Abilene planning commission approves several rezonings, tables Westlake industrial request

The City of Abilene Planning and Zoning Commission on May 1 considered multiple rezoning requests across the city, approving the majority while tabling one large industrial proposal to be coordinated with an amendment to the city’s comprehensive plan.

Commissioners approved a mixed-use zoning change along Sales Boulevard that would allow a future medical office combined with continued residential use, and they approved several larger rezonings to permit commercial or denser single-family development in other parts of the city. The commission tabled a 29.26-acre request to rezone property near Westlake Road from agricultural to light industrial so the proposal can be considered concurrently with any amendment to the comprehensive plan.

The tabled case, Z-2025-26, concerns roughly 29.26 acres at 4994 Westlake Road. City planner Kira Velois told the commission the request does not align with the newly adopted comprehensive plan and that staff recommended denial. Neighbors who submitted written and oral comments, including Katie Presswood (4850 Nugent Road) and Joe Cook, urged denial because of safety and traffic concerns at the nearby intersection of Nugent Road and Neese and because the area is currently agricultural. Agent Colton Rhodes said Abilene’s industrial land supply is limited and argued the site is suitable for light industrial development given its proximity to I-20 and emerging data-center demand. After discussion about whether a comprehensive-plan amendment would be required before a zoning approval, the commission voted to table the case and asked staff and the…