Staff presented case 2024‑389 CP and companion zoning case 2024‑391 CC for 4401 North State Highway 161 and recommended approval of a future‑land‑use change and a site plan to permit light manufacturing, warehouse/distribution and the option for a data center within the SH‑161 overlay.

The parcel sits adjacent to DFW Airport‑owned land and near a religious institution (Calvary Church) and a storage facility. Staff noted the site is not currently permitted for manufacturing/data‑center principal uses under the overlay and that the applicant requests an ML20A generalized site plan to allow those uses.

On infrastructure, staff said they discussed electrical service with Encore and found transmission lines north and west of the site and two large substations within about half a mile. Encore advised a detailed planning study would be required to determine whether an on‑site substation, upgrades or reconductoring would be necessary to serve a data center. Staff emphasized the site would still be required to meet the recently adopted data‑center ordinance standards if a data center is pursued.

Commission questions focused on notice and whether nearby properties, including the temple to the north, had been notified; staff confirmed they had received mailed notice. Commissioners also asked whether approval of the site plan would bypass a conditional use permit (CUP) requirement. Staff answered that, as presented, the site plan specifically allowing data‑center use would permit the use without a separate CUP, but the data‑center development standards would still apply.

Why it matters: allowing data centers or light manufacturing in the SH‑161 overlay could introduce higher‑intensity industrial or data‑processing uses near residential and institutional parcels and raises questions about utility upgrades, noise, traffic and compatibility. Staff recommended approval after review and with the caveat that additional engineering/utility studies may be required.

Ending: No formal commission vote was recorded during the work session. Staff said public comment consisted of one letter in support and none in opposition; applicant intent about whether to pursue a data center versus warehousing was described as flexible by staff.