Volume 19, Edition 7 November 2020
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Hurst businesses, like all businesses throughout the country, continue to work hard as they diligently wade through the obstacles presented by months of COVID-19 impact. Exercising the many protocols necessary to protect customers and employees is a complicated task; unlike anything these businesses have ever faced before. It has been good to see the recovery recently as most businesses were allowed to move to 75% occupancy with the Governor’s latest Executive Order and many employees were able to return to work. Hurst businesses have also appreciated the financial aid they have received from the government’s Cares Act Stimulus funding. Over 700 Hurst businesses have received funding thru the Payroll Protection Program, the Emergency Disaster Loans or the Tarrant County Small Business Assistance Grant Program. Additional rounds of funding in these programs are now being made available or soon may be. No one knows what the future holds but the rebound in our area so far has been greatly encouraging.
In the last quarter, 39 businesses occupying 137,335 sq. ft. have opened in Hurst highlighted with the opening of the new Candlewood Suites (shown above) and big box retailer, Shoe Carnival. Three new apparel stores also opened at North East Mall including Waikiki, Zelomodel and Q Fashions. The Candlewood Suites is the first extended stay hotel in the City and opened with 84 suites on four floors with fully equipped kitchens, free laundry, free wi-fi, gym, outdoor pool and gazebo grill.
Texas Petition Strategies conducted a local option petition drive in Hurst last month. Their drive secured 5,227 verified petition signatures. The required number of signatures needed was 4,511 now allowing for Hurst citizens to vote in favor or against allowing packaged liquor stores in Hurst on the November 3rd ballot. For more information on the City of Hurst, please visit https://www.hursttx.gov.
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We welcome the opportunity to hear your story of growth and new development in Hurst.
Steve Bowden
Economic Development Director Hurst, TX
(817) 788-7025
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More small businesses report reopening and have cautious optimism about the future despite concerns about a resurgence of the coronavirus according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Still, many small businesses are concerned about financial hardship due to prolonged closures and worry about having to permanently close. Our simple message in this article is we care, we support our local businesses, and we will continue to do whatever we can for them. Please go the city’s website where you will find a link to different information related to Covid-19, including business assistance programs.
The number of new site plans for commercial development is off the pace of the last 5 years, a result of not only their being less land for new development, but obviously the impact of the Covid-19. Certificates of Occupancy were issued to 16 new businesses during the first 6 months of the year. A review of the list would show that many of the certificates of occupancy were issued to entrepreneurs, as well as small and regional businesses in different sectors. Types of businesses include healthcare and wellness, hair and nail salons, restaurants, manufacturing, and commercial construction. Construction activity continues at Glade Parks, with Navy Credit Union being built north of 54th Street Grill. Anchored by Belk Department Store and the 132-room ALOFT Hotel (shown above), other retailers include Dick’s Sporting Goods, Boot Barn, and DSW Shoe Warehouse. While recent openings have included Torchy’s Taco and First Watch Café, one restaurant chain has cancelled their project. Due to an uncertain future, Walk-Ons Bistreaux will not be completing construction and opening its’ restaurant. Elsewhere, an 95-room Comfort Inn and Suites in under construction on Airport Freeway.
In our industrially zoned area, another flex industrial building is under construction on Westpark Way, south of S.H. 10. 2 businesses involved in manufacturing, and distribution and warehousing, have occupied their new buildings.
Our residential development activity was very modest in the 3rd quarter, with a total of 26 permits issued. We have 4 active subdivisions with approximately 190 lots. 70 single-family permits have been issued to date, compared to 69 in 2019.
To let us know how we can be of assistance and for more information about the City of Euless, please contact Mike Collins at 817/685-1684 or at mcollins@eulesstx.gov.
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Let us know how we can be of assistance!
Mike Collins
Economic Development Director Euless, TX
(817) 685-1630
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The City of Bedford recently announced the appointment of Jimmy Stathatos as the new City Manager. Stathatos has been working for local governments since 1994, when he began work as a purchasing analyst for the City of College Station while attending Texas A&M University. He then worked as a management intern at the City of Euless, and Assistant to the City Manager in Ennis before becoming the City Manager for Roanoke. He served Roanoke for about 15 years before becoming Flower Mound’s Town Manager in 2013. Stathatos started with the City of Bedford in September. We welcome Jimmy to the Bedford family, and look forward to working with him to move Bedford forward.
Bedford is also excited to announce that the City Council recently approved zoning and site plans for a new Chick-fil-A restaurant (shown above) to be built at the northeast corner of Hwy 183 (Airport Freeway) and Central Drive. This location, 1850 Central Drive, was one of the last remaining highway corner sites impacted by the former NTE highway expansion project. Due to extensive utility relocation challenges, the City of Bedford and Chick-fil-A diligently worked together to bring this project to life.
Bedford continues to work with Cross City Church on the sale of approximately 20 acres of property situated on the northwest corner of Hwy 183 (Airport Fwy) and Industrial Blvd (FM 157). This property is ripe for redevelopment, and Bedford is seeing great interest by those with a vision to move forward on this highly visible, high-traffic site.
And finally, even amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic, Bedford was fortunate to welcome many new businesses this period. A variety of medical and dental providers opened in our healthcare district, and several service businesses are now calling Bedford their home. Even specialty shops, like HTeaO Bedford, and Drengr Axe Throwing chose Bedford for their newest business locations.
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With room to grow and opportunities available, Bedford is proud to offer an efficient “one stop shop” to discuss your perfect site.
Economic Development- Bedford, TX
(817) 952-2125
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HEB SNAPSHOT Chief Economic Indicators 3nd Qtr YTD 2020
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The Hurst Euless Bedford Economic Development Foundation is a partnership of the cities of Hurst, Euless, Bedford, the HEB Chamber of Commerce, and the HEB Independent School District. The Foundation markets the three cities primarily though trade shows, professional associations and meetings with commercial real estate developers. A primary focus of this foundation is retaining area businesses which, outside of supportive partners, is a primary source of funding. For more information, please contact Managing Director Mary Frazior at (817) 540-1053.
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HEB Independent School District
Frost Bank
Atmos Energy
First Bank Texas
Benenati Law Firm, P.C.
Allstate Insurance- Steve Ward Agency
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