The first H-E-B in Dallas has taken a key step toward getting built.

The City Plan Commission voted unanimously for an H-E-B zoning request in North Dallas on Thursday, even after some local neighborhoods and businesses raised concerns. The decision is a recommendation for approval that will still need sign-off by the City Council.

"We appreciate the thoughtful consideration from city officials, staff, and community members throughout this process," Mabrie Jackson, H-E-B Managing Director of Public Affairs. "We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the city and neighbors."

The vote on Thursday came after locals on both sides of the H-E-B proposal shared their thoughts with the commission. Traffic was a recurring theme among critics who said the already busy streets would be overwhelmed by the well-known grocer that's attracted enthusiasm at openings in other parts of the region. The site sits at the southeast corner of the intersection of Hillcrest Road and I-635.

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The meeting also followed a gathering earlier this month where locals raised concerns about the site. Traffic was a key topic at that Dallas meeting as well.

H-E-B is investing in North Texas as it looks to push back against rivals such as Kroger, Walmart and Tom Thumb. Already, the San Antonio grocer has added several stores throughout the region, starting in Frisco roughly three years ago.

The new store will be the first to have the H-E-B namesake in the city, joining other brands already in Dallas with Central Market and Joe V's Smart Shop.

Joan Nye, who lives nearby, wanted a delay on the decision. "I care about the traffic because I live in a neighborhood where we won't be able to get out of my neighborhood, and that will affect us," Nye said during the hearing.

Mike Sims, a commissioner, spoke out in favor of the project, saying another intersection at Midway Road handles a lot of retail traffic -- and pushed for a vote.

"I think that if we think about the history of Dallas, the only thing that has been unchanged is that Dallas changes," Sims said. "We are the anchor city of one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the country."

First planned H-E-B store in Dallas clears key hurdle despite neighborhood criticisms