HARKER HEIGHTS (June 20, 2012) –In response to residents who voiced concerns about the possible construction of the gas station at the corner of Old Nolanville Road and Man O War Drive, the Harker Heights City Council has authorized the city manager to negotiate for the purchase of the property.

Assistant City Manager Patricia Brunson said the council met in a closed session on Tuesday and then reconvened in open meeting and voted to give City Manager Steve Carpenter authorization to negotiate and execute a contract to purchase the property, owned by Salimali Karediya of Austin.

Many of the surrounding lots in the Thoroughbred Estates subdivision were rezoned to R1 some 20 years ago to allow for housing construction, but the city says Karediya never had the property rezoned and holds the right to keep the current zoning classification, which would permit construction of the gas station.

But the area is mostly residential and residents like Yvonne Sandlin are concerned the construction of a business would bring in more noise, pollution, and crime to the quiet area.

Sandlin said this is the first step in the right direction.

"Much still needs to be negotiated and we all wait patiently as our mayor, city attorney and council members move ahead with their citizens in mind," Sandlin wrote in an e-mail.

The property owner did get a permit to clear the land, which was done a few weeks back.

The city didn’t say what it might do with the property if negotiations to purchase it are successful.