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Allen commission backs PD‑58 amendment to allow limited pharmaceutical, light-manufacturing uses with biosafety change
Summary
The City of Allen Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval of an amendment to Planned Development No. 58 to add pharmaceutical and light‑manufacturing land uses — with limits and a stipulation to replace a proposed Biosafety Level 2 laboratory reference with Biosafety Level 1 tied to PD‑58.
The City of Allen Planning and Zoning Commission on March 18 unanimously recommended that the City Council approve an amendment to Planned Development No. 58 (PD‑58) to add pharmaceutical-related uses and limited light manufacturing at the property commonly referred to as Texas Star Pharmacy.
City staff member Ms. Ahmed told the commission the site is zoned PD‑58 with a shopping‑center base and that the applicant seeks a text amendment (no concept plan) to add uses not currently allowed in the shopping‑center district. "The applicant is proposing to add drugs pharmaceutical manufacturing use which is not allowed in the shopping center district," Ms. Ahmed said, adding the applicant and staff have proposed a definition for the use as "a facility engaged in the research design development production storage and sales of pharmaceutical products" with components including office, laboratory, retail sales, manufacturing, and warehouse distribution.
The commission’s recommendation included three key limitations: the PD amendment ties the office/showroom/warehouse calculation to individual tenant space rather than the whole building; it caps light‑manufacturing at no more than 50% of a building’s floor area; and it removes the proposed Biosafety Level 2 laboratory language, replacing it with a Biosafety Level 1 laboratory definition to be included specifically in the PD amendment (not as a citywide ALDC change). Commissioner Galetti moved the recommendation; Commissioner Katheria seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
The item drew questions from commissioners and comment from the applicant’s representatives. Myron Dornick, representing the applicant, and Jason Claunch of Catalyst Commercial attended to answer questions. Commissioners pressed staff and the applicant about potential public‑safety and nuisance issues if a future operator other than Texas Star Pharmacy used the entitlement. Commissioner Galetti said he was concerned about proximity to other businesses and asked whether the biosafety level could be reduced to lessen perceived risks: "I would recommend if we can change the bio level to 1 if it's still acceptable by Texas Star Pharmacy," he said. The applicant's representatives indicated that a Level 1 requirement would be acceptable to avoid delay.
Staff explained the proposed Biosafety Level 1 definition would be prepared in coordination with the city attorney and included in the PD amendment rather than as a permanent change to Appendix A of the Allen Land Development Code (ALDC). Staff also noted that if the amendment is approved by Council, any future tenant would still be required to obtain building permits and certificates of occupancy; separate reviews by fire, health, and other departments would address safety and code compliance at the permit stage.
Commissioners also asked about environmental concerns. Jason Claunch responded to questions about disposal and runoff, saying, "There are no additional byproducts or waste that'll be associated with disposal at the facility that would incur any runoff." The property’s immediate surroundings were shown and discussed; staff noted adjacent uses include a gymnastics facility, hotel, and other commercial tenants.
The commission’s recommendation will go to the City Council in April for final action.
