Grand Prairie planning commission approves substation, LiveSmart hotel, SUPs and zoning changes

The City of Grand Prairie Planning and Zoning Commission on Jan. 13 approved a set of site plans, specific-use permits and zoning requests, including a proposed Encore electrical substation at the Poly America campus and a 112-room Live‑stay LiveSmart by Hilton hotel along I‑30.

The actions ratified routine and contested development items the commission said will clear the way for utilities and private development along major corridors and for small‑lot infill housing. Several requests included variances from the Unified Development Code (UDC) and Appendix F landscaping and screening standards; staff and the Development Review Committee recommended approval for the items brought forward.

At the top of the agenda, the commission unanimously approved the consent items. The commission then considered site plan STP‑24‑11‑0045, a proposed electrical substation to be leased and operated by Encore on a parcel within the Poly America campus, and recommended variances to landscaping and pavement standards. Staff described the project as: equipment pads and transformers with no occupiable structures, access through the Poly America property, and a requested variance to allow gravel base material rather than the UDC-required concrete pavement. Staff and the DRC recommended approval; Commissioner John Fedorco moved to approve the staff recommendations and Commissioner Frank Gonzales seconded; the motion passed unanimously among voting members present. The record shows Angela Lucky Vaughn recused herself from item 3 before discussion.

Travis Yanker of Half Associates, representing Encore, told the commission the design includes a large retaining approach to stabilize a steep grade and keep equipment out of the floodplain. "It will be about 20 to 25 feet," Yanker said of the…