WEST, Texas (KWTX) –
The City of West is proceeding with the rezoning of approximately 15 acres of land located just beyond the city boundaries for general commercial use. This confirmation comes from Mayor Pro Tem Matt Miller, who stated that an agreement has been reached to introduce a Love’s Travel Stop to the region.
Residents living beyond the city boundaries, particularly those in the Wolf Country Addition region, are resisting this idea, stating that they do not wish for a truck stop close to where they live.
The council had earlier informed the residents that they had no intentions of approving a Love’s Truck Stop. However, Miller has since confirmed that the agreement is indeed genuine.
In the course of public comments, inhabitants from the Wolf Country Addition—the neighborhood encompassed within those 15 acres under consideration for rezoning—highlighted earlier statements Miller had shared with the press regarding the Love’s agreement.
In addition, neighbors made use of an open records request and found out that Miller had sent an email to another individual, requesting they maintain the confidentiality of the Love’s deal.
Miller spoke to the community via the city’s Facebook page and also at the council meeting on May 6, clarifying that his intention was to maintain confidentiality as the water use contracts with Menlow Water Corporation were still being ironed out.
He also said this is a private land deal and not something the city is directly involved in.
Still, Miller admitted he’s known about the Love’s project since being elected to council three years ago, and after speaking with Love’s leadership, he said the company is moving forward with the site whether it ends up in the city or not.
“I asked, ‘So let me confirm. If we provide water, will you come to that site? If digging a well is required, will you be there? Even if transporting both water and sewage becomes necessary, will you still show up?’ They mentioned that there were additional possibilities as well. So I told them, ‘What I understand from all of this is that regardless of these conditions, you’ll attend anyway.’ The lady responded with an affirmative,” stated Miller.
Ronnie Sherik, who serves as the President of Menlow Water Supply Corporation, mentioned that the company looked into supplying water to the region and carried out a hydraulic analysis alongside Love’s engineering team.
Even though the supply corporation had been part of the deal since 2021, according to Sherik, the city provided documents dating only from 2024 to 2025 in answer to the public records request.
Because of what he describes as insufficient openness and unresolved queries, Sherik stated that Menlow will not hand over the suggested zone to the City of West.
“I have attempted to remain impartial and collaborative with the city throughout this whole project. However, I’ve grown increasingly troubled by the absence of openness, the level of confidentiality, and how the nearby residential area has been handled concerning the proposed truck stop,” stated Sherik.
Residents of Wolf Country are now requesting town hall meetings, environmental and impact assessments, along with a comprehensive water use strategy prior to proceeding with any rezoning efforts.
A Wolf Country resident named April Ryberg stated that a 24-hour parking lot might lead to more criminal activities.
“I’m supportive of growth, however, I oppose risk, particularly where our children are concerned. Numerous businesses can contribute jobs and income to our city without jeopardizing the well-being of our kids, homes, and security,” stated Ryberg.
Despite those concerns, the council approved the rezoning in a 4-5 vote, meaning a Love’s Travel Stop could still go into the area.
Some residents walked out of the meeting visibly upset, saying the council’s priority is money.
Leave a Reply