BRENHAM BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT APPROVES VARIANCE REQUESTS FROM GROCERY SUPPLY COMPANY

  

The Brenham Board of Adjustment voted on Monday in favor of variance requests from Grocery Supply Company to add on to its warehouse distribution center in Brenham.

The board voted 4-1 to allow 92 percent impervious cover, where 85 percent is the maximum normally permitted, and to allow a 26-foot buffer yard, where a minimum of 75 feet is required, at its location at 602 West First Street.  Danny Goss voted in opposition. 

During a public hearing on the item, Grocery Supply Company President and CEO Ryan McKenzie said the company wants to grow and add more employees at its Brenham location, but the buggies that are used to move products from shelves to the truck loading areas have no place to be stored when not in use, which hinders the ability of restocking crews to perform their job. 

McKenzie said the company wishes to have a covered area to store the buggies so that they are out of the elements and off the warehouse floor space when not in use.  This would be in the form of adding a 9,000 square foot tarp-type covering to the west side of the main structure and replacing the 9,000 square foot area of gravel parking with pavement. 

Board members asked about other possible locations to store buggies, as well as drainage and light and noise abatement.  McKenzie said they have worked with city staff on this request and have considered all options, with this one being the best option.  City staff said if the variances are approved, any light and noise abatement or drainage would be reviewed when the project is submitted.

No citizens were in attendance at the meeting, and no citizen comments were received prior.

The board’s vote of approval was based on the opinion that after hearing all the facts, it did not appear that the project would have any excessively detrimental effects to neighboring properties.

Click here to read the agenda packet for Monday's meeting.