCHOA Board of Directors is issuing the following statement:
"The Wal Mart Supercenter proposed for the Slaughter Lane/Mopac intersection is at odds with all property value and quality of life issues critical to the Circle C Ranch neighborhood. We are joining with other neighborhoods in the area to actively oppose this project."
"In particular, we oppose a massive big box magnet structure being located in an area that does not allow access from a major highway intersection, but is reliant upon a residential roadway for its only access and egress. The accompanying outdoor activities typical of Wal Mart SuperCenters including car lot sales, Recreational Vehicle parking, outdoor storage of fertilizers and other chemicals, 24 hour delivery and store hours, and excessive lighting, traffic and noise are unacceptable in a residential neighborhood setting.
"Wal Mart has a stored located less than four miles from this location, at the intersection of two major highways. A Supercenter would be a natural for this location."
"The Circle C Homeowners Association does not oppose retail activity in general on this site, however, any activity must be reasonably scaled, restricted in terms of aesthetics and quality of life issues, and appropriate to the area."
Circle C Homeowners Association Board of Directors Jim O'Reilly, President June 30, 2003