A public hearing is set prior to the Rockdale City Council’s regular monthly meeting Monday to discuss a “modernizing” request for a building which was once a major super market.
The hearing is set for 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall.
City Manager Chris Whittaker told The Reporter the hearing is to receive public comment regarding a tax abatement application, and establishing a reinvestment zone, in connection with the former H-E-B building at 1502 West Cameron (US 79).
‘MODERNIZE’—The building has been vacant for over 14 years since the iconic Texas chain closed its Rockdale store in September, 2005.
Whittaker said building owner Lin Perry has plans to modernize the building.
“This (hearing) is the first step,” Whittaker said. “It is to receive comments from the public.”
Written comments may also be submitted to the Rockdale City Secretary at Rockdale City Hall, 505 West Cameron.
OPPIDIAN—Recently it appeared the former super market was going to be occupied by Oppidian, which has announced plans to make Rockdale the hub for its hemp business.
Kara Clore, executive director of the Rockdale Municipal Development District, told The Reporter that company has now gone back to their originally announced plans to construct a new building in the Rockdale Industrial Park.
“Oppidian has been continuing their efforts with law makers in connection with the hemp industry and also with their contract with Texas A&M University,” she said.
“Unfortunately, the laws are not moving as quickly as Oppidian would like to move,” Clore said. “Therefore, they were unable to meet their deadline to secure a lease on the H-E-B building.”
“It would have been a great place for them to start their lab and processing of products,” she added.
Clore said there are “a couple of other” tenants interested in the building.
CLOSING—H-E-B closed 14 years ago in the wake of a Super Walmart opening its doors on West US 79.
The building, which was originally constructed as a Foodland super market has sat vacant ever since.
At one point the Rock-dale Hospital announced it would relocate its Rockdale clinics to the former H-E-B, and some preliminary cleaning work began, but that idea was abandoned as other matters loomed.
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