Burleson Agrees to Old Town Station Project Agreement

The Old Town Station project, which Burleson Mayor Ken Shetter called a critical component in the revitalization of Old Town Burleson, moved a step closure to fruition Monday night.

Burleson council members approved entering a 380 agreement with Old Town Station L.P., the developers of the multi-phase project.

Under the agreement, the city will rebate 50 percent of the city’s portion of property tax and the same percentage of the city’s share of sale tax revenues over a five year period to the developers and invest $300,000 in cash in the project with that money coming out of the tax increment finance district overlaying Old Town Burleson.

The revenue will help the developers offset the costs of upgrading aging public infrastructure in the area.

The project involves a mixed-use development entailing retail, restaurants and, in the future, people living in the stuff.

“This represents a sizable development in Old Town that we’ve not seen to date,” Burleson Economic Development Manager Justin Bond told council members.

Occupying more than five acres at the northwest corner of Interstate 35W and East Renfro Street, the project is that and more, Shetter said on Wednesday.

“It’s a key piece of visibility from I-35 and will be one of the gateways into Old Town,” Shetter said.

Any new construction must follow strict architectural guidelines ensuring the new buildings compliment and/or resemble the buildings already in Old Town. 

The city’s agreement with the developer includes additional requirements including completion of Phase I construction within two years of receiving a building permit and leasing at least 50 percent of the first floors of both of the first two buildings to restaurants and/or retail establishments. 

Shetter, before the council voted on the matter, said he wanted to make sure that the city retains the ability to ensure that future phases of the project are carried out “in a manner consistent” with the overall vision of the Old Town revitalization project.

Limited alcohol allowed

Council members last year approved revisions to the city’s parks and recreation ordinances with one exception. Council members at that time denied a proposal to allow alcohol consumption at private events held at certain city properties overseen by the park’s department.

Council members, at the behest of residents, reconsidered the matter on Tuesday and ultimately voted to allow alcohol at the properties in question under limited circumstances.

Those properties include Russell Farms Arts Center and the Burleson Senior Center only. Alcohol may only be served/consumed during private events such as wedding receptions, business meetings etc. The private parties hosting the event must first receive written permission to serve alcohol from the city.

Council members stressed that those holding private events will naturally remain bound by the state laws concerning alcohol consumption.

Thank you

Shetter opened Monday’s meeting by proclaiming May 17-23 at National Public Works Week in Burleson. 

Shetter next moved to proclaim National Police Week in Burleson but dispensed with reading the pre-prepared proclamation to instead comment on recent controversies involving police and protesters in several areas throughout the county.

“Have there ever been instances of police officers abusing their power?” Shetter said. “No question. But we’ve also seen in some communities sort of a lack of respect for the police officers of their communities, which I think at times has definitely been unfair, and to the extent that those feelings are projected to police officers across the country that is completely unwarranted and unfair.

“No matter what individual events may have occurred in certain communities the fact remains that the vast majority of the mane and women who protect us are honorable, brave, compassionate courageous people. They put their lives on the line everyday and they stand between us and harm.

“I’ll go further to say that, in this community, I am extremely proud of the men and women who serve the citizens of Burleson.”