Residents of the Town of Double Oak voted on Tuesday to keep the community dry, rejecting a citizen‑initiated petition that would have permitted the sale of alcoholic beverages within town limits. The measure’s defeat means the town must wait at least another year before the issue can be placed on the ballot again, according to former Mayor Bernie Carrico, who now chairs Concerned Citizens for Double Oak Growth.

Impact on local development

The failed vote was tied to a larger commercial project slated for the corner of FM 407 and Simmons Road. Developers had hoped the new grocery store would be one of Double Oak’s final large‑scale retail additions. With the alcohol‑sale proposal denied, the project’s timeline is pushed back, though the grocery store itself remains under consideration.

How the measure reached the ballot

The petition to allow alcohol sales was driven by a group of local citizens who gathered 680 signatures, meeting the threshold required to bring the issue before Double Oak Town Council. Council members then placed the question on the ballot for the November election, giving voters a direct say on whether the town should permit alcohol sales.

Neighboring towns see tax‑renewal measures pass

While Double Oak’s alcohol‑sale proposal was rejected, voters in nearby Bartonville, Flower Mound, and Justin were asked to reauthorize existing local sales taxes earmarked for street maintenance and repairs. Early returns indicated that all three towns are on track to approve the tax extensions, providing continued funding for essential infrastructure work.

Community reaction

Supporters of the alcohol‑sale measure argued that allowing sales would attract more businesses and increase tax revenue. Opponents, many of whom cite family values and public safety concerns, emphasized the importance of preserving the town’s traditional, family‑friendly atmosphere. The decisive outcome reflects the community’s preference for maintaining the status quo at this time.

Next steps

Bernie Carrico noted that the petition process can be restarted, but the town’s charter requires a minimum one‑year interval before the same issue may be presented to voters again. In the meantime, the town council will continue to focus on other priorities, including road improvements and the pending grocery‑store development, which remains a key component of Double Oak’s growth strategy.

Looking ahead

The election results underscore the importance of local engagement in shaping community policy. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about upcoming ballot measures and to participate in future town meetings, where decisions affecting daily life—from infrastructure funding to commercial development—are made.

Original reporting: Cross Timbers Gazette — read the source article.