Crown Residents Crowd Into Lufkin City Hall To Protest Gas Station

The plight of local Crown Colony residents was heard loud and clear at Lufkin City Council Chambers on Monday evening. A large crowd of citizens attended an informational meeting about the new truck stop being built adjoining the gated community.

RaceTrac is building an 8,000-square-foot facility where HWY 59 and FM 819 meet. According to the Lufkin Daily News, this RaceTrac corporate-owned gas station will bring 25 to 30 jobs to the area.

What would normally be good news for a growing town, is coming up against opposition from Lufkin residents already experiencing the construction of the convenience store from their bedroom windows and backyards.

$300 A Month HOA Fees Didn't Save Crown Colony Residents

The meeting revealed some measures citizens have taken to keep this construction project from continuing. According to KTRE Tom Darmstadter II stated that there is a petition against the gas station with over 300 signatures.

There are an estimated 900 homes in Crown Colony, each paying $300 yearly in HOA fees, so more signatures should be easy to get. Though the HOA only controls what goes on inside the gates of the exclusive Lufkin neighborhood, their support could lead to even more involvement.

It remains to be seen if the petition can bring about any change. Lufkin's Mayor, Mark Hicks, stated that changing the zoning laws for the property could be the only way forward.

"You have to understand this property was zoned for this use.  It's the way our laws are, currently. I know you're tired of hearing that, but it's the way it currently is. Can we change that? Let's look into changing it if that's the way you guys feel. I get it," Hicks said.

 

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Legally the new RaceTrac is still a done deal. RaceTrac officials at the meeting did not announce any changes to the ongoing project.

Read More: Crown Colony Homeowners Worried About Incoming Lufkin Gas Station