[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6641220,"mediaKeyId","2547290-5d2cdf767964155c667f657829feba98","parentId",2547290,"title","Commission tables request to allow freight containers at El Gigante hotel, asks owner to seek screened alternatives","audioSeconds",408,"startMs",1088000,"endMs",1496000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2547290-5d2cdf767964155c667f657829feba98&start=1088&end=1496","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2547290-5d2cdf767964155c667f657829feba98/thumbnail_1088000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6641220/Abilene/Taylor-County/Texas/Commission-tables-request-to-allow-freight-containers-at-El-Gigante-hotel-asks-owner-to-seek-screened-alternatives","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6641220-8d6b2fe74f92dca6f23c9e05af0d20ab/orig.mp4?Expires=1771167045&Signature=kEFlEBOLqnLylFbzmwkslgTM0dS1sx9Xt~OGu49X7QXWhyMQv1v-f2Pk019J3FQ~1MpWe~9fgRi6hVFTWi1xIMXpmpqYfOYK6Sj2sv0Lz9hR9KGXqhgJD7MdLVpqz77SerYbyQoAgKnL~-YtL8CtohSVWvZS4d564vLEfRiDHbALXvv13kQG73iwxqvVsMECzuFUwoNbEN9EI2bCdhu2oKlgN7W8PWBsRrLqoobm0eyy44Ewg8uOJJlyA2ttu1TeyonvaB3q8-avDjw8~QyjzCUtAw26X~Wa-KOxTdYYo3W8GT529RDwKylAPCFVWWYsE8r5nSXTlqysIyyb5CXAHw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Abilene","date","2025-03-11T00:00:00Z","article","The City of Abilene Planning and Zoning Commission voted to table a request from the owner of the El Gigante (MCM El Gigante) to amend the terms of Planned Development (PD-15) to allow freight containers at 4250 Richmond Drive.

Clarissa, a city planner, presented Case KZ-2025-05 and said the applicant seeks to amend the PD to permit freight containers at the rear of the hotel property. Clarissa told commissioners staff found the request inconsistent with the comprehensive plan and Land Development Code, raised concerns about visual appearance and buffering, and noted the containers occupy approved parking spaces. Staff recommended denial.

Ed Lassiter, identified as the president and one of the owners of the MCM El Gigante hotel chain, told the commission many containers were in place when his company acquired the property in 2004 and that the hotel uses them for storage of large items such as carpet, sofa beds and replacement fixtures. \"Once we found out that we were in violation, we talked with folks at the city and Ms. Clarissa said, well, you can apply for a variance or some relief from planning and zoning, and so that's what we're trying to do,\" Lassiter said. He asked for flexibility, pledged to paint containers to match the hotel and keep them maintained, and said the containers are used frequently for hotel operations.

Commission discussion focused on the containers' visibility from adjacent apartments and public rights-of-way, the fact they occupy parking spaces, potential conflicts with utility easements (a 60-foot utility easement was noted in the record), and precedent concerns for similar properties. Several commissioners expressed reluctance to approve the existing configuration but suggested possible compromises such as consolidating containers into one corner of the lot, adding screening or fencing, or reducing the number of units. One commissioner said tabling the item would allow the applicant to meet with planners and return with options that might be acceptable.

The commission reopened the public hearing and asked the applicant if he would be willing to work with staff; he agreed to pursue reductions, relocation or screening. A commissioner moved to table the case to next month's agenda to allow the applicant and staff to develop alternatives; the motion passed on roll call. The tabling will allow the applicant to return with a site plan or other mitigation measures rather than face a denial and a need to reapply.

