La Porte council adopts resolution opposing Union Pacific 269-acre rail development

The La Porte City Council voted Nov. 11 to adopt Resolution 2025-04 expressing the council's opposition to Union Pacific Railroad's proposed 269-acre rail-type development within the city. The resolution passed by voice vote after a motion by Miss Williams and a second by Mr. Guerra.

City staff and council members described the measure as an expression of opposition, not a zoning decision. "If we if this passes, this is just a resolution showing the support against this project, but they can still come back and request a SCUP," said Mr. McCauley, noting a formal rezoning or permit process would proceed separately.

Legal counsel told the council the resolution was narrowly drafted to avoid prejudicing any party in future proceedings. "I've confirmed with counsel and we're comfortable that this doesn't prejudice the rise of any party," said Legal Counsel Clark, adding that a rezone application would still follow the usual Planning & Zoning review and council consideration.

During discussion, council members and residents raised concerns about the potential cost of litigation if the city opposed the project in court. One councilmember referenced a Midlothian, Texas, case from 2012 and said the city could face significant legal expense: "Siri says the $1,000,000 in 2012 is worth about $1,500,000 today," he said, cautioning the possibility of not prevailing in court.

Residents and speakers urged the council to stand with the Lomax neighborhood. "I vote we stand our ground," Miss Williams said during public comment and later moved the resolution. Council also noted that, as of the meeting, no formal rezoning application had been filed by Union Pacific.

The resolution does not prevent Union Pacific from filing a site-specific change; any such application would be reviewed under standard legal criteria by Planning & Zoning and then by the council. The council did not take further binding land-use action at the meeting.