BNSF Railway Halts Plans for 950-Acre Logistics Center in Gunter Amid Local Opposition

In a highly anticipated Gunter city council meeting, BNSF Railway announced it would pause plans for a massive 950-acre logistics center, a project that had stirred significant opposition from local residents.

The proposal, initially touted as a boon for Gunter’s economic development, was met with frustration and concern from the community. Residents packed the city hall, determined to make their voices heard, and they did just that. One after another, speakers took the stand to express their disapproval, criticizing the city’s handling of the situation and sharing fears about what such a large-scale project could mean for the community.

While city leaders initially framed the logistics center as a “tremendous boost to economic development,” many locals felt differently. Concerns ranged from environmental impact and traffic congestion to a potential decline in Gunter’s small-town charm, one of the primary reasons residents chose to live there. The large turnout at the meeting made it clear that this was more than just a zoning issue—it was a fight to protect the town’s identity.

In response to the overwhelming backlash, BNSF Railway decided to put the project on hold. Interim City Manager Jeff Gibson acknowledged the strong community response, stating that the council and city staff took the concerns seriously. The decision to halt the project reflected the input from Gunter residents, who made it clear that they were not on board with the logistics center.

However, despite this temporary victory, there’s lingering unease among some in the community. BNSF still owns the land, which means the proposal could resurface in the future. “We’re relieved for now, but we’re not letting our guard down,” said one resident after the meeting. Others voiced frustration over how the city approached the project, suggesting that future development proposals need to involve the community from the start, not as an afterthought.

While the logistics center is off the table for now, the situation has sparked broader conversations about how Gunter wants to grow and the role residents will play in shaping that growth. For now, Gunter remains a small town standing firm, but the future of that 950-acre plot will undoubtedly be watched closely by all involved.

What’s Next for Gunter?

The pause on the logistics center doesn’t mean the end of discussions about economic growth in Gunter. With the city growing, it’s clear that future development is inevitable. The key question is whether future projects will be handled with more transparency and resident input from the outset.

For now, Gunter residents can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing their voices were heard—at least for now. But with BNSF still holding onto the land, this is likely not the last chapter in this story.