Staff reiterated that any future configuration would need to comply with applicable ordinances and site-plan requirements; planners said they could provide examples of solutions used at other properties.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Abilene - Mayor's Advisory Board for People with Disabilities - Mar 11, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Abilene Planning and Zoning Commission tabled a request to amend a Planned Development to permit freight containers behind the El Gigante/MCM hotel at 4250 Richmond Drive and asked the owner to work with planners on screened alternatives.","taxTitle","Abilene, Taylor County, Texas","taxId",2817,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6641225,"Commission approves rezoning of 4397 Crawford Drive from heavy to light industrial",165,907000,1072000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2547290-5d2cdf767964155c667f657829feba98&start=907&end=1072","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2547290-5d2cdf767964155c667f657829feba98/thumbnail_907000.jpg","/articles/6641225/Abilene/Taylor-County/Texas/Commission-approves-rezoning-of-4397-Crawford-Drive-from-heavy-to-light-industrial","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6641225-47fc7b4de5d996c95c26b86f937f7234/orig.mp4?Expires=1771167045&Signature=FZjFYQbdX15EJbsJRDf-IXHKioQgtfgAAKZTduK6ox7z9YVtSib13-GLeSy5Odt04qw-YgbladB6IwMy3fw8-3ZvSwZ0LHBGX37fXluNzyoZfHLJa0HVEXO1aOzM0vL9KfH81qEnL0ruUcjDnMuFoMccrhrJYtYqM-k0CofITlD64M0IVO3voLlUKCCAEro9StvUyeybYMrnvOUipsV~TqxuWHdzpvy5Hwj71BnFpL~bkGNlkNeIhca7904WYCqo57wPXP7WehtPqb28iMFZ-97JnKlgeMQw9wTSR-UgIVocmVd35jUxcKynZPPIYvoMMBaZLRwQ9YYypsKlbIO9cQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Abilene Planning and Zoning Commission approved a request to rezone roughly 2.5 acres at 4397 Crawford Drive from heavy industrial to light industrial.

Mason Teegarden, division manager for the planning department, presented Case Z-2025-04 and said staff found the request consistent with the comprehensive plan, surrounding uses and the Land Development Code. Teegarden said notifications were sent within a 200-foot buffer and no responses for or against were received.

When a commissioner asked what light-industrial uses would allow that heavy industrial would not, the answer given was \"auto sales.\" The commission concluded the requested zoning aligns with surrounding light-industrial properties.

A motion to approve the rezoning passed after a roll call. The motion was identified in the record as coming from a commissioner named Kevin with a second from a commissioner named Zach; commissioners present recorded affirmative votes and the motion carried. The rezoning will permit light-industrial uses on the subject property; staff will complete administrative steps to update zoning records.","The Planning and Zoning Commission rezoned approximately 2.5 acres at 4397 Crawford Drive from heavy industrial to light industrial, allowing uses such as auto sales; staff recommended approval and received no written opposition.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6641230,"Planning commission approves abandonment of street segments for Hendrick Medical Center parking expansion",606,267000,873000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2547290-5d2cdf767964155c667f657829feba98&start=267&end=873","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2547290-5d2cdf767964155c667f657829feba98/thumbnail_267000.jpg","/articles/6641230/Abilene/Taylor-County/Texas/Planning-commission-approves-abandonment-of-street-segments-for-Hendrick-Medical-Center-parking-expansion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6641230-791bb9a5658af07b15e9cf15297ee0d8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771167045&Signature=BXVtPBxGJBxSBqWteFXN7LssrQQVTPLMMAEvpD55tSewPGig4U9Eo2-hg6n91C3BRiGV7aC4QiAZ6K8OaMgc-9szKeLlKG3tuQ3KezgNmElRWPzyRON-I8K00LODlm-Elnv~Uy0Aw9XcHxBORBUcTi-XZlSOhJ2HCAFfFyiX~Y-kK2iznd2hfiSFFlv1PAYfvgcNCBJ6hCT4bO6wy8wssWs~z6yRnZKR7vstMgYd8hRG3XnLGJR01DLZITNTUollGLT0YyGG0GML5iLRzIon4Y72Aw4s19c3YaJJZ7XNGRNY2F2LqfKvcP~-5IWihYRcnSChbAT9lgIUi4-atmoiAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Abilene Planning and Zoning Commission voted to approve a request by Hendrick Medical Center to abandon portions of North 20th Street and Hickory Street so the hospital can use the land for parking.

Planner Adam Holland presented the case, describing the request as an abandonment of defined portions of North 20th Street and Hickory Street that would allow Hendrick to use the area south of the intersection for hospital parking. Holland told commissioners staff found the request consistent with the comprehensive plan and the City of Abilene Land Development Code and recommended approval subject to conditions, including that rights-of-way shall be platted to city standards, property owners grant easements for existing utilities or relocate them at the owners’ expense, public improvements meet city design standards, a revised drainage plan be provided to public works, a maintenance agreement be provided for the island, and the fire marshal approve any emergency vehicle access.

