Council approves Santa Fe PUD and Chapter 311 reimbursement for industrial infrastructure

The City Council approved a planned‑unit development rezoning for the Santa Fe project and later approved a Chapter 311 tax‑increment reimbursement agreement allowing up to $3,991,303.94 to reimburse developer infrastructure costs for the industrial portion.

Staff said the Santa Fe concept covers roughly 302 acres with about 131 acres devoted to industrial use and 171 acres to residential (plus 56 acres of HOA‑maintained open space). Planning staff and the applicant explained that the reimbursement would apply only to infrastructure needed for the industrial portion (roads, water, sewer, drainage) and that construction must begin within 24 months and be completed within 48 months. The developer and engineer explained cost apportionment and said the roadway through the industrial area would be built to collector standards to support heavy trucks; council members asked about traffic, maintenance and how the TIRZ interacts with other grant or economic‑development initiatives.

Council discussed trade‑offs between up‑front private investment and delayed tax increment reimbursements; multiple council members praised KEDC’s role in recruiting industrial prospects. The council voted to approve the reimbursement agreement and the PUD and authorized staff to finalize documents.