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Temple council approves large annexation and related zoning changes to support industrial growth
Summary
On Nov. 20 the Temple City Council approved a voluntary annexation of about 849.49 acres for economic development and approved two additional annexation/zoning items (an 11.17‑acre right‑of‑way cleanup and a 49.989‑acre rezoning to light industrial) by unanimous votes, following public hearings where residents asked for slower phased annexation.
The Temple City Council on Nov. 20 approved a package of land‑use measures intended to support industrial and economic development in North Temple and surrounding areas.
Miss Strickland presented a voluntary annexation request for approximately 849.49 acres north of Moores Mill and south of FM 1237, noting the request originated from landowners and the Development Review Committee recommended the item move forward. Staff said the annexation would be followed by subsequent zoning and platting actions and that notices and Municipal Services Agreements (MSAs) had been sent to affected entities, including Temple ISD and emergency services.
During the public hearing, resident Ken Lutz, who owns nearby property, urged the council to consider a slower, phased approach to annexation rather than annexing the entire area at once, and suggested limiting initial development to the southern portion. Another resident, Lisa Pomerankee, said bright lights and truck traffic near her property were concerns for families with small children.
Council Member Pilkington moved to approve the annexation request and the motion passed 5–0. The presiding official clarified that the Temple Economic Development Corporation has acquired the land for economic development and that annexation does not itself alter water rates or immediately trigger development; any infrastructure and development would be subject to separate approvals and funding decisions.
The council also considered two related items in the regular agenda. Item 6 was an 11.1686‑acre cleanup annexation of right‑of‑way along Bobwhite Road; staff recommended approval to clarify maintenance responsibilities between the city and the county and sent required notices to Temple ISD. Item 7 requested rezoning of about 49.989 acres at 4181 Tower Road from agricultural to light industrial to support a Synergy Park expansion. Staff said the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval 9–0, noted nearby traffic counts and potential utility extensions, and indicated a future comprehensive‑plan map amendment would follow. Council approved both items by unanimous votes (5–0).
Taken together, the actions position the city to pursue industrial expansion while staff and developers continue detailed planning, utility studies and platting. Residents who opposed immediate, large‑scale annexation asked the council to consider phased approaches; council approved the annexations and rezoning without conditions at the Nov. 20 meeting.
Next procedural steps cited by staff include subsequent zoning cases, platting and utility/service agreements required before development can proceed.
