The owner of the former Texas Gas property on Tamarack Road has appealed a recent city citation and says it remains committed to finding a productive future for the site.
The statement comes after Owensboro city commissioners recently weighed in on the city’s decision to issue a $67,033 citation against the property owner, The Shoppes at 3800 Frederica LLC, for alleged property maintenance violations.
According to city documents previously obtained by the Owensboro Times, the citation followed a May 15 inspection and included allegations related to an incomplete construction project, overgrown vegetation, graffiti, problem structures, dilapidated structures, and unsecured excavations. The largest portion of the fine — $66,333 — was tied to the city’s allegation that a proposed commercial development project remained incomplete.
In a statement provided to the Owensboro Times, representatives of The Shoppes at 3800 Frederica LLC said they appreciate the city’s involvement and share the goal of improving the property.
“We are grateful for the City’s engagement on the former Texas Gas property and truly value the ongoing conversation,” the company said. “Frankly, no one is more invested in seeing this property reach its full potential than we are — and we say that with the deepest respect for the neighbors who live alongside it every day.”
The company said the site remains important to Owensboro and that efforts continue to attract redevelopment opportunities.
“This is a site with a rich history and real roots in Owensboro, and those roots matter to us as we work hard to attract the right projects and partners to bring new life to this location,” the statement said.
The company also said its property management team has taken steps to ensure compliance with city requirements and will continue monitoring the property.
“The property management team has taken steps to make sure the property is compliant with the city requirements and will continue to monitor it,” the statement said.
The company confirmed it has appealed the citation and hopes to continue working with city officials moving forward.
“The Shoppes at 3800 Frederica, LLC has appealed the citation and genuinely looks forward to sitting down with members of the board for a meaningful conversation — one built on collaboration and shared vision for what this property and structure can become,” the statement said. “We believe the best ideas will come from working together, and we are ready to do exactly that.”
The response follows comments from Owensboro’s four city commissioners, who said the citation stems from long-standing concerns about the property and reflects standards that apply throughout the city.
Commissioner Jeff Sanford said residents have repeatedly raised concerns about the site and emphasized that the city’s ordinance is not aimed at any single property owner.
“The ordinance that was passed pertains to anybody who has a site like that,” Sanford said. “It’s not just that we’re picking on them.”
Commissioner Bob Glenn said city officials have heard complaints about the property for years and expressed hope that conditions at the site improve.
“We have heard many complaints about the property,” Glenn said. “So it’s good that its condition may be improved in the long term.”
Commissioner Curtis Maglinger said neglected properties can affect safety, appearance, and future development opportunities.
“Vacant and neglected properties affect safety, appearance, and future development opportunities in our community,” Maglinger said.
Commissioner Sharon NeSmith said she understands why residents have sought action regarding the property and expressed hope that redevelopment opportunities eventually emerge.
“As an individual who lived in this area for many years, it is understandable why residents have been asking for actions regarding the property,” NeSmith said.
She added that she hopes the property can eventually contribute to continued growth in the Southtown corridor.
“As a commissioner, I had hoped development opportunities would have surfaced to reuse or replace the structure and add to the growing Southtown business corridor,” NeSmith said. “Hopefully, the citation will encourage owner actions to produce viable alternatives for the property.”
While city officials and the property owner differ on the current state of the property, both sides indicated they would like to see the site ultimately redeveloped and returned to productive use.
