Temple staff recommend approval of three rezonings to support industrial and commercial development

City planning staff recommended approval of three rezonings at a Temple City Council workshop, saying each request aligns with the city’s Future Development Plan and that required utility work will be completed at the applicant’s cost.

The first request would rezone land near Morris Mill and Old Howard Road to light industrial. Planning staff said the area already appears on the city’s future land‑use map as light industrial, that an 8‑inch sewer line exists along Morris Mill and a 12‑inch water main near Old Howard, and that staff sent four mailed notices plus 30 courtesy ETJ notices with no responses. “This completely complies with all of our requirements,” planning staff said, adding that planning‑commission conditions would be carried into any plan‑development (PD) approval.

A second proposal in the North Industrial Park would allow an expansion of an existing facility and a new production/warehouse building of roughly 116,000 square feet. Staff described a proposed rail spur to reduce truck traffic, a new gate on Will Smart Drive and sewer‑line redesigns; they said property interests would be conveyed to the Economic Development Corporation. Planning staff told council the applicant will pay for necessary roadway and utility realignment.

A third case would rezone about 4.5 acres on Mineral/North General Bruce Drive from agricultural with a conditional‑use permit to straight commercial, allowing commercial development adjacent to I‑35 and eliminating an outdated CUP for a truck service location. Staff reported 10 notices, one response in agreement and zero in opposition.

Council members asked about jobs associated with the industrial expansion; staff said the project appears to add modest office‑type employment and estimated fewer than 20 new positions but noted the applicant will provide a confirmation later. Staff emphasized compliance with building and fire codes and that any chemical‑oriented uses would still require applicable state and federal permitting and a conditional‑use permit where required.

No formal vote was taken during the workshop. Staff said the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the North Industrial Park plan‑development on Nov. 17 and that rezoning items will appear on the council’s regular agenda for formal action.