WACO, TX — The first apparently significant roadblock to East Waco Development ended in a stalemate between the property owner and Waco city leaders.
For weeks, one city block showcased the shining hope for Elm Avenue development.
A gleaming new market and restaurant, side-by-side, beautiful sidewalk improvements and complementary railings seemed to offer a chance for Elm Avenue to reclaim its place as one of Waco's most important commercial centers.
But it all seemed to unravel at an August city council meeting.
"Our original TIFF application for the market did not include restrictions against the roll-down doors," said business owner Dr. Nancy Grayson to Waco City Council members.
According to Dr. Grayson, Waco leaders wanted a last-minute change to the grocery store Grayson had planned to open.
Council member Andrea Barefield explained why during the meeting.
"I have heard from several members of my community that they think that roll-top doors indicate that they are an area that is unsafe," she said.
The City offered money through a facade improvement grant for new glass doors. However, Dr. Grayson pushed back, saying she'd have to pay income tax on the grant for something she understood had already won approval.
No one argued that, but city leaders stood firm in wanting the change, and Dr. Grayson stood firm in her opposition.
”It's the neighborhood that you've hurt. We're officially withdrawing our TIFF amendment application,” said Grayson.
That statement seemed to surprise city leaders.
"We believe in the work that you've done over there but we had a significant issue with the aesthetics of the doors," said Waco Mayor Kyle Deaver.
Grayson said she has no plans to open the much-needed neighborhood market and will now consider selling the building.
”The community's really disappointed in the loss of that important potential business and just kind of looking forward to the next opportunities," said Megan Henderson of Center City Waco.
Those opportunities will not include Dr. Grayson.
"I will not return for projects that require any involvement or support with the city council," she said.
In the interest of providing more community input, the City, and the engineering firm responsible for Elm Avenue improvements will hold a meeting seeking comments on the demonstration block between Preston and Turner, and whether the community wants to see similar improvements from the river to Forrest Garrison.
The meeting is scheduled to take place at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 23rd, at the Waco Multi-Purpose Community Center, located at 1020 Elm Avenue.
