Respondents split on rezoning for industrial park
The Record’s online poll from Jan. 4 - 11 asked readers their opinion on whether they think the Planning and Zoning Commission should have reconsidered the development of a proposed industrial park on 934 acres of land in San Marcos’ extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ).
A proposed industrial park on 934 acres of land that was originally denied by the Planning and Zoning Commission in December went be back on the P&Z Commission’s agenda Jan. 8 and passed with only one dissenting vote.
The acreage is located near State Highway 80 and Farm to Market Road 1984 and would be developed into an industrial rail park – called SMART (San Marcos Air, Rail and Truck) – and a manufacturing facility, if approved.
Commissioners voiced concerns about the development in their original denial, particularly about two creeks that run through the property and the fact that High Industrial zoned areas can have as much as 80 percent impervious cover.
The City Manager placed the matter back on the Commission’s agenda for reconsideration based upon a request from the Commission chair and a review of additional information provided by the developer and city staff regarding the Smart Terminal Rail Park and Katerra economic development projects proposed for the subject property.
Since the P&Z Commission voted in favor of the development during their reconsideration of the item Tuesday, the development will go before City Council for first reading.
The poll asking, “Do you think the Planning and Zoning Commission should reconsider the development?” received a total of 49 votes, with the majority of votes — 53 percent or 26 votes — going to option “No, the same concerns they cited originally are still present.” Forty-seven percent of voters, or 23 votes, chose, “Yes, more information is available this time around.”
A slight majority of poll voters think that the development should not have been reconsidered by the Planning & Zoning Commission, because many of the concerns cited during the original decision are still present. Every week, the Record gives its readers the opportunity to voice their opinions on different topics. This poll does not, and does not purport to, accurately depict public opinion. It is only intended to inspire thought-provoking discussion within the community.
SMDR’s new poll is available online now, and asks for reader’s opinions on whether they think the government should reopen while border wall negotiations are ongoing. It can be voted on now.
