Gunter Strikes a Deal with BNSF—But at What Cost?

A major industrial development is headed for Gunter, Texas—and not everyone’s celebrating.

According to KTEN, after two years of negotiations, the Gunter City Council has finalized a deal with Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway to create a 900-acre logistics center just north of town, near the intersection of Preston Road and Mackey Road. The agreement may bring economic benefits, but it’s also raising eyebrows—and concerns—across the community.

Gunter Mayor Karen Souther described the deal as a “win-win,” praising the effort as a major accomplishment. But as details emerge, residents are starting to ask: Who really wins?

A Massive Shift for a Small Town

The land, now zoned for heavy industrial use, will be leased to companies needing rail access—think asphalt manufacturing, concrete batch plants, industrial chemicals, and food product processing. While these businesses bring tax revenue, they also bring traffic, noise, massive pollution, and heavy infrastructure to a town that’s long valued its rural peace and charm.

That change may be closer than many realized. Souther confirmed the city had already approved industrial zoning for the land—950 acres of it—well before finalizing the agreement. “We didn’t ask,” she admitted, referring to the city’s push to bring BNSF to the area before her term began. “But we approved it.”

Promises and Protections—or Placebos?

City officials insist they’ve put protections in place. A 500- to 800-foot buffer zone is supposed to shield residential areas from the brunt of industrial activity. Lighting will remain low. Noise will comply with current city ordinances.

But is that enough?

Two-and-a-half football fields might sound like a lot—until you’re the one living on the edge of a concrete plant. And while the mayor assures that there won’t be “blasting floodlights,” the reality is that this development changes the tone of the town—literally and figuratively.

The Beginning of a Slippery Slope?

BNSF’s new presence signals something bigger: Gunter is officially on the radar. As North Texas continues to expand northward, more industrial players may follow. With them comes a fundamental shift—from farmland and quiet evenings to commerce corridors and 18-wheelers. Traffic is already terrible given Celina’s growth.

The city’s planning and zoning division still needs to approve final plans before construction can begin, but for many residents, the writing is on the wall.

This isn’t just about a rail yard. It’s about Gunter’s identity.