By Traci Chapman
Published on February 7, 2008

A plan to build a new Taco Mayo restaurant in Mustang survived the fire of angry residents Tuesday before a split City Council OK’d a zoning change for the proposed new location just west of Sara Road on East state Highway 152.

Council members made the decision in the face of a large contingent of residents from North Maryella Terrace opposed to the request. The Council voted 4 to 3 to approve the change from C-2 to C-3 zoning.

In voting for the change, Ward 4 Councilman Keith Bryan said while he understood the Maryella residents’ concerns, the Council needed to look at the big picture, which included the comprehensive plan adopted by city leaders.

“The comprehensive plan was something the entire city wanted,” he said. “We have to look at these peoples’ interest and the city’s interest.”

Ward 2 Councilwoman Kathleen Moon said she had represented the neighborhood on the Council for five years and “just couldn’t do that to them,” voting against the change request.

Council members Scott Gibson, Bryan and Len Scott approved the change, as well as District 5 Councilwoman Linda Hagan. Hagan was sworn in Tuesday, and the vote was her first in her new term.