Council approves rezoning for Pegasus Drive industrial park with road-improvement condition

The Temple City Council voted to approve a planned‑development rezoning for 5.358 acres at 5642 Pegasus Drive that clears the way for a multi‑building warehouse and office development, city planner Brian Chandler told the council.

The rezoning, from agricultural to Planned Development — Commercial, was approved after a public hearing and with conditions that make the site plan binding and require additional screening and roadway improvements. Chandler said the proposal shows seven buildings ranging from about 9,000 to 12,000 square feet and that the developer agreed to a condition addressing Pegasus Drive’s pavement and turning radii to accommodate heavy vehicles.

The city’s recommended conditions include: substantial compliance with the submitted site plan and building elevations; compliance with the 20‑foot landscape buffer for warehouse‑office uses; the option for a precast concrete wall adjacent to a nearby single‑family lot in lieu of trees/shrubs (the 20‑foot graded strip would remain); and a requirement that the developer either (1) coordinate with the city engineer to provide concrete paving improvements to Pegasus Drive to address truck turns and heavy loads, or (2) provide an engineering study and implement its recommendations regarding paving and driveway design.

Chandler told the council that the development review committee, the fire marshal and public works had raised concerns about the condition of Pegasus Drive. He said staff and the applicant agreed on the driver‑safety and pavement language included in the PD conditions.

An online representative for the applicant, who identified herself as Shrika Sreenhard, asked the council to favor landscaping over an all‑concrete wall, saying a wall “would completely ruin” the look of the park and that the house adjacent to the site is set back from the property line. At the same time, members of council expressed the desire to consult the adjacent homeowner before making a final decision on whether the PD should require a wall or allow the landscaped buffer.

Council member Pilkington moved approval with the stipulation that staff consult the adjacent homeowners about their preference for a wall or landscaping; the motion carried and the item will be brought back for second reading if the council chooses to change the PD language.

The planning and zoning commission recommended approval 6–0 on March 17, and staff recommended approval with the conditions described above.