La Porte board allows Microsoft contractor limited early starts and weekend flexibility

The Board of Public Works and Safety on May 6 approved a request from the general contractor on the Microsoft project to allow crews to arrive at construction sites as early as 6:00 a.m. and to work roughly 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with occasional Saturday operations and only rare Sundays near a nearby church. Mayor Dermody said the contractor has made efforts to use local businesses and hire local college students, and that the company and contractors have tried to be "good neighbors."

City Attorney Nick Otis told the board the existing city ordinance limiting construction times (generally 7 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday–Friday) appears never to have been strictly enforced, and the request is for the board to authorize project-specific flexibility rather than a blanket ordinance change. Otis said the contractor did not intend regular Sunday work and would use earlier arrivals primarily to keep the overall schedule shorter.

The board debated whether to grant project-by-project exceptions or ask the council to amend the ordinance citywide; members voiced concern about Sunday work near a church but said they would revisit approvals if neighbors complain. Member Cozier said extending daily hours could shorten the calendar duration of the work and reduce overall neighborhood disruption.

The motion to allow the Microsoft contractor the requested arrival and work window passed unanimously. Mayor Dermody and staff emphasized the approval is limited to this project and that the board can rescind the permission if complaints arise.