Timothy Schmidt, facility director for Hendrick in the Abilene market, spoke in favor. He described heavy pedestrian traffic at shift changes and said hospital staff and patients cross Hickory Street frequently. \"We've had several near misses,\" Schmidt said, and said the hospital intends to use the abandoned area for unified parking for staff and visitors to reduce pedestrian risk.

Commissioners discussed the history of prior abandonments around the Hendrick campus and confirmed the area immediately south of the request has been rezoned for medical use. A commissioner moved to approve the abandonment consistent with staff recommendations; another commissioner seconded. The motion carried.

Conditions attached to the approval require dedication or platting of the right-of-way per City of Abilene standards, easements or relocation of utilities at the property owners’ expense, public improvements to meet applicable city standards, a revised drainage plan to public works, a maintenance agreement for the island, and fire-marshal approval for emergency access. The commission noted staff will coordinate details with the applicant and city departments.

The commission's action clears the way for Hendrick Medical Center to formalize parking in the area described in the application; staff and the applicant will complete required follow-up items before any physical changes occur.","The Abilene Planning and Zoning Commission approved abandoning portions of North 20th Street and Hickory Street to allow Hendrick Medical Center to expand parking, subject to conditions including easements, drainage plans and fire-marshall approval.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6641215,"Commission approves rezoning at 3073 Hickory to medium density for 'Houses of Healing' expansion",170,2490000,2660000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2547290-5d2cdf767964155c667f657829feba98&start=2490&end=2660","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2547290-5d2cdf767964155c667f657829feba98/thumbnail_2490000.jpg","/articles/6641215/Abilene/Taylor-County/Texas/Commission-approves-rezoning-at-3073-Hickory-to-medium-density-for-Houses-of-Healing-expansion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6641215-2208f7bb21589a73e50f323828fa6062/orig.mp4?Expires=1771167045&Signature=J~NZBlTDdQ4CGHs9AQFBdx09JvewoySqhtcxblC01ks9B5hYBHwW2sxZ9nT-iSP8YxdvJkeCIJ~LRughqSwJV1zCDOg3AkVaNOj~Zdhw7aFFDj~-PVjuU18K-7rV4tpfxZUQio6qq3dCC8yzrwRCUZ9XisOY0LE~zGSarvKmu~L3weZJA~-Dg9Zu6de0dowuztFE-fnvkwfsJ~kxTqwwESKoDxAEs7VcsoryzILWwYVBfbAIEJGE-fDkXbk3XmukYMW12C2KvVwVbZuUcxBlFF8VrhKHNaEe4eQ6wbd2pV35nEi7dFBnd9z8L0hqx0MZ9m59WiG1sjXFBJtPI5xU1A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Abilene Planning and Zoning Commission approved rezoning approximately 1 acre at 3073 Hickory Street from residential single-family (RS-6) to medium density (MD) to facilitate additional small houses associated with a local Houses of Healing program.

Kira Velois, a planner with the City of Abilene, presented Case Z-2025-06. Velois said the property owner also owns the adjoining lot to the south and staff recommended approval after notifications to a 200-foot buffer generated two expressions of support. Velois told commissioners the request is consistent with the comprehensive plan, surrounding uses and the Land Development Code.

A commissioner asked whether the medium-density designation was intended to permit multifamily use; the response was that allowing medium density would permit multiple-family development and that the applicant’s intent was to enable additional small houses to serve families associated with the Houses of Healing program (temporary housing for people staying at the hospital). Commissioners noted local churches and community partners help manage and maintain those houses.

A motion to approve the rezoning passed on roll call. Commissioners present voted in favor and the motion carried. Staff will update zoning records and the applicant may proceed with development consistent with medium-density standards and applicable permit requirements.","The Planning and Zoning Commission approved rezoning about 1 acre at 3073 Hickory Street from RS-6 (single-family) to medium density to allow additional small houses associated with a Houses of Healing program that provides temporary housing for families of hospital patients.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission tables request to allow freight containers at El Gigante hotel, asks owner to seek screened alternatives

Commission approves rezoning of 4397 Crawford Drive from heavy to light industrial

Planning commission approves abandonment of street segments for Hendrick Medical Center parking expansion

Commission approves rezoning at 3073 Hickory to medium density for 'Houses of Healing' expansion