Dallas, October 26, 2025
News Summary
Residents in North Dallas are expressing mixed feelings about a proposed H-E-B grocery store. While some welcome the convenience, others voice concerns over increased traffic, crime, and property values. The City Plan Commission will review the rezoning request necessary for the development, set for September 18. Neighborhood groups are actively petitioning against the plan, fearing potential negative impacts on community character and stability amid a broader concern about future developments.
Dallas — Opposition is growing in North Dallas after a major grocery chain submitted plans to build a large new store that would require rezoning and City Council approval. Residents and neighborhood groups have raised concerns about traffic, property values, crime, and the long-term character of the community, while some neighbors see potential benefits from a closer grocery option and renewed local commerce.
What is proposed and what is at stake
The project would place a large grocery store on a 10-acre site near LBJ and Hillcrest and requires rezoning of the land from neighborhood office to regional retail before it can proceed. The developer proposes a 120,000 to 127,000 square foot facility with a two-story parking garage and approximately 625 parking spots. The retailer predicts the store would attract about 45,000 customers weekly. The City Plan Commission is scheduled to weigh in on the rezoning request on September 18.
Immediate community reaction
Local residents have voiced particular worry about increased traffic on already congested roads, especially during rush hour. A neighborhood group, the Hillcrest Preservation Coalition, has initiated a petition opposing the store, citing concerns about property values, crime, and neighborhood stability. Other residents support the plan, stressing the need for a grocery option closer than Plano and the potential for improved local commerce.
Operational and infrastructure concerns
Concerns include the potential for worsened traffic congestion, the impact of store deliveries and operations, and the strain on intersections near the site. Proposed mitigation measures under discussion include new turn lanes and traffic signals at key intersections to alleviate congestion. City officials and the retailer have held community meetings in an effort to address these operational and traffic concerns.
Decision process and political context
The project requires City Council approval to rezone the land from neighborhood office to regional retail. Council member Bill Roth represents the area and has acknowledged residents’ concerns about traffic and store operations. The City Plan Commission vote on September 18 will be a key step before the request advances to the City Council.
Broader development and zoning anxieties
Some residents are anxious about what further developments could follow if the property is rezoned to regional retail, including the arrival of big-box stores or businesses the neighborhood would find undesirable. A recent legal change at the state level has added to that anxiety: a new state law allows developers to build housing on commercially zoned areas without city approval. This change has heightened concern about the long-term implications of a rezoning decision.
Retailer outreach and neighborhood division
H-E-B officials say they are committed to being a good neighbor and have been open to community feedback; the company also held community meetings attended by city officials. Neighborhood reaction remains split, with some residents supporting the store for the convenience and potential commerce boost, while others remain firmly opposed and organized through petitions and neighborhood groups.
Next steps
Following the City Plan Commission review on September 18, the rezoning request would proceed through the municipal approval process, which could include additional public hearings and City Council votes. Any required traffic improvements, such as new turn lanes and traffic signals, would be evaluated as part of the development review and permitting process.
Key facts (as submitted)
H-E-B is seeking to open its first grocery store in Dallas at a 10-acre site near LBJ and Hillcrest. The proposed store would be a 120,000 to 127,000 square foot facility with a two-story parking garage and approximately 625 parking spots. H-E-B predicts the store would attract about 45,000 customers weekly. The project requires City Council approval to rezone the land from “neighborhood office” to “regional retail.” Residents express concerns about increased traffic on already congested roads, particularly during rush hour. The Hillcrest Preservation Coalition has initiated a petition opposing the store due to worries over property values, crime, and neighborhood stability. Some residents support the store, highlighting the need for a grocery option closer than Plano and potential improvements in local commerce. Community meetings were held by H-E-B to address resident concerns, with city officials also attending. Council member Bill Roth represents the area and acknowledges the valid concerns of residents about traffic and store operations. Potential concerns include increased traffic congestion, store deliveries, and operational challenges. There is anxiety over what other developments could occur if the property is rezoned to regional retail, such as big-box stores or potentially undesirable businesses. H-E-B officials state their commitment to being a good neighbor and are open to community feedback. Neighborhood residents are divided, with some supporting H-E-B and others firmly opposed, fearing disruption to their community. A new state law allows developers to build housing on commercially zoned areas without city approval, raising additional concerns for residents. Proposed improvements include new turn lanes and traffic signals to alleviate intersection issues. The City Plan Commission is scheduled to weigh in on the rezoning request on September 18.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is being proposed?
H-E-B is seeking to open its first grocery store in Dallas at a 10-acre site near LBJ and Hillcrest.
How large would the store be?
The proposed store would be a 120,000 to 127,000 square foot facility with a two-story parking garage and approximately 625 parking spots.
How many customers does H-E-B predict?
H-E-B predicts the store would attract about 45,000 customers weekly.
What approvals are required?
The project requires City Council approval to rezone the land from “neighborhood office” to “regional retail.”
When will the City Plan Commission consider the request?
The City Plan Commission is scheduled to weigh in on the rezoning request on September 18.
What are the main community concerns?
Residents express concerns about increased traffic on already congested roads, particularly during rush hour. The Hillcrest Preservation Coalition has initiated a petition opposing the store due to worries over property values, crime, and neighborhood stability.
Are any mitigation measures proposed?
Proposed improvements include new turn lanes and traffic signals to alleviate intersection issues.
Project key features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Site | 10-acre site near LBJ and Hillcrest |
| Store size | 120,000 to 127,000 square foot |
| Parking | Two-story parking garage; approximately 625 parking spots |
| Predicted customers | 45,000 customers weekly |
| Rezoning needed | From “neighborhood office” to “regional retail” |
| Next major review | City Plan Commission on September 18 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Healthy Hub Initiative Launches at Local School
H-E-B to Open New Store in Rockwall, Texas
Discover Texas Day-Trip Destinations for 2025
Local Businesses Shine in H-E-B’s Quest for Texas Best
Deli Spices Wins $15,000 for Award-Winning Birria Mix
American Modernism Exhibition Opens in Fort Worth
H-E-B Announces Finalists for Quest for Texas Best
H-E-B Store in West Columbia Set for Major Renovation
H-E-B Reveals Finalists for Quest for Texas Best Competition
H-E-B Expanding Its Operations in Fort Worth
Additional Resources
- North Dallas Gazette: LiftFund Earns National Honor
- Wikipedia: Community Development
- Fox 4 News: North Texas Giving Day
- Google Search: Local Nonprofits North Texas
- CBS News: Controversy Over H-E-B Store
- Google Scholar: Urban Development Dallas
- Dallas News: Dallas H-E-B Opposition
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dallas
- Dallas Weekly: Prism Health North Texas
- Google News: Health Services North Texas
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
