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Harlingen OKs special-use permit for unmanned battery storage at 1335 Memphis Street
Summary
The City Commission approved a special-use permit for an unmanned battery storage facility at 1335 Memphis St., subject to a community benefits agreement and the company’s selection of a qualifying public project.
The Harlingen City Commission approved a special-use permit on second reading to allow an unmanned battery storage facility at 1335 Memphis Street.
The permit, requested by Ravenwold Inc., covers 6.604 acres described as the east 6.604 acres out of Block 3, Paul Hill Subdivision. Planning staff recommended approval with the condition that the applicant complete a $75,000 community benefits agreement (CBA) and choose from a list of qualifying city projects before finalization.
The Harlingen Economic Development Corporation told the commission it supports the project, citing difficulty attracting new uses at the site and the potential for new property-tax revenue. Orlando (Harlingen EDC representative) said the site will generate little traffic and could act as a buffer between an active railroad and the adjacent neighborhood. City staff recommended approval subject to the applicant executing the CBA and selecting a project from a staff-provided list.
Commissioners moved, seconded and voted to approve the SUP; the motion carried. The record shows the approval was conditioned on completion of the CBA and a project selection by the applicant.
The permit does not authorize construction until the CBA is executed and any required permits are issued by city staff. No construction timelines or detailed equipment specifications were provided during the hearing.
Officials said the facility would be unmanned and primarily a property-tax revenue generator with minimal traffic impacts; details about site engineering, safety setbacks, or emergency response plans will be handled through the permitting process and any required zoning compliance steps. Ending notes: city staff will return with any required permit paperwork after the applicant completes the CBA and selects the qualifying project.
