Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommends rezoning 4181 Tower Road to light industrial

The Temple Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously on [date of meeting] to recommend that City Council rezone 4181 Tower Road, a roughly 49.989‑acre parcel, from agricultural to light industrial.

Senior Neighborhood Planner Christina Strickland told commissioners the site is currently undeveloped, abuts the city limits and the extraterritorial jurisdiction to the east, and is intended as an extension of the city’s light‑industrial “synergy park.” "It is just straight, zoning, from AG to LI," Strickland said, adding that the property "is proposed to be a data center." She told the commission the rezoning will proceed to City Council with a first reading on Nov. 20 and a second reading on Dec. 4.

Strickland said infrastructure connections are feasible: a 10‑inch gravity sewer runs on Lorraine Avenue and a 12‑inch water line is available for extensions, and Tower Road is classified as a minor arterial that will require right‑of‑way dedication and upgrades during the planning phase. Traffic analysis presented by staff estimated the proposed data‑center use would generate about 396 weekday vehicle trips; staff also summarized five‑year crash data showing 11 crashes in the study area (1 fatality, 3 serious injuries, 2 minor injuries), with 10 of those crashes on Loop 363 and one on Bobwhite Road. Strickland noted none of the reported crashes were on Tower Road.

Staff said public notification complied with state law and local ordinance: notices were sent to three property owners in the notification area and a legal notice ran in the Temple Daily Telegram on Oct. 23; staff reported receiving no written approvals or objections. "We feel that it is compliant with all of our future development plans," Strickland said, recommending approval.

An unidentified attendee asked whether the parcel was associated with the Rowan data‑center group and about regional energy and water capacity as more data centers come online. Staff replied the parcel is not part of the Rowan group and that the Temple Economic Development Corporation (TEDC) is involved with the landowner; she said electrical easements are projected and that water connections exist but that exact utility needs depend on the technology each company uses and will be finalized in the planning stage.

After the public hearing closed with no speakers, Commissioner Carney moved to recommend approval; Commissioner Longeneau seconded. Roll call recorded unanimous "Aye" votes from Commissioners Morales, Walker, Carney, Longeneau (the transcript also records a variant spelling earlier), Agee, Smith, Krause, Vice Chair (variously spelled in the transcript), and Chair Rhodes. The commission’s recommendation now goes to City Council for final action at the scheduled readings.

Votes at a glance: - Motion: Recommend approval of rezoning 4181 Tower Road from agricultural to light industrial. Moved by Commissioner Carney; seconded by Commissioner Longeneau. Outcome: recommended (unanimous). - Related next step: City Council first reading Nov. 20; second reading Dec. 4.

The commission also approved the Oct. 20, 2025 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting minutes by unanimous vote earlier in the meeting.

The commission adjourned after the vote; staff will forward the recommendation, planning‑stage utilities and right‑of‑way requirements to City Council for consideration at the scheduled readings.