Brittany Kelley
KYLE — Attendees of the new community center, located at 1500 Dacy Lane, can expect a temporary driveway when the facility opens, after Kyle City Council approved a design at the Dec. 2 meeting.
The $103,213.75 driveway immediately concerned resident Stephanie McDonald, who spoke during public comment.
“It talks about the dangerous situation, lack of visibility and danger and we’re putting our seniors there … You promised them a senior center for almost 10 years. Then, they’re on the verge of getting it, [but], now, it’s going to be a community center and then, we’re putting in a driveway [with] visibility problems there with seniors coming in and out,” said McDonald, adding that there should be a signal at the entrance.
The proposal, which was initially in consent agenda and was pulled by council member Lauralee Harris, is with BGE Inc. According to the presentation, the current driveway that is located on the property has limited sight distance, causing safety concerns, such as northbound vehicles being unable to see vehicles exiting the center, ongoing speeding concerns and a single driveway entrance to the facility.
Currently, the project is in the schematics phase, where BGE will provide engineering and bid services, said Lu Zhang, director of CIP and Planning, for the design of a new driveway and modification of the existing driveway, as well as looking at the impact to parking spaces.
“We’re looking at — potentially as an interim solution — changing that existing driveway as a right in right out to restrict the full access and make it slightly safer and also having another driveway onto Dacy Loop … to allow a different full access to this facility,” said Zhang.
There will be three interim options and up to three configurations for staff and council to choose from.
“The design timeline [is] right now, we’re looking at schematic exhibits — those are the three options that will provide us with the configuration, that’s March 20, 2026, 90% design is in June 2026 and [we’re] looking at the final design to be finished July 2026,” said Zhang.
Harris clarified that the interim solution is the right in and right out, until the Dacy Loop entrance is finished.
“My concern is that right in and right now, when you’re exiting — especially when you’re exiting and having to turn right from the driveway — there’s no place for people to turn around. Where do you go? You’ve got to go right. At what point does somebody that has to turn left out of that driveway get the opportunity to turn around and go the direction they need to go,” prompted Harris.
Zhang responded, stating that those who need to turn left can turn onto Dacy Loop and go to the end of that road and then, turn left, since they’ll have better vision there.
Because this would be a lot for the seniors, Harris suggested a temporary three-way stop sign at the intersection. She added that this would also aid with traffic speed.
“I agree. You’d have to be very familiar with that specific area to know that you could take a right and then, the next right and then, loop back around in order to be able to get out and turn left. Otherwise, you follow Dacy all the way into Buda before you can get to a point where you [can turn],” said council member Marc McKinney.
Both City Manager Bryan Langley and Zhang said that they would direct BGE to look at other options before the center opens.
The driveway design was approved 7-0.
Council also recognized Mayor Travis Mitchell for his nine years of service on council, eight of which were as mayor.
“I know you’ve been trying to resign since July and we’ve dragged it out as long as possible for you, but we really do appreciate everything you’ve done for the city. Nine years of service is quite an accomplishment,” said Langley. “It will be noticed that you’re missed here.”
As a parting gift, staff gifted Mitchell a crystal gavel, engraved with “The One With The Longest Serving Mayor,” since he noted that he always titles his agendas based on what he thinks the “Friends” title would be.
Each council member shared memories and praise for Mitchell for his time, stating that they know how much time he has sacrificed from his family to serve the city and that they have learned from him.
“I really did try to build the city I wanted to live in,” began Mitchell. “That’s what drew me to this seat or this dais, was to try to help shape the town into the direction that would help us all and help my family, as well, find a great quality of life. I think that Kyle has a ton of challenges ahead, but I’m real excited about the staff that we have, that we’ve developed over the course of many, many years.”
“I just love this town and I love what happens up here. I think good things happen up here more than bad. So, if there’s any gift you can give me, it’s for a prospering council, for whatever council ends up here after I’m gone, for you to work together, figure it out together. Don’t allow hatred and animosity and politics to come between you and stop you from moving the city forward. If you’re making decisions that are in the best interest of the community, that means you also have to be working with your colleagues to accomplish that and if you will do that, you will succeed; I guarantee it,” concluded the mayor.
