Neighbors attended the Planning Commission hearing regarding Hinga’s Automotive request to renew a Special Use Permit (SUP) issued in 2013 to continue operating the automotive business on Ross. The SUP was an extension granting Mr. Mgobo the ability to continue doing business on Ross for an additional two years and was granted with the understanding that Mr. Mgobo would not request another extension.
In 2013, Mr. Mgobo assured neighbors and the City Council that he was retiring and needed time to wind up his business. Despite this agreement, Mr. Mgobo went before the Planning Commission in early February of this year to request yet another extension. After hearing from our neighbors, the planning commission submitted a recommendation to deny the renewal.
However, Mr. Mgobo has appealed to the City Council , and a hearing is scheduled for April 13, 2016 . Representatives from the BPNA Board plan on attending the hearing, and welcome other interested neighbors to coordinate with them to present a united case against the renewal of the requested SUP. It appears that Mr. Mgobo has found another location for his business at 3022 Aurora Mist in Little Elm. The sign on the business is the same as his current location on Ross with the same telephone number.
To continue the City’s efforts to encourage the development of Ross as a true “gateway” to the arts district, the BPNA Board will continue to work to achieve full compliance with the restriction against automotive businesses around our Bryan Place. Please contact Linda Collins if you are interested in speaking at the City Council meeting later this month.