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Council moves forward with first reading to rezone rail‑adjacent land to Heavy Industrial; terminal pledges community outreach
Summary
On first reading the council advanced a rezoning request to reclassify multiple tracts near the railroad from Light Industrial to Heavy Industrial; Texas City Terminal representatives said protections and buffers are incorporated and offered to meet with neighbors before the second reading.
The La Marque City Council gave first reading to an ordinance that would rezone several rail‑adjacent tracts from Light Industrial (I‑1) to Heavy Industrial (I‑3), a change that would allow a broader set of rail‑served and industrial uses on property long discussed for redevelopment.
Planning staff noted that the Planning & Zoning Commission had recommended denial at its recent meeting; councilmembers and the applicant discussed the ordinance’s built‑in protections (setbacks, fencing and buffer requirements) and said a public town hall will be scheduled before the ordinance’s second reading so neighbors can review development details.
Jason Haley, representing Texas City Terminal, told the council the terminal has worked with city legal and planning staff to craft zoning language that includes community protections. “We're willing to invest in this community, bring jobs, tax base,” Haley said, describing the terminal’s interest in attracting tenants and rail‑served development while meeting neighbors’ expectations for buffers and screening.
Council members said the rezoning creates a tool the city can use to proactively market the property to industrial users and pursue longer‑term tax base gains; councilmembers who represent nearby districts asked for additional neighborhood meetings and a chance to review specific project proposals before final approval. Councilmember Joe Campion and others encouraged a joint public forum with the applicant and staff so residents can ask detailed questions about noise, truck traffic, fencing and setbacks.
Because the ordinance was read for the first time, additional public hearings and a second reading will follow before a final vote. Planning staff and the applicant committed to hold outreach and to bring refined development standards back to council for the next hearing.
