The proposed development of the empty property across Highway 89 from the flea market provokes increasingly strong opposition from Buffalo Gap residents. Caroline Perini recently purchased the site, and the general plan for a resort-style, party-oriented Airbnb threatens our neighborhood's safety, undermines homeowners’ property values, and disregards our close-knit community and values.

The proposal, as revealed thus far, includes:

1. Alcohol Service: Traveling individuals and Guests to Buffalo Gap will be served alcohol by the Public Restaurant and Bar with access parking on Perini Property or City and Perini property while using these facilities.

2. Overcrowding: The plan crams 14 cabins onto a small 2-acre lot, including an in-ground pool, full bar with restaurant, swimming pool, pool restroom facilities, and Pickleball courts.

3. Safety Risks: Patrons who were served alcohol will exit our Neighborhood to connect with Highway 89, going North or South past Buffalo Gap Elementary and Buffalo Gap Historic Village.

4. Ingress and Egress: The proposed Road Runner Court Development would use one of the Community's local arteries, Pecan, Oak, and Williams Streets, not Texas Highway 89, endangering our children's safety as they walk back and forth to Jim Ned Elementary School.

5. Poor Planning: Both the present proposal, and any new proposals that may follow, cause significant concern to Buffalo Gap residents and families.

The proposed gated venue allows patrons to move within the private part of our community, raising further concerns about its impact. The plans thus far revealed by Ms. Perini, who lives in the DFW metroplex, could indicate she is unaware of or unconcerned about our community's values.

Given the Perini family’s significant land holdings inside the City of Buffalo Gap, who would benefit financially more than those holding the largest parcels? Whose traditional, small-town lifestyles will be more adversely affected than the single-family homeowners?

Once the proposed plan commences, how difficult would it be to deny more damaging changes, when requested?

What could soon follow, if it is not already taking hold, should the Collective Perini Ranch Restaurant, the proposed Perini Roadrunner Court Development, and other Perini land holdings effectively impose a different name on the once intimate community of Buffalo Gap, Texas? Given all the landholdings being converted into profit-centers, what would the alternative be to the future development of the newly named town of Perini?

Or should the town preserve the traditional, family-friendly Buffalo Gap history, traditions, and ambiance, preferred by those who have long chosen to build their lives and raise their families in our historical, unique, and charming small town?

Builder Kyle Paul, based in South Fork, could quickly redesign and relocate the proposed venue somewhere outside the town proper, among the hundreds of acres owned by Tom Perini, where it would disturb far fewer neighbors. By signing this Petition, the citizens of Buffalo Gap respectfully request their local leaders to prioritize History and Community, along with the safety and well-being of Buffalo Gap families, over profit.

Therefore, we, the undersigned citizens of Buffalo Gap, stand together and voice our rational desire to prevent this development. Our community thrives on being small, tight-knit, and safe for families. We sign this petition to protect Buffalo Gap as we know and love it!

Dana Sowell

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