KILLEEN, TX — New housing could be coming to Killeen, but some locals say they’d rather have a local supermarket on that side of town.
The City of Killeen is considering adding a new housing development on the northside of the city, with 368 one-, two- and three-bedroom units.
“I feel if it’s for the less fortunate, I’m with it. It’s a lot of people struggling nowadays,” said Killeen resident Simba Green.
If approved, the complex will be located near W.S. Young and Veteran Memorial Boulevard.
The multi-family development by NRP Inc. would be 100% tax exempt, but only if at least 50% of the units are reserved for people and families earning less than 80% of the area median family income.
Many think the new housing is a good idea, but they also need a grocery store in the area.
“We don’t have IGA anymore. They got rid of that. It’s a beauty store,” said Killeen resident Elora Shoaf. “They also got rid of the H-E-B down here. If there’s anything, it’s maybe the Dollar General or Delicias. There’s nothing down here for people.”
“The older people benefit more from it, especially if there’s a supermarket next to the homes. I feel like everybody benefits,” said Bell County resident Taiton Bunch.
“Middle class, poor class, high class, they have different grocery stores for them. I feel like they should put an actual affordable grocery store everywhere for everyone,” said Green.
Several locals say city leaders invest more heavily in developing the southside of town as opposed to the northside, making some feel their home is forgotten.
“We need more things for the youth. I will continually say that. They seem to have cut a lot of their funding for the youth. It seems to be targeted in certain areas. It should be in every area," said Green.
Killeen city leaders held a forum last week with NRP to hear the community’s concerns about the project. They’ll make their vote on whether to approve the multiple family home development in January.
