“City of Hutto gives upper leg to new retailers”

By: Stephanie Kelley

An article in the Austin American Statesman yesterday revealed Hutto’s new plans to create a 466 acre mixed-use development project. The site will have office space, housing, new retail sites and will have a toll road running straight down the middle of the property.

On Wednesday, October 10, 2007 the Hutto Mayor Kenneth Love officially signed off on a deal that will give ACD-GREP II Hutto Real Estate LLC a $52 Million incentive to build in Hutto.

Critics say it doesn’t look fair to other retailers who have already built in Hutto and didn’t receive any incentive of their own. “The city would be giving the development a leg up on other retail outlets.” said Grass-roots lobbyist Jeff Heckler, who opposes the Domain’s package. His sentiment has a valid point, and it is more than likely the general thoughts of all the other retailers in the area.

City Manager Ed Broussard added the fact that, although they are able to offer incentives on a case-by-case basis, this incentive also had benefits for the city. By allowing this incentive to go through, Hutto officials provided the city leverage in reaching a separate agreement that gives it more control over landscaping, parks and other infrastructure on the site. So it can be seen as a positive from any angle.

I don’t think it is fair to the other retailers out there that this new Hutto Domain will get incentives to build there, but I think the Hutto Mayor and City Council are only looking after the best interests of the city. According to Texas’s demographer’s office the City of Hutto is the fasted growing city of the state and with the building of this new site they will be giving people even more reason to move there. And for those who already live there, they will be given another reason to stay in Hutto for the convenience of these shopping areas. I think they’re just trying to ensure Hutto’s future as a bigger city with more to offer. If that costs them a little in the beginning to get the proverbial “ball” rolling, then so be it. Years down the line, with this deal already working for them, they will have other developers begging to build there. In other words, by acting aggressive now, they will be able to reap the benefits of an ever-growing small town.



Austin American Statesman
“Hutto gives sales tax dollars to developer”
Andrea Lorenz

KVUE News
“Hutto leaders make development deal”
Rudy Koski