Hurst city council snuffs out vape store request, wants to see other development
Chris Wyatt hoped to open a smoke shop along heavily traveled Bedford-Euless Road specializing in hookahs, vaping products and tobacco, but council members turned down his request because they wanted to see a “better use” for the property.
The vote came after a public hearing Tuesday night to discuss Wyatt’s request for a specific use permit to open a Rewind Smoke Shop to sell e-cigarette products at 637 Bedford-Euless Road.
After the council vote, Wyatt said he was “a little surprised” that his request was denied because he estimated that his business would bring in around $30,000 a month in tax dollars to the city.
“I thought I would get a yes vote, as it’s not near schools, and I will bring a lot to the community,” he said.
Earlier this month, the Planning and Zoning Commission voted to deny Wyatt’s request on a 6-1 vote and stated there could be a better use for the property.
During the public hearing, Wyatt told council members that the store was not close to schools, and that he would sell a wide range of products including tobaccos, humidors and hookahs. E-cigarettes would also be sold, but he emphasized other products.
Several who spoke in favor of Wyatt’s request said he is a responsible person with a strong work ethic.
But opponents said they did not want a smoke shop near their homes.
Janine Clark, who spoke against the request, said she loves her neighborhood and wants to see better development along Bedford-Euless Road.
“I’m encouraged by the development and the choice to have positive businesses in the area,” she said.
Gary Horton, who owns several duplexes nearby, said his tenants did not want to see the smoke shop locate nearby.
“I vehemently oppose this. My tenants are hard-working people, and they don’t want the riffraff”, Horton said.
Mayor Henry Wilson said the council voted on the specific use permit in 2016 because of the proliferation of smoke shops.
Meanwhile, Wyatt said he is searching for another location for his Rewind smoke shop.
This story was originally published December 11, 2019 at 7:32 PM.