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Proposed Leander H-E-B Causing Controversy


A proposed H-E-B is causing controversy in one Leander neighborhood. Some residents say the new store will cause a major traffic mess and pollute a nearby creek. Those who are speaking out live in the Ridgemar Landing neighborhood, located in the eastern portion of Leander.

Residents in the area have enjoyed a rural lifestyle with minimal traffic. If the city approves a zoning change to allow the construction of the store, it could be built on the corner of FM 2243 and Ronald Reagan Boulevard. Residents like Fred Johannessen say the area isn't prepared for the increase in traffic and the effect it will have on the Brushy Creek. "There's going to be a lot of run-off going into Brushy Creek and you know that creates, to me, an environmental issue right there," he says.

Other neighbors we spoke with understand the concerns but say it's all a part of growth. Barbara King, who lives near the proposed location, says, "I'm happy about it, we need some more businesses on the east side of Leander, we've been neglected on this side of town." While she may be happy about the new H-E-B, she doesn't plan to stay. King is trying to sell her property and hoping to cash in on the traffic that will come with the new development.

"(Neighbors should be) grateful for the HEB, 'cause you could get something worse, something undesirable, like Hooters or something like that," says King.

By Lydia Pantazes